2023/24 - Tahiti 10-Nights Cruise : Papeete to Papeete
Join us on board our 10-night sailing, roundtrip from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Uncover the islands of two archipelagos by 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 allows you to see every landscape, from geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desert-like atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass.
Day By Day
Day 1
Papeete Port/Tahiti, Society Islands
Papeete,Tahiti (2PM - 3PM).
Maeva [mah-yeh-vah] - that's welcome in Tahitian, and we extend a very warm welcome to you on our French Polynesia cruise. Settle in and meet your crew and cabin mates, we begin by setting sail for Bora Bora this evening. Overnight at sea.
Day 2 & 3
Bora Bora - Taha'a, Society Islands
Morning sail into the Bora Bora lagoon where you may feel like you've woken in a dream. In many respects you have; these are some of the world's most picturesque landscapes. We're here for two days allowing enough time for ample swim and snorkel stops, various optional tours: take a 4x4 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 we'll sail to nearby Taha'a, a true botanical paradise bursting with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. Taste the local fruit, gaze across calm waters in shades of turquoise 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 we'll leave you to discover why for yourself. This morning's optional excursion is with a local guide to Uturoa, the cultural and administrative centre, then on to Mount Temehani and the ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea. The latter is a UN?SCO protected site, your guide will tell you about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. In the afternoon our optional tour is via kayak along the Faaroa River. Overnight at anchor.
Day 5
Raiatea - Huahine, Society Islands
Wake up with a short and refreshing morning sail to neighbouring island Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty. This is a tropical jungle dotted with ancient marae (temples), some of which date back to 700 AD. Our optional tour takes in many of the island's temples and small 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 a keen cook, we recommend you purchase vanilla beans while here; you won't find tastier - or cheaper! - versions elsewhere.
Day 6
Makatea, Tuamotu Islands*
Much of French Polynesia is made up of atolls - a ring shaped coral reef encircling a central body of water - but Makatea is different. This raised island of coral is the sleepy but spectacular island home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the Makatea fruit dove, the imperial pigeon, and the reed warbler. Our half-day tour will take us across the island in discovery of these, plus beautiful beaches with rock pools ripe for exploring, as well as to an underwater grotto full of stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight at sea.*Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Day 7
Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands*
Composed of 240 islets, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago and the best spot for diving in all of French Polyneisa. We know you'll want to experience the wide array of sea-life so join us on our full-day optional tour to the atoll's Blue Lagoon; at only 16 feet deep it's a mecca for swimming, snorkelling and marine life. Re-energise with a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor.*Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Day 8
Rangiroa - Tikehau, Tuamotu Islands*
Think of an island paradise. No, really think and dream about it. We bet it comes with pristine turquoise lagoons, long stretches of white-sand beaches, and is adorned with jewel-like flowers such as bougainvillaea and hibiscus. Tick, tick and tick for Tikehau. Oh - but add some pink sand to your picture too. Tiny white and pink sand islets surround a lagoon and are engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Idle time away lounging on the colourful sands or exploring the marine life which - according to legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau - has a higher concentration of fish than any other 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.*Please note that due to visit by anchor adrift to the Tuamotu islands, such are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Day 9
Tetiaroa - Mo'orea, Society Islands
Tetiaroa is long- treasured among Tahitians, indeed it was once an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It's not hard to see why, or why Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the 1960 filming of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and went on to buy the island, developing it into a luxury eco-resort that continues to operate today. Yes, this is a private island resort but we have special access to spend the morning here. Spend time exploring the lagoons and the islet of Tahuna Iti (Birds' Island), a national reserve for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaetons, and more. Afternoon sailing and evening arrival at Mo'orea.
Day 10
Mo'orea, Society Islands
With mountain peaks rising from its lagoon, Mo'orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai in Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener. Join our morning snorkelling and ray tour and our afternoon nature and culture tour to learn about the history of the island and her ancient remains, as well as taste 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.
Call (951) 723-4188 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17391011
- Cruise Line
- Variety Cruises
- Offer
- Offer valid through 9/1/2023
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Cruise Ship
- Panorama II
Click for more information on this ship.
Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
Day 1 | Papeete | ||
Day 2 | Taha'a | ||
Day 3 | Taha'a | ||
Day 4 | Raiatea | ||
Day 5 | Huahine | ||
Day 6 | Makatea | ||
Day 7 | Rangiroa | ||
Day 8 | Tikehau | ||
Day 9 | Moorea | ||
Day 10 | Moorea | ||
Day 11 | Papeete |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * Cruise Fares
All fares are quoted in US Dollars or Euro and are per person based on double occupancy. US $ cruise fares apply for US and Canadian passport holders and Euro rates apply for all other nationalities.
Fares Include:
Shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation all meals and on board entertainment as specified in the cruise program selected.
Fares do not Include:
Port charges, fuel surcharge, travel insurance, transfers, optional air/sea or land programs (unless noted), shore excursions, airport facility charges, taxes/fees, nor do they include items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gratuities, gift shop purchases, medical services, phone calls, etc. All onboard charges are in Euros.
Port Charges, Fuel Surcharge and Airport Taxes
Port charges and fuel surcharge are in addition to the cruise fares. Payment for port charges must be made at the time the final payment is made.