French Polynesian Discovery: Tahiti to the Marquesas

Depart on an overnight flight to Tahiti. Savor the anticipation of traveling to a place with infinite shades of azure, secluded atolls and the sultry perfume of Tiare Tahiti (gardenia). Expert National Geographic guides will soon guide you through the Pearl of the Pacific—a tropical paradise.

Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti early this morning and check into your room at the tropical InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Spend the day adjusting to island time and enjoying the resort’s many amenities, or join the group for a leisurely afternoon excursion. This evening, connect with fellow travelers at the welcome cocktail party.

Today, join an island tour and have lunch at a local restaurant before embarking the ship.

Spend two days exploring this idyllic archipelago. Experience with all the senses while learning the geological distinction between volcanic islands, atolls, and uplifted coral atolls, like the stunning island of Makatea, one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. See the spectral remains of a mining operation while hiking through a primeval landscape with the expedition team, to discover an incredible limestone grotto. Birders might add endemics such as the imperial pigeon or the Makatea fruit dove to their lists. Snorkelers will revel in the protected reefs of gorgeous Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conditions permitting, ride the current into the vast lagoon on a world-famous drift dive or snorkel.

A relaxing day at sea ends at one of the most remote and historic island groups on Earth, the Marquesas. One never forgets the first sight of lovely Hanavave Bay, fronting one of the world’s most soul-stirringly beautiful islands—Fatu Hiva. Be sure to be on deck and camera-armed for the arrival at one of the most storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Enjoy a warm Polynesian welcome on a visit to a remote village where you’ll see displays of well-made, uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a challenging hike through landscapes studded with sculptural granite and stunning flora to a remote waterfall, or Zodiac to the next bay where local transport takes you birdwatching deep in the Omoa Valley.

At Hiva Oa, hope to land at Atuona. Stop for a fresh-baked French baguette before a short visit to Calvary Cemetery and the gravesites of French artist Paul Gauguin and Belgian Jacques Brel, both revered on the island. Visit the village of Puamau to explore a well-maintained Marquesan sacred site, a me’ae Iipona. Accompanied by the expedition team and knowledgeable local guides, learn about religious rites and get the chance to photograph one of the largest, most arresting ancient tikis in Polynesia.

If you read Herman Melville’s Typee in preparation for your voyage, then you’ll thrill doubly to the green-mantled, rugged silhouette of Nuku Hiva, the largest and most imposing of the Marquesas. Choose to end your Polynesia adventure here, and fly back to Papeete to connect to your flight home.

Included

Accommodations; meals indicated; alcoholic beverages (except premium brands); excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; gratuities to ship’s crew.

Exclusions

Immigration fees; air transportation; one-way charter flight from Nuku Hiva to Papeete (from $425 per person, subject to change); personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD etc.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
180 or more days – $750 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 25% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The French Polynesian Discovery: Tahiti to the Marquesas cruise begins and ends in Papeete, Tahiti (PPT). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Embarkation and disembarkation times may vary based upon arrival of group flights from Los Angeles, California (LAX). The suggested group flight arrives into Papeete at 5:00am on day 2 of the itinerary, and departs at 11:45pm on day 10. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Nuku Hiva, Marquesas and Papeete, Tahiti, is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions (Rates & Dates tab) and inquire with an Adventure Specialist for pricing. There is a strict luggage limit of 1 checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg).

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include snorkeling, diving (included), inflatable boat/skiff excursions, cultural visits, land treks and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.