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 multicolored 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 travelers 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 |