Island Hopping in Tahiti

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices.

East Coast Highlights

On this shore excursion, you will head towards the east coast of Tahiti to visit the James Norman Hall House. The home displays the daily environment of this poet and writer of American contemporary literature. Enjoy a local delicacy before you continue on to Matavai Bay, and reach Venus Point, the historic landing site for most European discoverers and evangelists.

Matavai Bay boasts the only lighthouse of the island, built in 1867. A Handicraft Center is located next to the lighthouse and you will have a brief opportunity for some local shopping.  Your last stop will be at the Tahara’a View Point for an extraordinary photo opportunity overlooking Papeete and Moorea.

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands.

Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Insider tip:  Visit the Anapa Pearl Farm to unveil all the secrets of Tahiti’s mysterious black pearls.

Motu Mahaea, Tahaa  Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you’ll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from Wind Spirit’s Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air.

Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Snorkel Safari & Stingray Encounter

Dance with the stingrays under the supervision of your guide before exploring the intricate coral formations and colorful tropical fish of the coral gardens. Your adventure will begin as you glide across the lagoon aboard a covered lagoon cruiser. Once you’re past famous Motu Tapu, the captain will drop anchor on a shallow sandbank, a favorite haunt of several stingrays.

With your guide’s assistance, you will be able to touch these harmless creatures as they swim an effortless ballet around you. The harmless black tip sharks are often seen in the lagoon and there is also the possibility you will encounter one. Next, you will explore the unspoiled coral gardens by the barrier reef, where ideal conditions have encouraged maximum coral growth.

After donning a mask and snorkel, you will enter water that is 4 to 5 feet deep and swim among the marine life. Underwater sightings may include butterfly fish, groupers, and hundreds of other rainbow-colored species.

Featured Cruise - Dreams of Tahiti

7 Days: Papeete to Papeete

See the best of Tahiti in seven days. Embark on drift snorkeling excursions among coral gardens in Tahaa. Explore the majestic palm-fringed Three Coconut Trail in Moorea. And indulge in Bora Bora’s kaleidoscope of colored seas and stunning white-sand beaches.

*For a limited time, book your luxury Tahiti cruise with Windstar and enjoy air from Los Angeles, 1 night pre-cruise accommodation at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort in Papeete, transfers from the airport to the hotel and ship, plus a day room at the applicable Papeete resort post-cruise.

About the Ship

The Wind Spirit is a sleek, 4-masted sailing ship accommodating 148 guests. With four decks and a gross tonnage of 5,736, Wind Spirit feels like your own private small ship. Wind Spirit features wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for small ships. Guests will find hidden nooks for private moments giving them a feeling of being on their own private veranda.

All staterooms have ocean views, queen beds, flat-screen TV with DVD player, and Bose SoundDock speakers for Apple iPods. The Owner’s Suite includes a sitting area. Wind Spirit offers two primary dining venues. Amphora restaurant offers gourmet, course-by-course cuisine in the evenings and Veranda restaurant offers casual buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and lunch. All dining is open seating. And, for dining under the stars, make a reservation for Candles which features steaks and skewers.