Low winds were predicted for a few days so we decided to head to the east side of Taha’a.  Last year we anchored near Ilot Moute where a small 8 room resort called La Pirog called home.  Remembering it as a beautiful location, we decided to go back with our friends Jolly Dogs.

On the way over, our friends on Sea Jay (Chris and Fred) texted and asked where we were headed so they could meet up with us.  We had not seen them since we were in Tahanea well over 4-5 months ago.  Which is cruising terms seems like a lifetime.

Before we left, Baie Tapuamu we zipped over to the market to pick up some fresh bread and eggs.  We dropped the mooring and motored the 14 hours which took us three hours.

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La Pirog API Resort

Our friends on Sea Jay, Fred and Chris wanted to have lunch at the little 8-room resort called La Pirog API.  Normally we would shy away from eating meals at resorts because they are expensive and usually not worth it, but we could not resist this time.  Last year we had tried to have lunch or dinner here but management would not let us dine with the guests.  Check out our post from last year.

This year the resort is under new management and they allowed us onshore for drinks, lunch and dinner.  Sea Jay picked us up and we headed to the very small Ilot Moute.

The island is really, really small.  You could walk around it in less than 15 minutes.  But it is so darn cute!  They have fun signs posted all over the place.   As you pull in to the dinghy dock, you are greeted by the sign that reads “You are now entering a stress-free zone.”  All guests arrive by boat from Raiatea.  The have a weather telling sign, and a wifi sign as well.

We were greeted at the dock and walked up to the thatch roofed restaurant.  Each table had a fresh bouquet of flowers, a hand carved outrigger was nestled in the corner and a soft breeze kissed our faces as we enjoyed a nice meal.

From the restaurant you can see the small beach and lounge area with bar.

Super fun afternoon.  We can’t make a habit of eating out like this, but every once in awhile it is a special treat.

Exploring Neighboring Motus

There are a few other small motus around Ilot Moute.  So, we decided to go explore them.  The first stop is Ilot Mahavana which is a stone throw away from Ilot Atara.  We arrived first at Ilot Mahavana which was a really clean, well maintained motu.  Surprise surprise!  The water was really shallow between the two motus.  Super pretty little motu with a sandy beach all around it and beautiful palm trees providing shady spots.  You can easily walk out to the reef and look out to the ocean.

           

We found a really nice and well-made structure.  We assume this building is used by charter boats to feed their guests lunch.  There was a separate facility with three toilets and multiple sinks.  In addition, there were several nice seating areas overlooking the bay.

Ilot Atara was a different story. Totally unkempt and not maintained at all.  Coconuts and palm fronds everywhere.  Making it a little challenging to explore.

We had fun playing on the reef and outer edge.  Looking at all the sea life below.

We then headed to another rock with a corroded structure.  This is not big enough to be called a motu.  We think locals come here for the weekend and just toss a tarp over the rebar.  Just past the rock is a huge fish trap.  We found a trapped spotted stingray and tried to help him get out.  Unfortunately, we just could not persuade him to leave.  Poor thing. 

We had Fred and Chris over for dinner as we are going our separate ways tomorrow.  We may not see them for a year or two.

Matt’s Drone Shots

The water is so pretty here that we decided to break out the drone.  Jolly Dogs and Sea Jay are here with us, but we are spread out enough that we don’t crowd each other.

Depending on how you angle the drone you can make it look like we are all by ourselves.

And a great shot of Sugar Shack from straight above.

Events of this blog occurred around 8-12 September 2020.  Our blog runs 6-8 weeks behind our adventures.