7 French Polynesian experiences to put on your bucket list
Go beyond the normal Tahiti activities with Windstar Cruises. (Image: Ashley Hense)
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Windstar Cruises |
Go beyond the normal French Polynesian activities thanks to small-ship cruising.
There’s a reason the French Polynesian is so popular with travellers: pristine beaches, see-through water, perfect temperatures and a laidback lifestyle are just the beginning. But some places are too hard to get to without a boat, and where large cruise ships just can’t go. Enter, Windstar Cruises.
Here are seven more reasons why a small-ship voyage is the best way to discover paradise in the South Seas.
Cruise on the Star Breeze through Tahiti.
1. Snorkel or dive in Fakarava
The former ancient capital of the Tuamotus is a diver’s dream. Home to an extraordinary array of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and reef sharks, it has been classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its diverse ecosystem. However, you don’t need to be an expert diver to immerse yourself in the magical marine life – swimming off a local tour boat with a snorkel and mask (you don’t even need fins) will keep you mesmerised for hours.
Explore the vast marine life of Fakarava. (Image: Nancy Pauwels)
Fakarava is the second-largest atoll in the archipelago, but its population is tiny at about 850 people. You can hire bicycles at Rotoava village if snorkelling or diving isn’t your thing and ride around the island, or take a peaceful walk to explore beautiful pink-sand beaches.
Take a peaceful walk around the island. (Image: Ashley Hense)
2. Explore the sacred island of Raiatea
Raiatea is one of the Society Islands (as are the more famous Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea) and lies at the heart of the ‘Polynesian Triangle’. It’s a vast area of the Pacific Ocean regarded as the birthplace of the gods.
One must-do on Raiatea is visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site Marae Taputapuātea, a large, well-preserved sacred temple complex dotted with ancient sculptures and carvings. It is a place of pilgrimage for many Polynesians and as you soak up the atmosphere and stunning lagoon views, you’ll understand why the name Raiatea means ‘distant sky’ or ‘sky with soft light’ in Tahitian.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Marae Taputapuātea. (Image: Julien Couanon)
The island is also home to the rare white flowering tiare apetahi (it only grows on Mount Temehani), plus the only navigable river in Polynesia. You can hike the rugged trail to the top of Temehani or take a less challenging (and equally scenic) canoe or kayak trip on the Faaroa River.
Pearl lovers should make time to go to the unbelievably picturesque overwater Anapa pearl farm, on Raiatea’s lush west coast – and be prepared to fall in love with the exquisite gems.
See the area regarded as the birthplace of the gods. (Image: Camp Photo)
3. Visit a vanilla plantation in Taha’a
A guided tour of a family vanilla plantation reveals the significance of the fragrant spice in Polynesian culture and the local economy. It also provides a fascinating insight into the region’s multi-layered heritage. Hear the legend of how Taha’a was formed and divided from neighbouring Raiatea – a colourful tale involving a giant eel and a young girl.
Taha’a also offers a gorgeous private island experience on Motu Mahaea, where you can swim, snorkel and luxuriate in the astounding natural beauty.
Sail around Motu Mahaea with Windstar Cruises.
4. Visit the remote Marquesas Islands
As the ship crisscrosses the mighty Pacific Ocean between the Society Islands, Tuamotus and Marquesas, you’ll gain a deepening appreciation of early Polynesian settlers’ extraordinary navigation skills. No GPS, no radar, no radio; they relied on their knowledge of the stars and movements of the ocean. Just ask Star Breeze’s captain: visits to the ship’s Bridge are always welcome.
Gain an appreciation for traditional sailing methods as you wind through the Marquesas.
Among the now famous European visitors to the Marquesas were writers Robert Louis Stevenson and Herman Melville and artist Paul Gauguin. Melville based his 1846 novel Typee on his experiences in Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the group, and Gauguin is buried on Hiva Oa, where he painted some of his best-known works.
Dense forests cover steep, jagged mountains, accentuating the remoteness of the Marquesas. Locals are renowned wood and stone carvers and the craft centre in Taiohae is one of the best places in the region to buy tiki statues, intricately carved bowls and ceremonial weapons.
