Jewels of the South Seas

13 days / 12 nights

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Jewels of the South Seas

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Jewels of the South Seas

Cruise Pacific and Oceania

from 20 March 2020 to 1 April 2020
13 days / 12 nights

Departure Port : Papeete, Tahiti Island
Arrival Port : Lautoka

Ship : LE SOLEAL

Ref : S200320

To sail from French Polynesia to Fiji via Wallis and Futuna, join us aboard Le Soléal for a 13-day cruise in the South Pacific Ocean.

PONANT brings you an exceptional itinerary of idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, and encounters with little-known cultures.

After a first stop in Bora Bora, with its unmistakable volcanic silhouette, you will reach the Cook Islands and the clear blue waters of the Aitutaki lagoon.

You will then discover Samoa, where the memory of Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous Scottish poet and author of Treasure Island, lives on.

Then you will sail to Wallis and Futuna, small pieces of France lost in the Pacific, also the flag state of the PONANT fleet. In particular, you will visit the Basilica of Poi in Futuna, an important pilgrimage site in Oceania, as well as Lake Lalolalo in Wallis.

On Taveuni, also known as “the garden island”, you will visit the magnificent Bouma Falls, nestling amid lush, tropical vegetation, and will meet local school children for a rich moment of exchange.

Diving

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Fare From * $6,090

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* Subject to availability.

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Highlights

Discovery of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Wallis and Futuna and Fiji.
Southern sea lagoons, white-sand beaches and lush vegetation – a picture postcard of paradise.
Encounters with the locals and opportunities to discover Polynesian cultures during traditional ceremonies.
An itinerary that will sail via Wallis and Futuna, where the PONANT fleet is registered.
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.

Staterooms & Suites
LE SOLEAL
Port of call & excursions
Formalities
Scuba diving
Pre/Post & Overlands

Staterooms & Suites

Superior Stateroom
$11,230
$6,090
Available

Deluxe Stateroom
$11,310
$6,550
Available

Prestige Deck 4
$12,710
$7,310
Not Available

Prestige Deck 5
$13,380
$7,670
Not Available

Prestige Deck 6
$14,060
$8,040
Not Available

Deluxe Suite
$19,830
$11,160
Not Available

Prestige Deck 5 Suite
$27,140
$15,110
Not Available

Prestige Deck 6 Suite
$28,510
$15,850
Not Available

Owner's Suite
$35,430
$18,190
Not Available

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Choose your fare basis* :

Single Double

LE SOLEAL

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design

With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

PONT 2
PONT 3
PONT 4
PONT 5
PONT 6

Virtual tour Technical sheet

Port of call & excursions

20 March 2020 – Bora Bora, Society Islands

Papeete, Tahiti Island

Embarkation 20/03/2020 from 16H00 to 17H00 . Departure 20/03/2020 at 18H00 .

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

21 March 2020 – Bora Bora, Society Islands

Arrival 21/03/2020 early morning. Departure 21/03/2020 late afternoon.

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora-Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

See available excursions

22 March 2020 – At sea

Arrival 22/03/2020. Departure 22/03/2020.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

23 March 2020 – Aitutaki

Arrival 23/03/2020 early morning. Departure 23/03/2020 late afternoon.

Aitutaki is a little island of 16 km², with a small fishing port with few motor boats, where a simple and peaceful life endures. During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along this magnificent lagoon, reputed as one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world. Snorkelling fans will discover the treasures of underwater life here. The island is specialised in the sale of black pearls and the production of coloured sarongs, as well as “tivaevae” — patchwork quilting and handiworks. This local manufacture has great value because of its careful artisanal fabrication, and the pieces made are generally offered at important occasions.

24 March 2020 – Palmerston Island

Arrival 24/03/2020 early morning. Departure 24/03/2020 late afternoon.

25 March 2020 – At sea

Arrival 25/03/2020. Departure 25/03/2020.

26 March 2020 – International Date Line, Extreme West

Arrival 26/03/2020. Departure 26/03/2020.

