Author Archives: Angus Beaumont

Tahiti, French Polynesia, June-July 2023When the scarcity of fresh fruit and veg in the Tuamotu archipelago became intolerable for Mowzer’s (mostly) vegetarian crew, we up anchored and headed westwards towards the supermarkets of Tahiti! Not only did we find an enormous, bountiful Carrefour, replete with fresh produce and French cheeses, but also incredible waterfalls, theContinue reading “Tahiti French Polynesia June – July 2023”

Toau, the next, and our final atoll in the Tuamotus, was a much quieter spot than Fakarava, with only 5 other cruising boats at anchor, two part-time inhabitants, James and Wallis, some friendly lizards and a gazillion palm trees. An atoll is comprised of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon formed from a long-sinceContinue reading “Toau Tuamotus French Polynesia June 2023”

From Raroia, it was a 24-hour sail to gorgeous Tahanea, an uninhabited atoll famed for its pristine coral gardens. Here we hung out in another impossibly stunning anchorage with our kid boat posse. We learnt how to weave baskets from leaves, snorkelled with sharks and rays, and built campfires. Barnaby, Zennor and friend Raffy madeContinue reading “Tahanea Tuamotus French Polynesia May 2023”

After a speedy 3-day, 450-nautical-mile passage from Nuka Hiva, we arrived in Raroia in the Tuamotus Islands, previously known as the ‘Dangerous Archipelago.’ Raroia is the atoll where the raft Kon-Tiki completed its epic voyage from Easter Island in 1947. Unlike the Kon-Tiki, which crashed onto the perimeter reef of the atoll, we had toContinue reading “Raroia Tuamotus French Polynesia May 2023”

Our fifth and final destination among the Marquesan islands is Ua-Poa, a majestic island crowned by twelve dramatic basalt pinnacles and surrounded by lush rainforests. Our anchor found its place in the picturesque Hakahetau Bay. Accompanied by friends from SV Cinnamon, we embarked on a hike through tropical fruit orchards filled with star fruit, pamplemousses,Continue reading “Ua-Poa Marquesas French Polynesia May 2023”

We sailed overnight for 12 hours from Hanamenu to Nuku Hiva, the main island in the Marquesas archipelago. Upon our arrival at Taihoae Bay, we coincided with the arrival of the Aranui 3, a dual passenger/cargo vessel responsible for delivering essentials like fuel, spare parts, and fresh vegetables from Tahiti. Diesel had run out inContinue reading “Nuka Hiva Marquesas French Polynesia May 2023”

Our next destination in the enchanting Marquesas archipelago was the captivating island of Hiva Oa. Imagine a landscape adorned with dramatic, jungle-covered interiors, punctuated by steep, rugged cliffs, and crowned with epic volcanic ridges. This lush paradise teems with an abundance of tropical fruits and is home to a mere 1800 residents, the gentle andContinue reading “Hiva Oa Marquesas French Polynesia May 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 kidContinue reading “Tahuata Marquesas French Polynesia April 2023”

Fatu Hiva, our initial slice of French Polynesian heaven, has truly outshone all expectations. It’s a sprawling tropical paradise adorned with untamed beauty. Picture this: playful spinner dolphins frolic in the calm anchorage, a bounty of exotic tropical fruits waiting to be savored, warm and welcoming locals who open their hearts, surreal snorkeling encounters withContinue reading “Fatu Hiva Marquesas French Polynesia April 2023”