m/s Paul Gauguin

Vairao is Tahiti's deepest bay, large enough to welcome the famous ocean liner, the SS France in 1972 and the French aircraft carriers; Foch (1966) and Clemenceau (1968). Departing the pier, visit the small village of Teahupoo (Te ahu-Poo, the wall of heads).

Today, Teahupo'o is well renowned for its surfing wave, known among the most famous surfers and home of Tahiti Pro, one of the biggest international surfing competitions in the world. While the sea may be quiet and the wave barely on sight, extreme swells can cause this wave to become up to 30ft high.

Upon arriving to the village, the road becomes a popular departure point for those looking to explore the Fenua Aihere & Te Pari cliffs, only accessible by foot. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach and pass by the lighthouse. It is a lush and quiet place that most locals visit as a retreat.

Continuing the journey through the northern coast of the peninsula towards Taravao, a winding road leads to a panoramic lookout point at 600m (1968ft), where you can admire the volcanic shape of Tahiti and the isthmus of Taravao. Drive along pastures where dairy cows graze throughout, as the peninsula is an important farming zone in Tahiti. The plateau's landscape is sometimes compared to the Normandy countryside in France.

Travel onward to a Polynesian beach village named Tautira located on the southeastern coast of Tahiti, referred to as "The Garden of the World," by Robert Louis Stevenson. Return to the ship after a day of exploring the rugged side of Tahiti Iti.

Please note: Tours operate mainly on paved roads, however some road conditions may be bumpy. Those with bad backs, pregnant women or persons who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo should be advised accordingly.

Guests are recommended to wear comfortable appropriate attire including shoes (walking, water or hiking as needed), biodegradable sun protection (cream, hat, rash guard…), insect repellent, sunglasses, and bottle of water.

Expensive jewelry or clothing should not be worn on the tour. Camera equipment should be carried with care and appropriate protection. While we strive to follow our timing, the duration is approximate time is dependent on the group interest and local conditions. The itinerary and order of stops may vary. Tours DO operate in wet weather, and are subject to cancellation prior to departure dependent upon inappropriate weather conditions that would lead to safety issues. Weather is independent from our control and no refund and/or compensation will be given for tours operating under the rain. We apologize but this tour is not available to guests in wheelchair or with walking difficulties, due to the uneven walking areas visited.

Meet your dive instructor at the ship's marina platform. There, you will receive your wetsuits and dive fins before the dive briefing. Then, you will be invited to embark the dive boat where your scuba equipment and weights will already be prepared. The dive site is located on the outside reef of Vairao's bay around 10 minutes away from the ship. Upon arrival at the dive site, the dive boat will be attached to the buoy, if available, and you will be helped to gear up before rolling into the water. Tahiti iti is the only place in French Polynesia with a true drop off, and The Marado dive site is one of them. You will swim along the drop off to a maximum depth of around 90 feet (29 meters) and will have the chance to observe a diversity of reef fishes, different kinds of hard and soft corals, sea anemones and a unique topography as a pinnacle is rising along the drop off with great visibility. If the swell is not too high, the end of the dive will have the opportunity to visit the shallow canyons of the top part of the reef. After the dive, you will be transferred back to the ship.

Please note: Due to the topography of the dive site, a drop off that goes down to around 200 feet, this dive is only available for experienced divers with good buoyancy skills as there is no bottom. Due to the depth, divers wishing to do both dives back to back will need to dive with Nitrox. (Certification is available onboard).

The Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course is known by golf amateurs as Tahiti's best-kept secret. This 18-hole course provides a beautiful setting on what was once a cotton plantation, and offers circulating fairways among rich, tropical and colorful vegetation; breadfruit trees, lemon, grapefruit, lychee, and avocado trees. Created in the 1970's, the course is 5,950 meters long for a 72-stroke par, and approved by the French Golf Federation. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced golfers alike. The Open International de Tahiti is also hosted here, which makes it a part of the PGA and FPG circuit.

Please note: Your package includes transfers, the 18-hole course, golf cart, golf club bag and a small bottle of water. Price is per person, booking only per couple.