Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia

Ia Orana, welcome to Tahiti! This afternoon, you’ll make your way to your floating home for the next eight days – the Panorama II, which is docked in Papeete Port. Meet your fellow travellers, crew and leaders between 2:00pm and 3:00pm and after a welcome briefing and safety drill you’ll set sail for Moorea. On this trip, all meals are included on the boat, so you will enjoy dinner at sea before rocking to sleep with the gentle waves. (D)

Today’s optional activities include a nature and cultural tour in a jeep or van. You’ll be exploring the inner crater of the island’s volcano, visiting a pineapple plantation and an agricultural school, as well as seeing the incredible landscapes of the island. Alternatively join a tour American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin and whale specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free ranging dolphins. Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dr. Poole’s team operates with the utmost respect in the presence of these incredible animals. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event. Late in the evening you will depart for Huahine. (B/L/D)

Today you will be exploring the two main islands of Huahine, a jungle paradise filled with tropical plantations including coconuts, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Aside from blossoming with nature, Huahine is also known for its cultural significance – it was once home to Tahitian royalty and has many ancient temples known as marae in French Polynesian culture. Some of these date back as far as 700 AD! Today you can join a tour where you will be driven around in 4x4 vehicles to visit the small villages of Fare, which is an archaeological site and Maeva, a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. If you choose this option, you will return to the boat for lunch. Or if you prefer, you can spend the day at your leisure – either relaxing on the boat or exploring the area around the lagoon. Tonight, after dinner onboard you will sail towards Bora Bora (B/L/D)

Arrive in Bora Bora first thing this morning. After enjoying breakfast with a view of Bora Bora lagoon and the famous Mount Otemanu in the backdrop, you’ll have a choice of a number of optional activities to enjoy your day. These include a cultural tour with a local guide, or a snorkeling trip where you can keep an eye out for the sharks and sting rays. There may be more optional activities available on your trip, so have a chat to your Cruise Director about the different options. Tonight you will depart for Taha'a, overnight at sea. (B/L/D)

Early morning arrival into Taha'a, which shares a magnificent lagoon with neighbouring Raiatea Island. This lush island is extremely fertile and is covered with banana, watermelon, vanilla orchid and coconut groves. Today you’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful island by 4x4 vehicle in an optional tour. You’ll visit a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. It’s also the perfect opportunity to try some of the local fruits that are grown in the region and take in some of the incredible views of Ha'amene Bay. The afternoon is free for swimming and snorkeling on the “motu”, or reef islet, or exploring the area around the reef on your own. Tonight, overnight in port. (B/L/D)

First thing this morning you’ll sail across the lagoon to reach Raiatea, which is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. While it was previously known as Havai’i, Raiatea translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Today you’ll have the chance to take part in an optional excursion which 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. Next stop is at the main ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, which recently became a UNΕSCO protected site. Your guide will cover the origins and history of this famous land- mark. Here, you will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. In the afternoon you can join an optional Pearl Bed snorkeling tour, exploring the stunning reef where the mysterious black pearl is born. Learn all about the history and legends of pear farming. Tonight enjoy a captains dinner onboard. Overnight in port. (B/L/D)

In the morning you can discover the local market or join an optional canoe tour of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. After lunch onboard, you will sail to Papeete. Overnight at sea. (B/L/D)

This morning arrive into Papeete by 9am. From here, you will say farewell to your fellow travellers and the crew before disembarking the Panorama II. (B)