01 · Coastal landscapes
Bora Bora
A lagoon and high volcanic island landscape, with shore activities varying by operator.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
Pacific lagoons and high volcanic islands
The destination is the experience
French Polynesian voyages connect coral lagoons, volcanic peaks and communities spread across great ocean distances. Society Island cruises differ from Tuamotu and Marquesas journeys, so choose the island group before the ship.
A journey through Bora Bora and the surrounding region brings the landscape into focus. Your ship connects the coastal places while guided excursions reveal the details that are easy to miss from the deck.
Choose the actual stops on the programme, not just the destination name. Routes that include Moorea can offer a different balance of nature and culture from those centred on Polynesian cultural sites. Activities, permits and walking demands vary by voyage.
When to go
Best time to travel: seasons & weather
Match your Polynesia route to the season, the shore experiences you want and local conditions. Coastal regions can differ considerably within the same destination.
Shore-excursion season in Polynesia at a glance
ExcellentGoodOff-season
Excellent, peak season (May – Oct)
Cooler dry season: lagoon outings, valley hikes and Marquesas cultural visits in pleasant conditions.
Good, shoulder season (Nov – Apr)
Warm wet season with short showers; lush islands and calm lagoons.
Typical patterns for planning shore excursions; weather varies year to year and is never guaranteed.
Peak season · May – Oct
Cooler dry season: lagoon outings, valley hikes and Marquesas cultural visits in pleasant conditions.
Shoulder season · Nov – Apr
Warm wet season with short showers; lush islands and calm lagoons.
| Typical pattern | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shore conditions | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Variable | Variable |
| Rain / snow · mm | 322 | 290 | 170 | 168 | 102 | 111 | 105 | 84 | 96 | 140 | 216 | 260 |
| Cruises | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Local conditions differ between coastlines and islands. The chart represents Papeete, not every stop on a voyage. Cruise operation depends on the published itinerary, not the weather rating.
Air temperatures through the year
Average daily highAverage daily low
Papeete · 2015–2024. Monthly averages calculated from ERA5 daily values via Open-Meteo; rounded for planning, not a forecast or a local station measurement. Rainfall includes water-equivalent snowfall where relevant.
Wildlife on land & along the coast
Meet the locals
The most memorable encounters often happen at walking pace. Animals live in specific habitats, so the places on your route matter as much as the month. Follow local wildlife distances and your guide.
No set season
Pacific sheath-tailed bat
Coastal areas near cave roosts
A rare bat near a few surviving cave roosts — check current conservation advice first.
Varies by island
Green sea turtle
Tropical lagoon shores
Look along lagoon shores and sandy islands, keeping in mind Polynesia's broad geography.
Varies by island
Hawksbill sea turtle
Reef-fringed islands
Scan reef-fringed shores, though abundance varies greatly between islands.
Evenings, varies by island
Oceanic gecko
Coastal gardens & village margins
Check exterior walls and garden trees after dark on islands where it occurs.
Varies by island
White tern
Wooded island shores
Look among mature village trees on wooded island shores across parts of Polynesia.
Varies by island
Red-tailed tropicbird
Ocean-facing island slopes
Watch coastal cliffs and coral terrain for this nesting oceanic seabird.
Wildlife is wild: sightings, courtship displays and nesting activity cannot be guaranteed. Species occur in different parts of the region, not at every landing.
Show all other animalsEvery shore tells a different story
Shore excursions worth planning around
These are examples of places and experiences, not a promised itinerary. Look for the actual landing names and included transfers in your ship’s day-by-day programme.
02 · Local heritage
Moorea
Mountain-backed bays and island villages within reach of Tahiti-based routes.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
03 · Guided exploration
Tuamotu atolls
Low coral islands and reef passes create a different environment from the high islands.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
04 · Nature ashore
Marquesas valleys
Remote high islands with cultural heritage and steep valley scenery on longer voyages.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
05 · Island experiences
Polynesian cultural sites
Visits to marae or community sites need respectful local guidance and photography permission.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
06 · Route highlights
Tahiti forest trails
Humid slopes and valley walks provide an inland perspective if organised during a port call.
Check access, activity level and inclusion on your confirmed itinerary.
