Itinerary : Papeete, Makatea (Tuamotu), Mataiva, Anaa, Vairao, Papeete



Aranoa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
05/05/2027
from
$ 1,946

8 cruises found
A cruise to French Polynesia lets you discover the islands through their most vibrant experiences: a market in Papeete, a deep bay in Moorea, a motu set in Bora Bora's lagoon, and sometimes the more distant peaks of the Marquesas.
The journey combines turquoise waters, volcanic mountains, Polynesian traditions, raw fish in coconut milk and long passages between archipelagos.
Depending on the itinerary, the experience may focus on lagoons, culture or more secluded places, or feel truly exceptional aboard an intimate ship with attentive service.
Your search criteria:
French Polynesia
Itinerary : Papeete, Makatea (Tuamotu), Mataiva, Anaa, Vairao, Papeete



Aranoa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
05/05/2027
from
$ 1,946
Itinerary : Papeete, Rurutu Island, Rimatara, Rapa, RAIVAVAE, Raiatea, Papeete



1 other departures
Aranui 5
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
09/12/2026
from
$ 4,159
Other departures:
24 Oct 2026
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Rimatara, Rurutu Island, RAIVAVAE, Rapa, Papeete



5 other departures
Aranoa
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
03/06/2027
from
$ 4,630
Other departures:
15 May 2027
19 Jun 2027
07 Aug 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Anaa, Amanu, Mangareva, Pitcairn, Mangareva, Papeete



1 other departures
Aranoa
12 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
07/21/2027
from
$ 5,067
Other departures:
08 Sep 2027
Itinerary : Papeete, Mataiva, Anaa, Rikitea, Aukena, Adamstown, Amanu, Rangiroa, Papeete



1 other departures
Le Jacques Cartier
15 d
Balcony Stateroom
Papeete
12/12/2027
from
$ 12,079
Other departures:
15 Nov 2026
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Makatea (Tuamotu), Rangiroa, Ua Pou, Hatieu bay, Taiohae, UA HUKA, Omoa, Hapatoni, Fakarava, Papeete



2 other departures
Le Jacques Cartier
15 d
Balcony Stateroom
Papeete
12/26/2027
from
$ 12,115
Other departures:
31 Oct 2027
28 Nov 2027
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Anaa, Aukena, Rikitea, Rapa, RAIVAVAE, Rurutu Island, Papeete



Le Jacques Cartier
15 d
Balcony Stateroom
Papeete
10/17/2027
from
$ 15,570
Itinerary : Papeete, Anaa, Fakarava, Aukena, Rikitea, Rapa, RAIVAVAE, Rurutu Island, Papeete



1 other departures
Le Jacques Cartier
15 d
Balcony Stateroom
Papeete
12/13/2026
from
$ 15,854
Other departures:
18 Oct 2026
| Season | Weather & swimming | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
Period | Atmosphere | What to know | To know |
April - May | These well-balanced months are often very pleasant, offering a good compromise among weather, crowd levels and comfortable sightseeing. | Very good choice to enjoy the stops without aiming only for the very high season. |
June | The driest and most popular season, with pleasant temperatures, more moderate humidity and excellent lagoon conditions. | Ideal for a first cruise in French Polynesia, especially on the islands of the Society. |
July - October A very popular time, with excellent visibility across the landscapes and humpback whale season in several areas. Prices and demand may be higher, especially in July and August. | ||
November - March | A warmer, more humid season, with lush green landscapes and a more pronounced tropical feel. | The weather can be more changing. Itineraries are still possible, but more flexibility is needed. |
French Polynesia stands out for the variety of its ports of call: a tropical city, volcanic bays, iconic lagoons, atolls and wilder islands.

Bora Bora
For the lagoon, motus and permanent view of Mount Otemanu.

Moorea
For an appealing combination of peaks, bays and boat excursions.

Taha
For motus, vanilla plants and a softer atmosphere than Bora Bora.

Opunohu Lookout
For views of Cooks Bay, Opunohu Bay and Moorea Mountains.

Mount Otemanu
For the most iconic image of Bora Bora from the lagoon.

Ua Pou peaks
For a spectacular Marquesan silhouette that looks entirely different from the lagoons.

Papeete Market
For flowers, fruits, pearls, pareos and local flavors.

Raiatea
For the marae, the Faaroa River and a more historic dimension.

Marquesas
For crafts, sculptures, villages and stories related to the major Polynesian crossings.

Rangiroa
For passes, deep waters and snorkeling or diving trips.

Fakarava
For a more preserved atmosphere and an immense lagoon.

Bora Bora
For coral gardens and excursions accessible to less athletic travelers.
Arrive in Bora Bora by the lagoon, facing Mount Otemanu
Travelers often remember this as the most powerful image of the trip. The lagoon changes color as the ship approaches, while Mount Otemanu gives the port of call an immediate presence even before you step ashore.
See the two Moorea bays from the Opunohu viewpoint
This lookout helps you understand Moorea in just a few minutes. Travelers enjoy seeing the French Polynesia of mountains and deep bays, with scenery that is greener and more volcanic than Bora Bora.
Start the day at Papeete Market
The market offers a tangible introduction to local life, with flower crowns, tropical fruit, pearls, pareos and fish stalls. It is a simple stop, but much appreciated because it shows everyday French Polynesia, not just its lagoons.
Try raw fish at Papeete's food trucks
The food trucks are popular because they offer a simple, local and relaxed evening before or after embarkation. Raw fish in coconut milk feels especially authentic here, far from an overly formal restaurant.
Explore the Opunohu valley between pineapples and mountains
In Moorea, many travelers enjoy leaving the lagoon for a while to explore the interior. Pineapple fields, slopes, marae and mountain peaks provide a fuller picture of the island.
Cruise up the Faaroa River in Raiatea
This experience stands out because it offers a change from classic lagoon excursions. The river passes through dense vegetation and is a reminder that Raiatea is also an island of valleys, ancient stories and deep ties to Polynesian culture.
French Polynesia splits into distinct cruising canvases. In the Society Islands, Moorea greets you with two fjord-like cuts—Cook’s and Opunohu bays—divided by Mount Rotui, with passes opening to a bright lagoon. Bora Bora is more theatrical: a circular reef encloses gradated blues and points back to Mount Otemanu, the volcanic core that centers every view. East in the Tuamotus, the mood turns horizontal. Rangiroa, among the world’s largest atolls, circles a lagoon dramatically larger than many islands; its Tiputa and Avatoru passes pulse with tidal movement. Nearby Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protects pristine reef and soft-sand motu scattered along a thin ring. Farther north, the Marquesas replace lagoons with cathedral-like valleys and deep, anchor-shaped bays; Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer cliffs, waterfalls, and archaeological sites set above surge-washed shorelines. Across the archipelagos, scenes are defined by water color, reef geometry, and silhouettes: aquamarine flats sliding to dark blue outside, a thin white comb of surf at the reef crest, and jagged volcanic spires in the Societies and Marquesas. Distances are real, but each region stands alone visually, so even a short loop provides high-contrast days and repeatable viewpoints from dock, pass, and shoreline, at almost every turn. Often.