27 March 2020 – Apia

Arrival 27/03/2020 early morning. Departure 27/03/2020 midday.

Not far from the Wallis and Futuna archipelago, your ship will set sail towards Apia, capital of Western Samoa. Located in the Pacific ring of fire, this destination remains little-known by tourists. You will be perpetually surrounded by turquoise blue lagoons and will spot waterfalls here and there in an intense green environment. Visit Apia Museum to discover the history of the region and then head for Mulinu’u, the territory’s former ceremonial capital. As for the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, it is home to magnificent underwater fauna and flora and attracts diving fans.

28 March 2020 – Mata Utu, Wallis Island

Arrival 28/03/2020 early morning. Departure 28/03/2020 late afternoon.

A small town currently home to 1,100 inhabitants, Mata Utu is located on Wallis Island in the Wallis and Futuna archipelago. From afar, you will appreciate the colonial architecture of the Palace of the King; numerous traditional festivals are held in front of this building. Also discover the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, constructed in the 19^th century and home to the seat of the Wallis and Futuna diocese. Be sure to take the unmissable walk along Lake Lalolao, which, at 82 metres deep, is certainly the most impressive of the crater lakes on Wallis. Mata Utu, a small corner of France lost in the Pacific, is also where the ships in the PONANT fleet are registered.

29 March 2020 – Alofi Island

Arrival 29/03/2020 early morning. Departure 29/03/2020 early evening.

Located in the South Pacific, the Wallis and Futuna archipelago is a real jewel of nature, a territory that remains very little-known in tourism. Home to rare bird species unique to Oceania, the territory is surrounded by incredibly clear waters that protect a great variety of fish, dolphins, tortoises and rays. Stroll along the magnificent beaches of Alofi and the coast road. Inland, the Villa Malia de Leava Church on Futuna is known for its annual celebrations of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the village. This important event is eagerly awaited by devotees, who give a hundred pigs as an offering for this big religious festival.

30 March 2020▸31 March 2020 – Taveuni

Arrival 30/03/2020 midday. Departure 31/03/2020 midday.

Located to the east of Vanua Levu in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Taveuni is the third-largest island in Fiji, also called the “garden-island” because of its abundant flora, which includes the delicate and rare Tagimoucia flower, characterised by its red and white petals. The island is like a lush tropical forest, with nature trails, deserted beaches, many waterfalls melting into the vegetation, such as the Bouma Falls, and the Namena Marine Reserve. The island is justifiably reputed for ecotourism and scuba diving.

Lautoka

Disembarkation 01/04/2020 at 08H00 .

Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.
Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.
USA: Should your flight transit via the USA, a visa or ESTA may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. Kindly print out a copy of your ESTA and keep it with your passport.
In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.

Scuba diving

Fauna and flora of the Pacific ocean

The fauna of the Pacific ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, racoonbutterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish, as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.

Supervision of the dives

Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

Level required for scuba diving on this cruise

The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.

Process of the dives (certified divers)

The instructor can dive with 4 certified divers at a time. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:

For those with PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 25 metres.
If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.

Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.

Duration of the dives

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.

Supplied equipment

Diving wetsuit
Stabilising jacket
Fins, mask and snorkel
Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)

Scuba diving activities on this cruise

PORTS OF CALL	DIVE (for certified divers)	DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners)
FRENCH POLYNESIA- Bora Bora	YES	YES
COOK ISLAND-Aitutaki	YES	YES
COOK ISLAND- Palmerston island	YES	NO
SAMOA- Apia	YES	NO
WALLIS & FUTUNA- Mata Utu	YES	YES
WALLIS & FUTUNA- Alofi island	YES	YES
FIJI- TAVEUNI	YES	NO
FIJI- TAVEUNI	YES	NO

These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.

