Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meeting point, and check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.<b>Arrival Time:</b> Arrive by 11:00 a.m.<br /><b>Arrival City:</b> Papeete, Tahiti

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this evening.

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Rai’atea. This afternoon, visit Ra’iatea and one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. As you explore, you’ll learn about its significance in Polynesian history.

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A <i>makatea</i> is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.

The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Kayak, snorkel and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. Dive or snorkel through Fakrarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift dives in the world.

Spend three days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn about their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel or dive, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.

Disembark in Papeete and transfer to the airport for flights home.<b>Departure Time: </b>Depart after 12:00 p.m.<br /><b>Departure City:</b> Papeete, Tahiti