Island Sanctuaries

• Adventure through magical remote islands, motus and atolls.
• Discover sparkling beaches, coral reefs, towering cliffs and WWII sites.
• Experience a traditional warrior's dance by local islanders.
• Roam the territory of exotic sting rays, marine turtles, petrels, parrots and pearls.

From the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands we sail through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

Explore the great variety of dramatic volcanic and coral islands, fjord-like bays, and atolls that make these islands a naturalist’s paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins found here.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Transfer to the luxurious InterContinental Resort Tahiti and spend the remainder of your evening at your leisure.

Day 2 - TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Aita pea pea – no problem! That’s the attitude in Papeete, a place once immortalized by Gaughin and Michener. Spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, the Paul Gauguin Museum and the former home of James Norman Hall, author of Mutiny on the Bounty. Visit the 150-year-old municipal market, a cacophony of colors, smells and sounds, before boarding the Spirit of Oceanus and sailing out at sunset. BD

Day 3 - BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Emerald mountains, white sand beaches and sheltered turquoise lagoons define perfection on Bora Bora. Take a tour of the island’s colorful villages, archeological sites and World War II relics, or glide over colorful reef in a glass bottom boat, swim with gentle stingrays and watch a wild shark feeding. Stroll the quaint streets of Vaitape, Bora Bora’s main village. BLD

Day 4 - RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
You won’t believe how many fish abide in the clean, fresh waters of the Tuamotus! The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa offers some of the best swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the South Pacific. When you’re not exploring the underwater world, stroll through a local village, soaking up the slow, tropical pace of life. BLD

Day 5 - TAKAPOTO, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Have you ever wondered how the rare black pearl is cultivated? Takapoto is the island where the “gem of the South Seas” was first farmed. Visit a local pearl farm, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry. Keep an eye out for the endemic atoll fruitdove, and spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling Takapoto’s crystal-clear, turquoise lagoon. BLD

Day 6 - AT SEA
Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus as she cruises between islands. Exploration Leaders and Guest Speakers will whet your appetite for the natural history and cultures you are about to experience. BLD

Day 7 - UA HUKA, THE MARQUESAS
Thousands of seabirds inhabit Ua Huka’s surrounding islets. As you approach, breathe in the smell of fresh herbs and wild cotton that blanket the hills of the southern coast. Bounce along dirt roads on a four-wheel-drive tour of the island’s lush interior, the Museum of Vaipee and the villages of Hane and Hokato, where traditional woodcarving is still a fine art. Ancient petroglyphs and red rock tikis, or carved talisman, reveal life on Ua Huka tracking back to 300 AD. BLD

Day 8 - HIVA OA, THE MARQUESAS
The largest and most fertile island in the southern Marquesas, Hiva Oa is chiseled with deep valleys, fertile plateaus and lush forests. In Paumau, visit the Oipona me’ae temple, home of Takaii, an eight-foot-tall stone tiki, the largest in French Polynesia. Enjoy a special performance by the villagers and tour the Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel Cultural Centers. Hiva Oa was where Gauguin spent the last years of his life (many of his descendents still live on the island), and you’ll have the chance to visit his grave. BLD

Day 9 - FATU HIVA, THE MARQUESAS
Fita Huva is wildly beautiful. Jungle greenery plunges straight down into splashing surf and rock curtains (veiled virgins, according to Catholic missionaries) enclose Hanavave Bay. Locals perform traditional dances, demonstrate handicrafts and explain their tattoos, once a mode of expressing social status and protecting against evil spirits. Fatu Hiva is the only place in French Polynesia where tapa, beaten bark cloth, is still made. BLD

Day 10 - AT SEA
Embrace the warm, salty air of the vast, blue Pacific. Let it fill your lungs and soothe your skin. BLD

Day 11 - FAKARAVA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
This protected atoll and its six neighboring islands make up a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. Fakarava is home to the rare hunting kingfisher and Tuamotu palm and is the haunt of countless dolphins, rays, squills and sea cicadas. Snorkel the Tumakohua Pass and enjoy local village cultural and handicraft demonstrations. BLD

Day 12 - TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Disembark and check into individual day rooms at the InterContinental Resort. Spend the afternoon at your leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home. BLD

Transfer to the luxurious InterContinental Resort Tahiti and spend the remainder of your evening at your leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home. BLD

What's Included:

• Exploration leaders and interpreters on each cruise
• Excursion in every port
• Wildlife detours and insider experiences
• Onboard gratuities

What's Not Included:

• Airfare from your home city
• Alcoholic drinks
• Optional gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Gift shop purchases and shopping in towns 

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.