Îles Du Vent

The trade winds steady the mast as the volcanic peaks of Tahiti and Moorea slice through the South Pacific clouds, framing a playground of deep blue channels and protected coral shallows. As someone who measures life in knots and salty decks, I always find that the Windward Islands demand respect from anyone pushing off from the dock. The currents shift around the reef passes with the tide, and knowing which side of the barrier reef to drop anchor makes all the difference between a rollicking night and a calm sleep under the southern cross. Why Îles du Vent Is Perfect for Water Tours # The Îles du Vent, encompassing Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Tetiaroa, and Mehetia, offer an intoxicating mix of open ocean swells and glass-flat lagoons that call out to sailors and swimmers alike. Out here, the fetch from the south brings rolling Pacific waves that test your sea legs, while the interior lagoons provide calm corridors for day trips. I love dropping the anchor inside the barrier reef where the water shifts from navy to neon turquoise in a matter of yards. The sheer geography of these islands creates wind funnels and current channels that dictate how you spend your time on the water.