Aerial View of the Lagoon of Tetiaroa - Tahiti Tourisme © Tahiti Fly Shoot

SHORT BREAK

Two days at Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa, Marlon Brando’s atoll

Tetiaroa is famous for belonging to Marlon Brando, who bought the atoll after falling in love with it during the filming of ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ in the 1960s. There are several motu on the atoll, which is a small paradise. it is easily accessible from Tahiti as only 50 km separate it from Papeete. Two days on Tetiaroa in a catamaran is sure to be a trip that you’ll never forget.

©Panoramic View of Tetiaroa - Tahiti Tourisme|Tahiti Fly Shoot

After a three-hour crossing, during which you might well encounter some whales in the right season, a vision of paradise will begin to emerge from the blue ocean. You’ve arrived at Tetiaroa. To get inside the lagoon, you’ll have to cross the reef in a dinghy, which is more of an amusing than dangerous exploit. Once you’re on the atoll, you can explore the remains of the ancient village on one of the motu and spend the rest of your time swimming and snorkeling in the warm water of the lagoon.

After a traditional Polynesian lunch, it’s time to explore a little. A stroll through the coconut grove on motu Rimatu’u leads to a freshwater lake. And on the other side of the atoll, there’s a superb natural swimming pool, directly opposite the famous Bird island. It is possibly the most beautiful small lagoon in The Islands of Tahiti, with crystal clear turquoise water worthy of the Tuamotu Islands.

After your swim, you can walk directly across the lagoon and then stroll around the edge of Bird Island. There are about fifteen species of bird that nest on the islet, and as you can tell from the noise, they nest in great numbers! Observe them from the water’s edge and take as many photos as you like. But don’t venture onto the motu itself. Bird Island is a nature reserve and nobody is allowed to set foot on the islet.

View from Drone over the Lagoon of Tetiaroa - Tahiti Tourisme © Tahiti Fly Shoot

Back to the catamaran to toast the sunset with an apéritif or two. Then there’s fish on the menu as you listen to the captain’s stories about Tetiaroa and the other islands. If his tales aren’t amusing enough, remind him of what happened to Captain Bligh!

Day 2

There are several activities on the program for your second day; relaxing on the sandy shore of motu Rimatu’u, fishing with the crew of the catamaran and going off on your own to explore the atoll like a shipwrecked Robinson Crusoe. Lunch will be served on the catamaran and then you’ll have to bid farewell to this beautiful spot…until the next time! And once again, on the way back keep an eye out for whales from July to November and dolphins at any time of year.