French Polynesia & Easter Island. In the Wake of Ancient Voyagers

Our adventure begins with arrival in Papeete on Tahiti, the main international gateway to French Polynesia. After completing arrival formalities, we immediately connect to a domestic flight to Huahine Island, where lush mountains, quiet villages and an azure lagoon await.

On arrival, we head straight to the dock in Fare village, where our private catamaran is waiting. We meet the skipper, settle into our cabins, receive a safety briefing and begin our eight-day sailing adventure — with no hotel night on Huahine. Boarding is scheduled for no earlier than 2:00 p.m.

Our first sail takes us to magnificent Avea Bay, with its white beach and crystal-clear water. If time allows, enjoy swimming, snorkeling among tropical fish, kayaking and exploring the bay by dinghy. In the evening, watch your first lagoon sunset; an optional dinner ashore is available at extra cost.

After breakfast we sail to Raiatea, one of Polynesia’s most important historical and spiritual centers. The crossing takes approximately 3–4 hours. Relax on deck, admire the open ocean and islands on the horizon, or try fishing along the way.

We reach beautiful Faaroa Bay, surrounded by dense jungle and green mountainsides. Here we join the skipper in a small motorized dinghy to explore the Faaroa River and its lush tropical vegetation.

Tree branches arch over the water and the sounds of nature surround us. The journey evokes the age of the first island explorers. By evening we return to the catamaran for a peaceful anchorage.

In the morning we sail to Opoa Bay, home to Marae Taputapuatea, a sacred ceremonial complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most significant places for understanding the spiritual traditions and seafaring history of ancient Polynesia.

Here we discover the legacy of voyagers who crossed thousands of kilometers of open ocean in large canoes, navigating by stars, winds and currents. Raiatea holds a special place in traditions about the settlement of the vast Pacific.

We then continue to Motu Nao Nao, a small coral islet surrounded by turquoise water. Swim, snorkel, kayak and look for colorful reef fish; rays are often seen in this lagoon. The evening brings tranquility and a dazzling starry sky.

Today we make an approximately two-hour crossing to Taha’a, a peaceful green island renowned for its traditional crafts and spectacular lagoons.

In Apu Bay, we visit a pearl farm to learn how famous Tahitian pearls are cultivated and why they display such varied dark, green and silvery tones. Guests may purchase jewelry directly from the producer.

Next we sail to Motu Mahaea, where white sand, coconut palms and clear water invite us to relax. Enjoy snorkeling and kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding if equipment is available. We watch the sunset from our catamaran.

This morning we visit a vanilla plantation. Taha’a is known as the “Vanilla Island”, and here we learn how Tahitian vanilla orchids are cultivated, hand-pollinated and prepared into their famous aromatic pods.

We then head to Motu Tautau, home to a beautiful coral garden. Accompanied by our skipper, we snorkel among vivid tropical fish and fascinating coral formations.

Next we set course for Bora Bora, a sail of approximately 3–4 hours. The dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu gradually appears above its turquoise lagoon. We arrive in Povai Bay; an optional restaurant dinner ashore is available at extra cost.

Today is dedicated to the extraordinary Bora Bora lagoon, dotted with small coral islets known as motus. We sail past brilliant white shallows, admire emerald mountains and marvel at countless shades of blue.

We stop for swimming and snorkeling, discover the colorful underwater world and unwind on deck. The lagoon is particularly impressive from the water as the island panoramas change with every turn.

An optional stingray-watching excursion in their natural habitat can be arranged for an additional fee. In the evening, we watch another Pacific sunset from our catamaran.

We spend another day surrounded by Bora Bora’s spectacular scenery, cruising the lagoon and choosing picturesque places to swim, snorkel and relax. Photograph tropical fish, paddle a kayak, or simply enjoy sunshine and the gentle sea breeze.

Guests may book an optional visit to Deep Ocean Spa at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Known for treatments that use deep ocean water, the spa offers traditional Polynesian massages with monoi oil and other experiences. Advance booking is required and all spa services are at extra cost.

Our final evening on board is another chance to savor the freedom of sailing: calm water, soft sunset light and the striking silhouette of Mount Otemanu in the distance.

After breakfast we enjoy our final sail along southern Bora Bora. We visit a natural aquarium area of the lagoon, where we can snorkel one last time among colorful fish and admire Polynesia’s underwater landscapes.

We disembark no later than 11:00 a.m., say goodbye to our skipper and transfer to Bora Bora Airport. A domestic flight takes us back to Papeete on Tahiti.

On arrival we check into our hotel. Depending on the flight schedule, there may be free time to stroll around Papeete and experience the atmosphere of the island capital. Tomorrow brings a new chapter: mysterious Rapa Nui.

Today we travel to legendary Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet. We depart from Papeete according to the agreed flight arrangements. Rapa Nui welcomes us with rugged ocean shores, green volcanic hills and a unique cultural heritage.

After landing at Mataveri Airport, we transfer to Hanga Roa, check into our hotel and set off on an introductory excursion. We learn about the island’s settlement, its people and the traditions behind the enormous stone statues.

If the schedule allows, we visit the Tahai ceremonial area with its ancient platforms and moai, including Ahu Tahai, Ahu Vai Uri and Ahu Ko Te Riku. In the evening we enjoy sweeping Pacific views and our first impressions of Rapa Nui.

We dedicate the day to the archaeological treasures of Rapa Nui. Our first major stop is Rano Raraku volcano, the principal quarry where the famous moai were carved. Many stone figures remain on its slopes, abandoned at different stages of completion.

Next we visit magnificent Ahu Tongariki, a ceremonial platform with fifteen restored moai set against green hills and the Pacific horizon. It is among the most recognizable and impressive monuments in Oceania.

Along the way we learn about the challenge of transporting these enormous stone figures, the beliefs of the islanders and the history of their ceremonial sites. If our route permits, we also visit Anakena Beach, with white sand and palms, a place associated with legends of the island’s earliest settlers.

Today we discover another side of Rapa Nui: dramatic volcanic scenery and ancient rituals. We travel to Rano Kau volcano, whose vast crater contains a picturesque lake, with sweeping views of the ocean and southern coast.

Nearby stands Orongo ceremonial village, linked to the Birdman or Tangata Manu tradition. Stone houses, petroglyphs and stories of contests between ancient clans reveal the island’s rich spiritual life.

Depending on the confirmed excursion route, we may also visit Ahu Akivi, with seven moai, and Puna Pau, the quarry of red volcanic stone used to make pukao topknots for some statues. We return to Hanga Roa in the evening.

Today is a free day on Rapa Nui. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hanga Roa, visit local craft workshops, shop for jewelry and souvenirs, or relax at a café overlooking the Pacific.

Guests may arrange an optional boat trip or another activity, or simply spend the day at the island’s unhurried pace, reflecting on the discoveries and encounters of the journey.

Behind us lie the turquoise lagoons of Huahine and Bora Bora, sacred Taputapuatea, the pearl farms and vanilla plantations of Taha’a, and the volcanoes and enigmatic stone giants of Easter Island. Our expedition ends having connected the natural beauty of Polynesia with the mysteries of ancient Pacific civilizations. Departure from Easter Island follows individual flight arrangements.