W
ouldn’t it be great if there was a voyage that combined the über-romantic delights of Bora Bora and the Society Islands with the coral-reef euphoria of the Tuamotu Atolls? And maybe toss in a sacred island, a garden island, and a blissful beach day
at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ exclusive retreat nestled in Taha’a lagoon?
Good news: that’s an exact description of this 10-night itinerary. Key among the highlights is an overnight in Fakarava, home to a submarine ecosystem so unique it’s designated a UNESCO- listed Biosphere Reserve. Add to that an overnight bathed in the legendary allure of Bora Bora, relaxed days to explore Moorea’s emerald mountains, ancient Raiatea and lush Huahine, and the incomparable subsurface beauty of Rangiroa’s world-famous natural “aquarium”—and you’ve got a journey rich in beauty, exploration, adventure, and luxury. On the ship, on the land, and beneath the waves.
More Tuamotus & Society Islands
TAHITI Boarding Te Gauguin before her sunset departure from Papeete, enjoy a classically warm Tahitian welcome from staff and crew—and your first glimpses of the epic beauty that so defines the Society Islands. You’ll likely be snapping photos excitedly already, but no camera—or even Photoshop filter—can quite capture it. You must see it with your own eyes to believe it. As you will be doing repeatedly in the string of days to come.
AT SEa As you glide toward the Tuamotus, an urgent call comes in. It’s Te Gauguin’s mahogany-framed saltwater pool, requesting your presence for a delightful swim, lounging with newfound friends, a bit of food, perhaps a cocktail.
Sea days are perfect for that sort of thing. And for visits to the Algotherm Spa. And for expanding your skills with Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, your onboard hosts ever at the ready to provide lessons in Tahitian dance, pareo-tying, and traditional crafts. Tere’s also no bigger wow than the one you get from a deckside sunset at sea.
FAKARAVA (OVERNIGHT) An afternoon arrival here brings you to one of UNESCO's seven Biosphere Reserves for the preservation of rare species. Luring divers from all over the world, Fakarava's sprawling lagoon and reef provide a home and underwater nursery for precious marine fauna found nowhere else. Whether you opt for a 90-minute Fakarava Pinnacle Snorkel excursion or a full-day Tour of South Pass & Tetamanu, you’ll experience some of Mother Nature’s finest subsurface handiwork.
Of course, as with the rest of the South Pacific, landside adventure here proves just as tempting. Perhaps a relaxed e-bike spin through a verdant coconut grove along the coast? Te pyramidal Topaka lighthouse along the route is among the oldest in Polynesia, and the handsome coral church on Fakarava’s southern tip has weathered the test of time and tropics since the 1870s.
With two days to explore this “Island of Dreams,” you’ll soon understand how it earned its name.
RANGIROA Picture a crystal-blue lagoon so vast the entire island of Tahiti could fit within it, encircled by 240 palmy sand islets and parked above one of the planet’s most vibrant coral reef systems. If Rangiroa wasn’t already on your bucket list, you’ll soon be correcting the omission.
Experience the drift-snorkel of your dreams on a Snorkeling Rangiroa’s Aquarium excursion, as a fluorescent menagerie of undersea life awaits your visit to their coral gardens on Motu Nui Nui, one of Rangiroa’s most famous spots. Located at the entrance of the Tiputa Pass, here you’ll swim among rays and dolphins and fish of every size, shape, and color.
Bask Crusoe-style on a pink-sand beach or cavort in a Reef Island swim hole. Visit a Blue Lagoon in a blue lagoon. Spot Tuamotu sandpipers at a seabird sanctuary. Catch wild dolphins leaping at Tiputa Point, or watch parrot fish, black-tip sharks, and huge Napoleon wrasse swim by beneath your dry feet on a Glass-bottom Boat Tour over Tiputa Channel.
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
www.pgcruises.com 41
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