Rates

Price per person

Dives:

Exploration (1 dive) : € 80
Excellence Package (3 dives) : € 225
Passion Package (6 dives) : € 420
Master Package (10 dives) : € 650

Pre/Post & Overlands

After your cruise
01/04/2020 – A GLIMPSE OF NADI AND RELAXING AFTERNOON

340.00 $ ^**
More information

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day between the port of disembarkation and the airport.
Lautoka
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
Depart the pier by coach for the Sleeping Giant garden, a horticultural garden specialized in native plants from Fiji with a very impressive collection of orchids. There are over 2000 listed orchid species.
The Sleeping Giant is a mountain range that can be seen from Nadi. It has this name (sleeping giant), because the ridge line represents the profile of a lying man.
Make a stop at the local market with beautiful fruits and vegetables flavours. Then visit the largest Hindu Temple of the island.
During British colonial rule in Fiji, many Indian migrants came to work on sugar cane plantations. They arrived with a contract of employment from the British government. At the end of their contract, many of them choose to settle in Fiji and brought with them the Hindu culture and religion.
In 1984, eight artists from India were invited to participate in the construction of this huge complex of temples. Take the time to admire the pyramidal shape of the various buildings, all characterized by a staircase architecture and fine sculptures of deities, kings and knights.
Continue to Port Denarau for shopping. You will then be transferred to Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa. Upon arrival at the hotel, lunch will be served.
Check-in your day-use room from 1.30pm.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa has an ideal location for a relaxing afternoon. You may enjoy the facilities of the hotel, laze on a deck chair near the swimming pool, work out in the fully equipped fitness centre or stroll on the private beach.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Lunch with beverage package (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
1 Standard day-use room from 1.30pm to 5.45pm at the five-star Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa (or similar).
Services of a local English speaking guide.
Tips for the driver and the guide.
Your programme does not include:
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:
For the hotel interlude, we recommend that you bring along an extra bag with a change of clothing and sunprotection (hat, sunglasses and sunglasses). The hotel will distribute one beach towel per person to be returned at the front desk before leaving the hotel.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
01/04/2020 – RELAX ON THE MALOLO ISLAND (2 NIGHTS)

2150.00 $ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of three days to discover the main charms of Nadi, and enjoy a relaxing interlude in an idyllic resort located in an unique natural environment with golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This programme will be a perfect conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 - Lautoka/Malolo Island
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier for a visit to the Sleeping Giant garden, a horticultural garden specialized in native plants from Fiji with a very impressive collection of orchids. There are over 2000 listed orchid species.
The Sleeping Giant is a mountain range that can be seen from Nadi. It has this name (sleeping giant), because the ridge line represents the profile of a lying man.
Continue the visit of Nadi with a stop at the local market. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, the colourful fresh fruits and vegetables. Meet the local farmers and fishermen who come and sell their goods.
Your tour will end at Port Denarau where you will board a speed boat for a 45-minute cruise to your resort.
Arrive at Malolo Island in time for lunch served at Likuliku Island Resort.
Check-in your room from 3pm.
Afternoon is at leisure; several activities are offered by the resort.
Dinner included at the hotel.
Day 2 – Malolo Island
The entire day is at leisure
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and served at the hotel.
Enjoy the many resort facilities. A selection of included and optional activities will be on offer. The included activities vary from snorkeling to guided walks, as well as paddle and kayak to name a few.
Optional activities on a supplement basis are spa, scuba diving, fishing, visit of the neighbouring islands.
Day 3 – Malolo/Nadi
Breakfast.
Check-out by 11am.
Board the speedboat for a cruise back to Port Denarau.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy free time for a last shopping opportunity.
You will then proceed to the largest Hindu Temple of the island for a guided visit.
During British colonial rule in Fiji, many Indian migrants came to work on sugar cane plantations. They arrived with a contract of employment from the British government. At the end of their contract, many of them choose to settle in Fiji and brought with them the Hindu culture and religion.
In 1984, eight artists from India were invited to participate in the construction of this huge complex of temples. Take the time to admire the pyramidal shape of the various buildings, all characterized by a staircase architecture and fine sculptures of deities, kings and knights.
You will finally join the centre called Rejuvenation Centre for a relaxing moment. Enjoy a 15-minute Spa foot ritual and foot massage. Free Wifi access is available. You will also find at your disposal changing rooms facilities including showers, as well as a movie room. Optional services are available on a supplement basis.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a haven of luxury reserved exclusively for guests in-residence at the resort. From the water, it looks like an ancient village, so traditional is the style. The beating heart of the resort is a magnificent building in the design of a Fijian canoe house. Surrounded by sprawling ceilings, hand-woven thatch and an exotic mix of natural materials and modern elements, Likuliku Lagoon Resort embodies the richness of an ancient culture with present-day lifestyle touches.
Your program includes:
2-nights’accommodation in Beach Front Bure at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort (or similar).
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
Beverage package only during lunch served in a local restaurant on Day 3 (a bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Services of local English-speaking guide.
Your program does not include:
Beverages during meals served at the hotel.
Tips for the guide and the driver.
Optional activities and services on a supplement basis.
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
We recommend that you bring along an extra bag with a change of clothing and sunprotection (hat, sunglasses and sunglasses) on the first and on the last day of this programme. The hotel will distribute one beach towel per person to be returned at the front desk before leaving the hotel.
Contact of your hotel:
Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Fiji Islands
Telephone: (+679) 6722 755
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
Before your cruise
19/03/2020 – DISCOVER PAPEETE AND RELAX (1 NIGHT)

