Tahiti, the Society and Tuamotu Islands (Panorama II)

Embark the Panorama II in Papeete Port between 2:30pm and 4:00pm. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, we will set sail for Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. Our ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center. Over the following two days, we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Tour by 4x4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks; c) An open-air Lagoon Aquarium experience; d) The Bora Bora tour by "Le Truck" and more. Overnight at anchor.

We continue our Bora Bora activities. After lunch we cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to nearby Taha'a, a true botanical paradise. The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional half-day excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4x4 vehicle. Taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise waters of Ha'amene Bay. This excursion also includes a visit to a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or atoll. Overnight at anchor.

We sail across the lagoon to reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. Our optional excursion will start with an exploration by kayak of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea's verdant interior. Then, we will visit the ancient marae (temple) at Taputapuatea, a recent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance, before sitting down to a locally inspired picnic lunch. Overnight in the lagoon.

Morning sailing to Huahine. Once home to Tahitian royalty, Huahine is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional half-day tour takes us by 4x4 vehicle around the island to visit the small villages of Fare and Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. An optional full-day excursion is also available, including a land tour via 4x4 vehicle, a boat excursion to a pearl farm, and a picnic. Overnight at sea to Tetiaroa.

Held sacred by the Tahitians, the secluded atoll of Tetiaroa was once the retreat of Tahitian royalty. During the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty, actor Marlon Brando fell under its spell and bought the land for himself, with an aim to keep it as pristine as possible. A luxury eco-resort was designed under his direction and it operates in a 100% sustainable manner. We will spend the morning exploring the lagoon and snorkeling in the crystalline waters. This afternoon, we sail north to the Tuamotus Islands. Overnight at sea.

This morning we reach the small atoll of Tikehau, also called the Pink Sand Island, comprised of innumerable tiny white and pink sand islets. The lagoon, formed by a nearly uninterrupted ring of coral, is home to abundant varieties of marine life. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, this lagoon contains a higher concentration of fish than any other lagoon in French Polynesia. Our walking tour will take us to one of the family-owned fish-farms, where they trap different species of fish in a maze of underwater fencing. Much of their catch is then shipped to Papeete and sold at the local markets. We will visit the islet of Tuherahera, one of the only inhabited sections of the atoll. Naturally adorned with colorful flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea, Tuherahera is one of the most attractive villages in the Tuamotu Archipelago. This evening, we return to the ship and set sail for Ahe.

Ahe, one of the more obscure atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is a favored vacation destination for native Tahitians. The serene atoll is almost entirely enclosed and boasts aquamarine waters, startlingly white beaches, and vibrant coral. We will spend the morning snorkeling among the shallow sandbanks sprinkled throughout the lagoon, before enjoying a beach BBQ in a secluded “motu”, or reef islet. Return to the ship for an overnight at sea to Rangiroa.

Morning arrival in Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and one of the largest in the world. One of the best destinations for scuba diving, Rangiroa is composed of 240 islets, more than 110 miles, encompassing a deep lagoon. Our optional excursion will take us to the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool formed by islets and reefs within the central lagoon. At only 16 feet deep, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and observing the vast assortment of marine life. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor.

This morning, enjoy our optional Dolphins in Tiputa Pass excursion, which will allow us to interact with these incredible mammals. After lunch, we leave Rangiroa and the Tuamotu Islands and sail south to Mo'orea and the Society Islands. Overnight at sea.

At mid-day, we reach Mo'orea, believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai from James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific. Eight gargantuan mountain peaks rise from its magnificent lagoon, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from the western coast of Tahiti. Pick from 2 optional excursions, a snorkeling and ray feeding tour or the 3 Coconuts Hiking tour. Tonight, we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight at anchor.

Tahiti Early morning sailing to Tahiti. Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation 9am to 10 am.

Itineraries are subject to change.