Bora Bora Cruise: Luxury Cruise of Bora Bora and Tahiti

Explore Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the other fabulous islands of French Polynesia on a luxury cruise. Finish your trip with a relaxing stay in an overwater bungalow.

This Bora Bora Cruise was planned for a retired couple from Florida who wanted to see all of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. We sent them on this luxury Bora Bora Cruise so they could experience all the best islands, then finished their vacation with a few nights in a fabulous overwater bungalow.

They started their Bora Bora Cruise vacation on the incomparable Paul Gauguin Cruises for a 7-night cruise aboard a small luxury cruise ship, perfect for those who want a core Polynesian experience. The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas.

On their Bora Bora Cruise, our couple visited Raiatea and its reef-bound lagoon and Taha’a, its companion island, where they enjoyed a full day of exploration. Then they sailed to Bora Bora and her siren sister, Moorea. Stopping at various islands, they explored fabulous white sand beaches, volcanic formations, ancient temples, and pristine lagoons teeming with marine life. They enjoyed an all-inclusive rate on their Bora Bora Cruise, with meals, beverages, shipboard entertainment, water sports, and all gratuities taken care of.

After 7 fabulous nights of island hopping, they returned to the island of Moorea via a short ferry ride and spent their last 3 nights in a luxurious overwater bungalow. These days were completely at their leisure to relax on the beach, explore the island, pamper themselves at the spa, hike the lush forests, and much more. They also decided to take a sunset catamaran cruise on their final night.

At last, their luxurious Bora Bora Cruise vacation came to an end. A short ferry ride brought them to the Papeete airport, where they began their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Depart Los Angeles for same day arrival into Papeete. Begin your luxury vacation on the island of Tahiti proper. Often called the “Island of Love,” this is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia.
Manava Suites

Day 2
Spend the day touring the island of Tahiti and learning the history of the Society Islands. This evening, you’ll embark on a Paul Gauguin cruise. This luxurious yet casual, ultra-deluxe vessel will be your home for the next week. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 3
Arrive at Raiatea and explore the island at your leisure. Ancient Polynesians built maraes, or temples, of stone in many sizes. The maraes provided a physical space for the spirit of the gods to occupy during ritual ceremonies. Bid adieu to Raiatea just before dinner and set sail with the compass set for Motu Mahana.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 4
Your destination today is Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a. Discover your very own South Seas paradise featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, you will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 5
Today, head to Bora Bora, immediately recognizable by the basalt tombstone of Mount Otemanu rising from the ocean. This half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 6
Continue exploring the magical isle of Bora Bora on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, like a jitney tour on “Le Truck,” a 4WD safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. Set sail before dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening on board.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 7
Today, visit the island of Moorea. Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea’s awesome beauty is unsurpassed. Shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, or try out some of the local pineapples.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 8
Continue exploring Moorea today. Perhaps you will choose to trek on the “Trails of the Ancients” or snorkel one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons. At the end of the afternoon, cruise to the homeport in Papeete, where your cruise will dock for the night.
Paul Gauguin – Tahiti Cruise

Day 9
After disembarking your luxury cruise, cap off your epic journey with a return to Moorea via a short ferry ride for a few nights in one of the famed overwater bungalows. (Alternatively, you can return to Bora Bora and be pampered at St Regis Resort or similar.)
Hotel Sofitel Moorea la Ora

Day 10 – 11
Moorea is one of the largest of the Society Islands and has lots of options for exploring on land. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark’s jaw from the island’s basaltic base. You can explore the island on a circle island tour, on a 4WD safari, on horseback, or on foot in the beautiful hiking trails. Alternatively, you can continue to enjoy the beautiful waters on a sunset catamaran cruise, a jet ski, or glass-bottom boat tour.
Hotel Sofitel Moorea la Ora

Day 12
Today, ferry back to Papeete and head to the airport for your flight home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
12 day stay
2 travelers

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