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Lagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Polynesia: the Austral Islands & Bora Bora

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Le Soleal
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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 and home to astonishing and rich wildlife. Head towards one of the most secret and authentic archipelagos in Polynesia: the Austral Islands. Various ports of call will enable you to explore the sumptuous “motu piscine” reef islet of Raivavae, the coral reefs of Tubuai, the mysterious marine caves of Rurutu, and discover the traditional handicraft of Rimatara. Sail towards the Society Islands. Discover the incomparable beauty of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognizable volcanic silhouette.
Enjoy a tropical escapeEnjoy a tropical escapeRelax on the beaches of the South PacificRelax on the beaches of the South PacificRelax on the beaches of the South PacificLagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Highlights
  • Discover islands considered to be the most beautiful in the world
  • Explore turquoise lagoons, marine caves, white sand beaches
  • View Polynesia’s culture and traditions on your voyage
  • Visit lovely Moorea, with its pineapple farms and panoramic views
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 | Emabark

The 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 following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Raivavae By Fwd.

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 vastest 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 following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Discover The North Of Rurutu.

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 a number of villages and meet local communities.

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

Day 9: Moorea Island | Papeete, Tahiti

  • 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 the 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: Aito Off-road Safari, Capture Moorea Photo Tour, Moorea Island Tour, Polynesian Lifestyle, Sailing Moorea Shoreline & Swim Stop, Dolphin Eco Tour, Snorkel Safari.

Head towards Papeete.

Day 10: Papeete, Tahiti Island | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Papeete.

Ship/Hotel

Le Soleal

Enjoy a show in the movie theater.
Bar and lounge with a view.
Restaurant aboard the Le Soleal.

Dates & Prices

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Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Superior Stateroom
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Superior Stateroom
The Superior Stateroom has a capacity of up to 3 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Stateroom
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Deluxe Suite
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Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
The Prestige Suite on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Prestige Suite
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
The Prestige Suite on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
Owner's Suite
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Owner Suite
The Owner's suite is situated on Deck 6 with a capacity up to 2 passengers per cabin. With a king-sized bed, it has been decorated by French interior designers and provides you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view.

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 are subject to change without notice.

Discounts are available for children sharing a cabin with two adults and third adult passengers in select cabin categories. Please contact us for details.

Single travelers can opt for a solo cabin - supplements start at 50%.
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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