Tahiti & French Polynesia

Embarkation at 15:00 followed by an afternoon departure to Bora Bora – welcome cocktails and dinner will be served at sea!

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.

Bora Bora is possibly the most photographed place on earth and any visit is a once in a lifetime dream. Panorama II cruises into Bora Bora lagoon, with Mount Otemanu standing tall in the centre, to begin 2 days spent in paradise. Whilst here we offer a variety of optional activities such as the 4×4 Bora Bora Cultural Tour, the Snorkeling with Stingrays and Sharks excursion, the Open-air Lagoon Aquarium experience, the Bora Bora tour by ‘le Truck’ and more. We spend the night at anchor.

Simply saying the name Bora Bora is usually enough to induce gasps of jealousy, as images of milky blue water, sparkling white beaches and casually leaning palm trees immediately spring to mind. The imagination doesn't lie, either, and if you visit, you’ll soon realise this island is every bit as gorgeous as you ever imagined. Thatched wooden huts stand out over shallow, sparkling seawater, with vivid fish swirling just below. Soak up the sun, scuba dive, or simply revel in the opulent luxury of one of the island's many magnificent resorts. If blissful inactivity doesn't appeal, then get active, and hike the greenery of the sharp Mount Pahia.

This morning we continue our Bora Bora activities. After lunch we cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to Taha’a, making an early afternoon arrival at this true botanical paradise. The fertile valleys and sloping hillsides are covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves, whilst the island also acts as an immense natural greenhouse for the highly prized Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional half-day Taha’a Island Adventure excursion allows you to explore the beautiful interior of Taha`a by 4×4 and discover the luxurious tropical vegetation. We have a tasting of local fruit and get breath-taking views of the magnificent turquoise bay of Haamene. This excursion also includes a visit to the pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon we make time for swimming and snorkelling from a Motu – a reef surrounding an atoll. Overnight at anchor.

We will spend the day in Huahine, once the home of Tahitian royalty and considered by some as the cradle of Polynesian culture. Optional half day tour in 4x4 vehicle which takes us around the island to visit Fare, Maeva, an archaeological site and vanilla plantation. Overnight at anchor.

We leave Huahine early and sail to Taha'a, a botanical paradise with hillsides covered in watermelon, banana and coconut groves. Overnight at anchor.

Today we sail inside the lagoon to reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to ‘faraway heaven’ and once the cultural and religious centre of the Society Islands. Known in legends as Hawaiki, ‘the homeland’, many believe that this is where the great Polynesian migration began and the island remains a place of pilgrimage today. Our optional excursion will start by exploring the Faaroa River, French Polynesia’s only navigable river, by kayak with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea’s verdant interior. Then, we visit the ancient marae temple at Taputapuatea, a recent UNESCO world heritage site. In the late evening we sail to Moorea.

Mo’orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Eight gargantuan mountain peaks rise from its magnificent lagoon, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from the western coast of Tahiti. Morning and afternoon optional half day excursions; a/ a Snorkeling and ray tour b/ a Nature & Culture Tour taking you to admire magnificent views in the interior of the island. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight at anchor.

Mo’orea is one of the Society Islands of the French Polynesia. Located in the South Pacific, it is considered a magical island thanks to its majestic volcanic mountains, set against warm lagoon waters and green meadows. It is an island that attracts visitors of all abilities wanting to explore both above and below the ocean waters.

Early morning sailing to Tahiti. Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.