As a 50-something cruise fanatic who has explored over a dozen destinations by ship, I can say without hesitation that few places compare to the jaw-dropping beauty and vibrant culture of Tahiti. Through my work as a travel blogger and owner of Cruising Duo Travel, I’ve planned every kind of cruise imaginable. But helping travelers craft that perfect Tahiti cruise itinerary? Well, that remains an obsession of mine.
Background on Why Cruise Tahiti
Most people think of Tahiti as a single lush, tropical island filled with grass skirted dancers and sweeping mountain peaks that tower over azure waters. But what many don’t realize is that Tahiti is just one island in a sprawling archipelago known as French Polynesia, full of 118 islands and atolls to explore. From the postcard-perfect scenery of Bora Bora to the jungle-shrouded valleys of Taha’a, there are countless gems scattered across these South Pacific waters.
And while the islands of Tahiti can certainly be visited by air, cruising French Polynesia is really the ultimate way to experience the diversity of landscapes and cultures. By cruise ship you can wake up to a new exotic locale every day, from the coral atolls of Rangiroa where dolphins frolic by the dozen, to moss-draped Moorea with its scenic interior reached only by 4×4 safari. Hop between islands and lagoons by day, then relax on board at night with exceptional dining and entertainment. No need to hassle with repacking bags or catching flights. It’s an idyllic island-hopping vacation free of logistics worries.
So whether you want to scuba vibrant reefs, hike through lush jungle vales, or simply relax in an overwater bungalow gazing at schools of technicolored fish, cruising Tahiti checks all the boxes. Let’s look at some of the amazing excursions available across these magical isles and why you should choose Tahiti for your next oceanfront adventure!
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling n French Polynesia’s Lagoons
Of all the aquatic activities available in Tahiti, getting underwater to experience the region’s remarkable reef systems should be at the top of your list. Thanks to warm waters and minimal tides or currents, Tahiti offers fantastic visibility year-round for exploring coral formations and encountering exotic marine life.
Bora Bora secures its reputation as the “Jewel of Society Islands” thanks to its vibrant corals and kaleidoscope of fish swirling about. Drift along walls festooned with colorful sponges or encounter manta rays and reef sharks (of the harmless variety). Most Bora Bora cruises will include a snorkel stop at Motu Tapu, but scuba divers can plunge deeper at sites like Coral Gardens where green sea turtles frequent.
For excellent shore diving right from the cruise port, Raiatea and Taha’a islands adjacent to Bora Bora offer black coral forests and lava tube caverns to penetrate. And the Fakarava Atoll of the Tuamotu Islands features a unique dual-ecosystem where divers can glimpse shark species in deeper passage waters beyond an interior lagoon populated by rays and tropical fish.
Wherever you choose to take the plunge, prepare for an underwater spectacle as vibrant as the islands themselves. I always recommend bringing an underwater camera to document these aquatic wonders!
Cultural Immersion into Polynesian History
Getting out on, in, or under the shimmering South Seas is undoubtedly alluring. But a key aspect travelers should not overlook is Tahiti’s rich cultural traditions still thriving across these islands. Before Western contact, the islands developed distinct styles of music, oral histories, crafts, and complex class hierarchies presided over by chieftains. By visiting archeological sites and partaking in authentic village tours, cruisers can connect with this captivating past.
On Huahine lies one of Polynesia’s most significant ancient complexes–a religious site known as Maeva with concentrations of stone temples and fishponds used by past chieftains. Nearby Taha’a offers activities like 4×4 land rover treks into its mountains followed by a peek into vanilla plantations–the precious spice originating here before being transplanted worldwide.
For more immersive interactions with native Polynesians, spend a day at Sunset Village in Moorea. Here local guides will escort you through tropical gardens and teach everything from shaking palm fronds for dance skirts to removing coconut meat for its many uses. Before leaving, sit down for storytelling tales of island legends over a modest meal of regional cuisine.
Thanks to their proud heritage and connection to tradition, Tahitians emanate a vibrant joy for life that’s as infectious as the swaying hips during their celebratory dances. Visitors quickly find themselves seduced by leisurely days that pulse to the relaxed rhythms that govern island time.
Breathtaking Hikes Across Lava & Valley Landscapes
As stunning as overwater bungalow views may be, I always remind Tahiti travelers not to overlook what lies inland. Lush peaks that rocket from cyan lagoons provide fantastic hiking across many islands–most accessed as easy shore excursions during cruise calls. Rough trails winding upwards through thick jungle eventually emerge onto lofty lookouts guaranteed to take your breath away!
