Wednesday, March 26 - PAPEETE, TAHITI
Departure 8:00 pm
Papeete is the center of the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti - an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. A wonderful lagoon of crisp, clear water begs to be snorkeled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax and settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life in this Polynesian paradise.
Thursday, March 27 - FAKARAVA, TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival12:00 PM
Departure 7:00 PM
Fakarava is oblong shaped and has an almost continuous string of reef and motu stretching for 40 km (25 mi) on its eastern edge. It's the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls, located 450 km (280 mi) northeast of Tahiti, and 120 km (75 mi) southeast of Rangiroa. It's renowned for the drift diving in its two passes - Garuae (also spelled Ngarue) in the north near the main town of Rotoava (and the airport) and Tamakohua Pass, 48 km (30 mi) across the lagoon in the south. The tiny village of Tetamanu, situated by the southern pass, was once the capital of the Tuamotus and housed the first church built in the archipelago in 1874. In 2006 the entire atoll was deemed a UNESCO biosphere reserve; to preserve the lagoon no overwater bungalows have been built. Fakarava was "discovered" by Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb Von Bellingshausen in 1820; some 20 years later missionaries arrived, in the guise of fanatical Catholic priest Honore Laval, and began building churches.
1 Included Shore Excursion
Favkavara Island Self Exploration (Activity Level - Moderate)
Friday, March 28 - DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've meant to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring the shore-side.
Saturday, March 29 - ATUONA - HIVA OA, MARQUESAS ISLAND, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 12:00 pm
Departure 11:00 pm
The largest of the southern islands, Hiva Oa, the master pillar or final post of the 'Great House' - which represents the Marquesan archipelago in the local mythology - has always been the rival of Nuku Hiva. The island is shaped like a seahorse and has a mountain range running southwest to northeast whose main peaks, Mt. Temetiu and Mt. Feani form a real wall around Atuona. Atuona, a peaceful little port at the head of the Taaoa Bay, also known as Traitors Bay, has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being at least the resting place of Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage. In the village, the Gauguin Museum displays items related to the painter's stay there at the beginning of the century and has copies of his works.
1 Included Shore Excursion
Sunday, March 30 - NUKU HIVA, MARQUESAS ISLAND, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 6:00 PM
Think of French Polynesia and you are automatically transported to the white sands of Tahiti, the blue seas of Bora Bora, or, at the very least, the iconic statues of Easter Island. Now, imagine a place that is home to that majestic trinity, but has no crowds and is full of island authenticity that is rare in these global times. You have just imagined Nuku Hiva. The island is the second largest after Tahiti in the archipelago but is yet to be discovered by tourism. As part of the Marquesas Islands, Nuku Hiva is technically French, but don't expect to find blue and white striped shirts here! Even though French is the island's " official " language, a sing-song Tahitian dialect mixed with Marquesan is more widely spoken. The younger generations also speak English. Undeniably, Nuku Hiva has been blessed by the gods. With towering mountains, eight magnificent harbors, and one of the world's highest waterfalls, Nuku Hiva is rich with Mother Nature's jewels. The island could lay claim to a great many claims to fame, such as its deep, unpolluted waters, its lush forests bursting with vitality, or its fascinating assortment of archaeological interests including tikis (sacred statues) and pae pae (stone platforms that forced the foundations of houses). Yet for those in the know, the island's primary claim to fame is that author Herman Melville deserted his ship to live among the natives of the land, and his experiences on Nuku Hiva inspired his books Typee and Omoo.
1 Included Shore Excursion
Monday, March 31 - DAY AT SEA
Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve meant to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring the shore side.
Tuesday, April 1 - RANGIROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 8:00 PM
Departure 6:00 PM
Rangiroa is French Polynesia's largest atoll. More than 400 Motu (islets) enclose the lagoon, which is so wide and long that one cannot see the southern row of motu from the two main islets in the north - hence the local name Rangiroa meaning wide or long sky, sometimes taken as "immense sky." There are several passes from the ocean into the lagoon, and the two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa are located next to the passes of the same names. Drift diving and snorkeling the incoming tides looking for sharks and manta rays at these passes is one of Rangiroa's main touristic draws. Government jobs, ecotourism, and pearl farming are the main sources of income on the atoll. The lagoon's calm turquoise waters, rich marine underwater world, and relaxed atmosphere attract visitors, year-round to the many local guesthouses and a few hotels. Avatoru and Tiputa also feature schools for the other Tuamoto Islands, which have no higher education possibilities. One of Rangiroa's most unusual attractions is the white and rose wine produced on the islet immediately west of Avatoru - the wine has won several awards.
3 Included Shore Excursions
Black Pearl Farm Visit (Activity Level - Minimal)
Rangiroa Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (Activity Level - Minimal)
Snorkeling at the Natural Aquarium (Activity Level - Extensive)
Wednesday, April 2 - BORA BORA (SOCIETY ISLANDS), FRENCH POLYNESIA (Overnight)
Arrival 12: 30 PM
If you have ever dreamt up your ideal island holiday, we suspect it goes, something like this: Soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees, and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check, and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, first-time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway less than 12 m2 in the heart of the South Pacific has been toping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners - spectacularly romantic sunsets are a specialty - Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world's most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua Safaris will charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora's lush Interland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Ba) are a must. Bora Bora's peaceful ambiance has not always been the case. The island was a US supply base, known as "Operation Bobcat" during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment, and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of, which is still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vav'u in ancient times. This supports the belief that the island was colonized by Tongans, before the French annex in 1888.
