“Society Islands”

Lat and Long– 17.6509° S, 149.4260° W

Tahiti towers over the ocean like royalty, proud and surrounded by crowns of majestic peaks. Clear streams, high waterfalls and mystical valleys adorn the mountainous interior of Tahiti, where the majority of the islands reside close to the shore, leaving the interior almost untouched and ancient, despite its proximity to Papeete (meaning ‘water-basket’, the bustling capital. Papeete was once Tahitians arrived to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today, this legendary island nation is host to world-renowned resorts, fine dining restaurants, vibrant markets, nightlife, boutiques, pearl shops, museums and spas.

Tahiti is quite literally the world’s definition of “paradise”! It’s a place of culture, hospitality, and relaxed atmospheres where all are welcome, with the friendly and spontaneous nature of the locals hard to match. People smile all the time, sharing information, wisdom and stories, encompassing the island pace of life and allowing you to feel instantly comfortable.

Don’t miss the black sand beaches to the east, white sand beaches to the west, scuba diving hotspots, legendary surf locations, lush desert valleys around mountainous peaks, and the historic and colourful site of the Papeete market… and so much more.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 16.8164° S, 151.4552° W

Raiatea is a unique place, the heartbeat of the islands – the sacred Taputaputea Marae. This destination began the expansion of Polynesians throughout the Pacific; Raiatea, or otherwise meaning “Faraway Heaven” and “Sky with soft light”, first began as Hava’i, as ancient Polynesians are considered the homeland. Original settlers and outriggers offered blessings through celebration and sacred blessings before travelling west to New Zealand and north to Hawaii. It’s the most sacred of the islands in the area, the cloud-covered peak of Mount Temehani meeting the green-covered mountains.

Most importantly, most marinas and yacht charter companies chose to base themselves at Raiatea, a yachting haven and sailors paradise, and a natural source of interest to nature lovers and scientists for if flora species and rare flora. The symbol of Raiatea is tiare ‘apathy’, found on Mount Temehani, a white semi-circle and delicate flower, blooming only at dawn. The island also hosts the only river in French Polynesia, a canoe through the bamboos, mape, and dense tropical forest.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 17.5388° S, 149.8295° W

Moorea towers magically out of the ocean like a cathedral, with tantalisingly tall, sharp green spires crowned by clouds. The bright blue lagoon of Moorea will bring to life the South Seas idyll of your wildest dreams, with tranquil meadows surrounded by peaks of emerald green, renewing your belief in the beauty of nature. Birds of paradise and hibiscus gardens surround pastel-painted houses, circling the island in simple, happy villages that will bring you back to a realisation of what life is all about, elevating your senses. As they say in Tahiti, a ‘happy life, or ‘la vie heureuse’, the unforgettable beauty of Moorea is not to be missed.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 16.5004° S, 151.7415° W

Without a doubt, the most famous and renowned island in the South Pacific is Bora Bora, with unrivalled notoriety and beauty. It certainly is one of the few places in the world every one of us would like to visit in our lifetimes! It’s more than just a romantic idea… it’s a romantic reality, a private oasis escape and a honeymooner’s paradise with marital bliss.

Board your charter yacht and sail to the east side of the lagoon, where you can spend your day swimming with turtles, rays, a plethora of wild and colourful fish, and even sharks! In the afternoon, go on a reef tour where you can explore these magnificent coral reefs that are well-kept and vibrant in colour!

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 16.9990° S, 149.5830° W

Tetiaroa is a special place that casts a spell on you immediately, a place you can feel, treasured by Tahitians who hold it a sacred place, as a haven for sea turtles, birds, and all types of marine life. So sacred in fact, the crystalline lagoon and counted-dotted white sandy beaches of the uninhabited atoll was, for the Tahitian Royalty, an exclusive getaway. Marlon Brando, the famous actor, came under the spell of Tetiaroa in 1960 whilst filming “Muting on the Bounty” – later, becoming the owner of the island. This is a must-see on your dream yacht adventure through French Polynesia, a place you can follow in the footsteps of kings and Hollywood royalty. Tahuna Iti, the Birds’ Island, is among the islets and national reserve for frigates, phaetons, sea birds, sterns, brown gannets and others petrels.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 16.7883° S, 150.9889° W

The island casts a spell over you from the moment you arrive at Huahine. This enchanting destination with its quaint villages, untamed landscape and lush forests – a place where you can live like a local – is one of French Polynesia’s best-kept secrets. Surrounding the two islands that form Huahine is a crystal clear, deep lagoon filled with white sand beaches and magnificent bays, adding drama to the experience. Huahine offers a slow, tranquil pace of the old Polynesia, somewhat unchanged by the modern world, with only a handful of residents welcoming visitors with kindness across the eight little villages scattered across the island. Unsurprisingly, the rich soil of this fertile land provides the local farmers with melons, bananas and a bountiful harvest of bananas.

