Tahiti is one of the most stunning cruising grounds on the planet. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a more “advanced” cruising and charter destination, as you get the opportunity to do offshore passages between islands in open ocean swells and conditions. Tahiti also will provide advanced navigation opportunities as you learn to enter it’s tricky reef passes, and explore shallow lagoons avoiding unmarked coral heads (known as coral bombies). One of the aspects we love the most about Tahiti, is the genuinely warm and welcoming Polynesian culture and the delicious cuisine, that is a blend of traditional French food with local Tahitian ingredients.
Nautilus Sailing also offers Learn to Sail Vacations in Mexico, Bahamas, Grenadines, Mallorca and Croatia! In these destinations we can also get you aboard if you are traveling solo or with a partner, without the need to book a private trip. For more information on these other incredible destinations, please visit the Nautilus Sailing Website.
Tahiti and French Polynesia, a captivating paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Crystal-clear waters embrace a rich tapestry of vibrant coral reefs, inviting exploration of their hidden wonders. Navigate through the challenge of open ocean swells, connecting lush islands through passages of nature’s design. Witness the artful mastery of maneuvering through intricate reef openings and serene lagoons. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the Polynesian hospitality envelops visitors, offering a harmonious blend of cultures and culinary delights. From ebony shores to majestic peaks, each panorama is a work of art.
Our voyage commences at Raiatea, an exquisite island pivotal to early Polynesian exploration. Nestling amidst turquoise lagoons and enveloped by lush, towering jungle-clad peaks, we drop anchor in idyllic havens. Our course leads us to the iconic Bora Bora, offering encounters with manta rays and black tip reef sharks, while relishing delectable fresh seafood at the renowned Bloody Mary’s eatery. Setting sail once more, we chart a course for Tahaa, aptly named the “vanilla” island. Here, vibrant coral gardens await our snorkeling adventure, rivaling the finest we’ve witnessed. A pearl farm visit and a hike to a vanilla plantation complete this enchanting odyssey.
Arrive via an international flight to Papeete, Tahiti’s capital (airport code PPT). Take a brief Air Tahiti flight to Raiatea. After leaving your luggage at the office, leisurely walk into Raiatea town. Indulge in an espresso and pastry at the boulangerie as you anticipate boarding the vessel. By 5pm, we set foot on board, find our accommodations, and later venture out to a nearby restaurant for an evening meal.
Conduct a comprehensive chart briefing and systems orientation while ensuring thorough equipment checks on the vessel. Embark on a journey towards a secluded anchorage on the island’s western fringe, with the possibility of encountering magnificent whales en route. Upon arrival, embrace the opportunity to uncover the mysteries of the uninhabited island and partake in lagoon snorkeling. Following enjoyable explorations, engage in your initial formal lessons onboard. Later, use the dinghy to access a remarkable French restaurant onshore, renowned for serving exquisite culinary creations.
Following a thorough examination of engine procedures and upkeep, embark on a sailing lesson. Delve into the nuances of points of sail, sail theory, and apply your knowledge to refine sail trim. Our next venture takes us on a passage to Bora Bora, a captivating South Seas haven. It’s a delightful experience sailing into this picturesque paradise, where we secure a mooring within the serene western lagoon. Hone your mooring skills before we explore the possibility of encountering local manta rays for an exhilarating snorkeling session.
Following a concise morning session and our first ASA assessment, the day’s objective unfolds: navigating the waters around the northern tip of the island. As evening descends, indulge in a dinner experience at Bloody Mary’s, a renowned seafood establishment in Tahiti frequented by celebrities.
Rise early today to set sail for the return journey to Tahaa. After anchoring near the secluded Le Tahaa resort, a remarkable adventure awaits as we explore the renowned Coral Gardens. This extraordinary location boasts mesmerizing coral formations and a dazzling array of tropical fish, all facilitated by a gentle current that guides you through this unparalleled underwater wonderland.
Today presents a unique opportunity as we embark on a circumnavigation of Tahaa. Our initial destination is a local pearl farm, where we’ll witness the intricate process of cultivating exquisite black pearls, gaining first-hand insights. Following this, we journey to a vanilla plantation renowned for producing some of the world’s most fragrant and highly esteemed vanilla.
Commence the day with a refreshing morning swim, snorkel, and paddle board session. Engage in docking practice before embarking on a voyage to Miri Miri pass along Raiatea’s western coast. We drop anchor in a picturesque lagoon, granting us the opportunity to venture onto one of the charming islets nestled within the protective embrace of the reef. Later, we use the dinghy to reach a splendid restaurant onshore, a fitting locale to celebrate the achievements of our new captains!
As the sun rises, we begin the day by motoring back to the marina. By 8am, we disembark from the boat, granting you the choice to either depart for your homeward journey or extend your stay by a few days to further explore the surrounding region.
*Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
For live aboard courses in Tahiti we sail on beautiful new Dream Yacht sailboats. Catamaran courses are typically conducted on brand new Bali 4.2 catamarans, and our monohull courses are conducted on new Dufour 52s.
