Treasures of Polynesia

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.

Situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 39 km west of Tikehau, the closest atoll, and 300 km north of Tahiti, Mataiva is the archipelago’s westernmost atoll. It is the only lagoon in French Polynesia to have dozens of pools within it, reaching depths of around 8 meters, and 9 narrow passages that inspired the name of the island, since Mataiva means “nine eyes”. You will love swimming, snorkeling, or diving in its stunning lagoon, a natural tropical aquarium home to myriad fish.

A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Pearl Farm Visit, Glassbottom Boat, Snorkel The Aquarium Garden, Polynesian Wine & Rum.

Located less than 200 kilometers north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation, and stunning remote creeks.  If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Highlights Of Huahine, Heritage Of Huahine In Fwd, Snorkel Adventure, Huahine, The Authentique, Huahine Nature Adventure.
 

A volcanic island located halfway between Huahine and Bora-Bora, Raiatea is like the mother of Polynesia. It was on its rocky flanks that the oldest traces of local habitation were found. According to legend, it was even the cradle of the gods... You can admire several sites that bear witness to this past, including the first Polynesian holy site, the Te-Po religious center, including the marae Taputapuatea, a sort of altar made of stone and coral. Although beaches are rare on Raiatea, here nature is captivating, and the coral islets offer myriads of ravishing creeks.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Faaroa River With Motu Beach, Anapa Pearl Farm & Snorkelling, Raiatea By Fwd, Kayak Through Fa'aroa River, Taha'a By Sea & Land, Opoa Heritage, Raiatea By Catamaran, Sacred Island By Truck.

Part of the Leeward Islands in the Society Archipelago of French Polynesia, Tahaa is known for vanilla cultivation. It shares its 290 km2 lagoon with the neighboring island, Raiatea. Deep bays cut through the island’s coastline, including the deepest in French Polynesia, Haamene Bay, but also Hurepiti Bay, Apu Bay and Faaaha Bay. The coral reef that surrounds it is dotted with numerous motus (islets formed by broken coral and sand).

Located off the island of Tahaa, in the Leeward Islands, Motu Ceran is a small desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This small surface of emerged land is a real paradise. The décor of this little island, its coconut plantations and its beaches surrounded by a marvelous coral garden is a treat for the eyes. Don’t hesitate to devote yourself to the joys of swimming or pure relaxation. An enchanted interlude in a unique setting.

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.

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.

After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark at Papeete.