Where is the water this clear?

Tahiti & French Polynesia

The Polynesians were the world’s first great voyagers, settling much of the South Pacific long before Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Raiatea, in the Tahitian Leewards, was a major center of Polynesian culture. Today, it’s a prime location for a Tahiti yacht charter, along with the nearby isles of Bora-Bora, Huahine, and Tahaa. Coral reefs encircle the islands, creating calm lagoons where snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming off white-sand beaches is a pure delight. Fjord-like bays embraced by soaring mountains make beautiful anchorages, secluded and serene.

 

Situated midway in the Pacific Ocean between South America and Australia, French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands in the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Tuamotu, and Society archipelagos spread out in an area roughly the size of Europe. Papeete on Tahiti is the capital. Within the Society group are Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Huahine, the jewels of the exotic cruising grounds of a Tahiti sailing vacation. Because the islands are downwind from Tahiti they’re known as the Leewards. The mountainous heights rise from the sea atop what remains of ancient volcanoes so old the craters have all but eroded into oblivion. Encircling barrier reefs provide a habitat for sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, colorful hard and soft coral, and more than 500 species of fish, making the Tahitian Leewards one of the world’s top snorkeling and scuba diving venues. Resorts, watersports, island tours, archaeological sites, and fine dining are just some of the delights of a Tahiti yacht charter.

SAILING IN TAHITI

A Tahiti sailing vacation offers balmy easterly trade winds averaging between 15 and 20 knots throughout the year, virtually guaranteeing a relaxing sail every day in the calm waters behind the reefs and spirited sailing on open-water passages. Inside the reefs navigation is line-of-sight from one marker to the next, though a watchful eye on the chart is necessary, as is plotting courses on the longer passages between the islands. The tidal range is insignificant at less than one foot, which means currents are typically weak except in narrow passes through the reefs. A Tahiti yacht charter is well within the reach of sailors who have basic skills in coastal navigation. The beauty and unique character of these exotic waters lures less experienced and veteran sailors alike to return time after time for more adventures. Year-round temperatures range from 78°F to 80°F (25°C to 26°C)

See: Tahiti Yacht Sailing Charter

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Where is the water this clear?