Is the reward worth a bad passage? The sail from Huahine to Mo’orea wasn’t going to be great, but we didn’t think it would be as bad as it was. The forecast had no rain and decent winds with the hope of a little sailing. However, we had howling winds on the nose (20-25 kts with 30+ gusts), 2.7 kts of current pushing us backwards and 2.5-meter waves that were really confused. We left at 1530 and arrived around 1330 the next day.
We were relieved to stop the rocking, pounding, and disastrous motion. Nobody got sick, but nobody was feeling well and poor Rocco and Linda slept for most of the passage. The reward was arriving to Mo’orea! Smiles all around at anchor.
Smiling at the end of the passage
We dropped the hook at Opunohu Bay in a small, sandy area that is just big enough for 6-8 boats. We saw this spot from the top of Magic Mountain and immediately wanted to stop here. (See blog “Safari Mario Tour of Moorea – 9/10”).
INSERT PHOTO OF MO’OREA SS W/ 5 BOATS
A few miles away is a place called “Sting Ray City” where you can swim with black tip sharks and sting rays. We hopped in Sweetie, hugged the black and white markers all the way to this special spot. Wow, what an amazing experience. These gentle giants glide through the water like a bird sailing across the sky. The fish are fed by humans and have no fear.
Stingray City Snorkel
MO’OREA INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL:
The Mo’orea Intercontinental Hotel was behind us so we took the liberty to go ashore, internet, and have a few beverages.
Playing at Intercontinental Hotel Mo’orea
Dinghy ride back to boat from hotel – we are a little punch drunk happy having internetted a bit.
Dinghy ride on Sweetie
We had such a great experience that we went back the next morning when there were fewer tourists. A chance to be one with these gorgeous fish.
Stingray City Snorkel
PASSAGE TO TAHITI
We could not linger in Mo’orea because Rocco and Linda had a flight to catch. We had a stellar sail from Mo’orea to Tahiti with almost full sails, no current and less than 1-meter waves. It was the perfect way to spend the last day on the boat.
The Marina Taina anchorage was pretty crowded, but our same spot across from the Intercontinental Hotel was available. We dropped the hook directly across from their pool in 2 meters of turquoise water.
TAHITI INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
Rocco and Linda got a comfort package at the hotel. We had a blast drinking at the negative edge pool which looked out to Sugar Shack.
Intercontinental Hotel Tahiti
Fun was had by all.
Pool Fun
I love these people; they are so fun and easy to hang out with!
More Pool Fun
We went back to the room to shower before dinner. These are our peeps: Rocco and Linda
Dinner at the hotel
It was a sad moment to say “goodbye.” We had such a fabulous time showing Rocco and Linda around Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, Mo’orea, and Tahiti. You too will always have a special place in our hearts! Thank you for magnificent time!