Variety Cruises: Tahiti and the Pearls of French Polynesia

Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the world-famous Society islands of French Polynesia by small ship. Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea - islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. Island hopping allows you to see every landscape, from geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desert-like atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass. There are many sides to the Islands of Tahiti, yet they are all connected by Mana. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds us. You can see it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it. And from the moment you arrive, you will understand why locals say the islands are embraced by Mana.

Highlights include:

Bora Bora * Mo’orea * Huahine * Taha’a * Raiatea

Day 1 – Papeete – Embarkation

Board the M/S Panorama II in Papeete port between 14.30 and 16.00. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, set sail for Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.

Day 2 – Bora Bora

Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. The ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the centre. Over the following two days, you will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as a Bora Bora Cultural Tour by 4x4, an excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks, an open-air Lagoon Aquarium experience, the Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight at anchor.

Day 3 – Bora Bora – Huahine

Today, there is time for more of the Bora Bora optional activities. After lunch, cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to Huahine, arriving late in the evening. Overnight at anchor inside the lagoon.

Day 4 – 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. Take an optional half-day tour by 4x4 vehicle around the island to visit the small villages of Fare and 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. An optional full-day excursion is also available, including a land tour via 4x4 vehicle, a boat excursion to a pearl farm, and a picnic. Overnight at anchor.

Day 5 – Huahine – Taha’a

Leave Huahine early this morning and sail to the island of 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. An optional half-day excursion will allow you to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle. Taste the local fruit and admire breath-taking views of the magnificent turquoise waters of Ha'amene Bay. This excursion also includes a visit to a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling from a “motu”, or reef islet. Overnight at anchor.

Day 6 – Raiatea

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. An optional excursion will start with an exploration by kayak of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. Then visit the ancient marae (temple) at Taputapuatea, a recent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance, before sitting down to a locally inspired picnic lunch. Late in the evening we sail to Mo'orea. Overnight at sea.

Day 7 – Mo’orea

This morning, you reach Mo'orea, 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. Pick from two optional excursions, a snorkelling and ray feeding tour or the Three Coconuts Hiking tour. Tonight, you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Overnight at anchor.

Day 8 – Papette – Disembarkation

Early morning sailing to Tahiti and arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 09.00 after breakfast.

Price From: £1959 per person 

Price includes: accommodation in double or twin cabin with private SH/WC and air conditioning, full-board (breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local theme evening, BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner), coffee, tea and drinking water, use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability), port charges and English-Speaking Cruise Escort

Not included: flights, transfers to and from Papeete port, beverages (except those mentioned above), shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements, Wi-Fi (available at charge), gratuities and items of a personal nature.

M/S Panorama II

The two-mast M/S Panorama II, launched in 2004, carries just 49 passengers and offers high standard accommodation, comfort and safety. This state of the art motor sailer has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings, from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Tunis. The public areas include a main bar and lounge, which was renovated in 2015 to feature wood flooring and new furniture with soft fabrics in warm coral tones. Service on board is provided by your Captain, the Cruise Coordinator and your experienced Marine and Hotel crew members.

The M/S Panorama II’s outside cabins are located at the Upper, Main and Lower decks and are handsomely designed, finished with lustrous wood trims and warm fabrics. They all have marble-appointed en suite bathrooms with showers and are equipped with windows (Upper & Main deck cabins) and portholes (Lower deck cabins). All cabins have individually controlled A/C and are fitted with Flat screen TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe deposit boxes. 4 Main Deck cabins are convertible into 2 suites. 4 Lower deck cabins can be offered as Triple cabins.

Common Areas

The main lounge with comfortable sofas has a full-service bar and a plasma TV screen and is the hub of social activities such as the daily briefings on the destinations visited and other gatherings. This area is ideal for enjoying the company of your fellow travellers or simply for reading a good book from the library. Located on the Lower deck, the indoor dining room has seating for all passengers and offers generous buffet space. The aft area at the Upper Deck provides generous semi-covered area where guests can enjoy their meals al fresco, with wonderful views, weather permitting. Food is served at the table or displayed on the state of the art hot and cold buffets, also including an “a la minute cooking” section. The menu is international, with a focus on local specialties. The bow area at the Upper deck provides generous space and comfortable sun loungers are available to sunbathe in total comfort.

Life on Board

During the day life on board centres around the indoor Lounge area and the indoor dining room, as well as the open and inviting deck areas, natural gathering places, perfect for enjoying your meals al fresco, settling into a chair with a good book, or gather with your fellow passengers and enjoy the views of the places you visit. The swim platform on Panorama II’s stern enables you to swim off the yacht when weather and anchorage conditions permit.