Tahiti, The Society & Tuamotu Islands
Join us on board our 11-night sailing, roundtrip from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Uncover the islands of two archipelagos by small ship. Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa, Tikehau, and Makatea - islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. Island hopping allows you to see every landscape, from geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desert-like atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass.
Day 1 – Papeete Port - Society Island
Papeete,Tahiti (1PM - 2PM).
Maeva [mah-yeh-vah] - that’s welcome in Tahitian, and we extend a very warm welcome to you on our French Polynesia cruise. Settle in and meet your crew and cabin mates, we begin by setting sail for Bora Bora this evening. Overnight at sea.
Day 2 – Bora Bora - Bora Bora lagoon - Mount Otemanu
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. Over the following two days, we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as:
a) A Bora Bora Cultural Tour by 4x4;
b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and open-air Lagoon Aquarium exploration;
c) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more.
Overnight at anchor.
Day 3 – Bora Bora lagoon - Taha'a
We continue our Bora Bora activities. After lunch we cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to nearby Taha'a, a true botanical paradise. 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 half-day excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle. Taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise waters of Ha'amene Bay. This excursion also includes a visit to a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or atoll. Overnight at anchor.
Day 4 - Taha'a - Raiatea
In the morning we sail across the lagoon and 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. Our morning optional excursion will introduce you to the highlights of Raiatea. Meet your guide for an informative & intimate tour by minibus. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa -- the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, you will see Mount Temehani -- endemic home to the Tiare Apetahi. Our highlight stop is at the main ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, recently became a UN?SCO protected site – your guide will cover the origins & history of this famous landmark. Here, we will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. Optional afternoon tour includes an exploration by kayak of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. Overnight at anchor.
Day 5 – Raiatea - Huahine
Morning sailing to 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 full-day tour takes us by 4x4 vehicle around the island to visit the small villages of Fare and 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. Evening sailing to Makatea, overnight at sea.
Day 6 – Makatea
The island of Makatea is like no other found in French Polynesia. It is not a coral atoll but rather a raised island of coral. The limestone cliffs tower over the coast and the island’s interior shows significant vegetation, complete with a few species of endemic birds and a peculiar expanse of limestone holes. Today, this sleepy but spectacular island is home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the beautiful Makatea fruit dove, the impressive imperial pigeon, and the comely appearing singer extraordinaire, the reed warbler. Our half-day optional tour will take us across this unique island to a magnificent beach with rockpools to explore before we visit an incredible grotto. Swimming deeper inside the grotto, this underwater cave system will slowly open out to reveal a spectacular watery cathedral, full of weird and wonderful stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight at sea.
Day 7 – Rangiroa
Morning arrival in Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and one of the largest in the world. One of the best destinations for scuba diving, Rangiroa is composed of 240 islets, more than 110 miles, encompassing a deep lagoon. Our optional excursion will take us to the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool formed by islets and reefs within the central lagoon. At only 16 feet deep, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and observing the vast assortment of marine life. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor.
Day 8 - Rangiro
RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
This morning enjoy our optional Dolphins in Tiputa Pass excursion which will allow you to interact with these joyful mammals. Overnight at anchor.
Day 9 - Rangiroa - Tikehau
Think of an island paradise. No, really think and dream about it. We bet it comes with pristine turquoise lagoons, long stretches of white-sand beaches, and is adorned with jewel-like flowers such as bougainvillaea and hibiscus. Tick, tick and tick for Tikehau. Oh - but add some pink sand to your picture too. Tiny white and pink sand islets surround a lagoon and are engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Idle time away lounging on the colourful sands or exploring the marine life which - according to legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau - has a higher concentration of fish than any other in French Polynesia. Today’s optional tour is to Tuherahera where most islanders live, and to a family-owned fish farm to learn about their intriguing - and successful - process. Afternoon sail to Tetiaroa.
Day 10 - Tetiaroa - Mo'orea
Tetiaroa is long- treasured among Tahitians, indeed it was once an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It’s not hard to see why, or why Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the 1960 filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty” and went on to buy the island, developing it into a luxury eco-resort that continues to operate today. Yes, this is a private island resort but we have special access to spend the morning here. Spend time exploring the lagoons and the islet of Tahuna Iti (Birds’ Island), a national reserve for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaetons, and more. Afternoon sailing and evening arrival at Mo’orea.
Day 11 - Mo'orea
MO'OREA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
With mountain peaks rising from its lagoon, Mo'orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai in Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener. Join our morning snorkelling and ray tour and our afternoon nature and culture tour to learn about the history of the island and her ancient remains, as well as taste the island’s fruity flavours at the juice factory. Come evening, gather together for one last dinner - our signature Captain’s Farewell Dinner. Overnight at anchor.
Day 12 - Papeete port - Tahiti
This morning we’ll have an early sail back to Papeete, Tahiti. We invite you to join us for the final breakfast on board at 9AM before disembarkation.
