Shore Excursions

Start your tour with a short introduction on how to drive your wave runner. After, your guide will take you for a ride around the northeastern side of Taha’a’s lagoon.

Stop for explanations on the way to your snorkeling stop. The wave runner has a spacious compartment where you can store your snorkeling gear. You will stop at one of the most beautiful coral gardens and have one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences during your cruise. This tour will end directly at Motu Mahana.

·        The minimum age to drive is 16 years and minimum 8 years to be accompanied by an adult (more than 18 years old). This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, pregnant guests, or guests with back and/or neck problems are discouraged to participate on this tour. Participants must respect safety instructions. We recommend wearing a swimsuit, sun protection and sunglasses, and to bring your snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) and a towel from the ship. *This tour is priced per waverunner, which can accommodate two average-sized adults, maximum weight per waverunner is 500 lbs.

Depart the ship by covered motorized boat for a 15-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a.

Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling session. Your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. The drift can be moderate to strenuous depending on the strength of the current. The drift is done in a single line with one snorkeling guide leading the 12 snorkeller spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkelling guide closing up on the group. This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral.

Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.

·        This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkeler that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkeler are strongly encouraged to snorkel on the Motu. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship.

Nuku Hiva’s spectacular beauty is yours to discover during this off-road adventure in the Taipivai Valley.

Depart the pier for the ride to the Taipivai Valley, one of the richest archaeological sites in the Marquesas Islands. The Taipivai Valley is a location made famous by the American writer and former sailor, Herman Melville (1819-1891), who deserted his ship and hid in this valley. Captured by indigenous natives, he lived in the Taipivai Valley for three weeks, a period during which he observed their way of life. This experience was the inspiration for his first novel. En route to the Taipivai Valley, you will ride through the island’s interior along a steep trail lined with lush flora and vegetation, then traverse exquisite mountain terrain.

Along the way, you will enjoy many opportunities to take magnificent photographs, as you stop several times to take in spectacular vistas of the coastline, bays, and valleys. At one particular stop, you will see your ship anchored in the Bay of Taihoae. Next, you will drive through Taipivai’s small agricultural villages, then proceed to a long stretch of beach at the end of the village. Here, you will stop again to admire splendid vistas of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Following your visit, you will re-board your off-road vehicle for the return ride to the pier.

·        As this tour involves travel over rough, uneven terrain, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems. The tour involves very little walking. Guests are encouraged to wear insect repellant or coconut oil for the skin (monoi) to ward off small beach mosquitoes (nonos). Pricing listed is per person. Space is limited to a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle. It is recommended that families and friends wishing to ride together contact the Travel Concierge Desk aboard ship in order to be assigned the same vehicle. Although the drivers used are the best available, they are not guides, and their command of English is poor. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

A session in the CookLab is a true cultural journey. During your cooking class, you will discover a part of French Polynesia. The CookLab offers a tour of the products, their history, their use more interesting we’ll be picking all the products we need from outside the CookLab when possible. Stevenson and Audrey propose the very traditional know-how in the Polynesian culture, you discover the use of the plants and the vegetable parts (banana leaves) in the preparation and the cooking.

In the kitchen, equipped with simple tools like at home, you will combine the products, make the best sauces and accompaniments. You will learn traditional cooking methods. Finally, because you deserve it …. you will sit down to taste your creations and enjoy together a pleasant time !

Throughout your journey,  you'll have access to everything you need (tea, coffee, water, toilets, terrace, gardens etc.), you will also have all the tips and recipes, and back home, you will be able to replicate the best of your culinary experience and share it ! We will also give you the replacement tips for products not available in your country! Everything is planned to live an unforgettable experience and keep it alive elsewhere and share it!

From August to November, Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where you can meet humpback whales and swim with them in their natural environment.

Accompanied by your local guide, take advantage of our experience to experiment unforgettable encounters with humpback whales and other cetaceans. First, we observe the behavior of the whales from the boat and if conditions allow, we will offer you to observe them while snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel). An experienced guide will accompany you and ensure your safety during each launch.

·        Participation is limited to 12 people. Plan to wear a swimsuit under loose clothing and take eco-friendly sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, your snorkeling equipment and a towel on the boat.

Set in a luscious native forest within a picturesque valley is an ancient ceremonial site where Marquesans prayed to their gods to provide abundant water for their crops. Trekking up to the site you will pass an old chief's paepae upon which is a small tiki carved in the famous ke'etu stone of the islands.

Ascending inland you will see a number of sites whose functions will be explained to you by your on-board guide. Finally, you will arrive on the crest of a ridge featuring important petroglyphs, or rock art. The images depict anthropomorphic images of men, concentric circle eyes of magical tikis and even an ancient sailing canoe. However, the most impressive petroglyph and one of the largest in the Marquesas is that of the famous paoa, which looks like a huge tuna fish, carved into the rock.

See also the grinding, polishing and sharpening stones used in ancestral working of adzes and other tools. Enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding the site as sharp mountain peaks pierce the sky. This excursion provides a wonderful chance to visit the interior of Fatu Hiva's beautiful Omoa Valley.

·        The hike is medium to difficult and involves uphill walking in hot and humid conditions. Participants should be physically fit, carry a bottle of water and wear a hat. Sturdy footwear appropriate to trekking is recommended.

 

Experience the natural beauty of the Green Lagoon, a true island paradise with emerald waters and a white sand beach. The stunning landscape offers the perfect setting for relaxation, swimming, and bathing in a calm, sheltered area. Guests will enjoy a selection of refreshments, including fresh coconuts, local fruit juices, and still water, along with a tasting of tropical fruits, coconut bread, and shredded coconut.

For your comfort, the site is equipped with restrooms, chairs, sun loungers, and low seating. Shaded areas are also available, providing a cool retreat from the sun.