smithtribesailing: Tahiti

At first impression Tahiti is not what you expect it to be. It is not beaches with palm trees blowing in the tropical breeze, but rather the largest city of civilization since Panama City some 4000 miles and 5 months ago!

Layla

There is a busy port with ferries running to and fro, an international airport on the waters edge and of course Mac Donalds! Many shops and huge supermarkets with such an array of food choices that we were not quite sure where to look at first are to be found in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.

Layla looking out for airplanes as we sail past the airport in Tahiti

Welcome in our wake

Layla looking on at the bungalow hotel rooms over the water

We entered the main pass of Papeete and motored around passed the airport to anchor off Tahina Yacht Club. Quite a bit of socializing took place here in Tahiti, a couple of bars and restaurants and of course internet. We stocked up at the Carrefour Supermarket and caught up with a couple of friends (almost everyone stops in Tahiti). We also had the good fortune of meeting Laurant and Matu of Super Yacht Services, who happen to be not only efficient, but also a lot of fun! If you need something done in Tahiti, Laurant is the man.

Rourke, Sky and Layla

Layla at the market in Papeete

me checking out the local stuff

Chris and Rourke checking out the spearguns and knives, of course!

Layla strolling on the Promenade in Papeete

Tahiti consists of two islands joined together...We were offered a car by a friend and drove from Tahiti Nui (large) to Tahiti Iti (small) along the only road that runs along the oceans edge.