Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia with a population of almost 200,000 people – 70% of all the people of French Polynesia live here, mostly along the coast. Home to the capital city of Pape’ete, Tahiti is the political, economic and cultural center of French Polynesia. Tahiti actually has 2 parts: the larger island is Tahiti Nui and the smaller island Tahiti Iti, which is connected by a small peninsula Taravao.

A short jaunt from Moorea, the entry into the harbor was one of the most interesting approaches to a marina ever. At the pass to the left were mostly the big ships and to the right (where we went) was the long airport runway along our left where we watched several planes take off or land, to our right was the long coral reef with 100’s of boats on mooring balls or anchored and along the waterway between was Nutmeg, other boats coming in and heading back out and several locals out practicing in their outrigger canoes. A very busy and fascinating area.
Five miles from the harbor entry is Marina Taina, by far the largest marina I have ever seen. Small fishing boats

to mega yachts are here, there's limited WIFI, a convenient drinking hole and nice restaurant with Moules a la Creme (Yum!), and is walking distance to shops big and small along the busy street. Happy Mornings! We can again have our morning coffee with fresh baked croissants, pain au chocolat and baguettes.

Our last day here, we rent a car for a self-guided island tour. We take the main road which circles around the island, dotted by several small communities and stopping at various sites along the way – including the Arahoho Blow Hole and the spectacular Fa’arumai Waterfall with numerous ribbons of water cascading down.

On Tahiti Iti is Teahupoo, one of the world’s top surfing spots and a diver’s paradise. Teahupoo is getting ready for the Paris 2024 Olympics (since Paris doesn’t have any big ocean waves). Known for its iconic wave, “Chopes” (Chopoo), a quarter mile offshore, is a super challenging 8’ to 24’ tall barrel wave – the ultimate test of hard-core surfers. This will be worth watching while being a couch potato.

We find a nice French restaurant along the water to enjoy one last big feed before taking the car back to the airport and traveling 36 hours back to Wisconsin.

Bon voyage!
See you soon!!
XO XO
Gma & Gpa