Huahine to Taha’a

Huahine to Taha’a : As the Majestic Paul Gauguin departs from ‘Huahine’ alias “Sexy Woman” and elegantly cruises through the night towards another enchanting Island within the French Polynesia archipelago – Taha’a, also known as ‘Motu Mahana’ you wait in anticipation

So you wake up to the sweet aroma of Vanilla and Hibiscus that pulls you towards the Cabin’s Gallery. From here you witness “Taha’a”, a beautiful flower-shaped island stationed right in front.

This 35 Sq Miles of this sleepy landmass with pillowy mountains interestingly has just 500 inhabitants living on it.

Once you put your foot on the Island, strange laid back vibes uncannily catapult you away from your mundane tensions and unworthy worries. Sounds alluring …. Indeed it is !!! So… Welcome to the peaceful Taha’a.

Out of a dozen choices offered, you pick up the exciting “Coral Garden Drift Snorkel Excursion”. The Motorized boat then hurriedly ferries you and other guests towards the west coast of Taha’a, site presumably ideal for such Snorkeling expedition.

After disembarking, you walk about half a Mile towards the higher end of the strait from where you notice water from the Pacific gushing in the shallow lagoon. The current’s palpable. You then wear your snorkeling equipment, Mask and fins etc. and get ready for impending experience. The accompanying Guide however instructs you how to snorkel along with the flow of current, and towards the direction of the boat.

As you lay over the salty water of the Pacific with your head facing inside the ocean, you almost instantly enter into the realm of a different, an almost surreal World. You sense yourself flying over the Garden of Eden, that’s seemingly submerged in this part of the Ocean.

Innumerable delightfully colored corals adorn the area as they lay adjacent to one another swinging enticingly with the water current. Charming Angles (Fishes) with their iconic distinctive stripes swim nonchalantly in-between these Corals making one wonder if the fabled ‘Eves’ have descended and metamorphosed in to these beautiful creatures.

The drama is awfully breathtaking. The camaraderie between species is unmistakable. Juvenile Sharks swim harmlessly alongside Angles, Cat fish and others. As you set your sight on one fish, there comes another, equally attractive. You are happily confused as to where and whom to look at. Just then, to add to your confusion, there comes yet another, then another and then a stream of others follow. You are bound to be spellbound.

PS : Do not to get tempted and touch any of the corals, and if you happen to touch them, even by chance, be sure of take back with you some serious bruises. These Charming and Innocuous looking Corals are remarkably tough and sharp.

So, as you are pushed ahead by the firm water current, the scene underwater gets increasingly captivating. OMG!! You tell to yourself, this place is unarguably many-fold beautiful and alluring than possibly any place over the land. You then begin to question, Has nature been more liberal in bestowing its benevolence to the life under the Sea ?? May be YES…… You could be compelled to conclude.

20-30 minutes of this divine experience, has every reason to get embedded in your memory for this lifetime. At the end, as the Masks go off, expression of amazement was unmistakable on the faces of every participant.

Back on your boat, you are treated with some fresh Fruits and Coconut water. The motorman then turns the boat’s steering towards Paul Gauguin’s private Islet in anticipation of yet another enthralling and memorable experience.

Private Beach

As you reach near this Islet or the Motu Mahana, you see other guests, presumably back from their respective excursions and are now engrossed in various other activities.

Few lay Sun-Bathing on the chairs placed on white sand beach, while some are seen swinging their limbs over the sparkling clear waters, either snorkeling or swimming. Others are indulging themselves in rowing Kayak while the connoisseurs of liquor & wine stand near the floating Bar chatting and creating new acquaintances.

On the beach too there is an elaborate bar to wet the pallets of those who desire to remain dry and out of water. So merry making was all that is expected be here. The bonhomie couldn’t be missed among guests. To add to the enjoyment, a small troupe of talented local artists go around singing & dancing, entertaining every individual guest here.

Elaborate Barbeque lunch with dishes of exotic variety is then lavishly served to the guests. Satiated, it’s now time to return back to your Ship. The tender boat ensures all guests are back into the Ship, safe and secured.

Let’s not forget, Taha’a is reputed for its exceptional quality of Black Pearls. These are skillfully harvested in Pearl Farms around this place. So if you are interested, this is the best place for you to get your Pearl. I brought one for my-self and am happy that I did.

It’s now time to cruise towards the next destination….. the Famous, the Exotic, the mesmerizing … Island of “Bora Bora”.