Ports of Call
April 6: Papeete
We begin our journey in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Like other islands in the Society Island group, Tahiti is the creation of volcanic eruptions. The larger circle of Tahiti Nui probably came into existence about 2 million years ago. Prior to boarding the ship, enjoy the water front, sample the mobile restaurants known as les roulettes (open during lunch & dinner), or shop duty free shops.
April 7: Rangiroa
Rangiroa means Vast Sky in Tuamotuan and is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus. The atoll offers some of the best scuba diving in the world at Tiputa Pass where Bottlenose dolphins regularly play and can be approached in the wild while scuba diving. Rangiroa is known for its famous Blue Lagoon, which is a small lagoon formed on the southwestern edge of the island noted for its deep blue waters.
April 8: Fakarava
Fakarava is the 2nd largest atoll in French Polynesia in the Archipelago of Tuamotu. The shape of the atoll is rectangular and its reef crown is made up of multiple small islands. The remains of the ancient village here, Tetamanu, is the site of the first church in Polynesia which dates back to 1874 and is made of sea coral. The church, along with Fakarava’s rare flora and fauna, earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
April 9: At Sea
April 10: Fatu Hiva - Omoa
The southernmost Marquesan island, Fatu Hiva, represents the “roof of the Great House" of the gods according to legend. The island resembles a spectacular relief of flora-covered spires, especially in the northwest corner, around the spectacular Virgins Bay at Hanavave. A rocky peak, shaped like the Easter Island "moai”, dominates the administrative settlement of Omoa in the southwest. This is the island of tapa cloth where plant fibers are transformed into fabric for clothing and decoration. Culinary specialties include dried bananas and "poipoi" of "uru", also known as breadfruit.
April 11: Hiva Oa - Atuona
The largest of the southern islands, Hiva Oa is known as the “master pillar of the Great House" in Marquesan mythology. Atuona emerged from obscurity after artist Paul Gauguin came here in his final days to live and work until his death in 1903. In addition to his grave, the Gauguin Museum displays items from this period of the painter’s life.
April 12: Vaitahu - Tahuata
Tahuata, with only 19 sq. miles of land, is the smallest populated island in the Marquesas. Separated from Hiva Oa by a channel one-mile wide, Tahuataís history has been varied and often grim. It was in Vaitahu Bay that Mendana anchored in 1595 and named the island group Las Marquesas. Following Capt. James Cook's visit in 1774, Vaitahu's harbor was named Resolution Bay. This village also received the first Protestant and Catholic missionaries, and the first Marquesan church was built here. It was at Vaitahu that the French took possession of the Marquesas, establishing a garrison in 1842. There is no airport and boat day in Tahuata is a main event when the copra ship arrives with food and supplies. Vaitahu is the main village, with a town hall, post office, dispensary, big cathedral and primary school.Tahuata's inhabitants live a quiet life today, working peacefully in their verdant valleys, raising agricultural products, bananas or sweet potatoes, making copra and fishing in the rich waters surrounding the island.
April 13: Nuka Hiva - Taiohae
The largest of the Marquesan islands, Nuka Hiva is the "roof beam" of the "Great House" representing the Marquesan archipelago in local myth. The coastline features tranquil bays, rocky cliffs and villages dotted throughout and features some of the most impressive archeological sites in French Polynesia. A vibrant craft economy thrives here where you can find amazing deals on artisan carved wood & bone.
April 14 and 15: At Sea
April 16: Huahine
Huahine’s sleepy South Seas pace makes it the ideal place to relax. The variety of scenery, splendid beaches, archeological remains and friendly people make it a wonderful place to visit. The little town of Fare is a peaceful retreat, perfect for walking and “bike seeing”. Since 1967 approximately 16 maraes, ancient religious sites, have been uncovered on Huahine and all are easily visited today. In the early 70s, a carved wooden paddle called a patu was uncovered here, proving that New Zealand’s Maoris originated in this area. Swimming snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are all popular on Huahine and so is just plain old relaxing!
April 17: Bora Bora
Bora Bora is everyone’s idea of a South Pacific Island. Dramatic basalt peaks soar 700 meters above a gorgeous multicolored lagoon. Slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus. Some of the most perfect beaches you will ever see are here and one of them will be ours for the day to enjoy - naturally of course! Mt. Pahia’s gray basalt mass rises 650 meters behind the small village of Viatape and above it soar the sheer cliffs of Otemanu’s mighty volcanic ridge.
April 18: Taha'a - Motu Mahana
This sacred island is called "Tahaa of the distant marae” where felled heroes who died in battle were freed to join the original Havai'i of the great “Maori” navigators. Tahaa is the sister island of Raiatea and shares the same wonderful lagoon. It is a lovely plantation island - the vanilla orchid plant playing a major role in the lives of Tahaa’s 4,470 inhabitants. The island ring road will take you to Patio, a sailor’s delight with its sapphire and emerald tones and two reefs where dolphins play.
April 19 and 20: The M/S Paul Gauguin arrives back in Papeete on Friday evening. Passengers may disembark upon arrival or remain on board for one last night of dining and dancing. |
