Shore Excursions

Depart the pier aboard a covered motorized boat for the 30-minute ride. Walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu. On the other end of the motu, commence your snorkelling experience. Your guide will lead you while the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to the pier.

·        This tour is recommended for experienced snorkelers that are extremely comfortable in the water as snorkelling is done over very shallow water. Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses and bring a towel from the ship.

Depart the pier via off-road vehicle for the drive to the Faaroa River. Receive your safety instructions and equipment, then embark your kayak. Led by your guide, begin your tour by paddling from Raiatea's fjord-like inlet, or Faaroa Gorge, en route to the scenic Faaroa River.

·        This active tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of paddling. Guests must know how to swim, and be in good physical conditions. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, or guests with limited mobility. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Participants must be at least 12 years of age, and weigh less than 220 pounds; children must be accompanied by a parent. You will be required to follow your guide and wear your lifejacket at all times. A small waterproof bag will be available on board the kayak to store your small items.

Visit the Island of Raiatea - the Cultural Island by Off road vehicle. Meet your guide on the pier and embark on an open-air safari truck allowing you to get the best views while you are travelling. Stop at various viewpoints, witness a coconut demonstration and learn about the island's past and present. Visit one of the most important archaeological sites in French Polynesia - Marae Taputapuatea.

·        The tour is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems or pregnant women as the trip can be at times very bumpy.

Depart the pier aboard a motorized outrigger canoe for the 30-minute ride to Taha'a, Raiatea's sister island, which shares the same lagoon. On arrival, you will proceed for a visit to Poerani; a black pearl farm. There you will learn about the black pearl. Afterwards you will continue to a small motu for an opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear water. Following your snorkelling session, you will embark the canoe and return to the pier.

·        The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on the weather and current conditions. Some of the canoes may not be covered, and sunscreen is strongly suggested. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, hat, sunglasses and bring a towel from the ship. Guests should be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and able to cope with occasional currents.

Get acquainted with the coral gardens and tropical fish of Rangiroa during this scenic glass-bottom boat tour. Depart the pier aboard a glass-bottom boat, then slowly float over the huge coral heads that cluster in shallow areas inside the Tiputa Channel.

Along the way, you will see a colourful world full of parrot fish, butterfly fish, and surgeon fish through the large windows. You may also encounter black-tipped sharks, and catch a glimpse of the majestic Napoleon fish. During the tour, your Polynesian boat crew will attract the fish directly under the glass panels to make it easy for you to observe and photography them.

A cover will provide protection from the sun and eliminate glare, enabling you to take home great photographs.

Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the pier.

·        This is not a snorkelling tour. This tour takes place at Motu Nui Nui. Marine life is widely present in this region; however, sightings cannot be guaranteed and tickets are nonrefundable should a sighting not occur. The Tuamotu's are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified and their command of English may be very poor. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Explore Rangiroa's black pearl industry and learn about pearl cultivation during this memorable visit to the Black Pearl Farm.

Depart the pier for a ride along Rangiroa's main road, past the airport and on to the Black Pearl Farm. Most pearl farms are small-sized, and the number of workers at this farm is quite representative of the farms in this region.

Upon arrival at the farm, the staff will give you a brief lecture about the farming and production of black pearls. You will learn about the chronology and evolution of the industry, and how oysters are selected, grown, and then grafted for production.

Following the lecture, you will proceed to the work sheds where oysters are sorted and cleaned, and watch a grafter at work as he skilfully plies his trade.

Following your visit, you will reboard your minivan for the return ride to the pier.

·        This tour is for guests who are interested in learning about pearl cultivation. The Tuamotus are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified, and their command of English may be very poor. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

Rangiroa's spectacular and diverse marine life is yours to discover during this scenic and memorable ride in the Tuamotu Islands.

Depart the pier via local boat for the ride to Motu Nui Nui, a natural, open-water aquarium renowned for its marine life. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety instructions, then enter the water to explore your surroundings.

Along the way, you will observe an abundance of colourful fish and coral and marine life. Your guide will offer assistance in the water and throughout the tour.

During the tour, you will also have an opportunity to hand-feed the fish. Following your snorkelling session, you will be transferred back to the pier.

