Tahiti Tours Explore Polynesian Culture and History

Tahiti’s legendary islands offer more than just crystal-clear lagoons, lush rainforests, and secluded beaches, but also fascinating Polynesian culture from tikis to tiare flowers. Check out our Dreams of Tahiti shore excursions, which cater to everyone from The Shutterbug to The Archaeologist. Below are just a few excursions Windstar offers in the beautiful French Polynesia Islands.

For the Shutterbug: Photographer’s Eye View of Moorea

Travel in a private 4×4 vehicle as you discover Moorea’s magnificent beauty with an accomplished professional photographer. He’ll offer photographic tips and interesting information about the island throughout the tour. Highlights may include: visits to the pineapple fields; subtropical forests dotted with ancient archaeological sites; the Belvedere lookout point, which offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph Rotui, a beautiful mountain separating Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay; as well as beautiful gardens, a turquoise blue lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean’s endless horizon.

For the Eco-Tourist: Wild, Free-Ranging Dolphin Eco-Boat Tour

Join a local marine biologist who has been studying dolphins in French Polynesia since 1987 as he details the remarkable life and society of these fascinating mammals. Spinner dolphins, rough-tooth dolphins, and pilot whales are often seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly coming inside the reef. Learn about the geology of French Polynesia while viewing the dramatic beauty of Moorea from the water. Between July and the beginning of November there is the additional chance to view humpback whales during their seasonal presence to mate and calf. The company offering this tour follows international eco-tourism guidelines and is an active contributor to the conservation of French Polynesia’s dolphins and whales. Participation in this tour will help to further their goal.

For the Nature Lover: Kayak the Faaroa River 

Discover the pristine natural beauty of Raiatea along the same route as New Zealand’s Maohi settlers during this unique kayak adventure on the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Led by a guide, you will begin your tour by paddling gently along the river, beginning in the fjord-like inlet on Raiatea known as the Faaroa Gorge, and then continuing up the scenic Faaroa River. The steep river walls are lush with jungle foliage, and home to diverse species of birds and wild hibiscus purau trees along the sheer cliffs of the rainforest.

For the Gemologist: Anapa Pearl Farm in Raiatea

Visit a small pearl station built over the lagoon, experience an unforgettable pearl harvest and see how a black pearl is cultured. The sound of waves breaking on the reef and the spectacular palette of color are magic from the moment you arrive at Anapa Pearl Farm. Your guide will unveil all the secrets of Tahiti’s mysterious black pearl. You’ll see the grafter performing the “operation” on the pearl, and learn about its harvesting. This is a fascinating look at one of nature’s unique and most beautiful gifts.

For the Archaeologist: Sacred Sights & Cultural Walk in Huahine

Just above the coastal flat of Maeva is Mata’irea Hill, home to over 200 stone structures, including marae, agricultural terraces, house foundations, fortification walls and burial platforms. During your guided visit, you will discover various diverse subjects including: Polynesian origins and migrations; traditional Polynesian society; plants and animals; religion and warfare; and the arrival of European explorers, missionaries, soldiers and whalers. Your return route will take you through the village of Faie for a visit with giant blue-eyed eels, and then up the mountain to the Belvedere Lookout where you will have a wonderful photo opportunity of the beautiful Bay of Maroe.

For the Historian: Bora Bora Island Discovery

This leisurely, guided tour will take you through the history of the Tahitians, in particular that of Bora Bora. Witness how the popular pareo is made; learn about tupa crabs; taste locally grown fruits; and see relics left behind by the U.S. military. Admire the ever-changing colors of Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon, and discover tropical flowers and trees among the dense green vegetation on the mountainside.

What type of shore excursion fits your personality?

Wind Spirit, our newly renovated 148-guest sailing yacht, will sail the seven-day voyages from the capital city of Papeete beginning May 2, 2014 with stops through the Society Islands of Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora. Dreams of Tahiti cruises sail from May 2 to November 7, 2014 and are starting at $2,799 per person. To book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call Windstar at 800-258-7245 or visit www.windstarcruises.com.