Volcanic peaks & atolls
High volcanic islands and low coral atolls show different stages and processes of island formation.
Tropical island vegetation
Coastal palms contrast with humid upland forest and cultivated valleys.
Culture & lagoon care
Respect cultural sites, local invitations and reef rules. Avoid touching coral or collecting natural objects.
Choose places before cabins
Which Polynesia route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programmes, not just the regional name.
Society Islands
Tahiti, Moorea and other high islands combine lagoons and village visits.
Tuamotu atolls
Atoll-focused routes emphasise low islands, reef passages and local communities.
Marquesas voyages
Longer passages reach distinctive cultural landscapes and remote high islands.
Your base between shore days
Polynesia cruise ships
Explore the cruise ships already in our collection. Compare cabins, guest numbers and day-by-day routes; daily prices appear only when current pricing is available.
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Flights & arrival
How to get to Polynesia
Fly into Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), via Los Angeles, Auckland, Paris or Tokyo.
PPT
Flight gateway
Tahiti · Faa’a International
Ships embark in Papeete or after a short inter-island flight. Confirm the onward flight or harbour transfer from Tahiti with your operator before booking.
Connections & onward transfers
Onward journey
Ships embark in Papeete or after a short inter-island flight.
Before departure
Plan an overnight in Tahiti before departure.
Arrive early, protect your departure
We recommend reaching the embarkation town at least one day before departure. Allow more time for remote destinations, separate flights, ferries or long transfers, and follow any earlier arrival or briefing required by your operator.
- Confirm the embarkation town, harbour meeting point and check-in time before buying flights.
- Ask which airport transfer, ferry or domestic connection is included in the cruise.
- Book flexible connections where possible and allow extra time for remote routes.
- The airports listed are alternatives for different routes, not confirmed flights for this ship. Check the port, meeting time and transfers in your final travel documents.
Flight schedules and entry requirements change. Confirm current arrangements with your operator before booking.
Before you set sail
A little preparation makes a big difference
Pack for the landings
- Grippy walking shoes and suitable footwear for wet landings
- Sun hat, high-protection sunscreen and refillable water bottle
- Light rain jacket and a wind layer for boat transfers
- Binoculars and a camera, with no flash around wildlife
- Personal medication and motion-sickness advice before departure
Respect the destination
- Follow local guides, landing permissions and protected-area rules
- Keep the required distance from wildlife and avoid nesting or resting areas
- Never feed or touch animals; do not collect natural objects
- Clean footwear and equipment before sensitive island landings
- Respect local dress, community invitations and photography permission
Discuss health, mobility and dietary needs before choosing a route. Remote areas may have limited medical facilities; travel insurance should cover your activities and any necessary evacuation.
Good to know
Polynesia cruise questions
When is the best time for a Polynesia cruise?
Cooler dry season: lagoon outings, valley hikes and Marquesas cultural visits in pleasant conditions. Warm wet season with short showers; lush islands and calm lagoons. The climate chart describes Papeete; conditions elsewhere on the route can differ.
Which Polynesia route should I choose?
Society Islands: Tahiti, Moorea and other high islands combine lagoons and village visits. Tuamotu atolls: Atoll-focused routes emphasise low islands, reef passages and local communities. Marquesas voyages: Longer passages reach distinctive cultural landscapes and remote high islands.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day programme. Visits such as Bora Bora or Moorea require the right route; park entry, transfers and optional activities may cost extra.
What wildlife can I see in Polynesia?
The region supports species such as Pacific sheath-tailed bat, Green sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle. Different species use different habitats; not every animal occurs at every port. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
Not necessarily, but uneven paths, steps and wet transfers can be demanding. Ask about the exact walking distances, terrain and assistance before choosing your voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Weather, sea state, tides, ice, permits and wildlife protection can change landings. Your captain and expedition team determine safe alternatives.
What entry documents do I need for Polynesia?
Your cruise visits French Polynesia, if included in your itinerary. Visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and passport-validity rules depend on your nationality and travel documents. Check the current official guidance linked below, including transit-country rules, before travelling.Official entry guidance
When should I arrive before the cruise?
Reach the confirmed embarkation town at least one day early, or earlier if your operator requires briefing nights. Allow extra time for domestic flights, ferries and remote gateways.