FRENCH POLYNESIA

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Explore French Polynesia

French Polynesia, often referred to as "Tahiti and her Islands", wears a particular

atmosphere blending French sophistication with the local joyful and party-like

spirit. The native people combine the XXI century way of life with ancestral rhythms

of sun and the sea.

At first glimpse, the 118 islands of French Polynesia seem to inspire as little activity

as possible – lounging on the beach, taking a dip in warm, turquoise water and

napping in an overwater bungalow – but this archetypal island paradise presents

plenty of adventures to entice you away from more sedentary pursuits. The three

most visited archipelagos by charterers are the Society Islands, comprised of

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a. They offer the most

comprehensive array of activities, both on land and in the water.

Islands that evoke a beautiful state of mind.

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Tahiti and her islands are located south of the equator, halfway between California

and Australia. The climate is moderate tropical, warm and humid with two distinct

seasons. The average temperature is around 27°C. The waters in the lagoon

average 26°C in the winter and 29°C in summer.

Summer is from November through April, with a warmer and more humid climate.

Winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier.

The dry and windy season lasts from March to November, when the temperatures

are cooled by the regular southeast trade winds called Mara’amu. April, June

September are very good months, with July and August being the tourist peak

months. The rainier months are January and February, with brief heavy rains but still

warm temperatures.

Because of its exceptional biodiversity, scientists

consider the Polynesian seazone to be the

"richest aquarium on earth”. The crystal-clear

waters of Tahiti and its islands are home to more

than 1,000 species of fish shared between the

lagoon, the reef and the ocean. Schools of

damselfish, mullet and soldierfish frolic in the

coral lace-work as striped convict surgeonfish

and frowning Picasso triggerfish pass by.

Tahitians describe their laid-back culture as

‘aita pea pea,’ an expression meaning ‘not to

worry’ in English. The bustling Papeete

Municipal Market, the vibrant nightlife of Tahiti’s

capital, and the young people practicing their

hip-hop skills on the street are the noisiest

things visitors are likely to encounter during

their stay on this tranquil, yet friendly island..

The first people to set eyes on Tahiti and French

Polynesia’s other isolated islands migrated from

Southeast Asia roughly 4,000 years ago. Most of

today’s South Pacific residents are descendants

of these sailors who navigated the Pacific

Ocean’s challenging waters aboard wooden

canoes stitched with natural fibers.

History

Culture

Underwater

Fly into Papeete to join the yacht anchored in the marina and freshen up. Step on board and let the crew introduce you to your

new home for the next seven days, with a welcome greeting by the local dancers.

After settling in, you can tour the island and go to the local markets to get a taste of the island life. At most resorts throughout the

islands, a Tama’ara’a or Tahitian Feast is held at least once a week. This involves cooking in a ahima’a (an oven that has been dug

into the ground). Food is wrapped in banana leaves and the hole is covered with sand making it airtight. Cooking can take up to

several hours but is well worth the wait as the food comes out soft, tender and fall off the bone ready.

We will spend the evening in Papeete on board.

Papeete

DAY ONE

In the morning we head out to Moorea. Moorea is one of the most scenically striking islands in French Polynesia. Possessing a

relaxed vibe and welcoming spirit, Moorea is just as warm and inviting as the Tahitians lucky enough to call this island home.

You can travel by tender to swim and hand feed shark & stingray. This excursion is one of the most thrilling and popular and can be

enjoyed on most of the main islands. You`ll be able to get in the water and swim with them or simply watch from the boat.

In the afternoon we go ashore and travel by Four Wheel Drive or scooter to explore around the island. Getting around on a 4WD

guided tour is a great way to discover volcanic islands like Moorea.

Overnight we travel to Huahine which is 70 nautical miles to the North West.

Total cruising time approx. 1 hours

Moorea

DAY TWO

After cruising through the night, we wake up at Huahine for breakfast. The island is equivalent to the Garden of Eden. Beyond its

lush landscapes and bright blooms, Huahine is also a culturally preserved sanctuary with sacred temples.

The island feels like you are stepping back in time; this is a much different kind of French Polynesian experience. Undoubtedly, this

island will leave you spellbound.

In the afternoon we have lunch with a Motu Picnic while resting your feet in the clear water and enjoying the delights the islands

have to offer. You can tour the ancient Marae (archeological sites). For water activity you can feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of

Faie Village. You also have the opportunity to snorkel in coral gardens.

We will spend the night anchored off Huahine Island.

Total cruising time approx. 7 hours

Huahine

DAY THREE

First thing in the morning we cruise to Raiatea to visit the many pearl farms located inside the lagoon. The world-renowned

iridescent luster of Mother Nature's most perfect gem can only be created in Tahiti warm lagoon waters.

Commonly known around the world as Black Pearls, each Tahitian Cultured Pearl ranges in size and shape and the colours range

from the darkest black to shimmering shades of green, blue, bronze, aubergine, or even pink.

After an afternoon of exploring, we dig into a delicious meal on board and spend the night on the ocean.

Total cruising time approx. 2.5 hours

Raiatea

DAY FOUR

We continue our journey to Taha’a which is enclosed to Raiatea by a coral reef. Suitably shaped like a flower, the island is also an

immense natural greenhouse for the highly-prized Tahitian vanilla orchid. Thanks to this abundance, the intoxicating scent of vanilla

pervades the air in Taha'a, meaning this island is just as sweet as it sounds. Have lunch onboard before heading out for an

excursion of the vanilla plantations and the local produce.

Since the scenery here is especially remarkable, Taha'a is ideal for hiking. You can explore these ascending slopes and deep

valleys while discovering the diverse flora and fauna along the way.

Snorkeling is also a popular pastime in Taha'a. There is a shallow coral garden between Motu Maharare and Motu Tautau where

you can drift snorkel amidst scores of intensely hued tropical fish.

Total cruising time approx. 1 hours

Taha’a

DAY FIVE

In the morning travel 2 hours to Bora Bora and enjoy an amazing view of the atoll and the villas over the water. Bora Bora is

undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, it is French Polynesia's leading lady.

The wonderful thing about Bora Bora is that you can be as active or inactive as you wish to be. Since water is a way of life on the

island, popular lagoon excursions include snorkeling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and shark and

ray feeding. You can also explore in and around the lagoon with a sea bob.

After spending the afternoon in the crystal-clear waters, come back on board for sunset cocktails in the jacuzzi. We will enjoy a

delicious dinner to recount all of our day adventures around the table.

Total cruising time approx. 2 hours

Bora Bora

DAY SIX &SEVEN

On the last day you say goodbye to the amazing crew onboard and head to the airport for your flight to Papeete, going home with

unique memories or continuing your adventure.

Total cruising time approx. 5 hours

Bora Bora to Papeete

DAY EIGHT

BON VOYAGE!