Surf, kite, SUP, dive and sail your way through one of the most beautiful and untouched tropical paradises in the world – The Tuamotu Archipelago located in French Polynesia.
This trip is not just a kiteboarding trip, it’s an ADVENTURE! There is no better way to explore the Tuamotu Archipelago than by boat. In the Tuamotus you need a boat to go and do anything so why not base your trip on one? If you like where you’re at, just drop the anchor and launch your kite off of the stern of the boat and kite over the crystal clear waters.
There’s no shortage of activities and entertainment in the Tuamotus – you’re either kiting, surfing, snorkeling, diving, or fishing there’s always something going on.
“If you were looking for a place that defines radness for our sport, look no further than these remote atolls in the Tuamotus”
Available Dates:
This is a custom made trip. Dates are booked based on client and boat of choice’s availability. Send Reo a message to inquire for options bookings.
Best time of year for wind is May through September.
Due to the high demand of this trip as well as a very limited option of boats in the area, THESE TRIPS BOOK UP A YEAR IN ADVANCE – BE SURE TO BOOK YOUR TRIP SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
Boat Options:
Boat bookings are made with DMA Yachting – a yacht broker who will help you find the best boat option for you and your guest. Private charters only, we do not sell per cabin.
Because a trip is only as fun as the people you are with, we have a few boats that we recommend using as their crew aline with our goals – kitesurfing and having adventurous fun. Below are a few boats that we have worked with in the past that have great crew, amazing food and great vibes that will guarantee this is a trip that you will never forget.
Recommended boats – S.V. Joy
Luxury and comfort – Joy is a 77ft Lagoon catamaran w/ 3 guest suites and will accommodate up to 8 guest. Joy was our clients boat of choice for the 2021 season and will be returning to French Polynesia for the 2023 season.
Recommended boats – S.V. Discovery aka “The Cabrinha Quest”
Very few kiters in the world have not heard about the legendary boat Discovery. Known through the years as “The best odyssey” or “The Cabrinha Quest, Discovery is a 57ft Lagoon with 3 guest cabins that will accommodate 6 guest.
Trip Options:
Trip Option #1 Fakarava to Rangiroa
If you really enjoy the sailing aspect of these trips, this is THE trip for you! We start on the atoll of Fakarava and finishes on Rangiroa. Fakarava is one of the largest circular reefs in the world and gets a few dozen tourists who come for the world-class diving a year- if that. On our way from Fakarava to Rangiroa we will be passing through the atoll of Apataki, while continuing onward to Rangiroa. Apataki offers it’s own set of offshore winds with smooth water kiting locations and did I forget to mention the lady we met with a pet shark?!?
Rangiroa is really the only island in the Tuamotu that gets any real tourists, being the second largest circular reef in the world- there’s plenty of reason for this. But even with the other tourists there you won’t even notice them from the decks of the Catamaran- they are all tucked away in their luxury bungalows on the one thin strip of land that actually rises a few feet above sea level. Poor sods. Two of the most famous diving passes are within minutes of the airport.
Trip Option #2 Rangiroa to Tikehau
Starting the trip in the second largest atoll in the world gives you the majority of your trip spent in the calm waters of Rangiroa’s lagoon. Slowly making our way to the SE corner where pink sand sandbars wait for you to kite over. After Rangiroa, we take the quick 3hr open ocean crossing to nearby Tikehau. The open ocean crossing gives us the chance at some pelagic fishing. We had 4 lines out on our way into the pass and landed 3 gorgeous yellowfin tuna. Tikeahu is also where we got to experience one of the highlights of last season – swimming the pass with Manta rays – BIG ONES!
All of these trips are a superb, ideal, and an amazing itinerary- highly recommended!
“If you are lucky enough to get aboard a boat in French Polynesia, it’s a rare opportunity to experience the raw tranquility of the Pacific islands. The real advantage of this trip are the combined skills of watermen like Reo who have spent years chasing pristine conditions in the most remote atolls in the world. Reo and the rest of the crew will drop you right into the best spots to fully enjoy the experience. The photos and memories will stay with you long after you step off the boat.”
– Nick Ricket (Tuamotus 2017)
Want to see what the previous trips were like?
2021 Trip on S.V. Joy
2017 Tuamotu Kiteboarding Adventure Gallery
Getting There:
International flight to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) on Air Tahiti Nui from LAX/USA/European Connections, United Airlines from SFO and Hawaiian Air from Honolulu then domestic on Air Tahiti to/from the Tuamotu Islands.
No wind activities:
During peak season, the winds are extremely consistent, however down days can happen, but flat days can be just as rewarding and fun and honestly you don’t get to fully enjoy everything the Tuamotus has to offer if you spend the whole time kiteboarding. The diving is the best in the world with 100 hundred foot visibility and flourishing underwater reef and fish, fishing is more known as “catching” and the scenery never gets old – You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be in the Tuamotus.
Tuamotu FAQs
Do I need travel insurance?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! With only access to one or two small medical clinics in the Tuamotus and Tahiti being your closest point of any “real” medical care, we highly recommend travel insurance. You will need a plan that covers medical emergencies and transport, trip cancellation, travel changes, loss of property and luggage. We recommend a comprehensive cover to ensure you’re protected.
Maximum number of guest per week?
8 (2 guest per Cabin) Minimum of 3 cabins sold to guarantee trip.
Phones?
Satellite Telephone calls will be $2.50 a minute.
Internet?
Don’t count on it! The Tuamotu Archipelago is rather remote group of atolls and internet can be hard to find and isn’t always reliable even when you do find a “hotspot”
Air Temperature?
Temperatures will generally reach highs of around 29°C or 84°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 25°C, or 77°F. The average daily relative humidity is around 75%.
Water Temperature?
Ocean temperatures averages around 27°C, or 81°F
Do you need a wetsuit?
Not typically, but if you get cold easily we recommend bringing wetsuit top or a spring suit. Normally a 1-2mm top will keep you warm for the early morning surfs/kites and a spring suit will keep you warm for diving.
Strength of wind?
It can be any strength, but normally about 15-20knots. 8m – 12m kites depending on rider’s weight.
Do I need kitesurfing experience?
No, but if you do want to kite, we require you to be able to confidently stay upwind. No Beginner lessons will be given.
Can you ride a twin tip?
Absolutely, The Tuamotu atolls offers a variety of conditions and if you like riding a twin tip, bring it!
What are the waves like?
Fast and hollow, although there are mellower days we’d recommend being a capable surfer.
What should I pack?
Boardshorts, Bikinis, Beach Towels and Sunscreen! As well as anything else that you think you would like for a week on the beach. The evenings can get a little chilly on the trampoline, but a simple sweatshirt should keep you warm.
What kind of equipment will be supplied?
You will be required to bring your own equipment.
Can you ask for vegetarian meals when booking?
Yes, we can cater to a range of dietary restrictions, just ask.
Do I need booties?
It’s a good idea if you want to surf or kite when it’s shallow on the reef.
