Posts Tagged ‘tuamotu atolls’

5 archipels, 5 different hidden paradises

Seemingly lost in the legendary shadow of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are the “Hidden Paradise” islands of Tahiti – Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, the Tuamotu atolls, and the Marquesas islands. Relatively unchanged by the modern world and long considered some of Tahiti’s “best kept secrets,” these islands and atolls lure travelers looking for an authentic Polynesian experience enhanced by world-class resorts, with international cuisine and pure uncrowded beaches.

In the lagoon of Huahine

Huahine, nicknamed the “Garden of Eden” : the magic of Huahine can be felt instantly upon arrival, and the proud locals do theirbest to make all visitors feel welcome. A road winds through the island, passing through small villages and climbing high into the hills for spectacular views of the brilliant turquoise lagoons. Restored Tahitian “marae” (temples) and centuries-old stone fish traps reflect the island’s ancient culture and proud descendants who still reside in this magnificent paradise. International surfing champions seek the world-class waves at Avamoa Pass, and the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, begins here each October. Huahine is sparsely populated, and visitors will fall in love with the remote, unspoiled scenery and relaxed pace of this island.

Raiatea and Taha’a, are two islands that are encircled by the same barrier reef.

On the "marae" of Taputapuatea

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island”, may be the most revered island in all the South Pacific. Historically, kings from the neighboring islands would gather at Marae Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations. Re-enactments of these ceremonies on the restored marae help visitors discover the Tahitian culture. Raiatea has the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa, and popular excursions include exploring its cool, green waters in an outrigger canoe.

The Pacific breezes and calm lagoons provide ideal conditions year-round for sailing and deep-sea fishing. On the slopes of Mt. Temehani, visitors can discover the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that is found only on this particular mountain in Raiatea. Botanists have unsuccessfully tried to grow it elsewhere.

Traditionnal canoe in the lagoon of Taha'a

Taha’a, “The Vanilla Island”, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of Tahitians. The 4,000 residents fish from thelagoon and raise livestock. Taha’a is called “The Vanilla Island” for its many plantations of this sought-after spice, which sweetens the island air with its rich aroma. Each November, Taha’a comes alive with a Stone Fishing tournament. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are easily collected for a feast.

The Tuamotu Atolls: Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls

The Tuamotu atolls, the largest of the Polynesian archipelagos, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava – offer a host of lodging options and exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.

Rangiroa is one of the best diving spots in the world

Rangiroa is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears as a large pearl necklace gently placed on the water. Known as “The Infinite Lagoon,” Rangiroa’s coral ring creates a seemingly endless display of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and the temperature a constant 80 degrees.

The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It’s known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives, and those who “shoot the pass” find themselves in the deep blue with literally scores of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world-class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to “rough it.” There’s no electricity at this remote property, but it offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude. Torchlit nights add to its exotic and romantic appeal.

Motu in the atoll of Manihi

Manihi is a small atoll with less than 1,000 residents. Called “The Pearl Island,” this atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the way for pearl faming throughout the Tuamotu atolls. The black-lipped oysters, found only in Tahiti, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy lagoon activities while exploring the many black pearl farms for which the island is known.

Located about 10 miles from Rangiroa is the secluded island of Tikehau. Known as “The Pink Sand Island,” this oval-shaped atoll is an important supplier of fresh fish and copra. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand beaches and an abundance of sea life that make it a must for scuba divers. In Tuheiava pass, diving enthusiasts can closely observe manta rays, barracuda, tuna, sea turtles, and gray and white-tipped sharks. This diverse island is also home to a number of bird colonies that have sought refuge on the aptly named “Isle of Birds” motu. This protected islet is well-known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.

Fakarava, “The Dream Island”, is the second largest atoll in Tahiti after Rangiroa. This protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands, is under consideration to become a UNESCO nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem supports especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher, the Tuamotu palm, and sea life such as squills and sea cicadas. Fakarava also contains one of the first Catholic churches constructed in Tahiti. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to 1862.

Landscape of Nuku Hiva

The Marquesas: The Mysterious Islands

The Marquesas islands are located about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. About a 3.5-hour flight from the capital city of Papeete, the 12 islands (six inhabited, six unpopulated) offer some of Tahiti’s most dramatic scenery and authentic experiences. These islands have no lagoons and feature dense jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs. There are only five flights a week from Papeete to the Marquesas. Some visitors opt to arrive via the Aranui 3, a working cargo/copra ship that accommodates 200 passengers. The Marquesas is where Herman Melville jumped ship, and where Paul Gauguin came to paint and retire. The most populated islands, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.

>> Live your dream by discovering Tahiti’s hidden paradises