Whether it’s snorkeling in crystal clear lagoons or lounging on the beach with a cocktail, the Tahitian islands are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Windstar has been sailing to Tahiti for 35 years, and our small ships give guests exclusive access to ports and points of interest in French Polynesia. Take in the views of Moorea’s lush mountains via a 4×4 tour, or visit a small vanilla plantation in Taha’a the next day, followed by lunch on a private island. This dream itinerary includes two full days in Bora Bora, which is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world, plus the opportunity to stay at a bungalow over a crystal-clear lagoon.
In addition to presentations and tours where guests can learn about history and culture from local guides and storytellers, the Destination Discovery Event offers an intimate look at Polynesian traditions. After enjoying a delicious dinner on yet another private island, grab a seat and enjoy an incredible performance complete with live music and fire dancing; the perfect way to wrap up your week in paradise.
These are the highlights from Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti cruise:
Papeete
Your tropical adventure begins and ends in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. Located on the west side of Tahiti Island, the port city is packed with restaurants, shops and museums, yet it still maintains the charm of a small, seaside town. The peaceful Paofai Gardens are just a short walk from the port, and along the way you’ll spot a traditional Polynesian boat on display at Place Jacques Chirac. Closer to the city center, you’ll have an endless number of dining options, plus your best opportunity to shop for black pearls and other souvenirs before you board your Windstar yacht.
Moorea
The lush, green landscapes of Moorea are mesmerizing, and the Belvedere Lookout, pictured above, boasts views of both Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay, with Rotui Hill in the middle. Just a short distance from the lookout you can wander around the remains of several ancient marae, or ceremonial sites frequented by Polynesian chiefs, priests and warriors. You can also visit a pineapple plantation in the Paopao Valley and sample a Queen Tahiti pineapple, which is known for its sweetness and low acidity. If you’d rather maximize your time in the stunning turquoise water, you can hop in a kayak and paddle right off the Windstar Watersports Platform, or you can book a jet ski tour with a local guide.
Raiatea
Raiatea is known as “The Sacred Island,” as it is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. The marae of Taputapuatea is believed to have served as the base for expansion to Hawaii and New Zealand, and the ceremonial site may have been established as early as 1000 AD. This picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site is comprised of two forested valleys, plus a portion of a lagoon and coral reef. Raiatea is also home to the Fa’aroa River, which is notable for being the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Guests can explore the river by kayak or motorized boat, taking in views of the dense jungle and Mount Temehani. Yet another option is visiting a local pearl farm, where you will learn all about the cultivation of black pearls — and have the chance to dive for your own.
Taha’a
Often referred to as the “vanilla island,” Taha’a grows nearly 80% of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. You will have the opportunity to tour a local vanilla farm and learn about the business, and afterward you’ll have time to purchase vanilla beans and other products at the farm stand. As part of this shore excursion, you’ll also have about an hour to snorkel in a nearby lagoon, where you may spot black-tipped reef sharks and stingrays in the clear, aqua water. A longer drift snorkel tour option is also available. During this relaxing day in Taha’a, lunch and cocktails will be served on a private island, or motu, complete with white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Bring your snorkel gear or lounge on a chair in the shade — the choice is yours.
Bora Bora
With two days in beautiful Bora Bora, you will have ample opportunities to explore the island, which has some of the best snorkeling and diving in French Polynesia. The shallow lagoons and vibrant coral reefs are teeming with marine wildlife like eagle rays, black-tipped reef sharks and hundreds of species of fish, and with an annual average water temperature of 82 degrees, this is a dream spot for aquatic adventures. In addition to snorkeling and diving tours, the Watersports Platform is available in Bora Bora, giving guests access to kayaks and standup paddle boards, plus floating mats and a trampoline. You can also take in the magnificent scenery via jet ski or glass bottom boat tours, or for a bird’s eye view, book a scenic helicopter flight. Windstar guests seeking a romantic retreat also have the option to book a night in a thatched-roof bungalow on the water at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.
Huahine
Huahine is made up of two main islands: Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) to the north and Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) to the south, which are connected by a bridge. The islands are surrounded by shallow, clear waters, and life here moves at a much slower pace. Take the time to explore the Maeva marae and the museum next to the historical site, which displays artifacts like paddles, axe blades, jewelry, pestles and tattoo combs. Huahine is also famous for its blue-eyed eels, which are considered sacred and treated like pets by the locals. These long-finned freshwater eels can be observed from a bridge near the village of Faie. For a taste of local cuisine, spend some time on a small motu with a local villager who will teach you how to make poisson cru, a local seafood dish, before enjoying your final snorkel of the trip.
Watching Susan Calman on Windstar Beautiful ship!I’m a 90 yr old pensioner and could never afford a cruise but watching your beautiful ship gives me so much pleasure !!
That’s fantastic, Catherine, thanks so much for telling us! –Carolyn