Tahiti, the Society and Tuamotu Islands aboard Panorama II

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enquire now 11 Days From NZD $4,565 pp twinshare
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Join us on board our 10-night sailing, roundtrip from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Uncover the islands of two archipelagos by small ship. Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa, Tikehau, and Makatea – islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. Island hopping allows you to see every landscape, from geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands to flat, desert-like atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass. There are many sides to The Islands of Tahiti. Yet they are all connected by Mana. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds us. You can see it. Touch it. Taste it. Feel it.

Highlights

• NO ONE GETS YOU CLOSER : Our 50-meter/164-ft sail cruiser Panorama II will sail into lagoons and drop anchor

• COMFORT & INTIMATE YACHT AMBIANCE: 30-49 passengers maximum mean your clients will enjoy intimate atmosphere & personalized service on board and on shore. With ocean-view cabins and indoor/outdoor spacious public areas, the destination discovery begins on board.

• A VARIETY OF SHORE EXCURSIONS: Authentic experiences on shore will be offered on almost all islands including historical, cultural, 4WD, boating and underwater activities.

• KAYAK, SNORKEL & SWIM OFF THE YACHT: Take out the kayaks and paddle boards, snorkel or swim from the yacht’s swimming platform.

• ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE SHIP: Our small ships run on clean fuel, Marine Diesel Oil and do not use non-refined Heavy Fuel Oil. Plus, we have successfully completed a single-use plastic elimination program since January 2019, eliminating single-use plastic items such as stirrers, lids, cups, straws and all items wrapped in plastic.

Itinerary 

 

Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti

Embark the Panorama II in Papeete Port between 2:30pm and 4:00pm. After a welcome briefing and safety drill, we will set sail for Bora Bora. Overnight at sea.

Day 2 Bora Bora

Early morning arrival in Bora Bora, possibly the most photographed place on earth. Our ship sails into Bora Bora lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the center. Over the following two days, we will have a variety of optional activities to choose from, such as: a) A Bora Bora Cultural Tour by 4×4; b) An excursion to snorkel with sting rays and sharks; c) An open-air Lagoon Aquarium experience; d) The Bora Bora tour by “Le Truck” and more. Overnight at anchor.

Day 3 Bora Bora – Taha’a

We continue our Bora Bora activities. After lunch we cruise the Bora Bora lagoon and sail to nearby Taha’a, a true botanical paradise. The fertile island is covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. The island also acts as a vast natural greenhouse for the treasured Tahitian vanilla orchid. Our optional half-day excursion will allow us to explore the beautiful interior of the island by 4×4 vehicle. Taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise waters of Ha’amene Bay. This excursion also includes a visit to a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling from a “motu”, or atoll. Overnight at anchor.

Day 4 Raiatea

In the morning we sail across the lagoon and reach nearby Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light”. Originally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. Our morning optional excursion will introduce you to the highlights of Raiatea. Meet your guide for an informative & intimate tour by minibus. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa — the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, you will see Mount Temehani — endemic home to the Tiare Apetahi. Our highlight stop is at the main ancient Marae (open-air temple) of Taputapuatea, recently became a UNΕSCO protected site – your guide will cover the origins & history of this famous land mark. Here, we will learn about its Polynesian origins and historical relevance. Optional afternoon tour includes an exploration by kayak of the Faaroa River, French Polynesia’s only navigable river, with an expert guide leading the way through Raiatea’s verdant interior. Overnight at anchor.

Day 5 Raiatea – Huahine

Morning sailing to Huahine. Huahine, once home to Tahitian royalty, is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture. The two islands maintain the largest concentration of ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia, some of which are believed to date back to around 700 AD. Huahine is a colossal tropical jungle burgeoning with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Our optional half-day tour takes us by 4×4 vehicle around the island to visit the small villages of Fare and Maeva, an archaeological site, and a vanilla plantation. There will also be an opportunity to see and feed the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie Bay. Evening sailing to Makatea, overnight at sea.

Day 6 Makatea

The island of Makatea is like no other found in French Polynesia. It is not a coral atoll but rather a raised island of coral. The limestone cliffs tower over the coast and the island’s interior shows significant vegetation, complete with a few species of endemic birds and a peculiar expanse of limestone holes. Today, this sleepy but spectacular island is home to three species of threatened endemic birds: the beautiful Makatea fruit dove, the impressive imperial pigeon, and the comely appearing singer extraordinaire, the reed warbler. Our half day optional tour will take us across this unique island to a magnificent beach with rockpools to explore before we visit an incredible grotto. Swimming deeper inside the grotto, this underwater cave system will slowly open out to reveal a spectacular watery cathedral, full of weird and wonderful stalagmites and stalactites. Late afternoon departure to Rangiroa. Overnight at sea.

Day 7 Rangiroa

Morning arrival in Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and one of the largest in the world. One of the best destinations for scuba diving, Rangiroa is composed of 240 islets, more than 110 miles, encompassing a deep lagoon. Our optional excursion will take us to the Blue Lagoon, a natural pool formed by islets and reefs within the central lagoon. At only 16 feet deep, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and observing the vast assortment of marine life. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor.

