Island Life in Tahiti and French Polynesia

Dates: March 16 – 24, 2008

Day 1 – Depart Gateway City
Depart for Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands. After arrival, transfer to the S.Y. STAR FLYER for embarkation. Sail late this evening.

Day 2 - Huahine
Formed of two islands – Huahine–nui and Huahine–iti – separated by a deep blue bay and ringed by a coral atoll, this untouched landscape has soaring peaks, lush rain forests, white beaches and ancient shrines. The port of Fare lies nestled between the sea and a woodland of towering mape (chestnut) trees draped with vanilla vines. In the nearby settlement of Maeva, the ancient religious center of Huahine–nui, stand 10 marae (ancient temples), built in the 16th century of locally quarried stone and dedicated to Tane, Oro and other Polynesian deities.

Day 3 – Huahine/Raiatea/Taha'a
Depart Huahine this morning and cruise to the nearby island of Raiatea.

According to local legend, Raiatea was once the "sacred island" of Havai'i, the birthplace of Oro, the Polynesia god of war and fertility, and the center for the colonization of Hawaii, the Marquesas and New Zealand. In the pre–colonial era, it served as the political and spiritual center of the Society Islands and was beloved by Captain Cook, who called here on each of his three voyages of discovery. Raiatea's placid Faaroa River, the only navigable stream in Polynesia, threads its way through a world of wild hibiscus, bamboo and Tahitian chestnut. The rare and beautiful tiare apetahi, a delicate white flower, is found nowhere else on Earth. Along the eastern shore is Marae Taputapuatea, constructed of coral and black volcanic rock, and one of the best–preserved temple complexes in Polynesia. Once a sacrificial site to Oro, it was restored in 1995.

Late this afternoon set sail for Taha'a, arriving shortly before sundown.

Day 4 – Taha'a/Bora Bora
Set across a blue lagoon to the north of Raiatea, Taha'a is dominated by the profile of Mount Ohiri, named for the Polynesian god of thieves. Two exotic enterprises provide the islanders' livelihoods: the production of vanilla and the farming of lustrous black pearls. Along Taha'a's northeastern shore lies a string of motu, pristine islets of white, powdery sand beaches shaded by graceful palm trees.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon cruising the azure waters of the South Pacific en route to the idyllic isle of Bora Bora.

Day 5 – Bora Bora
With its black basalt peak, tropical forest, turquoise lagoon, coral reef teeming with multi–colored fish and outlying fringe of motu, Bora Bora – "the first born" in Tahitian – is the proverbial vision of a South Seas paradise. It was settled by adventurous Polynesian mariners in the 10th century, and Captain Cook called at Bora Bora on his first voyage in 1769 and again on his third and final voyage in 1777. Islanders have preserved the ways of their forebears and still wear the traditional pareo, a sarong–like cotton garment dyed in brilliant colors or adorned with floral patterns. In Bora Bora's forested interior, villagers cultivate breadfruit, coconuts and taro, and stone marae preserve the legacy of ancestral Polynesian deities.

Set sail late this afternoon and cruise through the night.

Day 6 – Moorea
Rivaling Bora Bora in scenic splendor is the heart–shaped island of Moorea, the remnant of a long–extinct volcano. Once a sanctuary for vanquished warriors from Tahiti, it was visited by Captain Cook in 1777, and by the American novelist Herman Melville in 1842. It also inspired James Michener to write his unforgettable Tales from the South Pacific. A drive around Moorea's perimeter reveals vistas of forest–clad mountains, lush valleys and foaming waves breaking against the shorelines. Moorea offers a distinctive blend of traditional and Western culture; its abandoned temples evoke its Polynesian heritage, while its churches underscore its role as the center for 19th–century missionary activity in the Society Islands – Papetoai's unique Octagonal Church is the oldest European structure in the South Seas. The waters surrounding the island abound with marine life, including whales and dolphins.

Day 7 – Moorea/Papeete
Enjoy a free morning and early afternoon for independent exploration of Moorea. Alternatively, join an optional excursion into the island's forested interior and an optional whale– and dolphin–watching expedition.

Depart for Papeete midafternoon, arriving early this evening.

Day 8 – Papeete, Tahiti
Disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to day rooms in a nearby hotel. The day is free for independent pursuits. This evening transfer to the airport to board the return flight home.

This itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. An updated itinerary will be sent with final documents.

Back to 2008 destination list