Papeete, Tahiti

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011    89 degrees                                 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The term “Polynesia”, meaning “many islands”, refers to a sub region of Oceania, consisting of over 1,000 islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean. Polynesia resembles a triangle with its corners at Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Polynesia is more an anthropological, rather than geographical, term referring to a population generally belonging to one ethno-cultural family as a result of centuries of maritime migrations. The cultural aspects of these societies were very important. Religious carvings, farming, fishing, weather prediction, out-rigger canoe building and navigation were highly developed skills.

Tahiti is the largest of the 118 enchanting islets of French Polynesia. Crowned by Polynesia’s two highest peaks, surrounded by spectacular coral reefs, and black sand beaches, Tahiti is often referred to as the “island of love”. Pepeete means “water bucket”, and the name is likely a reference to the traditional method of gathering water from a spring near the capital.

We will approach Tahiti on a north-westerly heading. We will follow the coast for a short while and commence our approach to Papeete Harbour. We will make use of the available leading lights. These are two lights positioned behind each other, the rear light being slightly higher than the forward light. When both lights are seen in a vertical line we are sailing straight toward these lights indicating the safe approach to the harbor.

Cruise ships dock immediately across the street from Boulevard Pomare in the heart of Papeete.