CRUISING FRENCH POLYNESIA
TAHITI & BEYOND
September 19 – October 4, 2026
Overview:
The names Tahiti and Bora Bora may evoke visions of turquoise lagoons and sun-kissed beaches—but the true magic of French Polynesia lies far beyond the postcard-perfect shores. This exclusive voyage goes deeper, sailing through the remote archipelagos of the Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Society Islands to reveal a world of vibrant culture, ancient mystery, and wild beauty seldom seen by outsiders.
Aboard your private charter of Le Jacques-Cartier, discover a side of French Polynesia most travelers never encounter—where uninhabited atolls, artisanal villages, and sacred archeological sites await. Along the way, choose from curated daily excursions that connect you to the heart of each island.
Interested in more information? Please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team with any questions or interest.
CRUISING FRENCH POLYNESIA
TAHITI & BEYOND
September 19 – October 4, 2026
Day-By-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 | TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
A bustling hub of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, Tahiti towers over the ocean, with waterfall-laden mountains, black sand beaches, blue lagoons and a distinctly modern buzz. The energetic capital of Pape’ete serves as your port of embarkation, as well as a melting pot for the diverse cultures of the surrounding archipelagos.
Day 2 | TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS
After a relaxing morning at your resort, board Le Jacques-Cartier and begin your exploration of French Polynesia.
Day 3 | FARAVA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Located northeast of Tahiti, the 76 atolls of the extensive Tuamotuan chain span some 1.2 million square miles of the sparkling Pacific. Fakarava is the second largest of the Tuamotu Islands and home to the small village of Rotoava. Go ashore to meet the local craftspeople who keep Fakarava’s artisanal traditions alive. Alternatively, hop on an e-bike to explore the island’s lighthouse, a smaller oceanfront village and a historic church. Afterward, relax on a private beach of soft pink sand.
Day 4 | TAHANEA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Come ashore on Tahanea, an uninhabited atoll familiar only to a handful of local fishermen and the endemic sandpipers and warblers that call its lagoon their home. Explore, walk the beach or snorkel amid the stunning beauty of this true island paradise.
Day 5 | AT SEA
Cruise toward the Marquesan Island of Fatu Hiva, making the most of Le Jacques-Cartier’s onboard facilities while preparing for tomorrow’s excursion with presentations from the Expedition Team.
Day 6 | FATU HIVA, MARQUESAS
Stretching further northeast from the Tuamotu Islands, the volcanic Marquesas are among the most remote islands in the world. Locals believe this island realm’s mountains, waterfalls and mysterious archeological sites are all bound by mana, a sacred force that keeps nature in balance. Make landfall on Fatu Hiva, the most isolated of the inhabited Marquesas. Here, hike to the achingly beautiful Bay of the Virgins, trek to a secluded waterfall or take a scenic drive. Then, swim from one of the island’s idyllic beaches.
Day 7 | NUKU HIVA, MARQUESAS
Come ashore on the largest of the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva. Though vast in size, the island remains largely untouched by tourism, making its rich local culture and mysterious archeological treasures all the more appealing. On a scenic drive, a guide reveals how Herman Melville’s adventures on Nuku Hiva inspired his novel Typee. Alternatively, hike an island trail or set out in search of tiki, petroglyphs, paepae stone platforms and other archeological relics.
Day 8 | HIVA OA, MARQUESAS
Known as the garden of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa is marked by its emerald countryside, craggy mountains and deep valleys. Explore the island’s enduring connection with Paul Gauguin at the artist’s former home and final resting place. Alternatively, explore the tiki of the Upeke archeological site.
Day 9 | UA POU, MARQUESAS
The tranquil island of Ua Pou stands guarded by Poutetaunui and Poumaka, two towering basalt pillars said to represent ancient warriors. Pass under their gaze and head ashore to hike a trail to the peak of Poumaka, or hunt for the island’s distinctive flower stones.
Day 10 | AT SEA
Today, the Expedition Team continues its enriching lecture series as Le Jacques Cartier begins the return leg back toward the Tuamotuan Islands.
Day 11 | MANIHI, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
The pristine beaches, ocean breezes, crystal clear lagoon and abundant marine life of Manihi soothe the soul like few places on Earth. Come ashore to swim, beachcomb or just soak it all in.
Day 12 | RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Translated roughly as “the big sky,” Rangiroa spans more than 400 islets that encircle a massive lagoon teeming with marine life. Delve into Rangiroa’s aquatic wonders with a visit to a black pearl farm or a glass-bottom boat ride amid the reef’s Napoleon fish.
Day 13 | MATAIVA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Mataiva is distinguished by its unique lagoon spotted with small, deep pools. Here, swim in the lagoon, snorkel the reefs or explore the rock formations and beaches.
Day 14 | BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
The leading lady of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is synonymous with romance, tropical beaches and warm hospitality. Go beyond the tourist’s Bora Bora with everything from 4×4 explorations of the mountains and World War II sites to snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions offshore.
Day 15 | RAIATEA, SOCIETY ISLANDS
Known as Hawaiki, or “the homeland,” Raiatea was once regarded as the cultural and religious center of the Society Islands. Legend holds that skilled wayfinders navigated double-hulled sailing canoes from these shores outward to the distant reaches of Hawaii, New Zealand and beyond. Retrace this legendary legacy as you kayak offshore, snorkel the reefs from a catamaran or explore an archeological site on land.
Day 16 | DEPART TAHITI
Disembark Le Jacques-Cartier and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
CRUISING FRENCH POLYNESIA
TAHITI & BEYOND
September 19 – October 4, 2026
Rates:
Package Rate based on Per Person Sharing. All Rates are Approximate
Classic Stateroom: $21,995
Single Supplement: $10,995
Deluxe Stateroom: $23,995
Single Supplement: $11,995
Prestige Stateroom: $24,995
Single Supplement: $12,495
Deluxe Suite: $36,995
Single Supplement: $27,745
– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking
Included:
- English-Speaking Local Guides
- Airport Meet & greet with Transfers
- Traveling Bell Boy, Luggage Handling
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on Board and in Hotels
- 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
International Airfare:
Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.
General Information:
– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Expedition Easy and proof of purchase is required. Expedition Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation / interruption coverage.
Deposit & Payments:
A completed & signed Expedition Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.
Reservations:
This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.
To reserve space on a trip on the Expedition Easy website, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
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Operated by Abercrombie & Kent
September 19 - October 4, 2026