11-NIGHTS CRUISE IN TAHITI

Papeete, Tahiti (2-3PM).
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.

Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. Our ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center. Over the following two days, we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Tour by 4x4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and open-air Lagoon Aquarium exploration; c) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight at anchor.

We continue our Bora Bora activities. After lunch we cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to nearby Taha'a, a true botanical paradise. The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional half-day excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle. Taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise waters of Ha'amene Bay. This excursion also includes a visit to a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or atoll. Overnight at anchor.

In the morning we sail across the lagoon and reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. Our morning optional excursion will introduce you to the highlights of Raiatea. Meet your guide for an informative & intimate tour by minibus. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa -- the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, you will see Mount Temehani -- endemic home to the Tiare Apetahi. Our highlight stop is at the main ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, recently became a UNΕSCO protected site – your guide will cover the origins & history of this famous landmark. Here, we will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. Optional afternoon tour includes an exploration by kayak of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. Overnight at anchor.

Morning sailing to Huahine. Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional full-day tour takes us by 4x4 vehicle around the island to visit the small villages of Fare and Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. Evening sailing to Makatea, overnight at sea.

The island of Makatea is like no other found in French Polynesia. It is not a coral atoll but rather a raised island of coral. The limestone cliffs tower over the coast and the island’s interior shows significant vegetation, complete with a few species of endemic birds and a peculiar expanse of limestone holes. Today, this sleepy but spectacular island is home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the beautiful Makatea fruit dove, the impressive imperial pigeon, and the comely appearing singer extraordinaire, the reed warbler. Our half-day optional tour will take us across this unique island to a magnificent beach with rockpools to explore before we visit an incredible grotto. Swimming deeper inside the grotto, this underwater cave system will slowly open out to reveal a spectacular watery cathedral, full of weird and wonderful 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.