15-NIGHT CRUISING FRENCH POLYNESIA: TAHITI AND BEYOND

Day 1 Sep 19, 2026 - Papeete

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Day 2 Sep 20, 2026 - Papeete

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Day 3 Sep 21, 2026 - Fakarava

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

Day 4 Sep 22, 2026 - Tahanea

Day 5 Sep 23, 2026 - At Sea

Day 6 Sep 24, 2026 - Fatu Hiva, Marquesas

The island of Fatu Hiva is spectacularly beautiful with jungle greenery beginning at the water's edge, and narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys close to sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf. The Bay of Virgins, with its rock curtains Catholic missionaries said were formed as veiled virgins, encloses Hanavava Bay. White patches of goats and sheep look down from green mansions above the quiet harbor. Large, tasty shrimp live in the rivers and rock lobsters are plentiful. Dried bananas are a specialty of Fatu Hiva, as is Umu Hei Monoi -- a delightful blend of flowers and herbs. Sculptors carve miro, tou and sandalwood, plus coconuts and basaltic stones. Artisans still produce tapa cloth made from tree bark and painted with designs their ancestors wore as tattoos. Omoa is one of two villages inhabitants live in. A narrow path winds over the mountains between the villages, offering a challenging hike and panoramic views. The Catholic church in Omoa is one of the most picturesque scenes in any Marquesan village.

Day 7 Sep 25, 2026 - Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago, and its beauty from the sea or in the air high above the island is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Haumi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, the Catholic church or school system or for themselves chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock or sculpting bowls, platters, Marquesan ceremonial clubs, "tikis" and ukuleles.

Day 8 Sep 26, 2026 - Hiva Oa, Marquesas

Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests.

Day 9 Sep 27, 2026 - Ua Pou, Marquesas

Ua Pou has one of the earthís most dramatic skylines - a wilderness of fantastic peaks, thrusting 4,000 feet into the ocean sky and Great Cathedral spires, and strange obelisk-shaped columns that give the island its name - the pillars. Ua Pou is the third largest island in the Marquesas archipelago. Hakahau boasts the first Marquesan church, built in 1859, and in Haakuti and Hakahetau villages there are small Catholic churches built on top of paepae platforms. Hakahau has a hospital, gendarmerie, bank, post office, food stores, boutiques, Air Tahiti office, port facilities, schools, Catholic and Protestant churches, pensions, restaurants and bars.

Day 10 Sep 28, 2026 - At Sea

Day 11 Sep 29, 2026 - Manihi

Manihi is a string of islets, white sand beaches and palm trees surrounding an emerald lagoon. It was on this atoll that the first South Seas black pearl farm began. The gentle trade winds and forever sunshine create a fairytale ambiance.

Day 12 Sep 30, 2026 - Rangiroa

Rangiroa is a perfect example of what happnes to a volcano when it erodes over time. Its caldera submerged, creating a body of water surrounded by a dotted ring of sand and reef. Truly one of the world's greatest diving destinations, Rangiroa attracts both amateur and professional divers worldwide.

Day 13 Oct 01, 2026 - Mataiva

Mataiva is a beautiful atoll surrounded by clear blue waters and coral. While in the area you are encouraged to visit "Mataiva navel," a small rocky island in the center of the lagoon. Nearby, visitors can visit the Isle of Birds to see the red-footed gannets, and layer explore the archaeological site of Papiro built of raised block of coral.

Day 14 Oct 02, 2026 - Bora Bora

Bora Bora is considered one of the most romantic places anywhere. Dominant from the moment of arrival are majestic Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two towering volcanic peaks of black rock jutting out of the center of the emerald-green island. Often shrouded in clouds, these landmarks take on mysterious and mythical qualities. Off-road excursions, bicycling, and hiking into this wild beauty reveal incredible panoramas and valleys. Hundreds of brilliantly-colored fish, intricate gardens, and clear water also create some of the very best undersea worlds. For an exhilarating expedition, swim with and watch local divers feed small, non-dangerous lagoon sharks. Bora Bora has several ancient temples and authentic Polynesian villages. There are also some reminders of World War II with a number of cannon emplacements left behind by the U.S. Navy.

Day 15 Oct 03, 2026 - Raiatea

Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. The most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here. It is from these shores that ancient Polynesian explorers are said to have ventured to the far off lands of Hawaii and New Zealand. Second only in size to the Island of Tahiti, Raiatea is today the trading center of the leeward islands. Raiatea is unique in that it has the only navigable river in Polynesia - the Faaroa. The rare, white gardenia called Tiare Apetahi only grows on the slopes of Mount Temehani and nowhere else on Earth! Mount Temehani is also the supposed birthplace of Oro, one principal god of Polynesia. There is a large, protected lagoon around Raiatea and its sister island Tahaa, which produces wonderful beaches and the perfect location for sailing, big game fishing, and diving.