Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands

Tahiti offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Begin your day in Papeete, visiting the bustling Marché de Papeete for souvenirs and local treats. Journey to the island's interior to hike the scenic trails of Mount Aorai, providing panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and islands. Relax at Tahiti's famous black-sand beaches or take a boat trip to explore the turquoise lagoons. A visit to the Paul Gauguin Museum gives insight into the artist’s life and works inspired by Tahiti's beauty.

The Papeete Cruise Port is located right in the city center so attractions such as the vibrant Papeete Market are just a short walk away. To visit more distant attractions like the stunning Fautaua Waterfall, consider a taxi or a guided excursion. Don’t miss out on trying local Tahitian cuisine or visiting the Black Pearl Museum.

The island's unique geography makes Moorea one of French Polynesia's most breathtaking islands. Eight mountain peaks carpeted in lush vegetation rise from a translucent lagoon and two tranquil bays. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Moorea:

• encounter dolphins at the Intercontinental Moorea Resort marine sanctuary
• hike through Opunohu Valley
• enjoy an off-road adventure through Moorea's deep valleys and mountains
• cruise Moorea's waters on a Catamaran

The Tuamotu Archipelago is a sprawling chain of coral atolls in French Polynesia. Known for some of the world's best diving spots, these islands offer crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, ideal for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

The archipelago's pearls, particularly from the atoll of Manihi, are celebrated for their quality and beauty, drawing visitors interested in the local pearling industry. Ships navigating through the Tuamotus typically stop at key islands, allowing visitors to tender ashore for easy access to explore.

Located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Makatea (from the Polynesian words for rock, “maka”, and white, “tea”) is a raised coral atoll belonging to the Palliser group of islands in French Polynesia. Tikehau, the nearest atoll, is 75 km south and Tahiti is some 200 km north-east. Its cliffs covered in lush vegetation overlook the ocean, whose magnificent underwater world you will be able to explore while snorkelling.

The world’s second largest atoll, Rangiroa is a place where land and sea form an unexpected truce. 240 islets string together for more than 177km, completely encircling a deep lagoon, which is known for its breathtaking underwater scenery. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to shore.

Top Things to Do on Rangiroa:

• visit a black pearl farm
• take a glass-bottom boat over the Tiputa Channel
• snorkel the lagoon
• sample some Polynesian wine and rum

During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant 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.

Located in the Marquesas Islands, Hakahau is the main village and port of Ua Pou (meaning 'pillars'). Nestling in the curve of a sheltered bay, Hakahau will charm you with its tranquillity and the wild splendour of its scenery. Lined with a black-sand beach, the village offers an unsettling landscape with volcanic rock peaks that rise up like imposing statues.

Inhabited since 150 B.C., Hakahau is home to several churches and the Motu Haka cultural federation. The 2,000 or so inhabitants of the island live primarily off fishing, farming and crafts. Their wooden and stone sculptures are renowned.

The largest of the Marquesas Islands, Nuku Hiva is a stunning volcanic island with mountains topping 3,700 feet and jagged walls that suddenly plunge into the immense ocean below. This untouched island will enchant you with its wild and beautiful landscape. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Nuku Hiva:

• explore the lush and remote Taipivai Valley
• view Vaipo Falls
• take a boat or hike to Anaho Bay
• see the giant tiki at Piki Vehini

Ua Huka, a hidden gem in the Marquesas, invites you to leave the world behind for a while. Its red-tinged cliffs overlook an endless ocean, while its tropical valleys are home to sacred relics and unspoilt wilderness. Accessible only by sea, this mysterious island invites you to discover its ancestral crafts and magnificent panoramas. Surrender to the soothing tranquillity of these landscapes, where each moment reveals the authenticity of a Polynesia that time forgot.

In the stunning Marquesas Islands, nature reigns supreme. The island of Hiva Oa and the town of Puamau are no exception to this rule. The archaeological site of Meae Lipona, one of the most beautiful places for admiring the famous “tiki” statues, ancient religious stone sculptures depicting men, is itself hidden at the heart of a dreamlike décor. The waters of the nearby stream babble as the only peak in the valley keeps watch from above. The stories and myths you hear will take on a whole new meaning here. Fall under the magical spell of Polynesia.

Hanaiapa, a peaceful jewel in the north of the island of Hiva Oa, captivates visitors with its authenticity and serenity. This village nestled between verdant mountains and turquoise waters reveals an idyllic setting where time seems to stand still. Its unique tropical vegetation invites contemplation, and its inhabitants warmly and readily share their culture and traditions.

Ridges and cliffs form the beautiful, rocky Fatu Hiva, the southernmost of the Marquesas Islands. The island is covered in lush jungle vegetation that is divided in some places by narrow ravines marked by sharply dropping cliffs.

The half-moon-shaped Omoa Bay encircles the village of Omoa, where about 250 people reside near the island’s main church. This peaceful fishing village is known for its tapa cloth. They make the cloth in a traditional way with beaten bark decorated in inked traditional Polynesian designs.

Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island in the Marquesas archipelago of French Polynesia, is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and rich cultural heritage. This tranquil island, accessible primarily by boat from nearby Hiva Oa, offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches, lush valleys, and vibrant marine life.

The village of Vaitahu, the island’s main settlement, holds historical significance as the site where European explorers first made contact with the Marquesan people. Visitors can explore the village’s church, adorned with beautiful Marquesan carvings, and learn about the island's history at local cultural sites. Tahuata is also famous for its skilled artisans, who produce intricate wood carvings and exquisite tapa cloth, reflecting the island's deep-rooted artistic traditions.

Hapatoni, located on the island of Tahuata in French Polynesia, is a charming village known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Polynesian lifestyle, with ancient marae (sacred sites) and a picturesque royal road lined with tamanu trees, offering a glimpse into the island's history and traditions.

The local artisans in Hapatoni are famous for their exquisite wood carvings and tapa cloth, making it an excellent place to purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs. The surrounding landscape features lush greenery and dramatic cliffs that descend into the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring.

During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant 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.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is a sprawling chain of coral atolls in French Polynesia. Known for some of the world's best diving spots, these islands offer crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, ideal for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

The archipelago's pearls, particularly from the atoll of Manihi, are celebrated for their quality and beauty, drawing visitors interested in the local pearling industry. Ships navigating through the Tuamotus typically stop at key islands, allowing visitors to tender ashore for easy access to explore.

Fakarava is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is oblong shaped and has an almost continuous string of reef stretching for 40 km on its eastern edge.

Pure, pristine and dreamlike, the ecosystem of this gorgeous island is home to extremely rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Quaint villages, old coral churches and welcoming people are intertwined with a spectacular lagoon creating a paradise like none other in the world.

Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier in Fakarava’s main village, Rotoava.

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, enchants with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. Explore the bustling capital, Papeete, where the colorful market offers local crafts and exotic produce. Relax at the stunning black-sand beaches of Pointe Venus or dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Don’t miss the Arahoho Blowhole, where ocean waves force air and water through a natural rock formation, creating spectacular sprays. For a touch of history, visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands to learn about the island's rich heritage.

The Papeete Cruise Port is located right in the city center so attractions such as the vibrant Papeete Market are just a short walk away. To visit more distant attractions like the stunning Fautaua Waterfall, consider a taxi or a guided excursion. Don’t miss out on trying local Tahitian cuisine or visiting the Black Pearl Museum.