·        This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and used to snorkelling in deep water and strong currents. The Tuamotus are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified, and their command of English may be very poor; thus, narration will be very limited tonon-existent. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring a bottle of water and a towel from the ship.

Experience the natural beauty of the Green Lagoon, a true island paradise with emerald waters and a white sand beach. The stunning landscape offers the perfect setting for relaxation, swimming, and bathing in a calm, sheltered area. Guests will enjoy a selection of refreshments, including fresh coconuts, local fruit juices, and still water, along with a tasting of tropical fruits, coconut bread, and shredded coconut.

For your comfort, the site is equipped with restrooms, chairs, sun loungers, and low seating. Shaded areas are also available, providing a cool retreat from the sun.

Explore Taha'a's exquisite topography, ancient culture, and local economy during this scenic and memorable off-road tour.

Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the ride across one of Taha'a's highest mountains. Along the way, your guide will point out sights of interest, and a stop will be made at a scenic viewpoint to learn about the traditional uses of local plants and trees.

The island of Taha'a is often called Vanilla Island, and you will learn about this fragrant spice while visiting a small family plantation. Afterwards, you will visit a small black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultivated and harvested. These small cottage industries represent a large part of this small island's economic structure.

During the return drive along the east coast of the island, your guide will entertain you with tales of island life and lore. Upon returning to the ship, a tender service to the Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana will be available throughout the day.

·        This tour involves travel over very rough roads, with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Guests must remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.

Get on-board a luxurious catamaran and indulge yourself with a breathtaking cruise in the amazing waters of Taha'a Lagoon. Thanks to the shallow draft, Catamaran will take you to shallow areas, over multiple shades of blues and turquoises of the lagoon.

While your crew sets up the sails for a magnificent sailing, feel the sea breeze as your eyes discover beauty of the Vanilla Island. During your sail, fresh fruits and juice will be served and your Tahitian hostess will help you better understand the Polynesian culture.

Arrive at the coral garden and start your snorkeling adventure. After your snorkel, sail back to the pier. Ship's tender will return you to the ship where you can catch a tender to Motu Mahana and the Beach BBQ. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

·        The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on weather conditions. Please bring a swimsuit, hat and sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. The catamaran is fully protected and equipped with two rest room, shaded area, a sound system, cushions, outside and inside fresh water showers, and ladders to get in and out of the water. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Explore Tahiti's most unique and sought-after treasures during this canoeing and snorkeling adventure and a visit to the Black Pearl Farm.

Depart the pier aboard a motorized outrigger canoe for the 10-minute ride to Poerani, a black pearl farm. The vanilla industry is the island's most important business, followed closely by the production of black pearls. At the black pearl farm, you will learn all about the most beautiful jewel of French Polynesia: the magnificent black pearl. This informative stop will help you understand the value of these lustrous jewels in these islands – and around the world.

Continue on to a small motu for an opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear water. This motu is located close to a pass where experienced snorkeler can observe the drop-off of the reef. Don your snorkeling gear and enter the water, where you will see wonderful underwater fauna and a myriad of tropical fish swimming around you.

Following your snorkeling session, you will embark the canoe for the return ride to the Motu Mahana for Paul Gauguin's Beach BBQ.

·        The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on weather conditions. Some of the canoes may not be covered, and sunscreen is strongly suggested. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. This tour ends at our private islet, Motu Mahana, where lunch, water activities and snorkeling is available. Guests should be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and able to cope with occasional currents. Morning tour departures will conclude at the beach.

After a brief tender boat ride to the pier, you will be met by your local guide and "Le Truck".

You will start exploring this scenic island, known as the Vanilla Island, by first visiting a Vanilla Plantation. You will have a brief tour of the grounds of the plantation and a presentation into farming and cultivation of this precious spice.

Afterwards you will continue your guided tour and you will learn about the history, the legends and present-day life of Taha'a. There will be a number of photo stops along the route.

Your final stop will be at the 'Motu Pearl Village' where you will find out all about the creation of the Tahitian Black Pearl and enjoy refreshments and local fruits in season. After the visit you will be transferred by boat directly to Motu Mahana.

·        The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Rest room facilities at the Motu Pearl Village. Please have local currency with you for any purchases.