TAHITI CULTURE AND WILDLIFE
Departure 14 February 2007
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Ships which operate this route: | Spirit of Oceanus |
From the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands we sail
through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Here
we'll explore the great variety of dramatic volcanic and coral islands, fjord-like bays, and
atolls that make these islands a naturalist's paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich
cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins dotting the countryside.| Day 1 | US / Tahiti, Society Islands Transfer to your hotel and spend the balance of the evening at leisure. |
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| Day 2 | Tahiti, Society Islands Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Paul Gauguin Museum to see the artist’s work. Stroll through the tropical gardens, streams, and water lily ponds of the adjoining botanical garden, gathered by an American physics teacher who escaped to the South Seas in 1919. Also visit the former home of James Norman Hall, author of "Mutiny on the Bounty." Embark to the Spirit of Oceanus and sail out at sunset. (Breakfast Dinner) |
| Day 3 | Bora Bora/Taha'a, Society Islands A circle tour of the island takes you past colorful villages, archaeological sites, and World War II relics. Or you can opt to glide over the reef in a glass-bottom boat, swim with gentle stingrays, or watch wild sharks being fed. Take time to browse in Vaitape, Bora Bora’s main village, before we make our way to Taha’a and the Hibiscus Foundation Turtle Reserve, dedicated to protecting these magical sea creatures. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner) |
| Day 4 | Tikehau, Tuamotu Islands Jacques Cousteau and his team found Tikehau’s lagoon to be the richest in fish species of the Polynesian atolls. Snorkel the shores yourself and discover the many species of sea life that flourish beneath the waters. Venture to Tikehau’s “Isle of Birds,” and visit the charming village. (B L D) |
| Day 5 | Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands The rare black pearl is farmed here, and you’ll learn more about this fascinating industry as you tour a black pearl farm and visit the small village. To end the day, a beach barbecue with the best swimming opportunities of the voyage. (B L D) |
| Day 6 | At Sea As we cruise between islands, our Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit. (B L D) |
| Day 7 | Motu Oa / Ua Huka, The Marquesas Now we enter the Marquesas, far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in everything from language and culture to geology. Cruise past the uninhabited seabird haven of Motu Oa on your way to wild Ua Huka. The local mayor here has been instrumental in preserving traditional Polynesian handicrafts, especially woodcarving. We go ashore for a four-wheel drive tour to the Museum of Vaipee and the villages of Hane and Hokato, where traditional woodcarving is still a fine art. (B L D) |
| Day 8 | Hiva Oa, The Marquesas Visit the Oipona me’ae temple and the eight-foot-tall tiki Takaii, the largest stone tiki in French Polynesia. Watch ancient Polynesian culture brought to life in a special performance by the villagers. In the afternoon, tour the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center, Atelier des Tropiques and Jacques Brel Cultural Center where the famous Belgian songwriter is celebrated. You’ll also visit the cemetery where both Gauguin and Brel are buried. (B L D) |
| Day 9 | FatuU Hiva, The Marquesas Learn about Marquesian culture here, on an island where artists are reviving traditional crafts including intricately carved wood bowls and war clubs. This is the only place in French Polynesia where they still make tapa, beaten bark cloth. Villagers perform their traditional dances, demonstrate their handicrafts and explain their traditional tattoos. Tattooing reached its zenith in the Marquesas, where it was used to express personality, social status, and to protect against evil spirits. (B L D) |
| Day 10 | At Sea (B L D) |
| Day 11 | Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands This protected atoll supports some especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher and the Tuamotu palm, and also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. The local villagers of Rotoava will demonstrate their handicrafts and cultural traditions. (B L D) |
| Day 12 | Tahiti, Society Islands Disembark and check into individual day rooms at your hotel, then spend the afternoon at leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B) |
| Departure Date | Prices From |
| 14 January 07 | £2588 |
