Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
From snorkeling adventures in a traditional outrigger canoe to discovering lush rainforests on a thrilling ATV excursion, our rich collection of shore excursions allows you to explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific in the manner that appeals to you most—both above and below the waterline as well as on shore.
Long-standing partnerships in every island ensures your discovery is led by the most experienced and knowledgeable experts. Here we invite you to explore your options either by port of call or type of activity. Shore excursions are available to pre-book approximately 60 days prior to sailing; diving tours must be booked on board. Guests and their travel advisors can pre-book their excursions by calling our Reservations Department at 1 (800) 848-6172. We look forward to revealing Polynesia to you soon!
Please note that not all shore excursions are available on all sailings. Descriptions and pricing may vary. Shore excursions will not be available for pre-booking until approximately 60 days prior to sailing (except for the Romantic Escapades excursions). Seven days or less prior to embarkation, shore excursions can only be booked onboard. New tours, not previously listed for online sales, may be available onboard without prior notice. If you have questions or would like to pre-book your shore excursions, please contact our Reservation Department at 1 (800) 848-6172 for assistance.
Once onboard, please refer to the tour descriptions for full details or consult with the Travel Concierge Team for further information.
Lagoon cruise & snorkelling
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h00 Total : $109
Experience Huahine's beautiful lagoon and landscapes on this boat cruise and snorkeling excursion.
Depart the pier by outrigger canoe (motorized). Upon arrival to the snorkeling spot you will receive safety and snorkeling instructions before entering the water with abundant fish, coral and marine life. Sample coconuts, fresh season fruits and refreshments. Transfer back to the pier.
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The tour is recommended for experienced snorkeler who are comfortable entering the lagoon directly from the boat, and snorkell ing in deep water where currents are common. Snorkeling equipment, fins and life vests are available at the Marina from the ship. The boat capacity depends on the group size.
Excursion Code: PFHUH53
Motu picnic
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 6h00 Total : $139
Your boat will pick you up from the pier for a brief ride to a snorkeling spot in the beautiful lagoon of Huahine.
Here you will have ample time to enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters with tropical fish. Next your boat ride will continue to the private Motu Murimahora.
Delicious lunch (including water, tropical juices and beer) will be accompanied by a local music entertainment on the motu. Afterwards there will be free time to enjoy this peaceful and picturesque motu.
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Please bring your snorkel equipment, beach towel, sunscreen and sunglasses from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFHUH54
Cultural highlights of Huahine
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h00 Total : $90
Explore one of the most picturesque and geographically diverse of the Society Islands during this scenic tour of Huahine.
Depart the pier for a ride by coach to Fare, Huahine’s main village. Enjoy a leisurely guided stroll around the village, then visit a vanilla plantation, where you will observe the process of drying vanilla and learn different ways to cook with this ubiquitous spice.
Then, proceed to Maeva, one of Polynesian’s most important archaeological sites. Upon arrival, you will discover some well-preserved marae, or ancient Polynesian temples. You will also see fish traps that were built centuries ago and are still in use today. Your next visit will be to Faie, home of the famous blue-eyed eels that populate a stream running through the village. You will even watch as your guide feeds these enormous eels. Your tour concludes with a stop at Huahine’s Belvedere Point for spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Then, re-board your coach for the return ride to the pier.
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If you wish to purchase vanilla during your tour, please bring U.S. dollars or French Pacific francs, as these are the only currencies that will be accepted.
Excursion Code: PFHUH55
Huahine exploration by 4WD & boat
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $109
Visit archaeological sites, sacred blue-eyed eels, a black pearl farm, and an easy 40-minute snorkel on this land and sea tour of Huahine.
Your tour will depart the pier by off road vehicle and cross the bridge to Huahine Nui (big Huahine). Head around the majestic bay where the m/s Paul Gauguin is anchored, then ascend the island's steepest road for a spectacular panoramic view over Maroe Bay and take a photo with the ship in the background. After, a stop will be made to feed the sacred giant blue-eyed eels that live in the stream running through the village of Faie.
Continue your adventure along the lake Fauna Nui to Maeva, the most extensive archaeological site in the Pacific. Here, you will see stone temples and ancient fish traps still in use today restored by archaeologists.
