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Cabanas silhouette  on a Bora Bora cruise

Polynesia: The Austral Islands & Bora Bora

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Le Boreal
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Board the Le Boreal and start your journey. Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of translucent waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world. First, sail towards one of the most secret and authentic archipelagos in Polynesia: the Austral Islands. On these islands off the beaten path, nature and ancestral traditions are treasures that are shared in all simplicity. Next, head tow the Society Islands. Here view the incomparable beauty of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognizable volcanic silhouette, and appreciate Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.
Lagoon of Bora Bora, French PolynesiaWoman snorkeling in clear water in Bora BoraA fishing boat off the coastScuba diving on coral reefCabanas silhouette  on a Bora Bora cruise
Highlights
  • Discover islands considered to be the most beautiful in the world
  • View the turquoise lagoons, marine caves and white sand beaches
  • Explore Polynesia’s culture and traditions
  • Visit volcanic island Raivavae on the south-east of Tahiti
Places Visited
  • South Pacific
  • Tahiti
  • Austral Islands
  • Bora Bora
  • French Polynesia
  • Moorea
  • Oceania
  • Papeete
  • Polynesia
  • Raivavae
  • Rurutu
  • Society Islands
  • Tubuai
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti Island | Embark

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la Reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialties: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Day 2: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 3: Raivavae, Austral Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Situated 730 km to the south-east of Tahiti, Raivavae is part of the Austral Islands. This volcanic island surrounded by a vast emerald-colored lagoon has fewer than 1,000 inhabitants for four villages and two roads ─ one running around the island and the other through it. It is an island with original culture and a still untouched environment, known for making sewn dugout canoes that are still used today. Often described as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, Raivavae comprises 28 islets where nest a multitude of seabirds. You will have the possibility of exploring the island during an enchanting ride aboard one of the island’s rare 4-wheel drive vehicles.

The optional excursion Raivavae by FWD will be available for an additional charge.

Day 4: Tubuai, Austral Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located in the Austral Islands in French Polynesia, 640 km south of Tahiti, Tubuai is a 45 km2 volcanic island situated just south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Very well preserved, it is ringed by an 85 km2 lagoon, one of the fastest in the Austral Islands. As it is rather shallow, it gives the ocean waters a distinctive shade of turquoise blue. Eight islets surround Tubuai and, with their beaches of fine soft sand, offer a landscape that is unique in Polynesia. You will love basking with your feet in the warm, clear water, or discovering an exceptional underwater world with a multitude of colorful tropical fish as you spend unforgettable moments snorkeling or diving.

Day 5: Rurutu, Austral Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Far from the traditional tourist circuits, you’ll discover the wildest and most surprising parts of French Polynesia. In the heart of the Austral archipelago, over 500 km south-west of Tahiti, your ship will make a port of call at Rurutu, an elevated coral island of absolutely unique beauty. Carved with countless caves and surrounded by spectacular cliffs, this land of volcanic origin will reveal its mysterious and preserved landscapes to you. A real geological phenomenon, the troglodyte island also offers magnificent summits covered in lush vegetation that will delight hiking fans.

The optional excursion Discover The North of Rurut will be available for an additional charge.

Day 6: Rimatara, Austral Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located in the southernmost part of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean, Rimatara, the smallest of the Austral Islands, with a 9 km2 surface and a circumference of 8.5 km, has a very special charm. With its small lagoon, the island is home to a bird species nearing extinction: the Rimatara lorikeet (also called Kuhl’s lorikeet), a psittacid that lives in the tropical forests of Kiribati, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia. The island offers an abundance of vegetation (coconut palms; fruit trees; taro, coffee and banana plantations, etc.) and superb white-sand beaches with small coves that you will be able to discover on foot or riding a bicycle.

Day 7: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 8: Bora Bora, Society Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colorful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover several villages and meet local communities.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Scenic Flight Over Bora Bora & Tupai, Relaxing Time At The Conrad Hotel, Shark & Ray Snorkelling, Private Island Escape, Island Discovery On Board A "Truck", Off-road Adventure, and Lagoon Sailing & Snorkeling.

Day 9: Moorea Island | Papeete, Tahiti Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Whale & Dolphin Eco Tour, Whales Safari, Aito Off-road Safari, Capture Moorea Photo Tour, Sailing Moorea Shoreline & Swim Stop, Polynesian Lifestyle, and Moorea Island Tour

Head towards Papeete.

Day 10: Papeete, Tahiti Island | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la Reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialties: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

After breakfast anoard the ship, disembark at Papeete.

Ship/Hotel

Le Boreal

Enjoy the pool on the sun deck.
Enjoy the view from the bar.
Enjoy a gourmet meal at the Gastronomic Restaurant.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Prestige or Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
Deck 4, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
Deck 5, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
Deck 6, 200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suites
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
Owner's Suite
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Owners Suite
1 suite, 484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone.

Notes

Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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