Sailing the Islands of Tahiti allows visitors to the South Pacific islands to discover the mystical Marquesas, explore ancient ruins and monuments, experience the local culture and dive head first into waters of every shade of blue imaginable.
From November 2015 visitors to the Islands of Tahiti can experience the wonders of the Marquesas Islands on the new Aranui V. At 126m overall the ship carries up to 254 passengers and doubles as a freighter, providing the otherwise isolated islands with vital supplies.
Only six of the 12 islands are inhabited so amongst discoveries of waterfalls, canyons and exotic wildlife the voyage gives a chance to meet the locals and experience their way of life.
Although many may wish to take advantage of the blissful climate to simply relax or sample a traditional Polynesian spa treatment, those searching for a little more adventure will find plenty of opportunity across The Islands of Tahiti, particularly in the Marquesas Archipelago 1500km north-west of Tahiti. The Marquesas’ position and consequent isolation make it the most rugged and untouched location in and around Tahiti.
In the water:
With its rocky coastlines the Marquesas Islands provide a nautical wonderland for novice snorkelers and experienced divers alike. Manta rays (sometimes as big as 16 feet across), dragon eels and boxer crabs are common sights. There is abundance of fish varieties, as well as white-tip, black-tip, silver-tip and grey reef sharks and – with a bit of luck – the occasional scalloped hammerhead.
On the water
The gentle breezes of the South Pacific provide the Islands of Tahiti with ideal surfing and sailing conditions. Experienced surfers can take a boat from Moorea to catch extreme reef breaks, while those at a more beginner level can find surfing heaven at Teahupoo.
With its abundance of sea life, the Islands of Tahiti is a fisherman’s delight. And if hauling in a big catch isn’t enough to satisfy a desire for adventure, try water-skiing, jet-skiing or parasailing to combine island sight-seeing and adrenaline-fuelled exploration.