18 days discovering Polynesian culture

French Polynesia, discover this 19-day trip

Beach Nature Culture Adventure Family Romantic

18 jours à la découverte de la culture Polynésienne

Trip Description

During this 18-day trip, you will set out to discover an authentic Polynesia and its traditions, far from clichés! You will travel across 4 islands: Moorea, Huahiné, Maupiti, and Raiatea with Taha'a, the Vanilla Island, thanks to the inter-island pass. After a one-night stopover in Papeete to recover from your long flight, you will head to Maupiti and its magnificent lagoon, with its motus that shelter beautiful white sand beaches. You will stay in a faré, a type of guesthouse, to share moments of life with the locals. You will get around by bike or canoe to admire the landscapes. Don't hesitate to climb the mountain to enjoy a splendid view of the lagoon. A boat trip with a picnic on a motu will be planned so you can dive into the coral garden, among the multicolored corals. Next, Raiatea, the cradle of Polynesian culture, with its archaeological treasures. It is also renowned as a major yachting destination. It is the only island that has a navigable river, which you can go up by canoe into the heart of a dense tropical forest. During your stay on this island, you will go to Taha'a by boat to swim in its beautiful lagoon and visit a family-run pearl farm. You will also stop in the Vanilla Valley to learn everything about the cultivation and preparation of vanilla. Finally, you will take a walk in nature in the Hamoa estate to observe the flora. Third stop: Huahine, a little paradise where hiking and snorkeling will be on the agenda, with a boat trip around the island. Finally, the last stop: Moorea, to enjoy the many water activities this island offers. It is also the only place where you will stay in an overwater bungalow to finish dreaming. In summer, you will go whale watching with a guide for an unforgettable experience. Finally, you will be introduced to Polynesian traditions during a day, from paddling a canoe to a cooking class. With a local, you will be truly immersed in daily Polynesian life. Of course, relaxation days will be planned so you can fully enjoy the places before your return flight.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
International flight
Heading to Papeete and French Polynesia.
day 2
Papeete
Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
day 3
Papeete - Maupiti
Pass Inter Islands - Transfer to Maupiti. It is a high island surrounded by a magnificent lagoon and motus that shelter immense white sand beaches. The lagoon has only one access to the ocean, to the south: the Onoiau pass, narrow and dangerous in case of strong swell. The silhouette of the main island is marked by the presence, at each end, of large rocks named "Hotuparaoa" and "Hotua’e".
day 4
Maupiti
Free day. Relaxation on the beach. You can take advantage of your stay on Maupiti to climb to the top; the view of the lagoon is fantastic. The ascent of Mount Teurafaatiu, at 381 meters, offers an incredible panoramic view. The 360° view of the lagoon and the motu, with the silhouette of Bora Bora in the distance, is unforgettable. From the superb and picturesque Tereia beach, you can walk towards Motu Auria through shallow sandy paths, accompanied by rays. Cliffs, caves, and other local discoveries await the most adventurous travelers, eager to discover something unique.
day 5
Maupiti
Picnic outing on a motu, lagoon tour by boat, manta rays and coral garden. You will start your lagoon visit at the manta ray "spot" (depending on the season), a great discovery for first-time visitors. After this break, it will already be time to prepare your meal. Head to the motu "Pitihahei" where several activities await you: snorkeling, motu tour, coconut bread preparation, weaving plates with "niàu" leaves, etc. After preparing the meal, it's time to taste the delicious dishes prepared. And yes, as they say in Tahitian: "Tama'a maitai." You will then continue your journey by heading to the coral garden to admire the corals as well as clams of all colors.
day 6
Raiatea
Transfer from the faré to the airport. Inter-island Pass Cradle of Polynesian culture, Raiatea is full of archaeological treasures, notably the first and spectacular international Polynesian marae, a sacred place that once served religious, political, and social activities. Immerse yourself in a unique natural heritage and discover endemic species, including the tiare Apetahi, a delicate white flower in the shape of a half-corolla, which has become the emblem of Raiatea. The island also stands out as the yachting capital of Polynesia. Water sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as it is considered a paradise for sailing.
