Ra’iatea | A Family Afloat

Just west of Huahine is Ra’iatea. After spending about a week here, we decided that Ra’iatea is one of our favorite places so far. There is just something about the feeling, the vibe of the island that is alluring. We arrived July 30th. While were there we got to paddle up a river in Fa’aroa bay to a plantation, where we were invited to tour and take produce. We ended up with so much fruit and veggies that we did pay for it as well as trade for some said needed items that we had aboard the boat.

James kayaked out to invite us to his family plantation.

Taj on paddleboard — James kayaked out to invite us to his family plantation.

From the east pass entrance at Fa’aroa Bay, we anchor hopped southbound until we reached the south pass, until finally exciting to make way to Bora Bora.

Fa’aroa Bay:

Rafted up, Raiatea — Rafted up with S/V La Cigale

Taj helping clean the dry food storage area.

Raiatea’s famous Marae Taputapuatea:

Screenshot (314) — These photos were taken by La Cigale (check out their post)

Screenshot (322) — These photos were taken by La Cigale (check out their post)

another obligatory spiritual grounds handstand

A “map” of how all of the South Pacific islands are connected and meet at Raiatea as the

center for their cultural rituals.

Fetuna:

Boat teens jump off SV Bellini

Daddy DIY school

Screenshot (327) — Typical Boat Storage set up.Next up… Bora Bora

July 26th, 2018: After Mo’orea we did an overnight sail to Huahine, in order to arrive there with good lighting to navigate through the pass and shallow areas. La Cigale joined us for the fun.

The Societies offer a combination of “atoll” and mountainous landscape. They are surrounded by a perimeter of reef, channels that are mostly navigable by boat are access through a pass, and there is where you take your boat to known anchorages off the volcanic islands. Huahine offered great views, clear water, great surf, paddle boarding and culture.

The overnight passage along with S/V La Cigale was great. The pass into the island’s reef was also seamless, as we spectated local surfers doing what they’re natural at. We motored our boats down to the south tip, where it’s less inhabited with ancient sites to see. We spent the next few days, unwinding more from busy Tahiti life, paddle boarding around, swimming and walking to the Marae Anini (cultural site).

Adult Sunset paddle with our friends on La Cigale. (Nina and Francis are on kid duty)

sunset SUP with La Cigale

Hammock time under La Cigale.

felt the need for inversions at this Marae.

Marae Anini : At the southern tip of Huahine is Marae Anini: an ancient meeting ground for worshiping gods and making human sacrifices. For a brief cultural background click here.

The following drone photos are from S/V La Cigale