Day 8 Rangiroa – Tikehau

Early morning sailing and arrival at Tikehau also called the Pink Sand Island. This small atoll consists of countless tiny white and pink sand islets engulfed in coconut groves and hidden alcoves. In Tikehau, which actually means “peaceful landing,” you will find nothing but absolute serenity on her calm and graceful shores. The lagoon, formed by an almost unbroken ring of continuous coral, resembles an immense natural swimming pool. This underwater aquarium is teeming with marine life. According to the legendary marine researcher Jacques Cousteau, it has a higher concentration of fish than any other lagoon in French Polynesia. Our optional walking tour will take to one of the family-owned fish farm where they trap different species of fish in a maze of underwater fencing. Much of their catch is then shipped to Papeete and sold at the local markets. We will visit Tuherahera at the southern side where most locals live, leaving the remainder of the atoll virtually untouched. In fact, the northeastern quarter is mostly uninhabited. Naturally adorned with colorful flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea, Tuherahera is one of the most attractive villages in the Tuamotu Atolls. Afternoon sailing to Tetiaroa.

Day 9 Tetiaroa – Mo’orea

A haven for birds, sea turtles and all kinds of marine life, Tetiaroa is treasured among Tahitians who know it as a sacred place. So sacred, that at one time the coconut-dotted white sand beaches and crystalline lagoon of this uninhabited atoll was an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It’s not surprising that actor Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1960 and later went on to become its owner. Under his direction a luxury eco-resort was designed and it operates in 100 % sustainable manner. We will spend the morning in this charming island, exploring the lagoon and snorkeling in its crystal clear waters. Enjoy an optional guided walking tour to the islet of Tahuna Iti, the Birds’ Island. The islet shelters one of the largest colony of birds in Tahiti and is a national reserve for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaetons (straw tails), brown gannets and other petrels. Afternoon sailing and evening arrival at Moorea.

Day 10 Mo’orea

Mo’orea is believed to be the inspiration for the mythical Bali Hai from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Eight gargantuan mountain peaks rise from its magnificent lagoon, creating a distinctive silhouette visible from the western coast of Tahiti. Morning and afternoon optional half day excursions; a/ a Snorkeling and ray tour b/ a Nature & Culture Tour taking you to admire magnificent views in the interior of the island. Tonight we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. Overnight at anchor.

Day 11 Papeete, Tahiti

Early morning sailing to Tahiti. Morning arrival in Papeete. Disembarkation at 9:00 am after breakfast.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Ship Information 

Panorama II

Vessel Type: Sail Cruiser

Length: 50 metres
Passenger Capacity: 49
Built / refurbished: 1993 / 2008 / 2012 / 2015
Imagine a place far from home that feels just like home, where the borders are delineated by the golden shores of the sea; and home is wherever the anchors drop. Imagine 164 feet of comfort, sleek beauty, and safety classified by the latest International “Safety of Life at Sea” (SOLAS) standards. Imagine your floating home on board the sleek, classic design Mega Yacht as she spreads her white sails through the seas under the name PANORAMA II, waving her Greek flag through the wind. Discover the world by sea at 10 knots per hour, in her un-rushed pace, one island or seashore at a time on board the ultimate 3 masted motor sailer cruiser. Panorama loves to seduce her select 49 guests with her classic lines and wood paneled lounges redefining what yachting was meant to be. A spacious lounge with ample space, dining areas decorated with warm colors, rich library and two decks for sunbathing, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers are just some of the elements that define her essence. 360° views of unobstructed ocean are your eyes’ canvas painted with ocean blue and deep green mountains. Embrace freedom as the Panorama II sets her white sails seduced by the clear winds of the sea. Mingle with likeminded travelers in our public areas, enjoy a moment to yourself in our ample deck space, or retreat to one of our 25 ocean view cabin-sanctuaries all offering windows or portholes connecting you with mother nature’s wonders. Panorama II’s experienced crew of 18 is trained with hospitality at heart to pamper her guests and guarantee the ultimate home away from home experience. Serenity is a state of mind; on board Variety.
Home at Sea Single seating dining Indoor & Outdoor Lounge – Bar, Indoor & Outodoor Restaurant, Audiovisual in Lounge, Mini library, Beach Towels, Snorkeling equipment, Kayak, Board Games, Swimming Platform, Wi-Fi
Comfort Zone Windows: Upper & Main deck cabins, Portholes: lower deck cabins, Triple Occupancy cabins: Category B, Flat-Screen TV, Mini Safe, Mini Fridge
Individually controlled A/C, En suite bathroom with shower, Hairdryers, Telephone for internal use, Central music.

What’s Included 

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category with private bathroom and air conditioning
• Tea, Filter coffee and drinking water available on board
• English speaking cruise excort
• Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability)
• Meals as per specific itinerary
• Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, a local Theme Evening, fun BBQ (weather permitting) and Captain’s Dinner.

Exclusions

• Port Charges/Taxes
• International and domestic Airfares
• Travel insurance
• Optional Shore Excursions
• Pre and post-voyage accommodation
• Transfers
• Wifi on board
• Beverages not listed under inclusions
• Gratuities
• Items of a personal nature including medical costs, communication charges and on board purchases

Images courtesy or Wild Earth Travel and Variety Cruises  

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