day 7
Raiatea
Free day.
day 8
Raiatea
Enjoy a wonderful day on the neighboring island of Tahaa, with a lagoon tour and many land and underwater discoveries on the agenda! Board a beautiful, stable, and comfortable boat, with easy access to the water to make the most of your swims. Lunch featuring local specialties is planned on a motu. Enjoy some sunbathing and a final swim before returning to Raiatea. You will discover the multicolored coral garden and visit a family-run pearl farm as well as a vanilla plantation.
day 9
Raiatea
Walk to the 3 waterfalls of Domaine d'Hamoa. Medium level hike. Set off to discover the 3 waterfalls on the east coast of Raiatea. You will start your hike in a forest of "Mape" (Polynesian chestnut trees) and bamboo, and follow a river that you will have to cross several times. You can finally enjoy a swim in the pool formed by the third waterfall.
day 10
Huahine
Transfer from the faré to the airport. Inter-island Pass This small piece of land is made up of two islands: Huahine Nui in the north and Huahine Iti in the south, connected by a bridge that separates the island's two large bays. A refuge for the singer and painter Bobby Holcomb, Huahine is a true cocktail of Polynesian landscapes and atmospheres. Joy and smiles are always present on this island, which exudes a certain magic thanks to its confidential and mysterious side. Many adjectives could describe the natural and cultural beauty of this little corner of paradise.
day 11
Huahine
Hiking in Tefarerii. This full-day hike will let you discover the lush vegetation of the island and the highest peak of Huahine Iti, Mount Pohue Rahi (466 m in altitude). Admire the superb view of the lagoon and, on a clear day, it is possible to see the islands of Moorea, Maiao, and even Tahiti!
day 12
Huahine
Discovery of the island by boat. Enjoy a wonderful day of snorkeling in a coral garden, then in a natural aquarium to meet multicolored tropical fish. Visit the unique pearl farm of Huahine, located on the water, and learn the secrets of black pearl cultivation. Then settle in for a picnic lunch on the beach of a motu and enjoy a walk on the long white sand beach, as well as a swim before continuing the day.
day 13
Huahine
Free day.
day 14
Moorea
Transfer made to the airport. Inter-island Pass Moorea is one of the islands of the Society archipelago that delights visitors who love activities. Thanks to its lagoon, snorkeling, diving, and swimming are must-dos, while the trade winds benefit sea lovers with outrigger canoeing, kite-surfing, water skiing, paddleboarding, or even surfing. On the mountain side, the eight peaks dominating this little paradise have created a natural caldera that warmly invites hikers into the heart of lush vegetation. Just 30 minutes by boat from Tahiti, Moorea offers all the delights of the images you have in mind: white sand beaches, multicolored lagoon, myriads of flowers, and Polynesian hospitality. Accommodation in Moorea will be in an overwater bungalow.
day 15
Moorea
Free day
day 16
Moorea
Whale encounter. With the help of a passionate guide, you will be able to discover these majestic cetaceans in their natural environment, in a relaxed atmosphere and in a small group. Over the years, he has developed a special bond with these animals, which he will strive to share with you during this magnificent adventure on Moorea, out at sea.
day 17
Moorea
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, forget your daily routine and meet Sam, your host for the day. This unique tour will make you a true Polynesian: in the morning, an introduction to paddling techniques on a traditional outrigger canoe, then learning net fishing, and a cooking lesson with your morning catch; lunch will be an opportunity to share a pleasant moment with your host. The afternoon will be spent in Sam's plantation, a green place where your senses will be awakened by the tropical scents of plants and seasonal fruits.
day 18
Tahiti
Transfer from the hotel to the airport Departure by ferry from Moorea to Tahiti (30 minutes). Free day.
day 19
International flight
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your international flight.