510.00 $ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of one day to a visit to the main charms of Papeete, and enjoy a relaxing interlude in a beautiful resort bordered by a white sandy beach and clear blue waters. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Papeete
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the PONANT selected flight.
You will be transferred to the hotel Le Meridien Tahiti, about 20 minutes from airport.
Check-in.
Day 2 - Papeete
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure. Your room will be available until 11am which is official check-out.
After lunch served at the hotel, you will proceed to Vaipahi Gardens located along Tahiti’s south coast. The gardens include archaeological relics and legendary traditions. Spread out over more than a hectare, it contains over 75 different species of vegetation, all kept fresh by water from lake Vaihiria in the centre of the island, Tahiti’s only fresh water lake. You will continue your exploration at Maraa Grotto, a small cave hidden in the lush vegetation that surrounds its entrance. Enjoy the cool air of Maraa Grotto. You will then be taken to one of the best-preserved Marae in Tahiti, the Marae Arahurahu. An ancient temple or meeting place at the centre of Polynesian culture, it features a vast raised area surrounded by tropical vegetation (coconut palms, tropical almond trees, gardenias). You will gain an insight into Polynesian traditions in an exotic setting.
At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Located on Tahiti Island’s only natural white sandy beach, Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort offers accommodation along the edge of the lagoon with views of jagged mountains on Moorea Island. On the upper level, your Deluxe room overlooks lush green gardens contrasting with the turquoise blue of the lagoon. Decorated in a contemporary style with a Polynesian touch, they are equipped with all modern facilities. At your disposal are restaurants, bars, a large sandy-bottomed pool, wellness centre and 24/7 concierge service.
Your programme includes:
1 night in a Deluxe ocean view room at the hotel Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort (or similar), breakfast included.
Accommodation tax.
Lunch with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 tea or coffee).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
Services of local English-speaking guide during the half-day tour.
Tips for the driver and the guide.
Your programme does not include:
Dinner on Day 1.
Late check-out at the hotel.
Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
Official language is French, and if you can produce a few words in Tahitian it is always appreciated: Ia Orana (hello), Maururu (thank you) and Nana (goodbye, see you soon).
The official check-out time at the hotel Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort is at 11am.
Contact for your hotel:
Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort Hotel
P.O. Box 380595
Tahiti 98701
French Polynesia
Telephone: +689 40 47 07 07
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Less details
14/03/2020 – DISCOVER THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS (6 NIGHTS)

3950.04 $ ^**
More information

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of six days to discover the beauties of two islands of the Marquesas. Enjoy staying in idyllic resorts located in unique natural environments. This programme will be a perfect prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 - Papeete
Meet and greet at Tahiti international airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.
You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative of the PONANT selected flight.
You will be transferred to the Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort Hotel.
Check-in.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Papeete/Nuku Hiva
Early breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
From the hotel, you will be transferred to Papeete domestic airport in time for check-in of the flight to Nuku Hiva.
We advise you to take a separate luggage for this programme. Your other bags can be stored at the airport.
Domestic flight Papeete/Nuku Hiva.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local representative and be transferred to the Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Lodge by 4x4 wheel vehicle.
Check-in your room at the Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Lodge.
Lunch is on your own.
Discover Taiohae – afternoon half day tour. You will depart for a visit of Taiohae, main village of Nuku Hiva’s island. A gentle hike towards and around the archaeological site of Koueva will be done. Koueva is an ancient ceremonial platform that once belonged to the great warrior chief Pakoko. This tohua was restored for the Arts Festival of the Marquesas Islands in 1999 and in 2011 and thus allows
Must see… The Cathedral of Notre Dame, built in 1973, on the site of an ancient tohua (ceremonial platform). The church shelters numerous religious wooden works by local artists. Stop at the Tohua Temeha, traditional ceremonial site hosting recent stone carvings, inspired by ancient local legends and testimony of Marquesan cultural revival.
Dinner served at the hotel.
Day 3 – Nuku Hiva
Breakfast. Discover the Valley of Hatiheu.
Depart for a full day tour in the valley of Hatiheu, on the north coast of Nuku Hiva’s island. Depart your hotel by 4x4 wheel vehicle through the Col of Muake. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views onto the bay of Taiohae, then the Taipivai valley, known as one of the largest coconut plantations in French Polynesia and made famous by the past presence of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick and ‘Taïpi’. Visit the restored Kamuihei archaeological site. While listening to your guide, travel through time and imagine the sacred traditional ceremonies that took place on these once majestic sites.
Lunch on spot in a restaurant or as a picnic.
On the way back, stop at Hikokua. Beautiful restored site that will enable you to discover and understand the ancient Marquesas community life, its culture and customs
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 4 – Nuku Hiva/Hiva Oa
Breakfast. Check-out.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the flight to Hiva Oa airport.
Domestic flight Nuku Iva/Hiva Oa.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and taken to the Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge.
Lunch not included.
Check-in in your room from 2 pm.
You will proceed to Atunoa village. During the tour, you will visit The Paul Gauguin Cultural Center finished in 2003, on the 100th anniversary of his death and the Espace Brel where many of his belongings are exposed.
Return to the lodge.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5 – Hiva Oa
Breakfast. Discover the giant Tiki of Puamau.
Embark on 4x4 wheel vehicle for a full day tour to Puamau, on the northeast tip of Hiva Oa’s island. Breathtaking drive along the winding coastline through several valleys, until reaching the picturesque village of Puamau.
Visit Te Iipona, an archaeological site which became famous thanks to ‘Takai’, the tallest stone Tiki of French Polynesia (2,43 m) and the very exceptional ‘Makaii Taua Pepe’, unique tiki represented horizontally.
Lunch on spot in a Marquesas house or as a picnic.
Return to your hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 6 – Hiva Oa
Breakfast. Discover Tahuata Island.
Depart the hotel and embark on a boat to Tahuata Island. Upon arrival, you will begin a walking tour to discover Vaitahu. You will stroll along the modern church which is a mixture of European and Marquesan style, the archaeological museum, the port that has gathered the first Western explorer, the remains of the French fort built in 1850; the marine cemetery, and archaeological sites.
Lunch will be served as a picnic on a sandy beach.
After a time at leisure you will return to Hiva Oa.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 7 – Hiva Oa/Papeete
Breakfast. You room must be vacated before 11 am.
Lunch is on your own.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the flight to Papeete.
Domestic flight Hiva Oa/Papeete.
