Tahiti Island French Polynesia Cruise from Papeete to Nouméa — 19 Days

Papeete

Papeete is French Polynesia’s lively capital, set on Tahiti’s northwest coast beneath green volcanic peaks. Its waterfront, central market and shaded streets offer a vivid introduction to island life. Browse the Marché de Papeete for vanilla, pareos and tropical fruit, then pause over poisson cru, Tahiti’s lime-and-coconut-marinated fish. Beyond town, black-sand beaches and waterfalls await, while ferry links make Moorea an easy day trip. Papeete rewards a few hours on foot—and a longer look at Tahiti.

Moorea Island

Moorea’s jagged volcanic peaks rise above a lagoon so clear that the reef appears close enough to touch. A short ferry ride from Tahiti, this Society Islands destination offers a quieter, greener counterpoint to Papeete. Follow the coast past pineapple fields and small villages. Then climb to Belvedere Lookout for broad views of Cook’s and Opunohu bays. Swim, snorkel or take a lagoon cruise; Moorea rewards unhurried exploration as much as adventure.

Motu Mahana Island French Polynesia (Scenic Stop)

Bora Bora Island

Bora Bora’s volcanic silhouette rises from one of French Polynesia’s most celebrated lagoons. Mount Otemanu anchors the view, while a coral reef shelters clear water, small motu and abundant marine life. Explore by boat, snorkel among rays and reef fish, or linger on Matira Beach, the island’s best-known public beach. Beyond the resorts, Vaitape offers a glimpse of everyday island life.

At Sea (At Sea)

Rarotonga Island

Rarotonga is the Cook Islands’ largest island, ringed by a turquoise lagoon. Beyond the reef, a forested volcanic interior rises to Mount Te Manga. Circle the coast by bus, browse Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, or swim and snorkel from white-sand beaches. On Sundays, church services bring remarkable singing; inland, trails lead through tropical forest. Stay for the lagoon, but make time for the island’s everyday life.

Aitutaki Island

Aitutaki’s vast lagoon defines the island: shallow turquoise water, coral reefs and palm-fringed motu. Arutanga’s village roads reveal a quiet, low-lying island of churches, small shops and everyday Cook Islands life. Boat trips reach motu beaches and snorkeling grounds, with One Foot Island a popular stop. Allow time to swim or kayak; the lagoon’s changing blues reward a slower pace.

At Sea (At Sea)

Vavau Islands Tonga, Tonga

Vavaʻu is Tonga at its most navigable: a sheltered archipelago of limestone islands, deep-water passages and quiet anchorages. Neiafu, the principal town, overlooks Port of Refuge, where yachts gather and cafés face the harbor. From July to October, humpback whales arrive to breed, making guided whale-watching a defining experience. Visit Swallows Cave by boat, or explore Neiafu’s market and waterfront on foot.

At Sea (At Sea)

Rabi Island Fiji (Scenic Stop)

Savusavu, Fiji

Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, offers a quieter, more intimate side of Fiji. Yachts frequent its deep, sheltered bay, while the compact waterfront brings shops, cafés, and local life within easy reach. Steam rises from natural hot springs beside the road; nearby, the market displays tropical fruit, fish, and island produce. Venture inland for rainforest, waterfalls, and village visits, ideally arranged with a local guide.

Levuka, Fiji

Levuka is Fiji’s former capital, set between the Pacific and Ovalau’s steep green slopes. Its waterfront preserves a colonial port townscape recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Walk past timber shopfronts to Sacred Heart Church and former trading stores. Inland, forested ridges rise above the town. Levuka rewards visitors who value history, architecture and a quieter side of Fiji.

At Sea (At Sea)

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

At Vanuatu’s southern edge, Mystery Island is a palm-fringed speck of sand reached by tender from your ship. Known locally as Inyeug, it has no permanent residents, roads or resort distractions. Step ashore for clear water, coral gardens and an easy circuit of the island on foot. Bring a mask, then browse the small market, where islanders from nearby Aneityum sell local handicrafts. Here, the day is yours to spend slowly: swim, snorkel or simply watch the reef shimmer.

Isle of Pines

On New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines, slender columnar pines frame a luminous lagoon. White-sand bays at Kuto and Kanumera invite swimming, while Oro’s natural pool offers snorkeling among coral and fish. These trees are Araucaria columnaris, native to New Caledonia and the island’s unmistakable emblem. Kanak culture remains central to life here; seek permission before entering customary land or photographing people. Come for the lagoon, but leave time to meet the island on its own terms.

Noumea

Nouméa brings a distinctly French note to the South Pacific, with café terraces, bakeries and a broad, sunlit harbor. At Port Moselle’s morning market, local seafood and island produce offer a first taste of New Caledonia. Visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Renzo Piano to honor Kanak culture. Beyond town, the UNESCO-listed lagoon frames clear water, reef islands and inviting opportunities to get out on the water.