After a night passage from Tikehau in the Tuamotus, we spotted Tahiti, the Jewel of the Society Islands mid morning. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Tahiti has 120,000 residents, most of whom live within about 20 minutes of each other by car. The island is 45 miles long, about 18 wide and has 90+% of the population of French Polynesia. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Entering the main harbor of Papeete reminds us of the days of Captain’s Cook and Bly, Fletcher Christian and H.M.S. “Bounty”. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Just 9 miles to the west lies the beautiful island of Moorea, an easy 1/2 day sail apart. We plan on visiting!… Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The Papeete International airport is our neighbor and we have to call and ask “Port Control” to pass by each end of the runway. Our mast is tall enough that under unusual circumstances, an aircraft could get close! This airport is very busy with direct flights from New Zealand, Los Angeles, Fiji and Tokyo as well as dozens of inter island flights daily. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Inside the protective barrier reef of Tahiti, we enjoy this view every day from our anchorage/slip at Marina Taina a few miles south of Papeete. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Upon arrival, we met friends from Los Angeles, Alex and Heike Zumbiel with their new baby Yann!… We were invited to a lovely day at friends of Alex and Heike’s who just happens to be a local Dentist! Thank you Francoise and Miriam!…. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
We finally met up with the crew of s/v “Quickstar”, Peter and Diana (seen here with Cindy). We went on a day of whale watching/snorkeling together AND………(next photo)….. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Josh and Claire were the Captain and First Mate aboard “Elvis the Gecko”. Though working hard on the boat in the absence of Martin, Sammie and Family….we encouraged them to come along whale snorkeling/watching for a well deserved day off. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
A lovely evening was had aboard “Elvis the Gecko” after Josh and Claire had been working all day. Sail repairs and finding crew for their impending delivery to New Zealand via Rarotonga in the Cook Islands amongst their immediate duties. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
A lovely evening was had aboard “Elvis the Gecko” after Josh and Claire had been working all day. Sail repairs and finding crew for their impending delivery to New Zealand via Rarotonga in the Cook Islands amongst their immediate duties. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Elvis fueled up and waved our goodbyes to Josh and Claire whom we first met in Fatu Hiva, Marquesas. Hope to catch up with all the “Elvi”…down the highway of life!….Farewell Josh and Claire There!… Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Part of our “boat project list” was to replace our main sail “luff track” which broke on the crossing from the Galapagos to the Marquesas. While I was up the mast, I took this series of photos of Marina Taina (our home for the next 7 months!) with the island of Moorea in the background. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
With the reef as our only barrier against the sea, we are tucked on the inner most dock, “Med Moored”. “Quickstar” is seen in the foreground….sort of. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This is US Cosular Agent Christopher Kozely. We met him at our “Lets Party” venue at Francoise and Miriam’s house south of Papeete. Informal, this is the real deal. Chris was born in the US and in his office (he really sells computers), he has the American Flag, a photo of President Obama, a favorite photo of himself with Colin Powell and all the trappings. We needed to notarize a document and have it FED EX’ed to the US. As the US Consul, he could do the deed and so it was off. A great guy!…. Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Well it doesn’t get much more scenic than Moorea (except perhaps Bora Bora) We are deep in the 1/2 mile long “Cooks Bay”. Cook actually never visited this bay which is named for him, but did go to it’s sister bay “Oponohu” just a 1/2 mile to the West. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
There are two very deep twin bays on the north side of Moorea. Famous for their photographic backdrops in such films as “Mutiny on the Bounty”, they are wonderful protected and beautiful anchorages. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Shark’s tooth is the famous saw tooth looking rock on the left of this photo. Situated directly between Cooks and it’s sister Oponuhu Bay, the ancient Polynesians named it after what it looked like. The serrated edge of a sharks tooth. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
While looking for Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant and taking a stroll along the expanse of Cooks Bay, we ran into this local guy selling some incredible looking fish. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Here you get a feel for the depth of Cooks Bay with the Regent Cruise Ship “Paul Gauguin” in the background. We’ve seen this vessel everywhere!… Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
While looking for Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant and taking a stroll along the expanse of Cooks Bay, we ran into this local guy selling some incredible looking fish. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Cooks Bay Scenic, “Beach House” in the distance. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This was our first experience being boarded by the local authorities. Not out of the ordinary, but always interesting. Both “Douane” (customs) and the “Gendarmes” (police) inspect vessels. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Calm and beautiful, Moorea at it’s best! Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Nuff’ said…. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This is Cook’s twin, Oponohu Bay We’ve all heard Jimmy Buffet tell the story of how he wrote “One Particular Harbor” inspired by this incredible spot…..(You do know who Jimmy Buffet is, don’t you?…)) Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
You can see the calm conditions with wavelets barely breaking on the outer reef. We anchored just off to the right side of this picture and got to swim with a Mom and Baby Humpback Whale while visiting this incredible place. Diving outside the reef was great where we saw lots of black tip reef and lemon sharks. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This is the picturesque and secluded “Robinson’s Cove” inside Oponuhu Bay…..We’ll be off to Huahine for the Hawakinuivaa international inter island outrigger canoe race tomorrow…BUT…WILL BE BACK!…. Moorea – Society Islands – French Polynesia
