Dreams of Tahiti come alive on this exciting cruise to the colorful shores of the French Polynesia islands. Stroll sunny beaches, immerse yourself in colorful cultures, and embrace exotic experiences on this unforgettable cruise of the South American waters.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Ah, Papeete! Legendary seductress of sailors and capital of French Polynesia. Both Captain Cook and later Captain Bligh dealt with sailors who longed to stay in this tropical paradise. (One more successfully than the other.) And while the city is no longer the primitive village it once was, it retains its own set of charms. The views for one. From Papeete Harbor you can feast your eyes on Moorea, in the running for most beautiful island in the world. Even more awesome at sunset. The downtown market, “Le Marché,” is the best place to purchase your hand-dyed pareau (sarong). And when your stomach starts to growl from looking at fresh island produce, head to the waterfront and Vai’ete Square to dine with the locals from food trucks known as “Les Roulottes.” Embark the Wind Spirit this afternoon and settle in for your upcoming South Pacific cruise.
Day 2: Moorea, Society Islands
Have you seen the musical, “South Pacific?” Then the easiest way to describe Moorea is to tell you that it was probably the inspiration for James Michener’s Bali Hai. It’s what most people dream of when they picture a gorgeous South Seas island—jagged green volcanic peaks, a shallow blue lagoon bedded by white sands, tiny motus (islets) offshore. The island’s 12,000 residents are keenly aware they have an image to uphold, so they buried all the unsightly power cables to give you seamless views of paradise. Miles of coconut-colored beaches and that postcard-perfect lagoon make this the place for watersports of all kinds. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, climb to the top of Magic Mountain or Belvedere Lookout for insane views.
Day 3: Tahaa, Society Islands
The next stop on your South Pacific adventure is the flower-shaped Tahaa, ringed by almost 60 motus and a magnificent coral reef that invites discovery. Located just across the lagoon from Raiatea, this is one of the most traditional islands. Its few thousand residents live a tranquil life fishing, raising livestock, and growing crops from the sought-after vanilla bean to watermelon and copra. You may be lucky enough to see the villagers stone fishing just like their ancestors once did. They wade into the lagoon slapping the water with stones tied to ropes, which drives the fish ashore. The island also produces some of the finest black pearls in the Pacific—a testament to the purity of the water.
Day 4: Raiatea, Society Islands
Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Taha’a and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.
Day 5: Huahine, Society Islands
Agriculture, not tourism, is the focus on this friendly island where the name of one of the main towns, Maeva, means welcome in Tahitian. Huahine is actually two islands separated by sparkling Maroe Bay and joined by a bridge. Islanders on “The Garden Island” grow a cornucopia of tropical produce—cantaloupe, vanilla, banana, breadfruit, taro, papaya, watermelon, taro, coffee, coconut. There’s also wildly picturesque scenery and a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere that makes snorkeling and a picnic on the beach feel ambitious. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use. At Avamoa Pass, look for international surfing champs catching world-class waves.
Day 6-7: Bora Bora, Society Islands
Half island, half atoll, Bora Bora has one of the most extraordinary lagoons in the world. The varying depths paint the water every shade of sapphire, topaz, and aquamarine, while the volcanic mass of Mount Otemanu stands guard in a uniform of jade and malachite. Add to this tropical fish whose names begin with clown, parrot, butterfly, and peacock, and it’s not surprising that the lagoon is famous for its snorkeling, or that artists break their brushes in frustration trying to capture it all. Spend two blissful days here in this exotic land on your South Pacific cruise. Play scavenger hunt and go in search of turtle petroglyphs, World War II canons, and the monument to Alain Gerbault, the first Frenchman to sail his yacht around the world. (He passed through Tahiti in 1926 and like so many others, returned to live in Polynesia.)
Day 8: Papeete, Tahiti
Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.
Dates & Prices
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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.