Tahiti and the Pearls of French Polynesia
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices:
- On request
MODERATE | CRUISE: Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the islands of Tahiti by small ship including visits to Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, all sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons.
This 8-day cruise invites you to hop through the beautiful Islands of Tahiti, experiencing a more diverse taste of paradise. It begins in Papeete, capital of French Polynesia and the largest population centre on the island of Tahiti itself. Consider taking a day in Papeete before embarking, so you can experience Tahitian culture at its most robust and complex.
Your first port is French Polynesia’s most celebrated honeymoon island, Bora Bora. Characterised by its soaring volcanic peak, Otemanu, and perfect blue lagoon, this is the Tahiti of daydreams and tourist brochures alike. However, you’ll have a number of activities at your fingertips to explore the cultural side of Bora Bora, or meet its aquatic life up close.
If you really want to discover what Tahitian culture is about, your next port. Huahine may be your favourite. With the archipelago’s largest concentration of ancient temples, this is the history buff’s highlight of French Polynesia. You’ll even have the chance to feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. From here, it’s on to Taha’a, where sweet vanilla scents the air. Visit a traditional pearl farm and vanilla plantation before spending the afternoon snorkelling or swimming from a reef islet.
Across the lagoon, visit Raiatea, the legendary homeland of the ancient Polynesians. You’ll have the option of kayaking on French Polynesia’s only river, and visit the ancient temple Taputapuatea. Your final port is Moorea, the ‘Bali Hai’ of James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, which remains one of French Polynesia’s most popular honeymoon islands to this day. Enjoy optional excursions before a farewell dinner, then sail overnight to disembark back in Papeete.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Papeete, Tahiti
Embark the Panorama II in Papeete Port at 3pm. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, we will set sail for Moorea. Late evening arrival and overnight at anchor.
Moorea
This morning we are in Moorea, which is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai from James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific. Eight gargantuan mountain peaks rise from its magnificent lagoon, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from the western coast of Tahiti. Morning and afternoon optional half day excursions; a/ Dolphin watching expedition by Dr Poole’s biologist team b/ Culture Eco Tour. Late evening departure to Huahine.
Huahine
Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional half-day tour takes us around the island to visit the small villages of Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. Late night departure to Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.
Bora Bora
Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. Our ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center. In Bora Bora we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Safari by 4x4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon c) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Late night departure to Taha’a. Overnight at sea.
Taha'a
Early morning arrival in Taha'a, which shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea Island. The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional morning excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle, through the island of Taha’a to visit a pearl farm, a vanilla plantation and a rum factory. Discover the black pearl and the vanilla culture, two precious reasures of Taha’a. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or reef islet. Overnight in port.
Raiatea
Early in the morning we sail across the lagoon to reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. We will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) Morning tour with local truck to Marae Taputapuatea b) Morning or afternoon visit to Anapa Pearl farm. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in port.
Raiatea to Papeete
This morning, discover the local market of Raiatea or join our optional Faaroa river and Motu Beach break excursion. After lunch, we sail to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
Papeete, Tahiti
Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: March to December: Select Fridays
2024: Jan 5; Feb 2; Mar 22; Apr 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 13; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 29; Dec 6, 13
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning
- Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain's Dinner
- Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day
- Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
- English-Speaking Cruise Escort
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquir
13 Dec 2024