Matavai Bay

Matavai Bay is steeped in history — this is where Captain Cook and the early European explorers first dropped anchor off Tahiti's north coast, making it one of the most historically significant anchorages in the Pacific. The bay sits against a dramatic backdrop of lush green mountains tumbling toward black-sand shores, with the commune of Mahina nearby. Just be aware that west and southwesterly winds can make conditions here seriously uncomfortable, so keep an eye on the forecast before you commit.