ITINERARY |
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Explore French Polynesia with this incredible 15-day cruise with Windstar Cruises |
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Day 1 Papeete |
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Day 2 At sea |
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Day 3 Fakarava |
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Day 4 At sea |
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Day 5 Omo‘ a, Fatu-Hiva, Marquesas |
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images: awl images; alamy |
won’ t be disappointed, either, as Papeete is essentially an open-air museum of modern street art. A good starting point for an art trail is the striking 3D pavement image of robots by the ferry terminal— close to where your cruise ship docks.
FAKARAVA
Fakarava is known as the‘ Island of Dreams.’ It fulfils every image of a tropical paradise and is one of the most beautiful lagoon atolls in French Polynesia: a pristine world where nesting birds and marine life live in harmony with the land and water. Thanks to its exceptional ecological value and diversity, it’ s been classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Divers from all over the world visit to encounter its‘ wall of sharks,’ where it’ s possible to dive with hundreds of majestic grey sharks. The waters are crystal clear and a snorkel trip will also offer the opportunity to spot sea turtles, manta rays and multicoloured fish around the coral reef.
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Another way to explore is by taking an e-bike ride with a guide, cycling from the village of Rotoava to the old lighthouse of Topaka. One of the oldest in Polynesia, the lighthouse’ s conical shape has led to it being nicknamed the‘ Pyramid of Fakarava.’ For something more laid-back, sink your toes into the inviting bright white and pinktinged sands that fringe the island, which you’ ll probably have all to yourself.
FATU-HIVA
Despite its far-off location, the southernmost and most remote island in the Marquesas archipelago is home to a population of around 1,200. Beyond the rocky coastline, as you head farther inland, expect swaths of mountains clothed in rainforest. One of the first visitors to Fatu-Hiva was Norwegian explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl in the 1930s, who describes his stay in the book Fatu-Hiva.
Today, intrepid travellers can embark on a hilly hike of just over nine miles from the
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Day 6 Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas
Day 7 Taioha’ e, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
Day 8 At sea
Day 9 Rangiroa
Day 10 At sea
Day 11 Motu Mahaea( Tahaa)
Day 12-13 Bora Bora
Day 14 Mo’ orea & Papeete
Day 15 Papeete
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spring 2025 • 61 |