Sailing Into Paradise: Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of French Polynesia on Tourmaline
In February 2024, when my friend presented me with an irresistible opportunity, I had no idea what I was getting into but I had been hearing about his adventures sailing the islands of French Polynesia and I we ready to see them for myself. The proposal was a 7-day journey on his 52" Catamaran in French Polynesia with two wonderful people, Dani and Andri, who were the most incredible hosts, adventurers, yogis, captains, and tour guides. Dani is a yoga teacher and lovely spiritual human and Marek thought we might be able to collaborate and offer some yoga retreats in the beauty of French Polynesia. Calling them "the crew" doesn't do justice, as we instantly felt like family. It still feels like a dream! Our fearless guides made us feel so safe and well taken care of as they led us to hidden spots and off-the-beaten-path adventures that were pure magic. It will be hard to accurately represent the beauty of French Polynesia but I will do my best:)
We traveled through Hawaii first to break up the flight and flew HawaiianAirlines.com into Papeete, Tahiti arriving on a Saturday evening October 26, 2024. It was dark when we arrived, so we had no idea how beautiful the https://tahiti.intercontinental.com
was until the next morning.
My excitement got the best of me, and I was awake early enjoying some stretching/yoga/pilates on the edge of the water with overwater bungalows and catamarans in the distance. The grass was really spongy, which made balancing tricky and fun. I spent a the morning exploring the hotel grounds which included a Lagoonarium called Fare l’a Reserve, a protected habitat that is home to a thrilling array of marine creatures including a turtle sanctuary. We met a lovely United Captain who was on one of his last flights before retirement, and we enjoyed lunch from his favorite French bakery in town with mimosas. We followed that up with a Mai Tai from the swim-up bar. Another treat.
Our next adventure was hopping on a flight on Air Tahiti to Ra'iatea where Marek picked us up and took us directly to the boat and we were off to find a place to anchor for the evening. Marek introduced us to Dani and Andri and took off for the airport to go back to the US. We went to bed excited about what we were about to see but we really had not idea what magical adventures awaited. I was up at 5:14 am (I was really excited) and went on deck to see the most beautiful turquoise water next to a deeper blue water. At 5:35 I was treated to the most beautiful sunrise then by 6:27 I had a full rainbow. How can you beat that? Dani had breakfast on the table by 7:08 and I was caffeinated and ready for our first adventure.
Exploring the Beauty of Ra'iatea, French Polynesia
We spent the morning playing in the water and then we went in the dingy to a Jardin Botanoque De Faaroa. It was a botanical park where we learned about some of the indigenous plants as well as some of the plants brought to French Polyensia for food, medicine or building purposes. Foods such as taro root, cosmetic or dye from Polynesia ginger and medicine from candlenut. The spectacular Faaroa valley is also where you can find the largest groves of green bamboo in French Polynesia. With his trusty machete in hand, Andri gathered fresh coconuts to share with us to make sure we didn't get dehydrated. The botanical garden felt like stepping into Jurassic Park! We even found some kittens along our walk. They looked clean and well cared for so we put them back under a tree to wait for them mom to return.
Exploring Motu Iriru, French Polynesia
Our adventure with Andri and Dani on Motu Iriru was magical! Andri was on the hunt for coconuts and we were not disappointed. We wandered along the pristine beaches as he expertly gathered coconuts—a true island experience. The natural beauty of this place is breathtaking, although some plastic had sadly washed ashore. Of course, I did my part with a little beach cleanup along the way.
The next morning was our first swim with the Giant Manta Reys. Dani took us to her special spot and it didn't take long for them to come play. Dani explained that it is a cleaning station for the Ray's so they visit often to be cleaned. The Manta Cleaning Station is an incredible natural phenomenon where majestic manta rays gather for a little underwater spa treatment! Here, specialized cleaner fish diligently remove parasites, dead skin, and debris from the manta rays’ skin, gills, and even teeth. This mutually beneficial relationship not only helps the rays stay healthy and groomed but also provides a meal for the cleaner fish. Witnessing this symbiotic dance is a mesmerizing reminder of nature's harmonious balance.I have to be honest and snorkeling along side a reef with a deep drop off was a little scary for me but as soon as we saw our first Manta, I forgot about being scared.
We also explored the enchanting island of Taha'a, home to the stunning black pearls of Tahiti. The beauty of these pearls is truly unique, and seeing them in their home waters made them even more special. We learned how skilled hands grafted pearls, the thrill of harvesting, the careful cleaning of oysters, or even the quirky process of “detrocage” (conditioning young oysters). The hands-on visit offered a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic of pearl creation, giving you a whole new appreciation for these shimmering treasures and the effort it takes to bring them to life!
Did you know that Tahiti is the only place where you can make multi colored pearls? We visited the Ferme Perliere Champon www.TahitiPearlOnline.com was filled with treasures, from the biggest, most beautiful gardenias I’ve ever seen to an incredible banyan tree house. We learned how Tahitian pearls are grafted and placed into holders and placed back into the beautiful lagoon shared by the islands of Ra'iatea and Taha'a.
Exploring the Coral Gardens on Motu Tautau
Snorkels on, water shoes ready, and coconuts in hand—we set off for an unforgettable adventure in the Coral Gardens on Motu Tautau! Adri guided us to this incredible island, where we hiked to the perfect spot, let the current carry us, and found ourselves in an underwater paradise. Set in a breathtaking ho’a—a natural water channel between two motus- we gently drifted over vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. We marveled at the colorful schools of fish, playful clownfish nestled in their anemones, and the grandeur of magnificent giant clams. We floated through the vibrant coral, surrounded by fish in this natural aquarium. Lisa earned the title of Best Coconut Shaver as she shared coconut with the fish, creating a beautiful (and hilarious) feeding frenzy!
Swimming with the sharks in Bora Bora
Swimming with the reef sharks in Bora Bora is an exhilarating and humbling experience, bringing you face-to-face with the raw beauty of the ocean. As you glide through the crystal-clear turquoise waters, blacktip reef sharks move effortlessly around you, their sleek bodies cutting through the sea with quiet grace.
Despite their fierce appearance, they remain calm and uninterested, a reminder that these creatures are not the fearsome predators often imagined, but an essential part of the marine ecosystem.
The rush of adrenaline quickly gives way to awe as you find yourself fully immersed in their world—floating weightlessly in a stunning underwater paradise, surrounded by vibrant coral and an array of tropical fish. It’s a moment of deep connection with nature, leaving you with a newfound respect for the ocean and its incredible inhabitants.
Just look at the beautiful food Dani created for us—every meal was a work of art and made with love. We packed each day with three incredible excursions, exploring the stunning islands, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes.
Farmers Markets: I love a farmers market, and the one in the town of Uturoa on the island of Ra'iatea did not disappoint. I bought fresh pineapple for $2, $1 papayas, $1 mangoes, and the most beautiful fresh plumeria lei for $5.00.
For a peek at the beautiful life Dani and Andri have created, check out @sailavida. They’ll be back on charter in French Polynesia in 2025, ready to take you on your dream adventure. And if a yoga/adventure retreat sounds like your style, let me know—I’m planning to return before this paradise sails away in September 2025.
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