The map of Tupaia

PAHI (Tahitian for sailing boat)

The art of sailing without instruments in Polynesia

Western researchers have long underestimated the navigational skills of Polynesian sailors. However, it is now well established that the discovery of the islands, and in particular the more remote ones, was not the result of chance, but rather of an exploration strategy.

Without navigational aids, sailors were able to find their way around the immensity of the ocean to approach the islands.

Their astronomical knowledge enabled them to determine their route. They found their bearings by following the “rua” or “star paths”. In the intertropical zone, the stars rise in the east, move vertically at their zenith and set in the west. Navigators used a succession of guide stars which, as the night progressed, emerged from behind the horizon in the direction of the island to be reached or the area to be explored.

In cloudy weather, Polynesian sailors also knew how to determine their position by analyzing the direction of the swell and winds. The color of the sea, an indication of its depth, the flight of birds, plant debris on the surface of the water and the appearance of clouds were all used to locate nearby islands or archipelagos.

The map of Tupaia

Tupaia was a chief and priest from Raiatea who joined Captain Cook on his stopover in Tahiti in 1769. He guided Cook through the Society Islands to New Zealand, where he served as an intermediary with the Maoris, who understood his language and revered him as an ambassador.

Do you also dream of sailing our crystal-clear waters in Polynesia like Tupaia, or of admiring the immense starry sky before your very eyes, reflected in the lagoon? Join us on this 11-night itinerary designed just for you!

Where do we start? Let us guide you!

Your 11-night itinerary includes

• 1 night in Tahiti
• 3 nights in Moorea
• 3 nights aboard a catamaran entirely privatized for you
• 3 nights in Bora Bora
• 1 last night in Tahiti

Want to find out more? Follow in Tupaia’s footsteps!

Te Moana Tahiti Resort (1 night)

That’s it! Your first night in the gentle Polynesian lifestyle! We invite you into the heart of this chic, Polynesian 4**** hotel, with its infinity pool, motus perched above the lagoon and the sister island of Moorea in the background. You’ll get your first glimpse of Tupaia’s “rua” stars tonight!

Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

(3 nights) Like Tupaia, you’ve crossed the short sea distance between Tahiti and Moorea via ferry to arrive at this beautiful 4**** hotel. Three delightful nights await you, lounging in your private garden bungalow with pool.

And now it’s time to play the role of Tupaia!

You then took the plane from Moorea to Raiatea (35-minute flight) and our partner Tahiti Yacht Charter took you in hand to discover your catamaran, entirely privatized just for you!