Final instructions: “Pack light, meet at 2pm at Teahupoo”.
Pete, Tanyn and I were ready. We knew nothing about what was instore for the next 48 hours. Into the dry bag went the essentials: spray jacket, thermal, tea tree oil – that was it! A final wave from Jacko on the dock, and off we went, barefoot. 26 Tahitians, 2 Kiwis, 1 Aussie and an American.
From the end of the road, there are only two options of transport, by water or by foot. A short boat trip up the coastline transports you back in time, this is Tahiti, real Tahiti.
Dropped off at our accommodation, and it dawned on us we may have taken the “pack lightly” instructions a little too literally. Then again, we honestly thought we were sleeping in the bush, under the stars. Up until reading this, with some solid acting from Tano, Jacko still thinks we slept on the ground, our stitch up for him missing the adventure. Have a laugh for yourself, we’ve included the video at the bottom. Sorry Jacko!
An afternoon spent exploring our base for the next few days. For the aquatically inclined, we took to the water. When the ocean temp is 27 degrees, how could you not! Swimming and paddling our way around the pristine lagoons and shallow reefs, you feel as if you’ve found yourself in the world’s best fish tank. Simply breathtaking. A shared meal with new friends and a couple of hours spent stargazing on the dock. We were ready. The following day the adventure would begin.
We spent 2 days exploring. 2 days hiking through the rainforest, across streams and up valleys. 2 days exploring waterfalls and swimming in caves. 2 days paddling though untouched lagoons, open oceans and up rivers. 2 days getting drenched by downpours and sunburnt in the same 10 minutes. We were on a tropical island after all.
2 days spent in a state of awe, absolutely mind blown by the beauty of this island.
We had our fair share of laughs along the way, including a few bursts of nervous laughter when the local guide mentioned this was prime stonefish territory across the river mouths we found ourselves wading through, barefoot! The jelly sandals strapped to the base of everyone else’s feet suddenly made a lot more sense, they turn out to work a treat.
The scenery was exceptional; however, it was the company that made the adventure. Across the course of the 2 days, swapping stories, sharing laughter and the odd puzzled look as language barriers threw up some moments of confusion, it was the shared meals where the spirit of the adventure became apparent. 30 people, from all different backgrounds, united by a common love of the ocean.
That is the thing I love most about the Waterman Tahiti Tour: the people.
- Devon Halligan
@waterman_tahiti_tour @airtahitinui #lovetahiti