French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas
Venture deep into the remote Tuamotu Archipelago, where coral atolls, luminous lagoons and thriving marine ecosystems define one of the most spectacular regions of French Polynesia. From the uplifted cliffs and limestone caves of Makatea to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reefs of Fakarava and the sweeping lagoon of Rangiroa, discover stunning islands shaped by volcanic forces. Explore crystalline waters and coral passes, search for endemic seabirds and experience the slower rhythms of life across some of the South Pacific’s most remote and untamed atolls.
Highlights
Discover Makatea, a rare uplifted coral atoll with dramatic cliffs, limestone caves and crystal-clear grottoes found nowhere else in French Polynesia
Explore the vast lagoon of Rangiroa, home to dolphins, reef fish and some of the region’s richest marine ecosystems
Experience Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass—a UNESCO-designated coral haven teeming with rare marine life and extraordinary biodiversity.
Witness the contrast between the low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotus and the emerald volcanic peaks and bays of Mo’orea
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
Makatea
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is among the Pacific’s most unusual and geologically fascinating landforms. Raised dramatically from the sea by tectonic forces, Makatea stands in striking contrast to the region’s low-lying atolls, with towering limestone cliffs and rugged elevated terrain. So distinctive is this rare formation that the island’s name has become the term used for uplifted coral atolls around the world. Spend the day with your naturalists and local guides, in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds. Explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
MakateaAn uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is among the Pacific’s most unusual and geologically fascinating landforms. Raised dramatically from the sea by tectonic forces, Makatea stands in striking contrast to the region’s low-lying atolls, with towering limestone cliffs and rugged elevated terrain. So distinctive is this rare formation that the island’s name has become the term used for uplifted coral atolls around the world. Spend the day with your naturalists and local guides, in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds. Explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Rangiroa
The atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for some of the finest snorkeling in French Polynesia. Beneath the turquoise waters, marine ecosystems harbor large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Spend the day exploring this stunning blue lagoon in an extraordinary South Pacific paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
RangiroaThe atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for some of the finest snorkeling in French Polynesia. Beneath the turquoise waters, marine ecosystems harbor large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Spend the day exploring this stunning blue lagoon in an extraordinary South Pacific paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
Fakarava
Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its extraordinary marine life and biodiversity. Go ashore in the village of Rotoava, where opportunities to explore by bicycle, browse local pearl shops or stroll the waterfront offer a glimpse into daily life on this remote island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
FakaravaArrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its extraordinary marine life and biodiversity. Go ashore in the village of Rotoava, where opportunities to explore by bicycle, browse local pearl shops or stroll the waterfront offer a glimpse into daily life on this remote island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At Sea / Mo’orea
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, or explore calm turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through French Polynesia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At Sea / Mo’oreaArrive 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, or explore calm turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through French Polynesia.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship
Begin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea.
In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark ShipBegin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea.
In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Combine and Save
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 more
Expedition 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.
Special Offers
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
COMBINING OFFERS
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT