7 Nights in Paradise: Tahiti & French Polynesia Cruise

Welcome to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti and French Polynesia. You’ll be met by private transfer to the port where the Panorama II waits to bring you on your tropical adventure. Embarkation is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., so if you arrive early, you might want to shop one of the markets, with black pearls and handcrafted local items some of the most popular to look for. Once aboard the vessel, settle into your cabin, get introductions to the captain, crew, and fellow passengers, a welcome and safety briefing. We’ll set sail for Bora Bora, enjoy dinner and a night at sea.

This morning you’ll arrive at the island of Mo’orea, known for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches. It’s also believed to have inspired the mythical Bali Hai from the Tales of the South Pacific. Eight massive mountain peaks soar up from its breath-taking lagoon, creating its famous silhouette. You’ll have two optional excursions to choose from, a Dolphin watching expedition where you’ll see schools of acrobatic Spinner Dolphins and learn about their remarkable behaviors and social organization. Or take a Cultural Exo Tour where you’ll visit the brand-new eco-museum, Te Fare Natura where your local guide will share with you the history of the island and its ecosystem, including the fauna and flora that surround the island.

Optional Excursions:
Dolphin Watching Expedition, Cultural Eco Tour

Today you’ll spend the day at the “Garden Island.” Huahine is like the Garden of Eden with its vast tropical jungle with vanilla orchids, banana groves, coconut plantations, and breadfruit trees. Once the home of Tahitian royalty, it’s widely regarded as the cradle of Polynesian culture. Made up of two islands, it boasts the region’s largest concentration of ancient temples, estimated to be more than 1,300 years old. This morning you can join an optional half-day excursion to the village of Maeva, to learn all about Polynesian geology, botany, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, economy, history and traditions.

Optional Excursions:
Sacred Sites & Legendary Places Tour

Arriving early this morning at Bora Bora, known as the “pearl of the Pacific,” the ship will sail into the Bora Bora lagoon, where Mount Otemanu rises from the stunning blue waters at its center. You’ll spend two days among the jagged emerald peaks, lagoons, and idyllic beaches, with several optional excursions available. You might join a 4X4 tour which visits World War II sites the Americans, built during their friendly takeover of the island in 1942, Faanui Valley, where you will see small fruit plantations, and stop at a Pareu-making workshop. Snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, embarking on the open-air Lagoon Aquarium experience, or touring Bora Bora by Le Truck are all possible too.

Optional Excursions:
4WD Cultural Safari, Snorkeling Tour, Bora Bora by Le Truck Tour

Cruising on to Taha’a, a lush, fertile island with coconut, banana, and watermelon groves, it’s also renowned as the perfect natural greenhouse for growing the Tahitian vanilla orchid. An optional half-day tour is available if you want to explore this tranquil isle by 4X4. It delivers spectacular views, and visits a pearl farm, a vanilla plantation and a rum factory. This afternoon, you’ll have time to snorkel or swim from a reef islet known here as a motu. We’ll anchor at Taha’a overnight, sailing on tomorrow.

Optional Excursions:
4WD Taha’a Safari

Cruising across the lagoon to nearby Raiatea, it lives up to its name which translates to “faraway heaven.” The homeland of ancient Polynesians as what’s believed to be the original birthplace of Polynesia, it’s rich with historical and cultural significance. Optional excursions today include a 4×4 tour to Marae Taputapuatea to learn about the legends and folklore of historic Raiatea (the Sacred Island), and a half day tour of an Anapa Pearl Farm. Back on board you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Optional Excursions:
Marae Taputapuatea Tour, Anapa Pearl Farm Tour

This morning is at your leisure in Raiatea, you may want to explore the local market or join an optional tour of the Faaroa river and Motu Beach. On this optional tour you’ll climb aboard a typical motorized Polynesian outrigger canoe and peacefully cruise across the deep blue waters towards the eastern shore of the island. As you make your way upstream, you’ll navigate along the Faaroa River, encountering steep riverbanks adorned with dense jungle foliage and host a diverse array of bird species. Upon leaving the river, you’ll switch to a small motu, or islet, where you can bask in the warm sea water and soak up some sun.

Optional Excursions:
Faaroa River & Motu Beach Tour

An early morning sail brings us back to Papeete. You’ll enjoy one last breakfast onboard, with time to exchange photos and contact information with fellow passengers that have become friends. You’ll disembark between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., with our private driver meeting you for the transfer to the airport. If you aren’t ready to make the journey home just yet, contact our expert staff who can create a bespoke itinerary.