10 Nights Small Ship Tahiti Cruise

Papeete,Tahiti (3PM). Maeva [mah-yeh-vah] – that’s welcome in Tahitian, and we extend a very warm welcome to you on our French Polynesia cruise. Settle in and meet your crew and cabin mates, we begin by setting sail for Mo’orea. Late afternoon arrival, dinner on board and overnight.

With mountain peaks rising from its lagoon, Mo’orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai in Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener. Morning and afternoon optional half day excursions; a/ Dolphin watching expedition by Dr Poole’s biologist team, b/ 4×4 Safari, c/ Island tour and belvedere. Late afternoon sailing to Makatea.

Much of French Polynesia is made up of atolls – a ring shaped coral reef encircling a central body of water – but Makatea is different. This raised island of coral is the sleepy but spectacular island home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the Makatea fruit dove, the imperial pigeon, and the reed warbler. Our half-day tour will take us across the island in discovery of these, plus beautiful beaches with rock pools ripe for exploring, as well as to an underwater grotto full of stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight at sea. * Please be reminded our itineraries are influenced by weather conditions, implementing sailing restrictions when winds reach 6/7 Beaufort. The extended journey to the Tuamotu Islands, featuring anchor-adrift visits, takes into account variables like wind force, strong currents, and wave height that have to be kept into consideration due to the nature of the long sailings. In cases of unforeseen weather challenges, rest assured that we have alternative routes prepared. Adjustments to itineraries are made at the discretion of Variety Cruises, the Vessel’s Captain, or in response to port authorities’ decisions during such circumstances. Please be aware that these changes do not entitle passengers to refunds. We are dedicated to ensuring your timely disembarkation at the designated port, facilitating your flight connections, and providing you with peace of mind.

Morning arrival in Rangiroa. Composed of 240 islets, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago and the best spot for diving in all of French Polyneisa. We know you’ll want to experience the wide array of sea-life so join us on our full-day optional tour to the atoll’s Blue Lagoon; at only 16 feet deep it’s a mecca for swimming, snorkelling and marine life. Re-energise with a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor. * Please be reminded our itineraries are influenced by weather conditions, implementing sailing restrictions when winds reach 6/7 Beaufort. The extended journey to the Tuamotu Islands, featuring anchor-adrift visits, takes into account variables like wind force, strong currents, and wave height that have to be kept into consideration due to the nature of the long sailings. In cases of unforeseen weather challenges, rest assured that we have alternative routes prepared. Adjustments to itineraries are made at the discretion of Variety Cruises, the Vessel’s Captain, or in response to port authorities’ decisions during such circumstances. Please be aware that these changes do not entitle passengers to refunds. We are dedicated to ensuring your timely disembarkation at the designated port, facilitating your flight connections, and providing you with peace of mind.

Early morning sailing and arrival at Tikehau, also called the Pink Sand island. Think of an island paradise: no, really think and dream about it. We bet it comes with pristine turquoise lagoons, long stretches of white-sand beaches, and is adorned with jewel-like flowers such as bougainvillea and hibiscus. Tick, tick and tick for Tikehau. Oh – but add some pink sand to your picture too. Tiny white and pink sand islets surround a lagoon and are engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. Idle time away lounging on the colourful sands or exploring the marine life which – according to legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau – has a higher concentration of fish than any other in French Polynesia. Today’s optional tour is to Tuherahera where most islanders live, and to a family-owned fish farm to learn about their intriguing – and successful – process. Afternoon sail to Huahine. * Please be reminded our itineraries are influenced by weather conditions, implementing sailing restrictions when winds reach 6/7 Beaufort. The extended journey to the Tuamotu Islands, featuring anchor-adrift visits, takes into account variables like wind force, strong currents, and wave height that have to be kept into consideration due to the nature of the long sailings. In cases of unforeseen weather challenges, rest assured that we have alternative routes prepared. Adjustments to itineraries are made at the discretion of Variety Cruises, the Vessel’s Captain, or in response to port authorities’ decisions during such circumstances. Please be aware that these changes do not entitle passengers to refunds. We are dedicated to ensuring your timely disembarkation at the designated port, facilitating your flight connections, and providing you with peace of mind.

Wake up with a short and refreshing morning sail to neighbouring island Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty. This is a tropical jungle dotted with ancient marae (temples), some of which date back to 700 AD. Our optional tour takes in many of the island’s temples and small villages, and offers a chance to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay, as well as visit a vanilla plantation. If you’re a keen cook, we recommend you purchase vanilla beans while here; you won’t find tastier – or cheaper! – versions elsewhere. Evening sailing to Bora Bora, overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival into the Bora Bora lagoon where you may feel like you’ve woken in a dream. In many respects you have; these are some of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. You will have enough time for ample swim and snorkel stops, various optional tours such as: snorkel with stingrays and sharks, explore in an open-air bus known as ‘Le Truck’ and more. Or, choose your own adventure – tell us what you want to do and we’ll arrange it. Overnight at achor.

Morning arrival to nearby Taha’a, a true botanical paradise bursting with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. Taste the local fruit, gaze across calm waters in shades of turquoise you never knew existed, visit a pearl farm, and explore a traditional vanilla plantation. Afternoon sail to Raiatea.

Raiatea means ‘faraway heaven’ and ‘sky with soft light’. We know both to be true, but we’ll leave you to discover why for yourself. This morning’s optional excursion is with a local guide to Uturoa, the cultural and administrative centre, then on to Mount Temehani and the ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea. The latter is a UNΕSCO protected site, your guide will tell you about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. In the afternoon our optional tour is via kayak along the Faaroa River. Overnight at anchor.

Tetiaroa is long- treasured among Tahitians, indeed it was once an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It’s not hard to see why, or why Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the 1960 filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty” and went on to buy the island, developing it into a luxury eco-resort that continues to operate today. Yes, this is a private island resort but we have special access to spend the morning here. Spend time exploring the lagoons and the islet of Tahuna Iti (Birds’ Island), a national reserve for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaetons, and more. Afternoon sailing and evening arrival at Papeete, Tahiti.

This morning we’ll have an early sail back to Papeete, Tahiti. We invite you to join us for the final breakfast on board at 9AM before disembarkation.