Afterwards, take a short Polynesian outrigger canoe trip to visit “Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery”, where you will learn the secrets of the black pearl and see their unique blue pottery made with a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming. The pottery is available for purchase, and refreshments will be served at the pearl farm.
Cruise the lagoon for a short trip on a regular boat and a snorkel stop to Motu Te Tiare. Enjoy the turquoise lagoon and tropical fish with your experienced local guide.
Return to the pier with spectacular views of the island.
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The snorkeling stop is for all levels of experience, and people can start in shallow water to go as far out as comfortable. Please note: the tour has limited capacity and can start in reverse order, with the boat and snorkel stop first. Guests may choose their starting preference (Jeep or boat) depending on availability. Rest room are available at the Pearl Farm marina.
Excursion Code: PFHUH57
Huahine safari expedition
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $95
Discover the beauty of Huahine on this 4x4 tour of the islands.
Depart the pier by off-road vehicle for the drive to Huahine Nui. Visit the village of Faie, and its famed blue-eyed eels. Next, you will take a short outrigger trip to visit "Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery", where they will share with you the secrets of the black pearl and you will have a chance to purchase their famous blue pottery made from a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming.
Continue to Maeva, the island's most important marae. Drive along Lake Fauna Nui before arriving in Fare. Free time will be made available for you to explore. Return drive to the pier.
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Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over non-paved roads with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness, or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions.
Excursion Code: PFHUH58
Huahine Iti by 4x4
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $95
The island equivalent to the Garden of Eden, Huahine Iti is an immense tropical jungle thriving with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Beyond its lush landscapes and bright blooms, Huahine is also a culturally preserved sanctuary with sacred temples hidden throughout dense vegetation. This tranquil paradise will seduce you with her white sand beaches of Avea Bay, coral islets dotting an azure blue lagoon and luxurious mountains covered with magnificent foliage making her an idyllic garden paradise. It is covered with plantations and a wealth of beautiful plants, fruits and flowers and is also home to one of the most amazing white sand beaches in French Polynesia.
During this 4x4 tour you will be introduced to Huahine Iti, the more sensual and smaller of Huahine's two islands. There will be numerous stops along the way for panoramic views across the island, the bays and the surrounding lagoon and motus of Topati's and Murimahora. Visits to a vanilla and tropical fruit plantation and to the Marae Anini are included.
A brief stop at a beach in Avea Bay is included for a dip in the lagoon and for refreshments (choice of soda, fruit juice or beer).
Continue the tour 'off-road' into the Parea Valley for a drive over bumpy road through lush jungle before returning to the pier in Maroe.
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Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over rough non-paved roads. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions. Please bring cash as there will be an opportunity to buy vanilla and additional refreshments on the beach. Please wear/bring your swimwear and beach towel should you wish to have a swim at the beach.
Excursion Code: PFHUH59
Sacred sites & legendary places
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 4h00 Total : $115
Your spectacular excursion starts with a friendly introduction from your expert anthropologist/archaeologist guide, who has first-hand experience working on the sites you will visit.
Boarding "Le Truck", French Polynesia's famous local style bus, you will depart from Maroe Village on the small island of Huahine Iti, crossing the bridge to Huahine Nui, or 'big island'. Here you will drive past lush green valleys and turquoise lagoon through the capital town of Fare, where Captain James Cook sojourned on his visits to the island.
Your first stop is Maeva village, considered to be one of French Polynesia's most important archaeological areas and home to the largest pre-historic habitation site in Polynesia. During your walk through the village, you will explore the archaeological sites along the lake shore and the Fare Pote'e Museum. You will learn about Polynesian origins and migrations, traditional society, religion, botany, European explorers and get a first-hand look at various traditional tools, handicrafts and artifacts.
You will continue on to Mata'ire'a hill, just above the Village of Maeva and home to more than 200 stone structures, including marae, agricultural terraces, house foundations, fortification walls and burial platforms.
Your next stop, via "Le Truck", is a local family run vanilla plantation where you will have the opportunity to purchase various vanilla products. Continuing on, you will stop to see and learn about the 500 year old fish traps that thanks to restoration work are used again today by the people of Maeva Village.
