Cook Islands & Tahitis Society Islands

From Papeete, Tahiti to Papeete, Tahiti
  • Sub Antarctic Islands & Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Luxury
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Tour Description

Take this dream cruise from Tahiti, and discover the Society Islands as well as the Cook Islands over 12 glorious days. 

Embarking in Papeete, there will be day after day of turquoise waters, palm fringes tropical beaches, unbelievable lagoons, dramatic mountains, villages and hidden valleys and bays. Be dazzled by the outstanding beauty of Huahine, where you might witness archaeological remains from the Polynesian past.  Sail to the Cook Islands, for snorkelling in Aitutaki lagoon, or perhaps even some scuba diving.  There will be time to swim, sup, or kayak from the onboard marina or from the many beaches we will visit.  Enjoy viewing the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga, explore Bora Bora over two days, Motu Mahana, our private island for the day, and magical Moorea!

Sailing in comfort on board Le Paul Gauguin, with all your needs well catered for, this is an unforgettable journey full of idyllic islands, atolls and beaches, the perfect escape!

Viva's Best Bits...

Cruise in comfort, enjoy delicious cuisine, drinks, days visiting stunning beaches, glide through turquoise waters, view dramatic mountain peaks, palm tress, lagoons full of fish, turtles, rays, coral, & at night Polynesian performances & live music

Call in at some of the most iconic islands in the pacific; Aitutaki & Rarotonga in the Cooks, the garden island of Huahine, the magical island of Moorea, & an overnight in Bora Bora - with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, sup, kayak or add on a day tour

Live the life idyllic on Motu Mahana, our own private slice of paradise. On this exclusive islet, treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Day 2
Huahine, Society Islands

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

Day 3
At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the onboard photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 4
Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki is a little island of 16 km², with a small fishing port with few motor boats, where a simple and peaceful life endures. During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along this magnificent lagoon, reputed as one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world. Snorkelling fans will discover the treasures of underwater life here. The island is specialised in the sale of black pearls and the production of coloured sarongs, as well as “tivaevae” — patchwork quilting and handiworks. This local manufacture has great value because of its careful artisanal fabrication, and the pieces made are generally offered at important occasions.

Day 5
Rarotonga, Cook Islands

You will be dazzled by the magnificent volcanic silhouette of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. Perfectly circular, Rarotonga is closely surrounded by a coral reef over which break the endless waves of the south Pacific Ocean. The undulating profile of its sheer mountains standing out against the deep blue of the sky gives a glimpse of its summits at more than 600 metres altitude, such as Te Manga peak. The abrupt and vertiginous slopes are covered with luxuriant vegetation, a precious natural resource for the inhabitants of the island who have learnt to take advantage of this abundant nature and have developed a thriving agricultural sector.

Day 6
At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Day 7-8
Bora Bora, Society Islands

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

Day 9
Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands

Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.

Day 10-11
Moorea Island

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Day 12
Papeete, Tahiti

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Selected stateroom with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Stateroom upgrades and suites available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All shipboard meals, in your choice of venues
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and
  • Included Copy 20 In-room refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 All shipboard entertainment, including Polynesian performers and live music in the evenings
  • Included Copy 20 Presentations by onboard experts, and select sailings feature guest hosts
  • Included Copy 20 Onboard gratuities for room stewards, dining and bar staff
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Included Copy 20 Watersports, including complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding
  • Included Copy 20 A day on our private islet, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a
  • Included Copy 31 Fantastic day tour add ons
Transportation

Le Paul Gauguin

Activities

  • Included On Huahine, find hidden temples surrounded by rare orchids, ancient archeological sites.
  • Included Walk the stunning lagoon in Aitutaki, Cook Islands
  • Included Swim, kayak, snorkel or explore at your leisure on stunning Pacific Islands
  • Included Enjoy an overnight in Bora Bora
  • Included Discover the eight valleys of Moorea Island, its lagoons and bays
  • Included Fauna: lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, Manta rays, superb coral, sea turtles
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

12 days

Price from

$5,285 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a porthole twin

Select Date