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	Papeete, French Polynesia

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper, often called the "Island of Love," is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. The 402 sq. miles (1041 sq. km) of Tahiti's surface area consists of mountain peaks reaching over 7,300-ft (2248 m) into a lei of wispy clouds. Around Tahiti- Nui (big Tahiti), a 71 mile (114 km) long road winds between the mountains and the sea. On the peninsula known as Tahiti-Iti (Little Tahiti), the road continues down each coast for 12 miles (18 km). 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. Only the "In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps" tour is available on the Saturday. Other excursions are available to guests remaining overnight in Papeete.

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	Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

At 42 miles long and 16 miles wide, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago which comprises 78 coral atolls, scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean governed by French Polynesia. Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet and peaceful. In the small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and scuba diving. The outrigger speed canoe or motor boat is used to reach the distant motu across the lagoon, where the day is spent preparing copra and searching for colorful seashells. Rangiroa remains tranquil and distinctly local in its customs and language, where few people speak English and the experience is a visual feast. In Rangiroa there are dive sites to suit all levels of certification. Divers can get a close look at the large variety of fish life around and within this remote atoll. The beginner or inexperienced diver can dive in less than 12m/40ft of water to visit a reef that has a vast variety of tropical fish and coral. The clear blue water outside of the Tiputa Pass offers dives for the more experienced divers. Visit the home of gray sharks, rays and reef fish, also it sites where hard coral of all sorts are fighting for space. Occasionally, silver tipped and great hammerhead sharks will glide by silently. Shooting through Tiputa Pass as the tide reverses and starts to enter the lagoon is a very famous dive. Advanced divers descend to 27.5m/90ft beneath the surface and begin an effortless dive going through the pass carried along by the incoming current. Operation of all tours is regulated by the exact arrival and departure times due to the tide variances.

Shore Excursions:
• Black Pearl Farm.
• Visit to the Vineyard of Rangiroa.
• Discover Scuba Diving Theory & Pool.
• Glass Bottom Boat.
• Scuba: Motu Nuhi Nuhi (Beginner Divers).
• Scuba: Rangiroa's Outer Reef (Experienced certified divers).
• Scuba: Tiputa Pass Current Drift (Active Advanced divers).
• Snorkeling Rangiroa's 'Aquarium'.

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	Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Hiva Oa is one of the islands discovered and named by Mendaņa in 1595. He named the island La Dominica. The main town is Atuona on the southern shore and is within Traitors Bay (Taaoa). Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. Located 740 miles northeast of Tahiti, the town of Atuona is the administrative center for the southern Marquesas. Framed in a theater of mountains with the Bay of Traitors providing safe anchorage, Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachts and copra ships.

Shore Excursions:
• Atuona to Taaoa.

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	Nuku Hiva (Taiohae)

Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea. It is the administrative, economic, educational and health center of the Marquesas Islands. Here are the French and Territorial administrators, the government buildings, gendarmerie, post office, general hospital, town hall, Air Tahiti office, banks, schools, well-stocked stores and shops. It lies on the south coast at the head of the Bay of Taiohae whose entrance is guarded by two rocks called "Les Sentinelles" Motu Nui to the west and Matauapuna to the East. Sundays and holidays are just as busy as any work day, when the villagers drive back and forth along the sea front road in their 4-wheel drive vehicles, calling out to their friends. Or they often stop to join the on-going game of petanque or French bowls, played under the flowering flamboyant tree in the front of the town hall. Nearby, the women sit under a shelter and win money playing bingo.

Shore Excursions:
• Church Service - Tender reservation.
• Cultural and Historical Taiohae.
• Helicopter Flightseeing.
• Scuba: Certified Dive.
• Tamure Welcome at a Sacred Marae.
• Visit of Taipivai Valley.

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	Bora Bora

Bora Bora lies 150 miles (240 km) northwest of Tahiti in the leeward Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore "motu" islets inside a protective coral necklace. There is only one navigable pass, facing the principal village of Vaitape. 18 miles (29 km) of partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, old Army bunkers and cannons left over from World War II, when 5,000 American GIs made a "friendly invasion." Matira, the public beach, has white sand and warm, shallow water. Bora Bora's lagoon is world-famous for its beauty. Bora Bora Diving The lagoon of Bora Bora is constantly replenished with ocean water from the ocean swells that crash over the fringing reef. In the center of the lagoon one side of the extinct volcano still stands as a tall mountain. The old crater has eroded and is now submerged. Within the lagoon the depths of water vary from a few inches to 120 feet. The diving inside it is pure delight.

Shore Excursions:
• Aqua Safari - Underwater Walk
• Blue Lagoon Escapade
• Bora Bora Island Tour by "Le Truck"
• Bora Bora Off Road Adventure
• Circle Island by Waverunner
• Clear Kayak Safari
• Coral Preservation & Snorkeling Program
• Glass Bottom Boat
• Helicopter Flightseeing
• Island Circumnavigation by Jet Boat
• Lagoon Sail & Swim by Catamaran
• Lagoonarium - Open-air Aquarium Snorkeling Experience
• Land and Sea Safari with Snorkeling
• Romantic Escapade at Bora Bora Pearl Beach
• Scuba Table Top - Beginner Divers
• Scuba Table Top - Certified Divers
• Shark and Ray Watching by Glassbottom Boat
• Sting Ray Ballet & Snorkel Safari
• Submarine Adventure
• Scuba Table Top at Night Certified Divers
• Sunset Blue Lagoon Escapade
• Sunset Sail by Catamaran
  
  

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  	Moorea, French Polynesia

  Moorea, which has often been likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles (17 km) from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations, and sandy beaches border crystalline lagoons. Whether you choose to visit the turquoise lagoon or the majestic mountains you'll remember Moorea with fond memories. Shopping is quite good on Moorea. You can find hand- painted designs on clothing that is ideal for the tropical climate. Shop for precious black pearls, curios, perfumes, pareus, sundresses, etc.

  MOOREA DIVING: Sighting of sharks on nearly every dive make this island a popular diving destination and the reefs of Moorea are beautiful and rich in hard coral diversity. The inhabitants surrounding the reef are multicolored tropical fish and invertebrates. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight. In the months of August to October, humpback whales are often seen near the entrance of Cook's or Opunohu Bay.

  
  

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  	Tahaa, French Polynesia

  Bora Bora lies 150 miles (240 km) northwest of Tahiti in the leeward Society Islands. The main island, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicolored lagoon, surrounded by offshore ?motu? islets inside a protective coral necklace. There is only one navigable pass, facing the principal village of Vaitape. 18 miles (29 km) of partially paved road circles the island, passing colorful villages, archeological sites, old Army bunkers and cannons left over from World War II, when 5,000 American GIs made a ?friendly invasion.? Matira, the public beach, has white sand and warm, shallow water. Bora Bora?s lagoon is world-famous for its beauty.

  Bora Bora Diving: The lagoon of Bora Bora is constantly replenished with ocean water from the ocean swells that crash over the fringing reef. In the center of the lagoon one side of the extinct volcano still stands as a tall mountain. The old crater has eroded and is now submerged. Within the lagoon the depths of water vary from a few inches to 120 feet. The diving inside it is pure delight.

  
  

  Free Quote: Guaranteed Lowest Price!*
  Plan your cruise with a cruise specialist 1-800-377-9383