Locals are renowned wood and stone carvers. (Image: Patrick Bouvier)
5. Book a lagoon tour in Bora Bora
Windstar Cruises’ two-hour lagoon cruise on a Bayliner boat in Bora Bora is a wonderful way to take in the scenery at leisure, photograph distinctive Mount Otemanu and then jump in the water to snorkel on coral reefs in the company of myriad tropical fish and friendly rays. Is there such a thing as too much snorkelling in these idyllic islands? No, we didn’t think so.
Spot stingrays in Bora Bora’s beautiful sea.
6. Take a 4WD adventure around Huahine Iti
Huahine Iti is said to be the more sensual of Huahine’s two islands. Linked by a bridge to its bigger sister, Huahine Nui, find unforgettable scenes of white-sand beaches, coral motus dotting the clear turquoise lagoon and the tropical mountainous backdrop.
During a half-day 4WD tour, learn more about this Society Island’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide as you pass through countryside carpeted with coconut plantations, banana groves, swathes of tropical rainforest and a profusion of waterfalls surrounded by exotic flowers. You’ll also hear more ancient legends involving eels – rare blue-eyed eels live in one particular stream on Huahine Nui.
Take a 4WD around the sensual Huahine Iti. (Image: Fabien Bellanger)
7. Visit dolphins in their natural habitat
Moorea is not only renowned for its fabulously photogenic scenery but is also one of the best places in French Polynesia for dolphin and whale watching. Spinner dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the waters and humpback whales migrate to the area from July to November for breeding and calving.
Windstar Cruises’ guests are invited to join an expert-led ecotourism boat trip with marine biologist Dr Michael Poole and his team. They have been researching dolphins and whales in French Polynesia for nearly 40 years and a research tour is a great way to discover more about the life and society of these amazing mammals.
Dolphins are spotted on almost every trip and although they are notoriously difficult to photograph in action, you can rest assured that your dollars are contributing to the conservation of French Polynesia’s dolphin and whale populations.
Dolphins are spotted on almost every trip. (Image: Mlenny)
About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises specialises in small-ship cruising – it’s the line of choice for ocean-loving travellers who enjoy fine dining, friendly, professional service, an intimate, laidback atmosphere onboard and, most importantly, who prefer to sail in uncrowded places.
The recently transformed motor yacht Star Breeze sails in French Polynesia year-round, transporting you in private yacht style to a pristine paradise that has long been known for its richly layered culture, astonishing marine life, colourful coral reefs and dramatic, jungle-clad volcanic peaks.
Star Breeze offers seven-day round-trip cruises from Tahiti as well as 10-day itineraries to the Tuamotu Islands, and 14-day voyages that take in the remote Marquesas. The ship’s water sports platform is equipped with water toys that include personalised snorkelling kits, kayaks and paddle boards, so you can jump straight into water that is always miraculously warm and crystal clear.
Star Breeze sails in French Polynesia year-round.
Windstar Cruises recently introduced winter cruising in the Mediterranean; motor yacht Star Legend cruises there year-round. Star Legend also sails in the Greek Islands, along with sailing yachts Wind Star and Wind Spirit, while the line’s flagship Wind Class ship Wind Surf links Greece with Italy and Croatia. The boutique line also specialises in cruises to Northern Europe (including Iceland), Alaska and Costa Rica, offering signature small-ship experiences to discerning travellers.
The fleet comprises three classic sailing yachts – yes, they have working sails – that accommodate between 148 and 342 guests each, and three 312-guest Star Plus-class motor yachts. Two new all-suite, all-balcony motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, will join Windstar Cruises in December 2025 and December 2026 respectively, each carrying a maximum of 224 guests.
Highlights on every cruise include an exclusive Destination Discovery Event in Bora Bora, where guests are greeted with cocktails and a feast on a private motu (small island), followed by a traditional fire dance; a beach party on a private motu in Moorea; and a hugely entertaining evening onboard with local Tahitian band the Mamas and Papas.
Sleep in luxury while you sail to smaller ports that big ships can’t reach.
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