Sail Away: Discovering Tetiaroa By Catamaran - The Ideal Polynesian Journey

Explore the untouched beauty of Tetiaroa Island by sailing aboard a luxurious Catamaran!

Anchoring down in the stunning azure lagoon, being surrounded by vibrant coral under glittering sunlight - sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Welcome to Tetiaroa - an unspoiled piece of paradise nestled in the heart of the South Pacific which is only a catamaran ride away.

Being a native Tahitian tour expert, I’ve had the privilege to explore Tetiaroa by classic Polynesian catamaran. Embarking on this exciting journey served me with an incredible opportunity to bask in the majesty of Polynesian culture and landscape, all at the same time. So, grab your sunblock, sit back, and let me guide you through the mesmerizing experience of visiting Tetiaroa by Catamaran.

Why Tetiaroa?

Tetiaroa, a beautiful and serene atoll, has a rich history linked to the Polynesian royalty of the past and present. Many Tahitian high chiefs, including the famous navigator Tupaia, have made this their peaceful retreat. Tetiaroa also appealed to Marlon Brando which led to Tetiaroa becoming his private island and now a part of his legacy, The Brando Resort.

The journey by Catamaran

Now, why by catamaran? Traditional Polynesian catamarans, known locally as va’a-tele, have been sailing these waters for centuries. It is not just a means of transportation, but an integral part of the Tahitian culture. No visit to Tahiti and her islands would be complete without riding these double-hulled vessels that elegantly punctuate the deep blue Pacific.

The journey starts from the shores of Tahiti. The sail across the still, tranquil waters takes approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on the wind and current conditions. This isn’t a bothersome downtime but rather a rewarding experience as the catamaran smoothly graces through the waves allowing you to soak in the panoramic beauty of endless sea merging with the sky at the horizon.

You might even get visited by playful dolphins that would accompany your sail or see giant manta rays gliding beneath your catamaran. The journey truly commences your intimate encounter with the Polynesian marine wildlife.

Experiencing Tetiaroa

Once you drop anchor in the breathtakingly beautiful lagoon of Tetiaroa, you would find yourself in a vibrant world of azure waters and white sand beaches, encased by a living necklace of coral reefs. The island boasts an incredible range of marine flora and fauna. Snorkeling becomes a mesmerizing experience as you get to swim with colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and harmless blacktip reef sharks.

Tetiaroa also hosts various species of seabirds, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. The lagoon serves as breeding grounds to several species of seabirds like brown noddies and white terns.

Final thoughts

Sailing to Tetiaroa by a catamaran is a classic Polynesian experience, combining the pleasures of blue water sailing with the thrill of discovering Tahiti’s precious heritage. It’s more than just a means to reach your destination, it’s about basking in the journey itself.

So, when planning your next expedition, consider traversing the jewel-like lagoon of Tetiaroa aboard a traditional Tahitian va’a-tele, and treat yourself to an amazing experience imbued with Tahitian authenticity and culture.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas!