14-night Secret Polynesia Cruise: Unexplored Tuamotu, The Gambier Islands And The Austral Islands

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

The remote island of Rapa in the far eastern Austral Islands has dramatic, steep mountains and verdant shores, with a unique history of hill villages that is otherwise rare in the Austral chain.

The remote island of Rapa in the far eastern Austral Islands has dramatic, steep mountains and verdant shores, with a unique history of hill villages that is otherwise rare in the Austral chain.

Raivavae, with its verdant volcanically shaped peaks and rich archaeological history, is a simple, isolated island in the Austral chain characterized by Mt. Hiro and the encircling coral reef, with many smaller islets called motu surrounding the island. Enjoy the peaceful lagoon, hiking and the slower pace of life.

Tubuai is the main island of the Austral group, almost completely round in shape and distinguished by its gentle relief consisting of two parallel mountain ranges with rounded ridges and a coastal plain, wide enough to make this island a major center of fresh fruit and vegetables supplies for Tahitian markets. On a drive to the district of Taahueia, following the coastal road, which hugs the bends in the coastline, visitors can discover the motus (islets) in the shallow eastern lagoon of Tubuai. Stop at the site where Fort Georges was built, a reminder of the aggressive landing of Fletcher and his mutineers of the Bounty before heading to the village of Mahu. Learn about Austral culture and rituals in a marae, an ancient temple. Lovely beaches span the West coast. At the "Bloody Bay", enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the Mataura village.

Rurutu is unique among the Australs. Its land mass is composed of coral instead of volcanic soil and rock that the other islands are made of, known as a makatea. Unique wildlife grows here, tucked away in secret coves and caverns, many of which have stalactitites and stalagmites within, created from erosion. Of interest are the formations of Vitaria and Anaaeo. The sand is soft and stark white, grains of bleached coral and stretching along Rurutu's beaches: Naairoa, Arei and Avera. In July and October, scuba divers can witness whales and sharks migrating to these waters with their young. Sites of archaeological significance can be found near the village of Vitaria. Handwoven goods like baskets and hats some of the island's specialties.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide