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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 is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.
 Sample Shore Excursions:
View Details Below!
- In Paul Gauguin's Footsteps.
Duration: 3½ Hours. Seated.
- Tahiti - Off the Beaten Path.
Duration: 4 Hours. Adventure.
- Tahiti Lagoon Discovery (Snorkeling).
Duration: 3 Hours. Adventure, Water.
- Tahiti and Her History.
Duration: 2½ Hours. Seated.
- Tahiti's Natural Treasures.
Duration: 3½ Hours. Seated.
Note: These are typical shore excursions for this port of call. Actual tours offered may vary and are normally assigned within 120 days of sailing date. Advance tour requests cannot be made for this port if it falls on an embarkation or disembarkation day, however a program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board the vessel.
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- Duration: 3.5 Hours.
- Seated.
- Code: PPT-1615
Take a walk in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin and explore the museum that bears his name during this scenic tour of Tahiti.
Depart Papeete for the drive along the west coast of Tahiti. Upon arrival in the residential district of Punaauia, you will visit the Museum of Tahiti, along with the islands located on Fisherman's Point, or La Pointe des Pecheurs. At the museum, you will view numerous archeological finds on display, learn about the island's geology, flora and fauna, and explore the culture and customs of both ancient and modern-day Tahiti.
Next, your drive will continue on to the Paul Gauguin Museum, which is nestled in a spacious garden. Gauguin lived in Polynesia from June 1891 to August 1893 and again from August 1895 to May 1903, the time of his death in the Marquesas Islands. The museum features a few of Gauguin's original works, and an interesting retrospective of his life in the islands as told through his documents, letters, writings and household objects.
There is also a miniature display of Gauguin's work that depicts the location of all of his paintings.
On the return drive along the west coast road, a brief stop will be made at a grotto where Gauguin once swam. After a short walk, you will come upon the marae of Arahurahu, a sacred site situated in a beautiful valley.
Following your Tahitian tour, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.
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- Duration: 4 Hours.
- Adventure.
- Code: PPT-4626
Explore a side of Tahiti not commonly seen by visitors during a scenic off-road journey through this idyllic island.
Depart the pier with your guide in an off-road vehicle for the scenic drive through Tahiti's pristine interior. You will then drive towards the east coast, and on to the Papenoo Valley. Along the way, you will pass by cascading waterfalls, luxuriant tropical vegetation, exotic flowers and lush valleys offering wonderful views and photo opportunities. You may opt to take a refreshing dip in a river while en route.
Your sightseeing itinerary will depend on the weather and track conditions during your visit.
Following your tour, you will be returned to the pier.
Please note: As this tour involves travel in off-road vehicles over bumpy surfaces, guests with back and/or neck problems are discouraged from participating. The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions. Guests who wish to take a dip in the waterfall's pool should wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring a towel from the ship. There are no changing facilities. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are strongly advised. Your driver will also be your guide, and commentary will be limited.
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- Duration: 3 Hours.
- Adventure, Water.
- Code: PPT-6167
Embrace the undersea beauty of Tahiti's blue waters during this scenic and memorable lagoon discovery tour.
Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the ride to your snorkeling site. Depending on the weather conditions (winds and currents), you will journey to Tahiti's east or west coast.
East Coast:
After a brief tour through the harbor of Papeete, you will see the fisherman's wharf, then make your way to the east coast of the island.
Your Captain will anchor off the Tahara'a Coast, where you will be able to dive in the refreshing waters of Matavai Bay. Masks and snorkels will be available for those who wish to discover some of the sea life living by the coastal reef. Fresh fruits will be offered during the tour, and water will available throughout the excursion.
West Coast:
After a little tour in the harbor of Papeete, you will see the fisherman's wharf and make your way to Tahiti's west coast. Along the way, you will pass by the Tahiti International Airport and Sheraton, Beachcomber and Sofitel Hotels. After taking a relaxing boat ride to the reef, you will anchor off the airport for some swimming and snorkeling. Masks and snorkels will be available for those who wish to discover the abundance of tropical fish living in these waters. Depending upon underwater visibility, you may be able to see some of the wrecks that lay on the sandy bottom of these turquoise waters.
At the conclusion of your visit to either coast, you will be returned to the pier.
Please note: Itinerary and stops may be reduced or alternated dependent upon weather conditions. Guests should know how to swim and be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, being in deep water and coping with occasional currents. Depending upon sea levels, boarding the boat in Tahiti may require guests to step up or down a high step. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests may remain in the boat, but viewing will be limited from there. The presence of marine life is not guaranteed, and tickets are non-refundable should a sighting fail to occur. For your own safety and to help us preserve our environment, do not touch or step on coral reef while snorkeling. Reef shoes are recommended. There are no restroom stops on this tour.
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- Duration: 2.5 Hours.
- Seated.
- Code: PPT-6165
Enjoy spectacular views and photo opportunities of Tahiti during this historic orientation tour of the island.
Depart the pier for the scenic drive to the former home of American writer James Norman Hall, author of the legendary bestseller, Mutiny on the Bounty. This lovely rebuilt Colonial-style residence is situated in a romantic tropical garden, and features an interesting library with thousands of books on American literature, along with antique furniture, family photos, paintings and other personal effects that belonged to the writer.
You will then proceed to Tahara's lookout point for beautiful views and photo opportunities of Moorea Island and Matavai Bay, where the movie Mutiny of the Bounty was filmed. A stop will then be made at Point Venus to view the island's only lighthouse, which is surrounded by iron trees, or Aito trees, and tropical plants. Point Venus has been the landing site for European discoverers and evangelists for many centuries. Captain Cook actually named the beautiful black-sand beach area Point Venus while he was conducting observations of the planet Venus.
Your tour concludes with a stop at Tombeau du Roi, the tomb of Tahiti's last King, Pomare V, before rejoining your coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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- Duration: 3.5 Hours.
- Seated.
- Code: PPT-6166
Unearth the natural treasures on Tahiti's East Coast during a tour of Tahara'a Lookout Point, Vaipahi Garden and the Maraa Grottos.
Depart the pier for the scenic drive along the East Coast of Tahiti. Your first stop will be at the Tahara'a Lookout Point, where you will take in wonderful panoramic vistas of Matavai Bay, and the black sand beaches and green cliffs of Moorea. Next, you will continue on to the Arahoho Blowhole. If you arrive during high tide, you will be able to see the ocean blow out powerful gusts of wind from underneath the coastal road. Remember not to get too close to the blowhole; a sudden surge could wash you off the rocks.
Your next stop will be the romantic Vaipahi Garden. Upon arrival, you will view rare species of precious wood, ginger and tropical flowers, along with birds of paradise, Tahitian chestnut trees, and plants that include taro and giant elephant ears.
Your tour concludes with a visit to the Maraa Grottos, a series of natural caves formed by the sea. Some Tahitian people believe that evil spirits, or varua ino, lurk in the shadowy depths of Maraa. Others say that if you swim to the end of the grotto and follow the underground river that begins there, you will eventually reach a wonderful valley in the spirit world.
Following your tour, a stop will be made at Marae Arahurahu, an ancient sacred site surrounded by tropical trees and flowers, before returning to the pier and ship.
Please note: Due to scheduled road maintenance on January 21, 2008 the drive to the East Coast which includes stops to the Tahara'a Lookout and Blowhole will now be substituted with a stop at Papara Beach for a photo stop. It is a nice black sand beach and one of the nicest surf spots. The total duration of this tour will now be 3.5 hours.
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