2 Included Shore Excursions
Bora Bora by Local Truck (Activity Level - Moderate)
Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (Activity Level - Minimal)
5 Selected Shore Excursions
Off-Road Island Adventure (Activity Level - Moderate)
Blue Lagoon & Motu Picnic (Activity Level - Minimal)
Shark & Ray Snorkeling Adventure (Activity Level - Extensive)
Thursday, April 3 - BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS, FRENCH POLYNESIADeparture 11:00 PM
2 Included Shore Excursions
Bora Bora by Local Truck (Activity Level - Moderate)
Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (Activity Level - Minimal)
7 Selected Shore Excursions
Off-Road Island Adventure (Activity Level - Moderate)
Blue Lagoon & Motu Picnic (Activity Level - Minimal)
Shark & Ray Snorkeling Adventure (Activity Level - Extensive)
Bora Bora Aqua Safari (Activity Level - Extensive)
Land & Sea Discovery (Activity Level - Extensive)
Aquabike Adventure (Activity Level - Moderate)
Private Tahitian Soirée, Legends Telling & Stargazing (Activity Level - Moderate)
Friday, April 4 - RAIATEA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 10:00 PM
Known as the "Sacred Island," Raiatea is a fascinating haunt for archaeologists and historians as it's one of the islands in the Pacific where Polynesia culture can trace its roots. Visitors will find many of the older Polynesian structures still in place and are fascinating places to explore. In the 16th century, Raiatea developed a powerful cult dedicated to Oro the God of War, and built a large meeting ground, the Taputaputea Marae, which is still intact. Human sacrifice was practiced until around the middle of the 18th century and visitors should look for the sacrificial stone. Several tour operators run visits to the marae (ancient temples) along with some degree of informed commentary - although in fairness Polynesian storytelling can embellish things a little. The Faaroa River is the only navigable waterway in French Polynesia and it can be traveled by powerboat or outrigger canoe. Running through the Faaroa Gorge it passes some spectacular scenery with steep-walled jungle foliage holding dozens of bird species and wild hibiscus. Trekking up Mount Temehani, a well-known landmark, said to be, Oro's birthplace, is relatively demanding. Keep a lookout for the rare, five-petal tiare apetahi. Said to be impossible to grow anywhere else, this white, indigenous flower can only be found above 1,300 feet (396 meters). Look, but don't touch. It's against the law to pick them.
2 Included Shore Excursions
Marae Taputaputatea by 'Le Truck' (Activity Level - Moderate)
Polynesian Cultural Experience (Activity Level - Minimal)
3 Selected Shore Excursions
Faaroa River Cruise & Motu Beach Break (Activity Level - Moderate)
Faaroa River Kayaking (Activity Level - Extensive)
Apetahi Raiatea Island Adventure (Activity Level - Moderate)
Saturday, April 5 - MOOREA ISLAND, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 8:00 AM
Departure 11:59 PM
Moorea is an elevated mountainous island with two nearly symmetrical bays on the north coast. The island's triangular shape has been likened to a heart or a bat. Eight mountain peaks reaching a height of up to 1,207 meters give Moorea a very rugged silhouette. The reef surrounding the island encloses a narrow lagoon - a RAMSAR Wetland - and has barely any motu (reef islets). Sharks and rays are some of the lagoon's attractions. The island is only one-eighth the size of neighboring Tahiti and has a more relaxed lifestyle. A road leads around Moorea, passing small villages with their churches, and resorts and smaller hotels mainly found on the north coast. A detour into the interior will show large pineapple plantations, French Polynesia's only agricultural school, ancient marae (stone platforms), and splendid views of the island from Belvedere above Cook's Bay. Many of the 18,000 residents work in Tahiti, taking one of the ferries ply between Vaiare on the east coast and Papeete. This led to Papeete being one of France's busiest ports in passenger volume. Foreign visitors either come into Temae airport, tucked in between the Green Pearl golf course and Temae's public beach, or by ship entering one of the two bays on the north coast. Both bays are connected to Captain Cook's visit in 1777: he stayed in Opunohu Bay, but to honor him, Pao Pao Bay has been named Cook's Bay.
4 Included Shore Excursions
Island Drive & Belvedere Viewpoint (Activity Level - Minimal)
Four-Wheel-Drive Island Discovery (Activity Level - Extensive)
Dolphin Watch with Dr. Poole (Activity Level - Minimal)
Moorea Eco-Cultural Experience (Activity Level - Minimal)
4 Selected Shore Excursions
Motu Island & Snorkelling Adventure (Activity Level - Extensive)
Belvedere Guided E-Bike Tour (Activity Level - Physically Fit)
Moorea Culinary Experience & Cook Lab (Activity Level - Moderate)
Moorea Motu Island Beach Day (Activity Level - Extensive)
Sunday, April 6 - PAPEETE (TAHITI), FRENCH POLYNESIA
Arrival 5:00 AM
After enjoying breakfast onboard; either bid farewell to Tahiti or prolong your stay for a few extra days. The choice is yours to make your journey even more memorable!