From French Polynesia to Pitcairn Island

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.

Situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 39 km west of Tikehau, the closest atoll, and 300 km north of Tahiti, Mataiva is the archipelago’s westernmost atoll. It is the only lagoon in French Polynesia to have dozens of pools within it, reaching depths of around 8 metres, and 9 narrow passages that inspired the name of the island, since Mataiva means “nine eyes”. You will love swimming, snorkelling or diving in its stunning lagoon, a natural tropical aquarium home to myriad fish.

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. Dive or snorkel through Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift dives in the world.

Experience the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book.

An isolated atoll in the Tuamotus, Hikueru’s charm stems from the beauty of its landscapes and the authenticity of its inhabitants. Its crystal-clear lagoon, bordered by beaches of white sand and coral reefs, offers ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. On land, Polynesian songs, dances and handicrafts set the rhythm of daily life. Facing a calm horizon, explore the island at leisure, from a dugout canoe or by following the many paths.

During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT 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.

Discover Mangareva, which means “floating mountain” in Polynesian. Located in the Gambier Islands, surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and blessed with generous vegetation, this island, a cradle of Catholicism, has exceptional cultural heritage, with many vestiges of religious buildings dating from the 19th century. Nestling in the heart of this historic site with idyllic landscapes, do not miss the small village of Rikitea, where one of Polynesia’s wonders, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, stands proudly, entirely built from coral and timber.

After this visit, make your way through the turbulent Woolly Gut strait and emerge in the stillness of Grave Cove. Located in the northern edge of the Falkland Islands, this bay owes its name to the vestiges of whalers’ graves that overlook the white sandy beach.

As the sole settlement and capital of the Pitcairn Islands, Adamstown is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth, home to a small community largely descended from the HMS Bounty mutineers. Perched on a high plateau overlooking Bounty Bay, the village consists of a handful of colorful homes, a general store, and the island’s only school, all connected by winding, unpaved paths. With no airstrip or deep-water port, this unique outpost offers a rare glimpse into a self-sufficient way of life defined by isolation, rugged volcanic beauty, and a deep maritime heritage.

As the sole settlement and capital of the Pitcairn Islands, Adamstown is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth, home to a small community largely descended from the HMS Bounty mutineers. Perched on a high plateau overlooking Bounty Bay, the village consists of a handful of colorful homes, a general store, and the island’s only school, all connected by winding, unpaved paths. With no airstrip or deep-water port, this unique outpost offers a rare glimpse into a self-sufficient way of life defined by isolation, rugged volcanic beauty, and a deep maritime heritage.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of this remote, ring-shaped coral atoll, where the vibrant turquoise lagoon is teeming with diverse marine life and pristine coral gardens. You can wander through the quiet, palm-fringed village of Ikitake to encounter the warm hospitality of the local Paumotu people and their traditional way of life. For a touch of pure escapism, relax on the secluded white-sand motus, where the rhythmic sounds of the Pacific Ocean and the rustle of coconut palms create an untouched Polynesian sanctuary.

Makemo is one of the wildest atolls in the Tuamotus. The island is home to the third largest lagoon in the archipelago. It is a haven of unspoilt nature with beaches of white sand and turquoise waters. It is particularly renowned for its pearl farms, producing a true Polynesian treasure, and for the production of copra, a raw material that is essential for coconut oil extraction.​ Discover Makemo’s culture and traditions by visiting its village of 600 inhabitants and exploring the remains of ancient Polynesian villages that dot the island, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region.

Rangiroa is French Polynesia’s largest atoll. More than 400 motu (islets) enclose the lagoon, which is so wide and long that one cannot see the southern row of motu from the two main islets in the north - hence the local name Rangiroa meaning wide or long sky, sometimes taken as ‘immense sky’. There are several passes from the ocean into the lagoon and the two main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa are located next to the passes of the same names. Drift diving and snorkeling the incoming tides looking for sharks and manta rays at these passes is one of Rangiroa’s main touristic draws. Government jobs, ecotourism and pearl farming are the main sources of income on the atoll. The lagoon’s calm turquoise waters, rich marine underwater world, and relaxed atmosphere attract visitors year-round to the many local guesthouses and a few hotels. Both Avatoru and Tiputa also feature schools for the other Tuamotu Islands which have no higher education possibilities. One of Rangiroa’s most unusual attractions is the white and rose wine produced on the islet immediately west of Avatoru - the wine has won several awards.

Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.