It will not take you long to figure out why our Ponant French Polynesia Cruises ranks as the best in the world!
At first you are pulled toward this cruise by a desire to escape, to lap up the sun, for pure horizon lines. Then comes the departure, with in mind, these postcard decorations. But French Polynesia exceeds all preconceptions. Blues and greens come to life in lagoons, beaches, forests, reliefs. They weave their way underwater, where the protective coral reef embraces abundant life. All that remains is to place these images on the names that have been whispered many times. Tuamotu, Marquesas Islands, Leeward Islands, Bora Bora… And finally the bliss and relaxation you had been waiting for.
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Polynesia and Hawaii are heavenly ends of the world. We speak French or English there, we perpetuate unique cultural traditions, we live there between lagoons and thick forests. From Bora Bora to the Marquesas Islands via the Tuamotus and the Society Islands, here are the unmissable islands of the Pacific.
Escape to Moorea - French Polynesia
A few miles from Tahiti, Moorea is the very archetype of the Polynesian postcard. On the sea side, the magnificent fine sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons offer superb opportunities for swimming or snorkeling . The surroundings of the island are also a playground for spinner dolphins , narrow-beaked dolphins and pilot whales. It is possible to meet them accompanied by a marine biologist who will know how to approach them without disturbing them. On the land side, Moorea is green. From the Belvedere, you can see the nature that abounds right up to the water's edge. Pineapple plantations give way to subtropical forests in a succession of vibrant shades of green.
Discover the island of Niku Hiva - the Marquesas
In the South Pacific, the Marquesas archipelago cultivates its difference. Isolated more than 1,500 kilometers from Tahiti, the Marquesans are proud of their culture and their wildly beautiful islands. To discover a little more, nothing better than to go to the archaeological site of Koueva where ritual ceremonies were held, or to the prehistoric site of Hikokua, which stands in the middle of a coconut grove. In the north of the island, a detour via the bay and the valley of Hatiheu, recognizable by the peaks that overlook them at 1,000 meters above sea level, allows you to admire this abundant nature specific to the Marquesas.
Welcome to paradise in Bora Bora - French Polynesia
The images of Bora Bora that circulate are without appeal: we are here in one of the rare earthly paradises. From inland, on the Pahonu hill, one can only see the beauty of the lagoon and its shimmering blue waters protected by the coral reef. A flight over the island aboard a small plane confirms the incredible magnificence of the places where the elements blend in perfect harmony. Back on land, it is impossible to miss a swim in this crystal clear water. And why not also go and meet blacktip sharks and rays? One thing is certain: Bora Bora knows how to keep its promises of a change of scenery!
Diving on Alofi Island - Wallis and Futuna
In Wallis and Futuna, the expression "islands at the end of the world" takes on its full meaning. This French overseas territory is the furthest from mainland France: 16,000 kilometers separate it from mainland France. It is south of Futuna, on the uninhabited island of Alofi, that the change of scenery is most striking. We come here to find a corner of our own, far from the roads taken by the floods of tourists. Time stands still in the shade of the palm trees or on the deserted beach. In the turquoise water, the dives are an opportunity to admire many species of fish, turtles or rays. The lucky ones come close to dolphins as they swim.
Raivavae in the Austral Islands
4 villages, 1000 inhabitants, 730 kilometers away from Tahiti. So much for the identity card, in short. But Raivavae, in the heart of the Austral Islands in French Polynesia, cannot be summed up in a few figures. This volcanic island surrounded by an emerald-colored lagoon is often considered one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. Approaching it from the sea, you can admire its thin white sand beaches bordered by rich, unspoiled vegetation. Going inland, you discover a way of life shared between the cultivation of taro (a plant whose root is close to the sweet potato), livestock farming and the manufacture of sewn canoes .using braided coconut fibres. A unique traditional know-how. The inhabitants move mainly on foot or by bicycle, adding to the ambient calm. Ancient religious sites and majestic tiki recall the roots of Polynesian culture. The Hotuata (woman's rock) and Ruatara (man's rock) motus are home to many birds, including frigates.
Diving the Austral Islands - French Polynesia
Raivavae, Tubai, Rurutu, Rimatara… The Austral Islands are among the best diving spots in French Polynesia. Under water, the spectacle is dense. Coral reefs are among the best preserved on the planet. Sea anemones live in symbiosis with parrot fish, groupers, flying fish, moray eels, sea turtles or rays. The luckiest divers may even spot humpback whales, depending on the season.
Rangiroa Pearl Farm - Tuamotu, French Polynesia
The Polynesians call it “vast sky”. Dotted with hundreds of islets emerging from waters with sparkling reflections, the atoll of Rangiroa, the largest in French Polynesia, evokes indeed the celestial vault. From the richness of these seabeds, Rangiroa has drawn the culture of black pearls. The guided tour of a pearl farm allows you to understand how the oysters are selected, cultivated and grafted with the greatest precision, and how the pearls are classified, according to their quality.
Huahine - Society Islands - French Polynesia
Some call it "the Garden of Eden", others "the secret island". Preserved and picturesque, Huahine is well worth these qualifiers. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers privileged swimming in clear water. Hidden coves, magnificent viewpoints from the heights of the island and the warm welcome of the inhabitants create an idyllic setting for this piece of land located 167 kilometers northwest of Tahiti. Archaeological site and open-air stone temples, vanilla plantation, discovery of lucky eels in the village of Faie… There is no shortage of activities and provide the opportunity to immerse yourself a little more in Polynesian culture.
Hiba Oa - Marquesas - French Polynesia
It is often said that the Marquesas are the wildest of the islands of French Polynesia. Hiva Oa is a good example. Black sand beaches, vertiginous coastline and steep reliefs give it a special atmosphere. This almost mystical aura is reinforced by the presence of tikis, sacrificial places and the archaeological site of Puamau, the most famous of the Marquesas. It was this strength and this untamed beauty that attracted the painter Paul Gauguin, and later the singer Jacques Brel, both buried in the cemetery of the village of Atuona.
Visit Hilo - Hawaii
Head to Hilo, on the east coast of Hawaii. Although it is the most populated city on the island (47,000 inhabitants), it is nonetheless surrounded by incredible nature. On one side is the active volcano Mauna Loa. On the other, the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea. The region is also known for its significant seismic activity… And Hilo has a museum that is atypical to say the least: the Pacific Tsunami Museum . In the city center, the market gives a good overview of local products. Fruits, vegetables, exotic flowers and homemade dishes fill the aisles. Twenty kilometers away, the Akaka fallsemerging from a very rich vegetation at more than 130 meters in height, delight travelers.
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