01 · Paysages côtiers
Bora Bora
Un paysage mêlant lagon et île volcanique escarpée, avec des activités à terre qui varient selon l'opérateur.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
Lagons du Pacifique et hautes îles volcaniques
The destination is the experience
Les voyages en Polynésie française relient les lagons coralliens, les sommets volcaniques et les communautés dispersées sur de vastes étendues océaniques. Les croisières dans les îles de la Société diffèrent des expéditions aux Tuamotu et aux Marquises, alors choisis l'archipel avant le navire.
Un voyage à travers Bora Bora et sa région permet de saisir toute la beauté du paysage. Ton navire relie les sites côtiers, tandis que les excursions guidées révèlent ces détails qu'il est facile de manquer depuis le pont.
Choisis les escales prévues au programme, et pas seulement le nom de la destination. Les itinéraires passant par Moorea offrent un équilibre entre nature et culture bien différent de ceux axés sur les sites culturels polynésiens. Les activités, les permis et le niveau de marche requis varient selon le 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.
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
Chauve-souris à queue gainée du Pacifique
Zones côtières près des grottes refuges
Une chauve-souris rare présente près des dernières grottes qui lui servent de refuge, consulte d'abord les recommandations de conservation en vigueur.
Varies by island
Tortue verte
Rives des lagons tropicaux
Observe le long des rives du lagon et des îles de sable, en gardant à l'esprit la vaste géographie de Polynesia.
Varies by island
Tortue imbriquée
Îles bordées de récifs
Scrute les rivages bordés de récifs, bien que leur abondance varie grandement d'une île à l'autre.
Evenings, varies by island
Gecko océanien
Jardins côtiers & lisières de villages
Inspecte les murs extérieurs et les arbres des jardins à la nuit tombée sur les îles où il est présent.
Varies by island
Sterne blanche
Rivages insulaires boisés
Cherche parmi les vieux arbres des villages sur les rivages boisés des îles dans certaines régions de Polynésie.
Varies by island
Phaéton à brins rouges
Versants insulaires face à l'océan
Observe les falaises côtières et les zones coralliennes pour apercevoir cet oiseau marin océanique nicheur.
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 · Patrimoine local
Moorea
Des baies bordées de montagnes et des villages insulaires accessibles via les itinéraires au départ de Tahiti.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
03 · Exploration guidée
Atolls des Tuamotu
Les îles coralliennes basses et les passes récifales créent un environnement bien différent de celui des îles hautes.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
04 · Nature à terre
Vallées des Marquises
Des îles hautes isolées au riche patrimoine culturel et aux paysages de vallées escarpées, accessibles lors de voyages plus longs.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
05 · Expériences insulaires
Sites culturels polynésiens
La visite des marae ou des sites communautaires nécessite l'accompagnement respectueux d'un guide local et une autorisation pour prendre des photos.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
06 · Points forts de l'itinéraire
Sentiers forestiers de Tahiti
Les versants humides et les randonnées dans les vallées offrent un bel aperçu de l'intérieur des terres si elles sont organisées lors d'une escale.
Vérifie les conditions d'accès, le niveau d'activité et les inclusions sur ton itinéraire confirmé.
Pics volcaniques & atolls
Les îles volcaniques hautes et les atolls coralliens bas illustrent les différentes étapes et processus de formation des îles.
Végétation des îles tropicales
Les palmiers côtiers contrastent avec la forêt humide des hauts plateaux et les vallées cultivées.
Culture & préservation du lagon
Respecte les sites culturels, les invitations locales et les règles du récif. Évite de toucher le corail ou de ramasser des objets naturels.
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 et d'autres îles hautes combinent lagons et visites de villages.
Atolls des Tuamotu
Les itinéraires axés sur les atolls mettent en valeur les îles basses, les passes récifales et les communautés locales.
Voyages aux Marquesas
Les traversées plus longues permettent d'atteindre des paysages culturels uniques et des îles hautes isolées.
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 et d'autres îles hautes combinent lagons et visites de villages. Atolls des Tuamotu: Les itinéraires axés sur les atolls mettent en valeur les îles basses, les passes récifales et les communautés locales. Voyages aux Marquesas: Les traversées plus longues permettent d'atteindre des paysages culturels uniques et des îles hautes isolées.
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 Chauve-souris à queue gainée du Pacifique, Tortue verte, Tortue imbriquée. 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.