Tahuata Marquesas French Polynesia April 2023

From the enchanting shores of Fatu Hiva, our sails carried us 45 nautical miles northwest to the picturesque Baie Hanamoenoa on Tahuata, the smallest gem among the Marquesas archipelago’s six inhabited islands. This voyage marked a special occasion, as it was our boys’ tenth birthday, and we were joined by a mini fleet of kid boats for a celebration to remember.

Under the tropical sun, we orchestrated a thrilling treasure hunt (thanks Emma), roasted marshmallows on a crackling bonfire, gathered coconuts, indulged in an almost sinful amount of cake, and stumbled upon the delightful discovery of pamplemousse gin, much to the delight of the adults.

From Baie Hanamoenoa we dinghied to Vaitahu, the nearest town, where the generous locals loaded our bags with the bounty of pamplemousses, star fruit, and papaya. Here, we explored the town’s museum, which proudly showcased exquisite artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Marquesan culture.

Returning to the tranquil embrace of Hanamoenoa Bay, we were treated to an unforgettable spectacle. Four magnificent manta rays graced us with their presence, gracefully executing barrel rolls as they feasted in the anchorage. It was yet another awe-inspiring moment and a true highlight of our journey thus far.

Tahuata had more in store for us as we dropped anchor off Hanatefau, where we were graced by the presence of a resident pod of acrobatic spinner dolphins. Here, we rekindled the spirit of Run Club and Team Circuits, reuniting with some of the original members of the Grenada posse. Our adventures in Tahuata were a testament to the boundless wonders of the sea and the magic of island life.”

One evening in Tahuata, mesmerizing manta rays, known for their enormous size and graceful movements, were gliding through the illuminated waters behind our buddy boat, Miles Away. Eager to witness these fascinating creatures up close, we seized the opportunity for a night snorkel with them. To our amazement, the gentle giants displayed their characteristic indifference to our presence, a testament to the remarkable nature of these captivating creatures. Watch the video HERE