Tahiti and the Pearls of French Polynesia

Embark the Panorama II in Papeete Port at 3pm. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, we will set sail for Moorea. Late evening arrival and overnight at anchor.

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. Late evening departure to 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. Late night departure to Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.

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. Late night departure to Taha’a. Overnight at sea.

Early morning 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 reasures of Taha’a. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or reef islet. Overnight in port.

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.

This morning, discover the local market of Raiatea or join our optional Faaroa river and Motu Beach break excursion. After lunch, we sail to Papeete. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.