01 · Paisajes costeros
Bora Bora
Un paisaje de laguna e isla volcánica alta, con actividades en tierra que varían según el operador.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
Lagunas del Pacífico y altas islas volcánicas
The destination is the experience
Los viajes por la Polinesia Francesa conectan lagunas de coral, picos volcánicos y comunidades repartidas a través de grandes distancias oceánicas. Los cruceros por las Islas de la Sociedad difieren de los viajes a Tuamotu y las Marquesas, así que elige el grupo de islas antes que el barco.
Un viaje por Bora Bora y la región circundante te permite descubrir el paisaje en detalle. Tu barco conecta los lugares costeros, mientras que las excursiones guiadas revelan esos detalles que son fáciles de pasar por alto desde la cubierta.
Elige las paradas reales del programa, no solo el nombre del destino. Las rutas que incluyen Moorea pueden ofrecer un equilibrio de naturaleza y cultura diferente al de aquellas centradas en los sitios culturales polinesios. Las actividades, los permisos y la exigencia física de las caminatas varían según el viaje.
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.
Season & shore-walk conditions
Jan
Variable
322 mm
Seasonal
Feb
Variable
290 mm
Seasonal
Mar
Variable
170 mm
Seasonal
Apr
Variable
168 mm
Seasonal
May
Peak
102 mm
Seasonal
Jun
Peak
111 mm
Seasonal
Jul
Peak
105 mm
Seasonal
Aug
Peak
84 mm
Seasonal
Sep
Peak
96 mm
Seasonal
Oct
Peak
140 mm
Seasonal
Nov
Variable
216 mm
Seasonal
Dec
Variable
260 mm
Seasonal
| 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
Temperatures in Papeete barely change through the year: daytime highs stay close to 27°C in every month, and even the coolest month (August) averages around 25°C. Nights typically fall about 2°C below the daytime high, so evenings stay mild. Pack for consistent warmth rather than seasons.
Papeete · 2015–2024. Monthly averages, 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
Murciélago de cola de vaina del Pacífico
Zonas costeras cerca de refugios en cuevas
Un murciélago raro cerca de algunos refugios en cuevas que aún sobreviven, consulta primero las recomendaciones de conservación actuales.
Varies by island
Tortuga verde
Orillas de lagunas tropicales
Busca por las orillas de las lagunas y las islas arenosas, teniendo en cuenta la vasta geografía de Polynesia.
Varies by island
Tortuga carey
Islas bordeadas de arrecifes
Observa las costas bordeadas de arrecifes, aunque su abundancia varía enormemente entre las islas.
Evenings, varies by island
Geco oceánico
Jardines costeros y afueras de los pueblos
Revisa los muros exteriores y los árboles de los jardines al anochecer en las islas donde habita.
Varies by island
Charrán blanco
Costas boscosas de las islas
Busca entre los árboles maduros de las aldeas en las costas boscosas de las islas por distintas partes de la Polinesia.
Varies by island
Rabijunco colirrojo
Laderas insulares orientadas al océano
Observa los acantilados costeros y los terrenos coralinos en busca de esta ave marina oceánica nidificante.
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 program.
02 · Patrimonio local
Moorea
Bahías rodeadas de montañas y pueblos isleños al alcance de las rutas con base en Tahiti.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
03 · Exploración guiada
Atolones de Tuamotu
Las islas coralinas bajas y los pasos de arrecife crean un entorno diferente al de las islas altas.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
04 · Naturaleza en tierra
Valles de las Marquesas
Islas altas y remotas con patrimonio cultural y paisajes de valles escarpados en los viajes más largos.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
05 · Experiencias isleñas
Sitios culturales polinesios
Las visitas a los marae o sitios comunitarios requieren la orientación respetuosa de guías locales y permiso para tomar fotografías.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
06 · Lo más destacado de la ruta
Senderos forestales de Tahiti
Las laderas húmedas y las caminatas por los valles ofrecen una perspectiva del interior si se organizan durante una escala.
Revisa el acceso, el nivel de actividad y las inclusiones en tu itinerario confirmado.
Picos volcánicos y atolones
Las islas volcánicas altas y los atolones de coral bajos muestran diferentes etapas y procesos de formación insular.
Vegetación de islas tropicales
Las palmeras costeras contrastan con el bosque húmedo de las tierras altas y los valles cultivados.
Cultura y cuidado de las lagunas
Respeta los sitios culturales, las invitaciones locales y las normas del arrecife. Evita tocar el coral o recolectar objetos naturales.
Choose places before cabins
Which Polynesia route is right for you?
Route labels vary between operators. Compare the actual ports, landings and shore programs, not just the regional name.
Society Islands
Tahiti, Moorea y otras islas altas combinan lagunas y visitas a las aldeas.
Atolones de Tuamotu
Las rutas centradas en los atolones destacan las islas bajas, los pasos de arrecife y las comunidades locales.
Viajes a las Marquesas
Las travesías más largas llegan a paisajes culturales distintivos e islas altas remotas.
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 y otras islas altas combinan lagunas y visitas a las aldeas. Atolones de Tuamotu: Las rutas centradas en los atolones destacan las islas bajas, los pasos de arrecife y las comunidades locales. Viajes a las Marquesas: Las travesías más largas llegan a paisajes culturales distintivos e islas altas remotas.
Are shore excursions included?
Check the inclusions and actual day-by-day program. 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 Murciélago de cola de vaina del Pacífico, Tortuga verde, Tortuga carey. 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.