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Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia
8 Days Starting and ending in Papeete
Visiting: Papeete, Mo'orea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a, Raiatea, Raiatea to Papeete
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LYKP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 47
Age range:
7-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
It might sound like a cliché, but the crystal blue waters, colourful coral and lush green islands of French Polynesia are anything but boring. Snorkelers and swimmers will be in their element, with abundant marine life, stunning lagoons and pristine coral reefs just begging to be explored. On dry land, learning about the fascinating ancient culture of the French Polynesian people is an experience, with temples and archaeological sites abound. From your base on the Panaroma II, a comfortable small ship and an expert crew to show you the way, you’ll embrace the island life in no time.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Papeete
Location: Papeete
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Dinner
Ia Orana, welcome to Tahiti! This afternoon, you’ll make your way to your floating home for the next eight days – the Panorama II, which is docked in Papeete Port. Meet your fellow travellers, crew and leaders between 2:00pm and 3:00pm and after a welcome briefing and safety drill you’ll set sail for Moorea. On this trip, all meals are included on the boat, so you will enjoy dinner at sea before rocking to sleep with the gentle waves.
Day 2: Mo'orea
Location: Mo'orea
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s optional activities include a nature and cultural tour in a jeep or van. You’ll be exploring the inner crater of the island’s volcano, visiting a pineapple plantation and an agricultural school, as well as seeing the incredible landscapes of the island. Alternatively join a tour American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin and whale specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free ranging dolphins. Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dr. Poole’s team operates with the utmost respect in the presence of these incredible animals. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event. Late in the evening you will depart for Huahine.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Huahine
Location: Huahine
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will be exploring the two main islands of Huahine, a jungle paradise filled with tropical plantations including coconuts, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Aside from blossoming with nature, Huahine is also known for its cultural significance – it was once home to Tahitian royalty and has many ancient temples known as marae in French Polynesian culture. Some of these date back as far as 700 AD! Today you can join a tour where you will be driven around in 4x4 vehicles to visit the small villages of Fare, which is an archaeological site and Maeva, a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. If you choose this option, you will return to the boat for lunch. Or if you prefer, you can spend the day at your leisure – either relaxing on the boat or exploring the area around the lagoon. Tonight, after dinner onboard you will sail towards Bora Bora
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Bora Bora
Location: Bora Bora
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Bora Bora first thing this morning. After enjoying breakfast with a view of Bora Bora lagoon and the famous Mount Otemanu in the backdrop, you’ll have a choice of a number of optional activities to enjoy your day. These include a cultural tour with a local guide, or a snorkeling trip where you can keep an eye out for the sharks and sting rays. There may be more optional activities available on your trip, so have a chat to your Cruise Director about the different options. Tonight you will depart for Taha'a, overnight at sea.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Taha'a
Location: Taha'a
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning arrival into Taha'a, which shares a magnificent lagoon with neighbouring Raiatea Island. This lush island is extremely fertile and is covered with banana, watermelon, vanilla orchid and coconut groves. Today you’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful island by 4x4 vehicle in an optional tour. You’ll visit a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. It’s also the perfect opportunity to try some of the local fruits that are grown in the region and take in some of the incredible views of Ha'amene Bay. The afternoon is free for swimming and snorkeling on the “motu”, or reef islet, or exploring the area around the reef on your own. Tonight, overnight in port.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Raiatea
Location: Raiatea
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
First thing this morning you’ll sail across the lagoon to reach Raiatea, which is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. While it was previously known as Havai’i, Raiatea translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Today you’ll have the chance to take part in an optional excursion which will introduce you to the highlights of Raiatea. Meet your guide for an informative & intimate tour by minibus. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa, the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, you will see Mount Temehani, endemic home to the Tiare Apetahi. Next stop is at the main ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, which recently became a UNΕSCO protected site. Your guide will cover the origins and history of this famous land- mark. Here, you will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. In the afternoon you can join an optional Pearl Bed snorkeling tour, exploring the stunning reef where the mysterious black pearl is born. Learn all about the history and legends of pear farming. Tonight enjoy a captains dinner onboard. Overnight in port.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Raiatea to Papeete
Location: Raiatea to Papeete
Accommodation Name: M/Y Panorama II
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you can discover the local market or join an optional canoe tour of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. After lunch onboard, you will sail to Papeete. Overnight at sea.
Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Papeete
Location: Papeete
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning arrive into Papeete by 9am. From here, you will say farewell to your fellow travellers and the crew before disembarking the Panorama II.
What's Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Small Cruise Ship
Included Activities
Accommodation
- Small Cruise Ship 7 nights
Mode of Transport
- Small Cruise Ship
Accommodation
- All cabins on the M/Y Panorama II are air-conditioned and have an ensuite with basic amenities such as a hairdryer. They also have a television (with preset movie channels), internal phone and a safe box. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge although the signal can be weak at times and sometimes unavailable depending on the location. There is a fully equipped laundry service.
- Cruise:
- Wifi is available on all ships at EUR15 for 200MB or EUR20 for 250MB. The coverage can be very intermittent and unreliable. On shore in most countries, you should find fast, free wifi available in cafes or restaurants.
Important Information
- Your voyage is operated by our partner company, Variety Cruises.
- SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS
- You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD600, USD600, EUR450, NZD600, GBP300, CAD600, CHF450 or ZAR6,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure.
- Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Adventure Cruising (Variety) trips for further information.
- SHORE EXCURSIONS
- On this itinerary, shore excursions are optional and are paid on board the ship in Euro’s. The approximate price and a description of these excursions are listed in the day to day itinerary. Please note all activities are subject to availability and require minimum numbers of customers to operate.
- SINGLE TRAVELLERS
- It is not possible to share with a stranger on a Variety Cruises voyage and single travellers must pay the Single Occupancy rate.
- FELLOW TRAVELLERS
- Your group will be a mixture of Intrepid booked passengers and other international like-minded travellers from Variety Cruises.
- HEALTH SCREENING
- Variety Cruises have implemented Health screening measures prior to embarkation and during the cruise for all guests and crew. This includes:
- Mandatory pre-boarding health reporting and screening questionnaire.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip is operated by our partners at Variety Cruises and is best suited to independent travellers who want flexibility from their itinerary. On Variety Cruises, all shore excursions are optional, so you don’t have to pay for an activity you’re not interested in. Trips operated by Variety begin at port, do not include tips and require solo travellers to pay a mandatory single supplement.
This is a small ship Adventure Cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a motorised yacht with 30–50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but this cruise focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wi-Fi is available for a small charge.
Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board and your crew will do all they can to minimise any discomfort.
This trip is very much focused around marine activities so confidence in the water will allow you to make the most of the snorkelling opportunities. Flotation aids will be available on board as well as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
There are no lifts (elevators) on board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs (fitted with handrails) to access all the decks.
French Polynesia is a tropical climate, so while the weather is normally quite warm in some parts of the year you might experience a heavy downpour of rain that lasts around 30 minutes or so.
None of the activities on the trip are included, they are all optional extras. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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