Happy in Huahine
21 May 2016 | Huahine, Society islands, French Polynesia
Gerry
Huahine Island is the most eastern of the leeward islands group, and is the closest of the group to Tahiti. Lying just 90 miles to the northwest, the passage is downwind and typically easy. Huahine is actually comprised of two mountainous islands, Huahine Nui (north) and Huahine Iti (south), connected by a narrow isthmus and bridge. Both islands are enclosed by a common barrier reef and lagoon that varies in size. There are five passes yachts can use to transit the reef and sizable waves that attract surfers here. We spent four days in the peaceful anchorage at Fare village Huahine, and were favorably impressed. This is a special place that offers a great experience for cruisers - with all the amenities like a great dinghy dock, good snacks (short order restaurants), and an excellent supermarket. Once the basic needs have been met, cruisers often stay to absorb the surrealistic views in every direction, super clear water for snorkeling, and interesting reefs that protect the bay for days or even weeks. On shore, the village is fairly compact, so everything is close. As usual, the people are super nice here. We arrived on a holiday (seems to be one most every week), the only internet shop was closed. So a clothing shop owner gave me her password and let me use her wifi without charge. I did manage to pay her after a few days of use though. Although the official language is French, the locals most often speak Tahitian. So a few new words to learn. If you don't pick it up quickly, no worries - everything is laid back! The cruiser hangout is the Huahine Yacht Club (which isn't really a yacht club) that offers great evening happy hour drinks, good food, and occasionally, live music from local cruiser Steve aboard Li Ward. A great vibe and place to meet and reunite with friends. When Jody arrives, we'll be back. Since the ladies arrive is just over three weeks, we need to keep moving. So the three amigos pulled anchor yesterday and came to Tapuamu Bay on Tahaa island. Today (May 21st) our plan is to snorkel the Coral Gardens reef area, then explore the local areas before heading off to the islands of Raiatea & Bora Bora over the coming weeks'. Cheers!