Upon arrival at Papeete domestic airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and be transferred to the port to embark on board your ship.
Your hotels:
Located on Tahiti Island’s only natural white sandy beach, thee Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort offers accommodation along the edge of the lagoon with views of jagged mountains on Moorea Island. On the upper level, your Deluxe room overlooks lush green gardens contrasting with the turquoise blue of the lagoon. Decorated in a contemporary style with a Polynesian touch, they are equipped with all modern facilities. At your disposal are restaurants, bars, a large sandy-bottomed pool, wellness centre and 24/7 concierge service.
Located in the hills of Nuku Hiva, the Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Lodge overlooks the bay and village of Taiohae, the island's capital. The trek from the airport is a scenic drive that can take up to an hour and a half, but once you arrive, you gain convenient access to every main attraction on the island including the most gorgeous black sand beach a mere walking distance away.
The Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Lodge was constructed from local materials, creating an architecture that blends perfectly with the natural environment. Decorative woodcarvings and tapa cloth give it a distinctly Marquesan character. Each bungalow has an outside deck with stunning views of the bay. After a day exploring the island, you can relax in the comfort of your own bungalow or lounge by the swimming pool. The hotel restaurant is surrounded by tropical foliage and serves dinner by candlelight, providing the ultimate finishing touch.
Perched on a ridge above the eastern side of Tahauku Harbor, the Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge offers amazing panoramic views of the island`s wild beauty. On the clearest day, you can see Mount Temetiu, the Bordelais Canal, the small island of Hanakee, the distant volcanic island of Tahuata, and the village of Atuona where Paul Gauguin and poet Jacques Brel are buried.
True to the spirit of the Marquesas Islands, each bungalow at the Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge is decorated with creative Polynesian accents from talented local artisans. The prominent tiki statue in the lobby and other carvings throughout the complex serve as a constant reminder to the cultural significance of your surroundings. This hotel also features a restaurant with an outdoor terrace and infinity pool.
Your programme includes:
Domestic flights: Papeete/Nuku Hiva/Hiva Oa/Papeete on economy class. Luggage allowance is one piece of 23kg per person.
1 night in a Deluxe ocean view room at Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort Hotel 4* local norms (or similar).
2 nights in a bay view bungalow at Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Lodge 3* local norms (or similar).
3 nights in an ocean view bungalow at Hanakee Hiva Oa Lodge 3* local norms (or similar).
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
Beverage package during meals: mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea. (We also offer the choice of 1 glass of wine during dinners served at the lodges).
Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.Services of local English-speaking guide during tours.
Local taxes.
Tips for drivers and guides.
Your programme does not include:
Overweight luggage.
Luggage storage facilities at the airport.
Personal expenses.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
The tours can be modified, postponed or cancelled without prior notice depending on air schedule, weather conditions, or ground transportation availabilities.
The tours require healthy conditions. Follow your guide instructions.
Flights to the Marquesas are very strict, we do not encourage extra luggage due to the size of aircraft. We recommend you to use the storage facilities at the airport. Luggage storage located opposite the departure terminal, next to the Hawaiian airline office and the Bank of Polynesia. The storage at the airport is on a supplement basis. Payment should be made by clients directly on the spot. Credit card accepted (Visa, Mastercard)
Luggage allowance: one piece of 23kg per person, size of check-in bag is: length + width + height less than 150 cm. 1 item of hand luggage the weight and size of which must not exceed 5kg and 45x35x20cm. The cabins and overhead lockers on the planes are not big enough to take extra items such as laptops, cameras, etc. All your effects must fit into your luggage items as described above.
Contact of your hotels:
Le Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort Hotel
Tamanu, P.O. Box 380595, Tahiti 97718
French Polynesia
Telephone: +689 40 47 07 07
Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Lodge
BP 53 – Taiohae, Nuku Hiva 98742
French Polynesia
Telephone: +689 40 92 07 10
Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge
Hiva Oa 98741
French Polynesia
Telephone: +689 50 84 52
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
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