Easy gentle hike to viewpoint of Uturoa harbor and nearby Tahaa Island.

My wife and I joined one other couple for an all day jet ski tour of Tahaa. We were picked up from our AirBnB and headed over to Raiatea Jet in the morning and went over some of the safety and other expectations for the day. Jérémie and his assistant were excellent guides and made us all feel welcomed from the start. We were stocked up with juice and water and headed out by 9:30am. It was fun going full speed and spending the day on the water, but what made the tour special were the other experiences that Jérémie had planned including a visit to a pearl farm, rum distillery and vanilla plantation. We snorkeled in a beautiful coral garden and saw blacktip sharks. We especially enjoyed the Polynesian lunch on a motu. There were sting rays and sharks there too. We sampled a variety of foods including bread fruit and coconut bread. The papaya was delicious. Jérémie told us stories and shared information about the islands. He took photos and videos to make sure we would have images to remember the experience. We made it back just before sunset with smiles on our faces. By the end of the day, we had an opportunity to see the island of Tahaa and learn about a few of the local industries there all while making new friends and having fun on the water.

An interesting and very unique pearl shop built out over the lagoon. I cam here as part of a cruise tour and the views were incredible. The owners gave demonstrations on how they prepare and then later harvest the black pearls. Also this is a decent spot for snorkeling but be advised, there can be moderate currents here so you should be a proficient swimmer.

Amazing trip above Bora Bora. Totally recommend it! Nothing compares with a panoramic view from the sky. Georges is a very professional and kind person. The landing was just perfect for such a small plane. You will feel very safe. Don’t even think twice.

Great charter. Amazing experience. TLDR: Awesome location, great base and staff, Oliviere was super helpful throughout the trip, boat was in great shape (Bali 4.6 Super Premier). I would come again, but at a DIFFERENT TIME of year when Maramu is less likely and hopefully less clouds/overcast. Having the winds 20-25 knots from SE-E makes travel between the islands which are on a E-W axis difficult mainly when going east. Lengthier Notes: WHEN TO COME: We came in June to July for 10 days. One day was 15-20 knot winds, and the rest of the days were 20-25 knot winds forecasted out of the EAST and in reality (20-43.8 knots). You get used to it, but being at an anchorage with 20-30 knots going through the entire night was new for us. The unfortunate downside of so much wind (the ‘Maramu’) is the water was choppy everywhere so not those clear mirror water photos we were expecting. I was surprised because every guide says now is the dry season and best time to visit. RECOMMENDATION: Come during September-October when it is dry and less chance of the Maramu winds. ROUTE: Boat (1 night), Raiatea to West Tahaa (1 night) to Bora Bora (3 nights, wish stayed longer) to Raiatea (1 night) to Apu Bay (1 night) , Iaorana Pearl Farm (2 nights), Hurepiti Bay (1 night) and Marina (1 night, early flights next morning). Huahine/Raiatea/Bora Bora are on west-east axis so winds out of the east mean nice downwind sail west, but motoring your way back. Bora Bora back to Raiatea was a 4-5 hour bash, 2,500 rpms, 5-6 knot slog into 8-10 foot waves - we did not go to Huahine because bashing for 5-6+ hours in 25 knot winds did not seem attractive after the BB to Raiatea bash. IMPACT OF WINDS: Large attractiveness of area is anchoring in 2m on giant water bank mirror and water sports…which is awesome, until the winds come. Then water is obviously choppy so we missed those gorgeous window-like mirror shots. LAND ACCESS: With choppy waters, if you want to go ashore you must be deliberate in restaurant or pearl farm with a dock. The majority of motus are private/tabu and there is limited access to land. We had 3 kids aboard (including a toddler). With the wind, the areas to swim in were super choppy and couldn’t get ashore easily so the toddler got, um, restless…lets say. Caribbean, the Med, Pacific Northwest have way better shore access. Learning new factors to consider when sailing with a toddler (other kids were another couple on boat). Beaches are pretty when you can see them, but the majority are all private so looking is most you can do. Kind of bummer. BORA BORA MOORING BALLS: Once you are here, you just text with them. They will take reservations. We did not find a problem getting a ball though I would not roll up at sunset assuming there will be one. BALI 4.6: A floating RV. It serves its purpose. I would not sail it around the world, but it is an awesome charter boat and concept, especially the enlarged saloon. Things we did not like: 1) VHF only in the saloon only so when sailing the skipper does not have direct access to VHF and has to go from fly bridge to saloon (annoying) or ask crew member. 2) Aft cabins don’t have adequate ventilation due to flybridge stairway design = you either sweat all night or you run the genny for AC. We ran the genny. :( 3) Flybridge - the helm station is on a pedestal which is great for folks to move up and down without the skipper having to move, but all the lines are far from the wheel meaning the skipper must fully leave the helm to adjust sails or use crew members. In light winds not a big deal if you use autopilot, but a pain when trying to handle weather helm in heavier winds. 4) Energy management - you NEED to run your generator daily to keep power up for all the amenities AC/giant fridge (which was awesome) which is fine for a charter, but long-term not sustainable. Navily app is your friend. Bora Bora was the best - everyone was so friendly. Overall, loved the trip and DYC was great. 16th charter and my second one with DYC and I would do it agian.