Pearls of Polynesia - Island Hopping in French Polynesia

Fly by scheduled flight via Los Angeles.

Arrive this morning and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky which will be moored in Papeete. Sail later today.

As one of the world’s largest coral atolls, Rangiroa, whose name translates into “vast sky”, has a magnificent lagoon surrounded by small islets or motus, stretching as far as the eye can see. Arriving in the mid-morning we will have time to enjoy our first snorkel or swim, join our birder for a nature walk, visit the island’s black pearl farms or wander through the enchanting local village of Avatoru.

Spend the morning at the idyllic atoll of Manihi. It was here, in the inner lagoon, that black pearls were first farmed in Tahiti and we have the chance to visit a farm to learn about the growing process. Alternatively enjoy a swim in the clear waters, snorkel over the coral reefs where we may see manta rays and tropical fish or meet the islanders and shop for local crafts in the colourful village of Turipaoa. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.

Enjoy a day relaxing on the sun deck and join a lecture in the lounge as we sail north.

Arrive in the Marquesas Islands, far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in everything from language and culture to geology. Nuka Hiva is the largest of the islands and the island group’s economic capital. Here, we will immerse ourselves in local culture and geography. Traditional Marquesan dancers will welcome us to their village and we will visit the archaeological centres at Kamuihei and Hikoku’a and see the temples, petroglyphs and tiki. Meanwhile a series of island walks will focus on the flora and fauna of the island whilst there will also be an opportunity to swim from the beaches.

This morning will be dedicated to Gauguin, iconic artist of the South Pacific. We will visit the museum which offers a permanent exhibition of his works and make a pilgrimage to his final resting place in the cemetery perched high on a hill overlooking the town. We will soak up the landscape that inspired him to leave it all behind and go native. Over lunch we will sail to the neighbouring island of Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island of the Marquesas which was the first to be visited by Protestant and Catholic missionaries and where the first church in the Marquesas was built. With no airport the island is only accessible by sea and is off the usual tourist trail. We will land this afternoon and explore Hapatoni village, meet the local population and learn about their history and ways of life.

With a landscape of spectacular pinnacles towering over the cobalt Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva is one of the most floral and pristine islands. Villagers will perform their traditional dances and demonstrate their handicrafts of wood carvings and tapa making. Afterwards, weather depending, our expedition team will run a series of nature walks either climbing to the viewpoint, searching for birds with our ornithologist or a nature walk to the waterfall. Meanwhile a snorkel platform will be set up for those who wish to swim.

Spend a day at sea. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax or watch for wildlife.

Raroia is known for its pearl farming and we will see the strings of oysters all around the local farms. After the traditional welcome to the island including a selection of local fruits and fish, we will have the day to explore on a variety of walks, swim from the beach or snorkel in the beautiful coral garden with parrotfish, angelfish and butterfly fish.

Motutunga Atoll was first sighted by James Cook in 1773 who named it ‘Adventure’ after his own ship. Both Motutunga and Tahanea are uninhabited atolls and offer some of the finest snorkelling in the Tuamotu archipelago. We will be able to see amazing corals and marine life including triggerfish and surgeonfish. At Tahanea there will be another chance to snorkel or alternatively join our birders on a walk to find the endemic Tuamotu sandpiper or our naturalists as we beachcomb.

Spend the day in this protected atoll which, along with its six neighbouring islands, make up a UNESCO classified nature reserve. It has been the home to Robert Louis Stephenson in 1888 and Henri Matisse in 1930 whose art was influenced by the landscape for many years. The local villagers of Rotoava will welcome us and demonstrate their handicrafts and cultural traditions. There will be the chance to sample local delicacies, explore independently, join our naturalists for walks or maybe take the opportunity for a last swim in the clear Polynesian waters.

After a morning at sea we arrive into Papeete at lunchtime. Disembark this afternoon and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London via Los Angeles.

Transit in Los Angeles for our onward flight to London.

Arrive today.

Itineraries are subject to change.