Adventures Anchorages French Polynesia Sailing Society Islands Videos

A Stranger In The Jungle

Nikki Wynn

Jun 30, 2019 — 2 min read

Sailing deeper into the bay our view narrowed, the jagged mountains inched closer and the waters muddied. We could see the wide mouth of the river and our hearts began to beat a little faster. It looks like the amazon river of the South Pacific.

We grab our gear, jump into our trusty Minion and set off into the jungle looking for an adventure.

Spoiler alert, we find it and a nice man with a machete too.

This is what I dreamed sailing around the world would be like. Setting off into the world with curiosity as our guide and mother nature as our compass. Talking to strangers and accepting hospitality without fear or reservations. Giving and receiving.

In reality, every day isn’t filled with exploration or meeting locals who are bursting at the seams to share their way of life with you.

We meet lovely people all the time but this is the 21st century. People are busy (even on small islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen. It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a real conversation. Going the extra mile to get to know someone…well, it’s a commitment. One we were open to making on this day and so was James.

A brief friendship for the day but a memory for life.

Want to meet James?

We couldn’t find any official information on the river other than a few sailors who had also ventured up. We motored up and paddled down. After talking to James though, he said the locals prefer no engines on the river. So, if you choose to venture up in your dinghy try to paddle or perhaps a SUP or kayak would be ideal. But if you’re not into paddling, James will give you a personal tour of his river, for a very small fee. You can call him to schedule. James: 87 35 95 31

river guide james in raiatea french polynesia

jason wynn getting a tour from a local in raiatea french polynesia

nikki wynn getting a tour from a local in raiatea french Polynesia

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