Towering Mount Rotui on Moorea offers heavenly panoramas over the island’s northern and western beaches where humpbacks come to breed in August. Locals will point out shapes in the bay similar to a heart and keyhole. Meanwhile to the south near Cook’s Bay, Belvedere Lookout awaits those who trek through pineapple plantations to its summit rewarded with views framing towering Mount Tohivea beyond.
On Raiatea, a moderate hike up Te Mehani offers gorgeous vistas over the Faaroa River Valley where the island’s one and only navigable river flows. And for a glimpse of the iconic Bora Bora from afar, Challenge Trail on Taha’a provides a worthy workout to reach its crest. Gaze upon your cruise ship docked near sister island Bora Bora across the sparkling lagoon waters.
No matter which islands your Tahiti cruise itinerary includes, be sure to take advantage of hiking inland to capture different perspectives. You’ll descend back to sea level with quads burned but a memory card full of sensational outlooks!
When to Cruise for Peak Experiences
With sunny skies and tropical temps year-round, Tahiti remains alluring no matter the season. November through April comprises hotter rainy months while cooler dry months run May to October. For ideal weather odds and moderate hotel rates, I generally recommend May or September/October.
That said, those focused on wildlife sightings versus just scenery may want to schedule around specific migration windows. August through October brings humpback whales to breed and birth calves in Tahiti’s protected waters. And July showcases manta rays flocking by the dozens to Rangiroa Atoll.
While any Tahiti cruise would prove exceptional, my favorite islands to include are Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine for quintessential natural beauty…with Raiatea, Taha’a and Rangiroa adding great opportunities for cultural immersion, hiking adventures and vibrant marine life encounters to round out your French Polynesia escape. Most 10 to 12 night Tahiti cruises will feature visits to 6 or 7 islands—leaving you wanting more for your next return trip!
Ideal Cruise Lines and Sample Itineraries
Now it’s time for the fun part…envisioning your own Tahiti voyage! Luxury lines like Windstar, Paul Gauguin, Ponant and Regent Seven Seas cater to the high end market with smaller ships and exclusively Tahiti itineraries. Mainstream lines Princess, Holland America and Celebrity also offer Tahiti focused sailings on their newest mega ships featuring plenty of onboard diversions for sea days along with port calls at key Society Island gems.
To give you a taste of what a delightful 10 Night Tahiti cruise could entail, here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1 – Embark in Papeete, Tahiti and overnight on board
Day 2 – Huahine Island
Day 3 – Raiatea & Taha’a Islands
Day 4 – Bora Bora Island
Day 5 – Moorea Island
Day 6 – Day at Sea
Day 7 – Rangiroa Atoll
Day 8 – Day at Sea
Days 9/10 – Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti
This provides a nice mix of must-see Society Islands early in the sailing along with more adventuresome Tuamotu atolls before ending the voyage. Oceanside lounging, spa pampering and entertainment fill relaxing days at sea in between island calls. And some lines will even feature an overnight stay on sultry Bora Bora—imagine ending that evening on your balcony, cocktail in hand, as you watch the sun sink into a sea glowing fuschia and orange! Pure bliss…
What Should You Pack?
The casual elegance of island life extends to dress both on and off the ship when sailing Tahiti’s warm waters. Light sundresses, flowy pants or shorts paired with bathing suits suffice for women during the day. Men find similar comfort in short sleeve button downs, polos, shorts and sandals.
Given the humid tropical climate, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen work well. And don’t forget the essential hat plus reef-safe sunscreen—that South Pacific sun shines intensely even out on the water.
Pack snorkeling gear to take advantage of underwater spectacle, along with hiking shoes that can get wet for island trails. And of course include your camera to document incredible vistas. Underwater cases let cameras and phones safely capture magical marine encounters.
Finally, while some evenings invite dressing up for dinner, a few versatile yet breezy options should suffice for an entire Tahiti wardrobe. The islands tend to set a pleasantly relaxed, vacation-centric mood.
Why Cruise Tahiti with Me
By now I hope reading about sapphire lagoons, verdant peaks and exotic island cultures has sparked your sense of adventure for discovering enchanting Tahiti. As a specialist in crafting cruise vacations, I’m confident my agency can plan your picture-perfect voyage through this South Seas tropical paradise.
My wife Cheryl and I handle ALL logistics to create a stress-free, utterly magical travel experience. From comparing itineraries across cruise lines to booking hotels, transfers and sightseeing, we become your concierge ensuring everything unfolds smoothly. During your trip, we even provide 24/7 support should any last minute questions or issues arise. Consider us your personal Tahiti ambassadors dedicated to an unforgettable cruise vacation that perfectly matches your style and budget.
Reach out today to start getting excited about your bucket-list French Polynesia cruise sailing! Dazzling lagoons are calling…will you answer?
