We were a bit hesitant to visit Maupiti as we had heard that entering the pass could be harrowing in the wrong conditions (SE – SW winds and/or sea swell greater than 2 m).
But we really wanted to see Maupiti because of rave reviews from our friends on SV Silhouette and SV Full Monty who had visited there before us. So we waited (and waited) for the right weather window.
It finally came in mid-August!
We entered the Maupiti pass in NW winds and 1.5 m swell. It was so straightforward that we don’t even want to share the uneventful Go-Pro video that we took of the entry by strapping the camera to Amandla’s bow pulpit.
Maupiti was well worth facing our fears and going for it.
Although only 50 km from Bora Bora, it feels as remote as The Marquesas or The Gambiers.
The Maupiti economy is poorer than those of the other Society Islands we had visited, but what it lacked in monetary wealth Maupiti made up for in the richness of its landscapes, seas and people.
Just Inside The Pass
Unlike Bora Bora, there are no major hotels here although there are a sprinkling of Pensions.
After we got settled, we enjoyed walks along Motu Tiapa’a and a (steep) hike up Mount Te Uru Faatiu
Image Courtesy The Captain
There was so much more to enjoy but we needed to continue on to Suwarrow, so after a few days we sadly left Maupiti.
The exit was a bit more challenging with 2.5 meters of swell and a 5 knot outgoing current, but it was certainly easier for us than for the yachts that were arriving as we left. I will share the Go-Pro video on our YouTube channel when the Captain is done editing it.
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** Submitted to The Leisure Link 22 June 2015 **
Great post and awesome pictures, Lisa! Even though that pass seems a bit sketchy at all times – you can’t even tell that it is a catamaran coming in when you guys left, and there is white water in the photo you took from the mountain – I am trying to convince Mark we should be able to time it right. You really made me want to go to Maupiti. The place looks very special and beautiful!
Thank you so much for your lovely compliment. Maupiti is truly worth it and totally possible in the right weather window. The stories we heard (from cruisers we did not know) before we went had us quite horrified. It was the stories that we heard from cruisers we knew personally that made us go for it and in the end it was painless and wonderful. The secret is be in no rush to get there from Bora Bora and no rush to get out. Just wait for the right weather!
Cheering you on, Lisa. I love the exotic places you’re visiting, and I’m glad I get to visit them vicariously!
It’s great to be sailing virtually with you Marjorie! And thanks for linking me back in with the old LFHS gang via FB. ⛵️
How beautiful! How lucky you are to see all these lovely things. Feeling a little more jealous than normal as I sit here on this damp, grey, cold summer’s day 🙂
Agreed! I am very, very lucky Karen! I hope you enjoy a sunny summer’s day again soon, but knowing how your weather is there, you may have to wait awhile :-).
You will see in my subsequent post on Suwarrow (http://lisadorenfest.com/2014/09/17/suwarrow/) that we spent an extended period of time in the rain while visiting there, but we are now enjoying lovely weather again in Samoa.
Lisa, these photos are just beautiful and I am so glad you posted these on The Leisure Link!
Thank you Terri! I am so glad that you started The Leisure Link. It’s a pleasure to see how others are embracing Leisure! Plus, you are a very well organized host!
Oh thank you, Lisa! I’m not sure what I will do if it gets real popular with 100s of link ups 🙂
I am looking forward to you getting to that point. You’ll have to hire a staff 🙂
Beautiful photos, Lisa! Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings for more exciting and leisurely times,
Marianne
You are wonderful to say so Marianne! Thank you for your compliments and blessings.
I love the story of traveling to such a remote and exotic location. The color of the water there is just incredible!
Am delighted that you enjoyed the story and the colors Michele. The last time I saw such blue was in the Bahamas, but I wasn’t into photography at the time so I only have memories. It was great to have a second chance at ‘The Blue’ in Maupiti.
Hi Lisa! I just found your site over on the Leisure Linkup and had to check it out when I saw the photo. I didn’t know where Maupiti was until I saw that you said it was close to Bora Bora. I have a very fond memory of jetskiiing with my husband around the island. Thanks for the memory AND the beautiful photos.
Wonderful to meet you Kathy! Isn’t Bora Bora wonderful? I am delighted that you enjoyed the the photographs and they evoked pleasant memories.