Tahiti, The Society & Tuamotu Islands

Join us for a 10-night round trip sailing from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Discover the islands of two archipelagos on a 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 takes you to every landscape, from geometric ridges with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desert-like atolls with lagoons that outsize the land masses.

There are many sides to The Islands of Tahiti. Yet they are all connected by Mana. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds us. You can see it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it.

Day By Day

Day 1 

Papeete Port/Tahiti, Society Islands

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. Make yourself comfortable and meet your crew and cabin mates. In the evening, we set sail for Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.

Day 2 & 3

Bora Bora, Society Islands

In the morning, we set sail to Bora Bora Lagoon where you may feel like you’ve woken in a dream. In many respects you have, these are some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. We’ll stayed here for 2 days allowing us to have plenty of time to swim and snorkel, various optional tours: take a 4×4 island and cultural tour, snorkel with stingrays and sharks, explore in an open-air bus known as ‘Le Truck’. Or, choose your own adventure – tell us what you want to do and we’ll arrange it. On day two, sail to Taha’a, a veritable botanical paradise brimming with bananas, watermelons and coconuts groves. Sample local fruits, see the calm turquoise waters you never knew existed, visit a pearl farm and explore a traditional vanilla plantation. Both nights at anchor.

Day 4 

Raiatea, Society Islands

Raiatea means ‘faraway heaven’ and ‘sky with soft light’. We know both to be true, but you’ll have to find out for yourself why. This morning’s optional tour takes you to Uturoa with a local guide, the cultural and administrative centre. Then on to Mount Temehani and the ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea. The latter is a UNESCO protected site. Your guide will tell you about Polynesian origins and historical significance. Afternoon, we have an optional kayaking tour along the Faaroa River. Overnight at anchor.

Day 5 

Raiatea – Huahine, Society Islands

Take a quick and delightful morning cruise to the nearby island of Huahine, which used to be the residence of Tahitian royalty. There are several marae (temples) in this tropical jungle that date as far back as 700 AD. Our optional excursion visits many of the island’s temples and villages, and offers a chance to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay, as well as visit a vanilla plantation. If you’re an avid cook, we recommend you purchase vanilla beans while you’re here. It doesn’t get any better, tastier or cheaper than this.

Day 6 

Makatea, Tuamotu Islands

Atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs encircling a central body of water, make up the majority of French Polynesia, however Makatea is unique. The Makatea fruit dove, the imperial pigeon, and the reed warbler are three threatened indigenous bird species that call this high coral island home. The island is tranquil but gorgeous. Our half-day tour allows you to explore across the island and discover beautiful beaches with rock pools to explore, underwater caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Depart to Rangiroa in late afternoon. Overnight at sea.

Day 7 

Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago and the premier diving location in all of French Polynesia, is made up of 240 islets. Join us on our full-day optional tour to the atoll’s Blue Lagoon, which is just 16 feet deep and a haven for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life. Have a traditional Polynesian picnic to reenergize you before you head back to the ship. Overnight at anchor

Day 8 

Rangiroa – Tikehau, Tuamotu Islands

Imagine a paradise-like island. No, really contemplate it in your dreams. We bet that it has immaculate turquoise lagoons, extensive lengths of white sand beaches, and is covered in jewel-like flowers like bougainvillaea and hibiscus. Tick, tick and tick for Tikehau. Oh, and give your photo some pink sand as well. A lagoon is surrounded by little islets of white and pink sand that are covered in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Relax on colorful sandy beaches or explore the underwater world. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, it has the highest density of fish anywhere 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 9 

Tetiaroa – Mo’orea, Society Islands

Tahitians have long cherished Tetiaroa, and Tahitian royalty used to use it as a private retreat. It is easy to understand why Marlon Brando fell in love with the island while filming “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1960 and went on to purchase it, transforming it into a luxurious eco-resort that is still in operation today. Despite the fact that we have privileged access to spend the morning here, this is a private island resort. Spend time exploring the lagoon and the islet of Tahuna Iti (Bird’s Island), a national sanctuary for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaeton and etc. Set sail in the afternoon and arrive in Mo’orea in the evening.

Day 10 

Mo’orea, Society Islands

The island of Mo`orea, with peaks rising out from it’s lagoon, is credited with inspiring the mythical Bali Hai in James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Learn about the island’s history and ancient sites on a morning snorkeling and ray tour and an afternoon nature and culture tour. Sample 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 11 

Papeete Port/Tahiti, Society Islands

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.

Highlights

Beyond Imagination: Rangiroa

240 islets string together in the ocean for more than 110 miles (177 km), completely encircling a deep lagoon. This is Rangiroa, a place that is simply beyond human imagination. Also the world’s second largest atoll, Rangiroa is a place where land and sea form an unexpected truce.

Sailing into Bora Bora Lagoon

Ah, Bora Bora. Head to the Bora Bora Lagoon, one of the most photographed places on earth, and see Mount Otemanu towering at its center. Beyond the turquoise lagoons and dazzling white sandy beaches, experience the island in a different way. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, and visiting unknown archaeological sites on the family’s private land.

Undiscovered Tuamotus

Slices of Paradise: the relatively undiscovered Tuamotus are the jewels in its Pacific island crown. Far from the glitz and glam of iconic Bora Bora, the Tuamotu archipelago feels distinct from the rest of French Polynesia.

Boat

Panorama II

Gallery

Dates & Rates