11-Nights Tahiti, the Society and Tuamotu Islands Cruise

Raiatea

Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. The most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here. It is from these shores that ancient Polynesian explorers are said to have ventured to the far off lands of Hawaii and New Zealand. Second only in size to the Island of Tahiti, Raiatea is today the trading center of the leeward islands. Raiatea is unique in that it has the only navigable river in Polynesia - the Faaroa. The rare, white gardenia called Tiare Apetahi only grows on the slopes of Mount Temehani and nowhere else on Earth! Mount Temehani is also the supposed birthplace of Oro, one principal god of Polynesia. There is a large, protected lagoon around Raiatea and its sister island Tahaa, which produces wonderful beaches and the perfect location for sailing, big game fishing, and diving.

Taha'a

There is a large, protected lagoon around Raiatea and its sister island Taha'a, which produces wonderful beaches and the perfect location for sailing, big game fishing, and diving. Tahaa is only accessible by boat and has little tourism activity, although it affords visitors ideal spots to picnic, dive and hike. It also grows about 80 percent of all the vanilla in Polynesia.

Huahine

Less visited than the other Society Islands, Huahine maintains more of the traditional pace of life. There are ancient temples to explore, vanilla plantations to view or drives into the hinterlands in 4-wheel-drive-vans. The coral reefs offshore are excellent for snorkeling.

Tikehau

Tikehau, one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia, forms an almost unbroken circle, creating a unique ecosystem and the highest preponderance of fish of all the atolls. Here it is possible to discover the true Tuamotu way of life.

Rangiroa

Rangiroa is a perfect example of what happnes to a volcano when it erodes over time. Its caldera submerged, creating a body of water surrounded by a dotted ring of sand and reef. Truly one of the world's greatest diving destinations, Rangiroa attracts both amateur and professional divers worldwide.

Moorea

This magical island is what inspired James Michener to write about mythical "Bali Hai." The rugged mountains rise dramatically from the ocean and stand guard over this lush island that features everything from white sandy beaches to pineapple plantations to cascading waterfalls to secluded coves. A trip through the lushly-forested inland to Le Belvedere lookout opens a breathtaking view of deep blue waters of Cook's and Opunohu bays, which are the perfect anchorages for luxury yachts and sailboats alike. Horseback riding on the beach, bicycling and hiking into the mountains, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, para-sailing, and much more awaits.

Papeete

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is considered one of the most romantic places anywhere. Dominant from the moment of arrival are majestic Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two towering volcanic peaks of black rock jutting out of the center of the emerald-green island. Often shrouded in clouds, these landmarks take on mysterious and mythical qualities. Off-road excursions, bicycling, and hiking into this wild beauty reveal incredible panoramas and valleys. Hundreds of brilliantly-colored fish, intricate gardens, and clear water also create some of the very best undersea worlds. For an exhilarating expedition, swim with and watch local divers feed small, non-dangerous lagoon sharks. Bora Bora has several ancient temples and authentic Polynesian villages. There are also some reminders of World War II with a number of cannon emplacements left behind by the U.S. Navy.