Your return journey to port, will take you through the village of Faie where your guide will feed the island's giant blue-eyed eels that swim in the stream;
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This tour involves some slight uphill walking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The order of sites visited may vary. Please bring some cash along with you, as you may have the opportunity to purchase some authentic Tahitian vanilla during this tour. Please note that the stop at the Mata'ire'a hill is weather permitting.
Excursion Code: PFHUH60
By plane: Scenic flight and pilot lesson Moorea & Tetiaroa (60 minutes flight)*
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 2h00 Total : $709
Take control of your Cessna 172 plane (or Piper PA28 if Cessna not available), together with a professional instructor and experience an amazing hour scenic flight over Moorea and Tetiaroa. No prior flight experience is required to fully enjoy this unique Flight Initiation Tour.
Your tour starts with a drive from the pier to the local Airport - Temae, where your airplane is waiting. After a brief lesson on how to control the plane, your dream will finally come true: pilot your own plane. View the beautiful Cooks and Opunohu Bays, Mount Rotui and the crater area.
During your flight you might also spot dolphins, sharks and stingrays in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Lying just 30 miles North of Moorea, Tetiaroa is the breathtakingly beautiful atoll comprised of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a spectacular lagoon. Fly over the graceful atoll and spot The Brando, an exquisite private resort as well as the pristine natural landscape hosting many different types of birds, coral and marine life.
Finally, you will land back at Temae Airport where your transfer will return you to the pier.
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Only one guest pilots the plane from the start to the end of the flight as no seats exchange is allowed. The maximum number of guests per flight is 3 (1 instructor, 1 pilot (guest) and 2 passengers), the maximum combined weight per group is 210Kg/460 lbs. Minimum age not required, however to fly the plane, the children have to be accompanied by an adult and be able to reach the plane pedals. Booking deadline is 4 days before the date of the flight. The transfer from the pier to the airport and back depends on the number of guests attending the flight and is not included in the tour price. Transfer cost is 30$ per person round trip. Not recommended for pregnant women, guests with heart problems and no diving allowed 24 hours before the flight. *This tour is priced per plane, which can accommodate 3 average-sized adults.
Excursion Code: PFMOO53
Dolphin watching expedition
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $140
Join American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free-ranging dolphins.
Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough-tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event.
While viewing Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea, you will also learn about French Polynesian's geology. Following your tour and time permitting, you may have an opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling at a coral garden directly from the boat before returning to the pier.
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This tour is not a swim with the dolphins program, it is sometimes possible to snorkel near the dolphins. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability.
Excursion Code: PFMOO57
Whale watching expedition
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $190
From July through October humpback whales come to Moorea's waters to rest, mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
Dr. Michael Poole's team will take you on this exciting and educational boat-based eco-tour where you can observe humpback whales in their natural environment, the ocean. If conditions are favorable (a calm sea; calm whale behavior) and participants who are strong snorkeler, then you may also snorkel in the water to observe the whales. You can also bask in the dramatic beauty of Moorea and learn about its geology.
Whales are found during 95% of these tours, and you may also see schools of dolphins. The primary objective will be to find and observe humpback whales, and if possible, to slip into the water to observe them underwater.
Getting into the water is not obligatory or always possible, so people who simply want to observe whales from the boat are also welcome. In February 2019 Dr. Poole and his research and conservation efforts on humpback whales were featured on Animal Planet and ABC TV. His team operates with the utmost respect in the presence of these incredible giants. A guarantee cannot be given that whales will be found nor that it will be possible to get into the water, but the team will do their best.
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Participation is limited to 12 people maximum. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFMOO58
Lagoon & ocean tour
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $180
Discover the marine riches of the island on a tour dedicated to the research and observation of dolphins and sharks in Moorea. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and swim with these graceful and curious animals and realize that man and these predators can live in harmony. Some dolphins are visible in the passes, at the entrance of the bays, others in the open ocean. On the other side of the barrier reef on the oceanic drop you can evolve with Gray sharks, lemon sharks and turtles always supervised by your guides. Refreshments will be available during the tour.
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Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship. Participation is limited to 6 guests maximum.
Excursion Code: PFMOO60