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.

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.

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.

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.