Bora Bora
It’s no surprise why luxury resort companies chose this volcanic, coral-ringed island for their decadent overwater bungalows: the diamond white sand is soft and the water is a bright turquoise.
Luxury Tahiti’s Small Ship Cruises
What could possibly make the shores of French Polynesia worth a full day of flying? Sure, the soft platinum sand sparkles in the sun. And everything from coconut shrimp to panna cotta is laced with the tell-tale speckles of Tahitian Vanilla beans. And the French influence can be seen in everything from Paul Gauguin’s art to bread “mailboxes” set up for the bakery’s daily baguette delivery in Papeete.
But it’s the underwater world that makes it worth the trip. Wade into Bora Bora’s lagoon, and colorful fish dart around you in the warm water. You don’t need a mask and fins, much less diving gear, to see them. Just stand there, as though in a real world aquarium, and admire the parrotfish, butterflyfish, and clown fish. A little further out you’ll meet stingrays, sea turtles, and humpback whales. And you? You’ll never look at the sea the same way again.
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One of the true destinations that can only really be properly experienced on small ships. Snorkeling directly from the yacht-style ship in crystal clear waters and enjoying private beach parties, these cruises provide an unparalleled way to explore Tahiti’s turquoise lagoons, lush landscapes, and rich Polynesian heritage. Experience the Tahitian Lei culture, representing the islands’ deep-rooted heritage, symbolizing love, respect, and the interconnectedness of the island communities.
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Muno
Cruise Specialist
The Best of Tahiti’s Small Ship Cruises
Small ships show you the sights in French Polynesia, allowing you to picnic on private motus, sip Mai Tais in an intimate group that gets closer everyday, and share the beach with a handful of new friends.
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Explore This Trip
When to go: January - December
Windstar CruisesGems of Tahiti Cruise
Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahaea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Tahiti
7 NightsFrom £2,307 PPThere is arguably no better way to explore French Polynesia's islands and atolls than on a yacht.... -
Explore This Trip
When to go: January - December
Windstar CruisesTahiti & Tuamotu Island Discovery Cruise
Tahiti, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Motu Mahaea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Tahiti
11 NightsFrom £3,461 PPA luxurious cruise through French Polynesia, sail on an all-suite a Windstar yacht. Your journey...
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Why We Love Tahiti’s Small Ship Cruises
Muno
Cruise Specialist
During the day, join a snorkeling safari or meet a group of friendly stingrays for a splash around the lagoon. Shop for jewelry strung with the famously inky local pearls, hike Mount Otemanu, or paddleboard off of your ship’s water sports platform. Learn to tie a pareo in a dozen different and dazzling ways that will uplevel your “aprés beach” look for years to come. At night, dine on poisson cru (fresh fish marinated in local coconut cream). When the sun sets, expect to be awed by the tribal fire dancers who fling flaming spears in the air, dancing, stamping, and chanting until they’re embedded into your memories of this beautiful place forever.
Best places to visit on Tahiti’s Small Ship Cruises
Huahine
Known as “the garden island,” Huahine is covered in dense tropical jungle. Amongst the coconut plantations and banana groves, sacred temples are hidden in the lush palms and breadfruit trees.
Moorea
Rugged Moorea is made up of eight mountain peaks. Explore them on hikes that lead to waterfalls, or hop on an ATV for a rough and tumble look at paradise.
Raiatea
Considered the birthplace of the Society Islands’ venerable gods, archaeologically rich Raiatea is the place to try outrigger canoeing, and to look for petroglyphs and sacred open-air temples called “marae.”
Taha’a
This may be the perfect beach day, as the isle is ringed by small motu with powdery white sand. It’s also home to enough vanilla plantations to perfume the air.
Tahiti
Tahiti is home to the international airport and the region’s biggest city, Papeete. While there, hop a bus to the market for stunning pareos, wood carvings, and fragrant monoï oil.
Best time for a Tahiti Small Ship Cruise
French Polynesia’s low season is May to October, and that’s when you can expect sun-filled beach day weather throughout your trip. This season has less rain and lower humidity as well as more gentle winds and clear blue skies. From July to November, you’re more likely to see manta rays as well as humpback whales as they migrate to the icy water of Antarctica, pausing in Tahiti to mate and give birth along the way.
Insider Tips
Snorkel with Stingrays
The islands of Tahiti float like emeralds, contrasted by the bright cobalt waters of the Pacific. A tropical paradise for snorkeling, stingrays are commonly spotted in the lagoons, along with a wealth of colorful reef fish, allowing visitors to discover an underwater world that looks like you’re swimming in an aquarium.
Try Tahiti's National Dish: Poisson Cru
Poisson cru is the national dish of Tahiti. Served with rice, it offers a unique and flavorful taste of the South Pacific that’s similar to ceviche. Made up of crunchy raw vegetables, coconut milk, lime juice, and the freshest possible sushi-grade fish, it embodies the essence of Tahitian fare.
Experience a Water Bungalow Extension to Your Cruise
While in such a far-flung destination, it only makes sense to extend your Tahiti cruise with a water bungalow stay. This exotic region is renowned for its floating overwater accommodations providing a bucket-list experience with direct access to the sparkling turquoise waters and marine life while immersed in the ultimate vacation bliss.
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