17:32.36S 149:34.16W

We arrived at Tahiti at daybreak after an excellent passage with a moderate wind all the way.  After calling up the harbour master for permission to enter the harbour, we made our way over to the Marina de Papeete, located right in the centre of the town.  Cruising friends were there to greet us and take our lines and we were all tucked up in no time at all.  After enjoying some remote anchorages we were looking forward to exploring the capital of the French Polynesia archipelago and being right in the thick of things was just perfect for us.

We were pleased to find ourselves in a clean and vibrant place, safe to walk around at night and lots of things going on.  July is the time of year for the Heiva Festival and we were really fortunate to be around for its final week (see subsequent posts...).  What’s more, the wonderful daily produce market is a mere 5 minutes walk from the boat.  Bliss!

Arriving at Tahiti:

Sites around Papeete:

The Marina and further along the waterfront the Memorial Site for the Nuclear Testing carried out between 1966 and 1996 on the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa:

The Cathedral:

The Presidential Palace and War Memorial on Avenue Pouvanaa a Oopa:

The Market:

The Town Hall and the Protestant Temple:

And lots of interesting and colourful Street Art: