Tahiti and Pearls of French Polynesia

• Day 1 Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia)
  Maeva [mah-yeh-vah] - that’s welcome in Tahitian, and we extend a very warm welcome to you on our French Polynesia cruise. Settle in and meet your crew and cabin mates, we begin by setting sail for Moorea this evening. Late evening arrival and overnight at anchor.
• Day 2 Moorea
  This morning we are in Moorea, which 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/ Dolphin watching expedition by Dr Poole’s biologist team b/ Culture Eco Tour. Early evening departure to Raiatea, overnight at sea.
• Day 3 Raiatea
  Early in the morning we sail across the lagoon to reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. We will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) Morning tour with local truck to Marae Taputapuatea b) Morning or afternoon visit to Anapa Pearl farm. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).
• Day 4 Taha'a
  Noon arrival in Taha'a, which shares a magnificent lagoon with Raiatea Island. The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional morning excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle, through the island of Taha’a to visit a pearl farm, a vanilla plantation and a rum factory. Discover the black pearl and the vanilla culture, two precious treasures of Taha’a. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or reef islet. Late night departure to Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.
• Day 5 Bora Bora
  Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. Our ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center. In Bora Bora we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Safari by 4x4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks and explore the lagoon c) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight in port (docked or at anchor at times).
• Day 6 Bora Bora
  All day in Bora Bora for exploration or choose one of the optional activities. Late night departure to Huahine. Overnight at sea.
• Day 7 Huahine
  Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional half-day tour takes us around the island to visit the small villages of Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. Departure after lunch to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
• Day 8 Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia)
  Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.

7-night ItineraryThe Captain reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.