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Peregrine Travel Centre

Cruise Marquesas Islands & Tuamotu

Cruise Marquesas Islands & Tuamotu

From AUD $13,180

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Description

Aboard Le Soléal, set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Tahiti, embark on an all-new 15-day expedition cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.

Discover the unique charms of the Marquesas Islands. The singer-songwriter Jacques Brel sang about the Marquesas Islands and the painter Paul Gauguin was inspired by these islands which stand like dark green fortresses surrounded by the indigo blue of the Pacific. Here, you will find neither lagoons nor reefs. The archipelago’s charm lies in its wild beauty. In the heart of the dense forests of Nuku Hiva, droplets from the waterfalls dive off the vertiginous cliffs. As for the islands of Hiva Oa and Fatu Hiva, they still hide mysterious ancient petroglyphs.

Le Soléal will also stop at the heart of the Tuamotu Islands. You will spend some time in the wonderful Rangiroa atoll. This gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls.

Be sure to try snorkelling in these natural aquariums where colourful fish, rays and friendly sharks can be found playing amid the reefs.

Before disembarking in Papeete, feast your eyes on the incomparable beauty of Raiatea, a picture-postcard of paradise, and Moorea, its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and its luxurious peaks.

Trip Name
Cruise Marquesas Islands & Tuamotu
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Day 2 - Day 2 MAKATEA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
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Day 3 - Day 3 MANIHI ATOLL, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
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Day 4 - Day 4 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 - Day 5 OMOA, FATU HIVA ISLAND & HANAVAVE (BAY OF VIRGINS), FATU HIVA ISLAND
Your ship will take you to Omoa, a peaceful fishing village far from all civilisation, nestling in a magnificent bay on the island of Fatu Hiva. In the valley, you will be able to spot some tohua, former sacred sites, as well as the many burial caves lost in the island’s abundant tropical forest. During your port of call, you’ll be able to discover the Maison Grelet, a museum that houses remarkable wooden sculptures and local works of art. Right in front of you, the village’s artisans will demonstrate how they make tapa, a bark cloth obtained through the technique of beating layers of wood, and explain the manufacturing processes of umu hei, a bouquet garni made from a delicious mix of fragrances.Grandiose, striking and powerful, the Marquesas are more rugged than their Polynesian sisters. The archipelago’s charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and lush vegetation. On the island of Fatu Hiva, you’ll discover the famous Hanavave Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Make the most of your free time to stroll among the houses and gardens of the village. Its inhabitants, specialised in the manufacture of tapa (bark cloth), will welcome you with ukulele music and traditional songs. You’ll also have the pleasure of tasting the soft and juicy citrus fruits that grow on the island.
Day 6 - Day 6 ATUONA, MARQUESAS ISLANDS & HAPATONI, TAHUATA ISLAND
You’ll immediately understand why this remote and unusual chain of islands bathing in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired Jacques Brel’s final album. During your cruise, we will stop at Hiva Oa, considered to be the “garden of the Marquesas Islands.” A special kind of power and charm emanate from its craggy skyline and black sand beaches. This port of call will provide you with an opportunity to visit the small village of Atuona, home to the tombs of Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, as well as a cultural centre devoted to the memory of the famous French painter.Located on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, the village of Hapatoni will open its doors to you. A road built in old stones will lead you from the seashore to the village cathedral. You will also find a craft centre presenting various sculptures and engravings in bone or wood. Marquesan art is, in fact, recognised all over French Polynesia. Further on, vegetation takes over, inviting you to walk among its beautiful green valleys. Here, the population will give you a proper welcome, with traditional singing and dancing. A moment of conviviality you’ll remember!
Day 7 - Day 7 HATIHEU, NUKA HIVA ISLAND & SAILING IN ANAHO BAY, NUKU HIVA ISLAND
Entering Hatiheu Bay, you will quickly make out the statue of the Virgin, which, standing more than 300 metres high, overlooks this beautiful little village. Located on the north of Nuku Hiva Island, this locality is dominated by impressive basalt pitons. In the past, the fear of tsunamis and attacks from other clans led the tribes to settle in the interior of the valleys. As a consequence, many archaeological sites remain preserved and make for interesting excursions. You will find many of the ceremonial plazas, called tohua, notably those of Kamuihei and Hikokua where you will be able to observe several reconstructed traditional houses.Considered to be one of the most beautiful bays in Polynesia, Anaho offers you a unique sailing experience in a grandiose natural setting. Surrounded by majestic mountains covered with lush vegetation and edged by a long sweep of white sand, the crystal-clear waters in countless shades of blue are home to a teeming population of marine wildlife. It is also famous for having the only reef platform in the Marquesas Islands.
Day 8 - Day 8 TAIOHAE, NUKA HIVA ISLAND
Taiohae Bay welcomes you in a sumptuous setting. Your ship will drop anchor a few kilometres from the black sandy beaches, nestled between majestic valleys. You will find yourself in the middle of the main village on the island of Nuku Hiva. You can follow the footpaths on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle. From the top of the hill of Mount Muake, a breathtaking panorama allows you to clearly identify the rocky islands that emerge on either side of the bay. Further on, the site of Piki Vehine shows its tikis, sacred statues used for religious practices. In addition, do not miss the Notre Dame des Marquises cathedral. Its distinguishing feature is that is was built using stone taken from the six Marquesa Islands.
Day 9 - Day 9 HAKAHAU, UA POU ISLAND
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Day 10 - Day 10 AT SEA
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Day 11 - Day 11 RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa is a narrow ring of coral surrounding a splendid lagoon. You can admire its transparent waters, rose-white beaches and famous “Blue Lagoon” seated in the middle of the large lagoon. Fans of sea life will delight in the richness and clarity of the surrounding waters : wasn’t it Commander Cousteau who described this atoll as one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world? Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.
Day 12 - Day 12 AT SEA
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Day 13 - Day 13 SAILING AROUND TAHAA ISLAND & RAIATEA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
A volcanic island located halfway between Huahine and Bora-Bora, Raiatea is like the mother of Polynesia. It was on its rocky flanks that the oldest traces of local habitation were found. According to legend, it was even the cradle of the gods... You can admire several sites that bear witness to this past, including the first Polynesian holy site, the Te P? religious centre, including the marae Taputapuatea, a sort of altar made of stone and coral. Although beaches are rare on Raiatea, here nature is totally captivating, and the coral islets offer myriads of ravishing creeks.
Day 14 - Day 14 MOOREA ISLAND & PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Day 15 - Day 15 PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND
Disembarkation.
Day 16 - Please Note:
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $13,180Superior Stateroom
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $14,230DeLuxe Stateroom
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $15,960Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $16,740Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $17,590Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $24,650Deluxe Suite
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $33,550Prestige Suite - Deck 5
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $35,230Prestige Suite - Deck 6
20-04-202104-05-2021AUD $40,530Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Set sail for a cruise 100% Polynesia and discover islands regarded as the most beautiful in the world.
    • Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
    • Discover Polynesia’s culture and traditions.
    • Enjoy white sand beaches and swimming in the calm, clear waters of this archipelago.
    • Discover the wonderful landscapes of volcanic ranges and peaks of the Marquesas Islands.
    • A number of excursions are possible from Moorea: outings and photo safaris through the deep valleys and the pineapple plantations, panoramic view from the scenic lookout, discovery of Polynesia’s traditional way of life and customs…
    • Possibility of diving (PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board and of snorkelling with your expedition team.

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