“Society Islands”

Head to the Anapa Pearl Farm with its unique setting, where you can learn about pearls and their history in this region. Explore one of many moorings available on site for some relaxation time before exploring what else is on offer! You’ll be awe-struck by the beautiful pearls on display at Anapa Pearl Farm, but don’t forget to explore their aquatic reserve and rainforest before making your way back home!

Tours at the farm are available daily and focus not just on pearling but also on gemstone mining (sapphire) and other maritime activities such as fishing for sea urchins used as bait by divers and catching lobster, prawns, and other shell-fish which get cooked up in speciality meals by the locals.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long –16.6095° S, 151.5019° W

The island of Taha’a in French Polynesia is a lost, tranquil paradise. Vanilla-scented air wafts along with the gentle breeze that flows down hillsides from numerous vanilla farms, announcing the soul of this beautiful island long before you see it with your own eyes. Flowers shaped like islands dot this quiet landscape; their simple beauty comes from soft mountains surrounded by small motu (islands) dotted with bright white sand beaches, lining up neatly one after another, just waiting for beach lovers to roam freely and explore inch of sand under the tropical vegetation and palm trees, where there are so many hidden treasures among the coral rocks and blue waters.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long –16.2491° S, 151.7970° W

Ten miles north of Bora Bora is the islet of Tupai, shaped like a heart from above and host to a double lagoon and coconut trees covered in motu. From November, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach, and numerous birds have chosen to live on this island.

Is Tupai the most romantic atoll in the world? Shaped like a heart? The island of “Pere”, the goddess of fire and passion, is so pristine and untouched that visiting her is simply a privilege.

“Society Islands”

Lat and Long – 16.4440° S, 152.2597° W

Throughout French Polynesia, there are many places you can indulge in five-star luxury, big brand resorts and the likes, and there are places you can experience life as a local, immersing yourself in the daily ebb and flow of life. If time, tide, sun and sea are on the menu, Maupiti will bring you together as part of the family, wrapping you in her arms and indulging you.

Twenty-five miles west of Bora Bora and 195 miles northwest of Tahiti, is just a tiny island of 7-square miles, authentic and the definition of secluded, immediately seducing you with a quiet pace of life and splendour. Legendary rocky peaks, ancient marae, captivating white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenes blend all too nicely with the friendly, smiling vibe of the islanders.

Raiatea Marina, or Marina Apooiti as it is also known, is the main nautical hub on the island of Raiatea. It is the centre of marine activities for this part of French Polynesia, with a wealth of services available to mariners, but it is also a picturesque place to visit in its own right. Enjoy a quiet dinner in one of the nearby restaurants or while away the evenings in a lively bar.

Raiatea Marina, close to the charming town of Uturoa, is at the northern end of the island, which is in the heart of French Polynesia’s many Pacific islands. The island has been a safe haven for passing sailors for years and today acts as a well-equipped base for sailors and their yachts. Yet those not visiting on board their own vessel will still find plenty to keep them amused in the marina. Wander the harbour walls for amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, or simply relax under a palm tree as you watch the boats bobbing in the water.

Address: Raitea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Phone: (689) 40.66.12.20
Email: raiatealocation@mail.pf
Open: All year

This attractive full-service Tahiti marina offers a variety of mooring opportunities for small to medium-sized vessels and superyachts, with depths between 4 to 15 meters.

Located within a beautiful lagoon and a short 5-mile distance from Papeete Harbour at Punaauia, Marina Taina can accommodate around 550 vessels both in the marina and on the hard. There is a specially prepared dock dedicated to large yachts, whilst other facilities in the marina include a fuel station (offering Duty-Free fuel - on proof of departure), black water pump-out facility, 24-hour laundry services, a host of Superyacht agents, WI-FI throughout the marina, a 'Capitainerie' with mail, shipping and business services, restaurants, many technical workshops, easy beach access and a selection of other stores nearby,

Since 2012 Marina Taina has received the much-acclaimed "Blue Flag" eco-label and continues to strive to maintain a high-quality environment.

T: +689 404 10225, +689 407 89246
E: marinataina@mail.pf
F: +689 40452758
W: www.marina-taina.com
VHF Channel Ch. 9