Days 1 & 2: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Explore the vibrant urban center of Tahiti with a visit to the new Jardins de Paofai, watch surfers on longboards, and admire natural wonders like the Faarumai Waterfalls, The Blowhole, and Fern Grottos. Editor’s Tip: Skip the traditional dining spots and head to the food trucks, or roulottes, scattered across the island. A popular gathering place is Place Vai'ete (Vai’ete Square) by the waterfront, where the grills start cooking at 6 p.m. daily. While pizza and burgers are always available, the Tahitian-Chinese roulottes offer a deeper taste of the island’s unique cultural blend. Try fusion dishes at Chez Foung Yune and Roulotte Kim, such as poisson cru à la Chinoise (a Chinese-style poisson cru with rice vinegar and ginger) and ma’a tinito, a hearty mix of pork, beans, and macaroni.
Day 2: Moorea, French Polynesia
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Moorea, from its lush mountains and azure seas to its pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy a canoe ride through the lagoon, snorkel, scuba, or helmet-dive in the vibrant reefs, or hike up to the stunning Afareaitu Waterfalls.
Day 3: Fakarava, French Polynesia
Discover the pristine beauty of Fakarava, an island known for its rare bird species, unique flora, and crustaceans. The island’s quaint villages, historic coral churches, and friendly locals blend seamlessly with its spectacular lagoon, creating a paradise unlike any other.
Day 4: At Sea
Day 5: Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Explore Nuku Hiva, where you can visit the majestic Vaipo Waterfalls and the towering Cascade Tevaipo, one of the world’s tallest at over 1,100 feet. Relax on the black sand beaches, marvel at the giant tiki at Piki Vehini, or embark on an adventurous all-terrain vehicle tour around the rugged island.
Day 6: At Sea
Day 7: Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Rangiroa, a South Pacific atoll renowned as a "natural aquarium" filled with colourful marine life. Visit local pearl farms, dive with manta rays, explore the atoll's unique winery, or unwind on a serene pink sand beach.
Days 8 & 9: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, the world’s most romantic island, is dominated by the striking Mount Otemanu and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and sugary sands. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming with manta rays, or taking an outrigger canoe ride through the lagoon and its beautiful coral islands.
Day 10: Raiatea, French Polynesia
Step onto Raiatea and immediately savour the rich vanilla aroma wafting from the island’s vanilla plantations. Visit a plantation or two, explore a pearl farm, snorkel in the clear waters of the surrounding reef, or take a tranquil kayak trip along the Faaroa River.
Day 11: Return to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia