At Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, we board our vessel and depart for Raiatea.
Raiatea
An ecological wonderland of spectacular waterfalls and deep lagoons. Raiatea is also the cultural heart of the Society Islands and known for its ancient archaeological sites (marae). Optional activities include explorations by 4WD vehicle among the island’s bamboo forests, mango trees, and ginger flowers; a tour of the famous marae of Taputapuatea, the sacred site where ancient Polynesian mariners embarked on their discoveries of Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island; and an excursion by motorized outrigger canoe along the Faaroa River.
Taha’a
On tiny Taha’a, the “Vanilla Island,” we can beachcomb and relax on a sugary beach, drift-snorkel among rich coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, or visit a vanilla plantation and a black pearl farm to learn about these Polynesian treasures.
Glorious Bora Bora is the quintessential tropical paradise, with a necklace of coral motus (islets), enchanting valleys of hibiscus, and Mt. Otemanu rising up from its center. We can circle the island’s translucent blue lagoons by jet boat, snorkel in magnificent coral gardens, and explore the lush interior of the island by Land Rover or Le Truck.
On Eclipse Day, July 11, 2010, we will witness just over four minutes of totality, and the magnificent solar corona will be visible to the naked eye. From our location at sea southeast of Tahiti, we’ll maneuver to find the ideal position along the centerline of the path of totality to experience this amazing celestial event. The morning eclipse will begin with the sun at 11 degrees above the horizon, with totality occurring with the sun 26 degrees above the horizon. Our guest experts will be with us to guide us through this spectacular phenomenon.
Approximate eclipse viewing location: 18°36' S 147°12' W
In the turquoise waters surrounding enchanting Moorea, with its spectacular backdrop of impossibly green, sharp-edged mountains, we have the option to sail by catamaran, swim with stingrays, search for pods of dolphins and whales, or trek ancient trails to hidden open-air temples. Disembark at Papeete the early morning of July 13.
