7 Nights - Dreams of Tahiti Cruise

Papeete, Tahiti

Papeete is a unique city like no other in the world. French Polynesia's capital and center of business, it's population is reported to be between 90 -120,000 people, depending on where the city limit is defined, accounting for well over half of the Island of Tahiti's overall population of 180,000 people.

Although virtually ALL travelers arriving in French Polynesia inevetably venture into Papeete (due to it's having Polynesia's only international airport), very few stay for very long or attempt to explore or experience it's unique flavor. Opinions vary as to the "likeability"" of the city. By far the majority of tourists arriving in Tahiti use Papeete as a mere stopover point for getting to the outerlying smaller and less populated Society Islands."

Raiatea, Polynesia

Raiatea is located in the southern part of the Leeward Islands. Its huge lagoon also incorporates the island of Tahaa. Raiatea has an area of 238 square kilometers (92 sq. miles). That makes it the fourth largest island in French Polynesia in terms of area. The biggest island is Tahiti (1,042 sq. kilometers, or 402 sq. miles), followed by Nuku Hiva in the northern Marquesas Islands (330 sq. kilometers, or 127 sq. miles) and Hiva Oa in the southern Marquesas Islands (320 sq. kilometers, or 124 sq. miles). Raiatea is shaped like an isosceles triangle with a base of 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and a height of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The island is an old former volcanic mass, the last lava having flowed some 2.5 million years ago. Raiatea’s tallest point is in the south, where Mt. Tefatoaiti reaches an altitude of 1,017 meters (3,337 ft.). In the north there is the Temehani volcanic rock plateau, which rises to 792 meters (2,598 ft.) and is decorated by historic peaks. Several big valleys cut deeply into the edges of this high island, creating some of the most favorable places for populations to settle. They include six bays—Vairahi, Faaroa and Opoa along the east coast; Faatemu at the southern tip; and Vaihuti and Vaiaau along the west coast. Alluvial fans--deposits of streams coming from a gorge upon a plain—have partially filled in the bays, offering flat land that helps compensate for the narrowness of the coastal plains. Raiatea has the reputation of being the cradle of Polynesian civilizations. In ancient times, the island was known as “Havai’i fanau’ra fenua”, which means “Havai’i, the cradle”. Furthermore, famous ethnologist Pearl Buck wrote that according to Polynesian mythology fragments of Havai’i broke off to create other islands, swimming like a fish to become the Windward Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Mehetia and Tetiaroa.

Raiatea, Polynesia

Raiatea is located in the southern part of the Leeward Islands. Its huge lagoon also incorporates the island of Tahaa. Raiatea has an area of 238 square kilometers (92 sq. miles). That makes it the fourth largest island in French Polynesia in terms of area. The biggest island is Tahiti (1,042 sq. kilometers, or 402 sq. miles), followed by Nuku Hiva in the northern Marquesas Islands (330 sq. kilometers, or 127 sq. miles) and Hiva Oa in the southern Marquesas Islands (320 sq. kilometers, or 124 sq. miles). Raiatea is shaped like an isosceles triangle with a base of 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and a height of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The island is an old former volcanic mass, the last lava having flowed some 2.5 million years ago. Raiatea’s tallest point is in the south, where Mt. Tefatoaiti reaches an altitude of 1,017 meters (3,337 ft.). In the north there is the Temehani volcanic rock plateau, which rises to 792 meters (2,598 ft.) and is decorated by historic peaks. Several big valleys cut deeply into the edges of this high island, creating some of the most favorable places for populations to settle. They include six bays—Vairahi, Faaroa and Opoa along the east coast; Faatemu at the southern tip; and Vaihuti and Vaiaau along the west coast. Alluvial fans--deposits of streams coming from a gorge upon a plain—have partially filled in the bays, offering flat land that helps compensate for the narrowness of the coastal plains. Raiatea has the reputation of being the cradle of Polynesian civilizations. In ancient times, the island was known as “Havai’i fanau’ra fenua”, which means “Havai’i, the cradle”. Furthermore, famous ethnologist Pearl Buck wrote that according to Polynesian mythology fragments of Havai’i broke off to create other islands, swimming like a fish to become the Windward Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Maiao, Mehetia and Tetiaroa.

