Discover, Plan & Go!

Enjoy the Tahitian Culture and Wildlife. From the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands we sail through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Here we'll explore the great variety of dramatic volcanic and coral islands, fjord-like bays, and atolls that make these islands a naturalist's paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins dotting the countryside.

Immortalized by Gauguin's paintings and James Michener's words, Papeete is a place of romance and seduction. You may be charmed by the Tahitian aita pea pea (no problem) attitude. Or fall in love with the colorful 150-year-old municipal market with its mosaic of colors, profusion of scents, and symphony of sounds.

Cruise aboard the 118-passenger, all-suite, Spirit of Oceanus. Highlights include: Paul Gauguin Museum; Bora Bora, said to be the most beautiful island in the world; South Sea Island handicrafts; Hibiscus Foundation Turtle Reserve; View amazing underwater world via snorkeling, diving or glass-bottom boat; Great bird watching opportunities.

Day 1 - U.S. / Tahiti, Society Islands

Transfer to your hotel and spend the balance of the evening at leisure.

Accommodations: tba

Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Tahiti, Society Islands

Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Paul Gauguin Museum to see the artist's work. Stroll through the tropical gardens, streams, and water lily ponds of the adjoining botanical garden, gathered by an American physics teacher who escaped to the South Seas in 1919. Also visit the former home of James Norman Hall, author of "Mutiny on the Bounty." Embark to the Spirit of Oceanus and sail out at sunset.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 3 - Bora Bora / Taha`a, Society Islands

A circle tour of the island takes you past colorful villages, archaeological sites, and World War II relics. Or you can opt to glide over the reef in a glass-bottom boat, swim with gentle stingrays, or watch wild sharks being fed. Take time to browse in Vaitape, Bora Bora's main village, before we make our way to Taha'a and the Hibiscus Foundation Turtle Reserve, dedicated to protecting these magical sea creatures.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Tikehau, Tuamotu Islands

Jacques Cousteau and his team found Tikehau's lagoon to be the richest in fish species of the Polynesian atolls. Snorkel the shores yourself and discover the many species of sea life that flourish beneath the waters. Venture to Tikehau's "Isle of Birds," and visit the charming village.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands

The rare black pearl is farmed here, and you'll learn more about this fascinating industry as you tour a black pearl farm and visit the small village. To end the day, a beach barbecue with the best swimming opportunities of the voyage.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - At Sea

As we cruise between islands, our Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Motu Oa / Ua Huka, The Marquesas

Now we enter the Marquesas, far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in everything from language and culture to geology. Cruise past the uninhabited seabird haven of Motu Oa on your way to wild Ua Huka. The local mayor here has been instrumental in preserving traditional Polynesian handicrafts, especially woodcarving. We go ashore for a four-wheel drive tour to the Museum of Vaipee and the villages of Hane and Hokato, where traditional woodcarving is still a fine art.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Hiva Oa, The Marquesas

Visit the Oipona me'ae temple and the eight-foot-tall tiki Takaii, the largest stone tiki in French Polynesia. Watch ancient Polynesian culture brought to life in a special performance by the villagers. In the afternoon, tour the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center, Atelier des Tropiques and Jacques Brel Cultural Center where the famous Belgian songwriter is celebrated. You'll also visit the cemetery where both Gauguin and Brel are buried.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Fatu Hiva, The Marquesas

Learn about Marquesian culture here, on an island where artists are reviving traditional crafts including intricately carved wood bowls and war clubs. This is the only place in French Polynesia where they still make tapa, beaten bark cloth. Villagers perform their traditional dances, demonstrate their handicrafts and explain their traditional tattoos. Tattooing reached its zenith in the Marquesas, where it was used to express personality, social status, and to protect against evil spirits.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - At Sea

As we cruise between islands, our Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands

This protected atoll supports some especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher and the Tuamotu palm, and also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. The local villagers of Rotoava will demonstrate their handicrafts and cultural traditions.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Tahiti, Society Islands

Disembark and check into individual day rooms at your hotel, then spend the afternoon at leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Accommodations: tba

Included Meals: breakfast

Ports and Places

Tahiti, Society Islands

Immortalized by Gauguin’s paintings and James Michener’s words, Papeete is a place of romance and seduction. You may be charmed by the Tahitian aita pea pea (no problem) attitude. Or fall in love with the colorful 150-year-old municipal market.

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Emerald green mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the turquoise, lapis and aquamarine of the sheltered lagoon. An almost unbroken expanse of warm, white sand provides the island with a white collar of perfection for sun worshippers.

Taha’a, Society Islands

Marine turtles have found a refuge on Taha’a, where the Hibiscus Turtle Preserve works to save the endangered reptiles. We’ll meet with founder Leo Morou and find out why marine turtles are endangered and how they are rehabilitated and released.

Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

White coral beaches surround the turquoise lagoons of the second largest atoll in the world. World famous for outstanding scuba diving, Rangiroa’s waters are home to thousands of brilliantly colored fish.

Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands

It is here that the South Seas “gem,” the rare black pearl, was first farmed. Still the center of black pearl farming, a visit to one of many black pearl farms sprinkled around the lagoon is a must. Bird watchers will be entranced by the feathered residents.

Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands

Wild cotton and fragrant herbs cover the hills of the southern coast, and offshore islets are home to thousands of seabirds. Archaeological sites reveal life in 300 AD, and ancient petroglyphs and red rock tikis rest in fern-covered valleys.

Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, fertile plateaus, and thickly wooded forests. This was the last home of French painter Gauguin, whose descendents still live on this island.

Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands

White patches of goats and sheep look down from their precarious perches above the quiet harbor. Fatu Hiva is wildly beautiful. The jungle greenery plunges straight down into the splashing surf, and rock curtains, which Catholic missionaries said were formed as veiled virgins, enclose Hanavave Bay.

Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands

This protected atoll; along with its six neighboring islands, make up a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem on Fakarava supports some rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher, the Tuamotu palm, and sea life such as squills and sea cicadas.

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins Premium, Majestic or Classic even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Land Cost Includes: Two nights hotel accommodations with breakfast included, $475 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected; all airport/ hotel transfers; South Pacific cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare from US to South Pacific; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of $1000 per person is required to confirm. Cancellations made more than 90-days prior to departure are subject to a $250 per person fee. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the South Pacific is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.