Remote islands of French Polynesia cruise

Uncover the west coastline of Tahiti today, offering you a fresh insight into island life that many visitors overlook. Your guide will talk to you about the history and culture of Polynesians, show you the highlights of this part of the island and introduce you to some local characters. This afternoon you have time to relax ahead of your cruise tomorrow.

You may wish to explore Tahiti’s port capital, Papeete ahead of embarking on your cruise, visit the Museum of Polynesia and the Isles, stroll along the seafront to Parc Bougainville with its giant banyan tree, or to Place Vaiete to sample poisson cru (raw, marinated fish). In the afternoon, you can board the Aranui, explore the ship’s eight decks, and meet your Polynesian crew. Enjoy sunset views from your balcony as the ship sets sail for the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Your first port of call, Fakarava is home to white sandy beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve whose protected reefs sustain a thriving ecology. Snorkeling, canoeing, or kayaking the reefs, you might spot sea turtles, manta rays, tiger sharks, and giant clams. You can also take a guided tour of the port village of Rotoava with its church built completely out of coral, and meet with villagers to learn about pearl cultivation as well as discover the many uses of coconut.

Spend your first day at sea learning more about the Marquesas archipelago and its cultures and customs. The ship offers a roster of talks from guest lecturers, some of Marquesan origin and others who are experts in the history and culture of the region. You can dip in and out of the talks that interest you, whether on art, archaeology, wildlife, or marine ecology. Or, get hands-on with culture-rich activities, from Tahitian dance sessions and language lessons to palm leaf-weaving workshops.

Wake up in Nuka Hiva, the second largest Marquesas Island and home to a kaleidoscope of cliffs streaked with waterfalls, deep bays, and steep valleys. Follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stephenson with a tour of Taiohae (but in a 4X4) stopping at a volcanic amphitheatre and archaeological site where your guide will explain the meaning behind ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings). You might also experience an umu, a traditional feast where pork is cooked underground wrapped in banana leaves.

Next stop is ‘Ua Pou, where you’ll spot the island’s twin mountain peaks (pitons) as you drift into Hakahau port. You might wander the bay with its stretch of black sand or climb to the crucifix for panoramic island views. You can also meet the artists behind the wood carvings and stone sculptures you see in the churches and craft stores, watch a performance of a traditional bird dance, and feast on goat curry and breadfruit.

Arriving at ‘Ua Huka in the early morning, you can explore this small volcanic island by 4x4, roaming the green valleys and mountain plateaus to look for endemic birds like the ultramarine lorikeet and the Marquesan hummingbird, as well as herds of wild horses. You could take a guided tour of the arboretum, which houses the largest collection of citrus fruit trees in the world, or, in the village of Hane, discover traditional crafts, from wood carvings to engraved coconut shells.

Your ship docks this morning at Tahuata, where you can explore the villages and meet with sculptors who carve rosewood and swordfish rostrums into artworks. From here, you’ll sail onto Hiva Oa where controversial French artist Paul Gauguin lived and painted his final masterpieces. You can visit the store where he bought his bread or climb a hill to see his tombstone. The largest tikis outside Easter Island also live on Hiva Oa, and you can uncover these jungle ruins with a guide.

Green and remote, Fatu Hiva is a hub for Marquesan arts and crafts. You can sit with craftswomen in the village of Omoa as they crush banyan tree bark to make tapa cloth, and blend herbs to prepare umuhei, a perfume for hair. Next stop is the bay-side village of Hanavave, and whether you hike the 15 km (9 miles) route through acacia forests or sail the rocky coastline, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the water.

As you cross the South Pacific, you have time today to get to know your Polynesian crew, who can share their culture. They might introduce you to island rhythms or teach you to cook traditional Polynesian dishes. If your goal is relaxation, you might take a leisurely swim, unwind with a monoi oil massage in the spa, or kick back on the Sky Bar deck with a tiki cocktail to drink in views of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Today, you can visit one of two islands. You might choose Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia. Considered among the world’s diving hotspots, its translucent lagoon is flush with schools of pelagic fish, dolphins, and hammerheads, and you can snorkel, swim, or explore in a glass-bottomed boat. Or, you could visit Makatea, an uplifted coral atoll, for a guided hike. Discover remains of phosphate mines, explore limestone caves and grottoes, search for endemic fruit doves, and picnic under the cliffs.

Sailing into Pofai Bay, you might breakfast on your balcony as Bora Bora’s aquamarine lagoon, emerald crags, and jagged peaks come into view. How you spend your day here is up to you. You may take a boat safari to the lagoon’s deeper areas to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks, explore Polynesian art on a gallery tour, or head inland to the jungle below Mount Otemanu where a guide can point out relics from World War II.

Disembarking in Papeete, you'll be whisked away to Vahine Island to relax for the next three nights. Take a short flight from Tahiti to nearby Raiatea Island, where you'll catch a boat to your resort.

A full day at leisure on Vahine Island at your resort, which enjoys a very relaxing location on the outer reef with fine views of the lagoon and islands. Take the time to talk to your hosts today, as they are experts in the best ways to explore the lagoon and the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea, which both occupy the same reef system.

Your last full day at leisure on Vahine Island. The lagoon has some wonderful coral gardens for swimming and snorkeling. Look out for the turtles which live in the lagoon and are very inquisitive. Enjoy a final dinner under the stars this evening.