Taha'a, Tahiti

The sister island of Raiatea, enclosed with her in the same wonderful lagoon was not yet the plantation island with the sweet aroma of vanilla pervading the mountains and villages as it is nowadays but the growing of the scented pods now plays an important part in the lives of her 4,845 inhabitants.

Along the way, eight attractive and tranquil villages are dotted, with Patio being the main one. Its lagoon in sapphire and emerald tones, a diver's and sailor's paradise, connects out to the ocean through two wide reef passages where blue dolphins play.

Bora Bora, Polynesia

Bora Bora is the most magical of all the French Polynesian islands. The main island of Bora Bora, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicoloured lagoon, surrounded by offshore motu islets inside a protective coral necklace. The motu islets of Bora Bora are the ideal location for a Bora Bora honeymoon. Bora Bora has numerous luxury hotels and resorts, Hotel Bora Bora was the first Hotel in French Polynesia to build over water bungalows. No matter what kind of vacation you are planning, Bora Bora is a must when visiting French Polynesia. There is only one navigable pass, facing the principal village of Vaitape. A 29 km (18 miles) partially sealed road circles the Bora Bora, passing through colorful villages, archaeological sites, old Army bunkers and cannons left over from World War II. Bora Bora lies 240 Km (150 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. Matira beach has white sand and warm, shallow water. Bora Bora's lagoon is world-famous for its beauty.

Bora Bora, Polynesia

Bora Bora is the most magical of all the French Polynesian islands. The main island of Bora Bora, home to 4,225 inhabitants, is in the center of a multicoloured lagoon, surrounded by offshore motu islets inside a protective coral necklace. The motu islets of Bora Bora are the ideal location for a Bora Bora honeymoon. Bora Bora has numerous luxury hotels and resorts, Hotel Bora Bora was the first Hotel in French Polynesia to build over water bungalows. No matter what kind of vacation you are planning, Bora Bora is a must when visiting French Polynesia. There is only one navigable pass, facing the principal village of Vaitape. A 29 km (18 miles) partially sealed road circles the Bora Bora, passing through colorful villages, archaeological sites, old Army bunkers and cannons left over from World War II. Bora Bora lies 240 Km (150 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. Matira beach has white sand and warm, shallow water. Bora Bora's lagoon is world-famous for its beauty.

Huahine, Society Islands

The Leeward Islands (French: Îles Sous-le-Vent; literally "Islands Under-the-Wind"") are part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The archipelago comprises an administrative division (French: subdivision administrative) of French Polynesia.

Moorea, Polynesia

Some 17km (11 miles) from Tahiti, and connected to it by a 45-minute ferry service or seven-minute flight, is an island with a simpler and more rustic lifestyle and yet offering plenty of entertainment for the tourist, including traditional-style nightlife. Dominated by volcanic peaks, it also has dazzling white sand beaches and clear lagoons ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Excursions include a visit to the beautiful Opunohu Valley, an ancient dwelling place, uninhabited for 150 years, with 500 ancient structures including temples or marae, some of which have been restored. Le Belvédère is a lookout spot from where the best view of the island may be had. The nearby island of Tetiaroa, recently opened to the public and accessible only by air, is an important seabird sanctuary.

Papeete, Tahiti

Papeete is a unique city like no other in the world. French Polynesia's capital and center of business, it's population is reported to be between 90 -120,000 people, depending on where the city limit is defined, accounting for well over half of the Island of Tahiti's overall population of 180,000 people.

Although virtually ALL travelers arriving in French Polynesia inevetably venture into Papeete (due to it's having Polynesia's only international airport), very few stay for very long or attempt to explore or experience it's unique flavor. Opinions vary as to the "likeability"" of the city. By far the majority of tourists arriving in Tahiti use Papeete as a mere stopover point for getting to the outerlying smaller and less populated Society Islands."

Papeete, Tahiti

Papeete is a unique city like no other in the world. French Polynesia's capital and center of business, it's population is reported to be between 90 -120,000 people, depending on where the city limit is defined, accounting for well over half of the Island of Tahiti's overall population of 180,000 people.

Although virtually ALL travelers arriving in French Polynesia inevetably venture into Papeete (due to it's having Polynesia's only international airport), very few stay for very long or attempt to explore or experience it's unique flavor. Opinions vary as to the "likeability"" of the city. By far the majority of tourists arriving in Tahiti use Papeete as a mere stopover point for getting to the outerlying smaller and less populated Society Islands."