French Polynesia’s Society Islands: Emerald Peaks and Turquoise Lagoons
Discover French Polynesia’s idyllic Society Islands, where emerald volcanic peaks rise above turquoise lagoons and Polynesian traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life. From the sacred marae of Ra'iatea and Huahine to the iconic beauty of Bora Bora and the untamed atoll of Tupai, each island reveals its own distinct character shaped by centuries of life connected to the sea. Snorkel coral reefs, paddle crystalline lagoons, encounter centuries of seafaring history and experience the warmth of Polynesian culture across some of the South Pacific’s most breathtaking islands.
Highlights
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea, the spiritual and cultural heart of Polynesian seafaring traditions
Snorkel coral reefs and crystalline lagoons in Taha’a, Bora Bora and the remote atoll of Tupai, home to abundant marine life
Discover lesser-visited Huahine, where ancient marae, lush landscapes and quiet lagoons offer a glimpse into traditional Polynesian life
Experience Bora Bora from both land and sea, capped off with a private motu barbecue and Polynesian music beneath the stars
Kayak, paddleboard and hike across the dramatic volcanic landscapes and turquoise bays of Mo’orea, one of French Polynesia’s most iconic islands
Itinerary
Expedition
Starts atPapeete, Tahiti, French PolynesiaEnds atPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipArrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Huahine
Huahine is one of French Polynesia’s lesser-visited islands, where lush mountains, sacred archaeological sites and crystalline lagoons offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history and enduring traditions. Discover ancient marae—ceremonial stone temples that once served as important centers of Polynesian spiritual and community life—and learn about the island’s connection to generations of Polynesian navigators and royalty. There will also be opportunities to swim, stand-up paddleboard and explore the island’s dazzling lagoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
HuahineHuahine is one of French Polynesia’s lesser-visited islands, where lush mountains, sacred archaeological sites and crystalline lagoons offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history and enduring traditions. Discover ancient marae—ceremonial stone temples that once served as important centers of Polynesian spiritual and community life—and learn about the island’s connection to generations of Polynesian navigators and royalty. There will also be opportunities to swim, stand-up paddleboard and explore the island’s dazzling lagoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Taha’a / Ra'iatea
Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling its turquoise waters, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. In the afternoon, visit Ra'iatea, including a stop at one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Hawaii, New Zealand and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). As you explore, you’ll learn about the site’s significance in Polynesian history.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Taha’a / Ra'iateaArrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling its turquoise waters, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. In the afternoon, visit Ra'iatea, including a stop at one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Hawaii, New Zealand and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). As you explore, you’ll learn about the site’s significance in Polynesian history.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Bora Bora
Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today, choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water and enjoy a barbecue dinner accompanied by Polynesian music on a private motu under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Bora BoraAwake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today, choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water and enjoy a barbecue dinner accompanied by Polynesian music on a private motu under the stars.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tupai / Bora Bora Outer Lagoon
Awake this morning to the stunning blue waters surrounding Tupai, an uninhabited coral atoll rarely visited by travelers and known for its distinctive heart-shaped lagoon visible from above. Spend a day exploring powder-white beaches, crystalline lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel alongside tropical fish in remarkably clear water, stroll deserted motus edged with coconut palms or simply relax in one of the most remote corners of the South Pacific.
Later this afternoon, continue toward the outer lagoon of Bora Bora, where the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above the horizon. As the sun sets across the lagoon, enjoy an evening on deck while the ship repositions overnight toward Mo’orea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tupai / Bora Bora Outer LagoonAwake this morning to the stunning blue waters surrounding Tupai, an uninhabited coral atoll rarely visited by travelers and known for its distinctive heart-shaped lagoon visible from above. Spend a day exploring powder-white beaches, crystalline lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel alongside tropical fish in remarkably clear water, stroll deserted motus edged with coconut palms or simply relax in one of the most remote corners of the South Pacific.
Later this afternoon, continue toward the outer lagoon of Bora Bora, where the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above the horizon. As the sun sets across the lagoon, enjoy an evening on deck while the ship repositions overnight toward Mo’orea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Mo’orea
This morning, arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo’orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, kayak or paddleboard across calm turquoise waters, or snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through the Society Islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Mo’oreaThis morning, arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo’orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, kayak or paddleboard across calm turquoise waters, or snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through the Society Islands.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship
This morning venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays.
Disembark in Papeete this afternoon, and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark ShipThis morning venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays.
Disembark in Papeete this afternoon, and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Save 10%
Back-to-Back Savings
Save 10%: Combine French Polynesia’s Society Islands: Emerald Peaks and Turquoise Lagoons with French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas for a deeper dive into the region.
Learn moreExpedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
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