Maupiti

We wanted to stop in Maupiti, 27 miles west of Bora Bora, which has a narrow pass that is difficult to enter with a high south-east swell. One has to surf in on the breakers. Because of this, most yachts avoid this island. We sent our scouts on Loon III a day ahead of us and with their information it went as follows:

Bravado going through the Maupiti Pass in the surf. Crew on deck to help look for the reef.

Bravado inside the Maupiti lagoon

Maupiti Pass and Motu

Bravado and Lariekoek anchored in Maupiti's lagoon

Our stay in Maupiti was great, we really loved it. Maupiti is beautiful and a lot less commercialized than Bora Bora. We did some excellent hikes with our friends Aly and Iain from Loon III. One can walk around the island in about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can also walk up the big rock in the middle of the island. However, once at the top, you should not have a fear of heights.

Eltjo hiking around the island

Ewout getting a haircut from Aly

The Heiva Festival, that was going on at the other French Polynesian Islands was also
going on at Maupiti. The dancers and singers wear the most amazing hand-made costumes.

Dancing at the Heiva Festival in Maupiti

Choir at the Heiva Festival in Maupiti

On July 14 free beers and breakfast were handed out at 9am to everyone. This is how Parisian taxpayers keep the Polynesian population "in the fold".

Handing out free beers at 9:00AM on July 14

Later in the day petanque (= bocce ball or jeu de boules) competitions were being held, but our skills in that sport could by no means match up with the locals, so we stuck to being in the audience.

We stayed in Maupiti for 9 days, because we really enjoyed ourselves and the swell/breakers were too high to get out any sooner.

Resting after a hard days work....


Playing on the beach of a nearby Motu.