Shore Excursions

Start your tour with a short introduction on how to drive your wave runner. After, your guide will take you for a ride around the northeastern side of Taha’a’s lagoon.

Stop for explanations on the way to your snorkeling stop. The wave runner has a spacious compartment where you can store your snorkeling gear. You will stop at one of the most beautiful coral gardens and have one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences during your cruise. This tour will end directly at Motu Mahana.

·        The minimum age to drive is 16 years and minimum 8 years to be accompanied by an adult (more than 18 years old). This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, pregnant guests, or guests with back and/or neck problems are discouraged to participate on this tour. Participants must respect safety instructions. We recommend wearing a swimsuit, sun protection and sunglasses, and to bring your snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) and a towel from the ship. *This tour is priced per waverunner, which can accommodate two average-sized adults, maximum weight per waverunner is 500 lbs.

Depart the ship by covered motorized boat for a 15-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a.

Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling session. Your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. The drift can be moderate to strenuous depending on the strength of the current. The drift is done in a single line with one snorkeling guide leading the 12 snorkeller spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkelling guide closing up on the group. This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral.

Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.

·        This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkeler that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkeler are strongly encouraged to snorkel on the Motu. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship.

Nuku Hiva’s spectacular beauty is yours to discover during this off-road adventure in the Taipivai Valley.

Depart the pier for the ride to the Taipivai Valley, one of the richest archaeological sites in the Marquesas Islands. The Taipivai Valley is a location made famous by the American writer and former sailor, Herman Melville (1819-1891), who deserted his ship and hid in this valley. Captured by indigenous natives, he lived in the Taipivai Valley for three weeks, a period during which he observed their way of life. This experience was the inspiration for his first novel. En route to the Taipivai Valley, you will ride through the island’s interior along a steep trail lined with lush flora and vegetation, then traverse exquisite mountain terrain.

Along the way, you will enjoy many opportunities to take magnificent photographs, as you stop several times to take in spectacular vistas of the coastline, bays, and valleys. At one particular stop, you will see your ship anchored in the Bay of Taihoae. Next, you will drive through Taipivai’s small agricultural villages, then proceed to a long stretch of beach at the end of the village. Here, you will stop again to admire splendid vistas of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Following your visit, you will re-board your off-road vehicle for the return ride to the pier.

·        As this tour involves travel over rough, uneven terrain, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems. The tour involves very little walking. Guests are encouraged to wear insect repellant or coconut oil for the skin (monoi) to ward off small beach mosquitoes (nonos). Pricing listed is per person. Space is limited to a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle. It is recommended that families and friends wishing to ride together contact the Travel Concierge Desk aboard ship in order to be assigned the same vehicle. Although the drivers used are the best available, they are not guides, and their command of English is poor. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

From July through October humpback whales come to Moorea's waters to rest, mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.

Dr. Michael Poole's team will take you on this exciting and educational boat-based eco-tour where you can observe humpback whales in their natural environment, the ocean. If conditions are favorable (a calm sea; calm whale behavior) and participants who are strong snorkeler, then you may also snorkel in the water to observe the whales. You can also bask in the dramatic beauty of Moorea and learn about its geology.

Whales are found during 95% of these tours, and you may also see schools of dolphins. The primary objective will be to find and observe humpback whales, and if possible, to slip into the water to observe them underwater.

Getting into the water is not obligatory or always possible, so people who simply want to observe whales from the boat are also welcome. In February 2019 Dr. Poole and his research and conservation efforts on humpback whales were featured on Animal Planet and ABC TV. His team operates with the utmost respect in the presence of these incredible giants. A guarantee cannot be given that whales will be found nor that it will be possible to get into the water, but the team will do their best.

·        Participation is limited to 12 people maximum. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship.

From July through October humpback whales come to Moorea’s waters to rest, mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.

Observe humpback whales in their natural environment, the ocean. If conditions are favorable (a calm sea; calm whale behavior) and participants who are strong snorkeler, then you may also snorkel in the water to observe the whales. Whales are found during 95% of these tours, and you may also see schools of dolphins. The primary objective will be to find and observe humpback whales, and if possible, to slip into the water to observe them underwater. Getting into the water is not mandatory or always possible, so people who simply want to observe whales from the boat are also welcome. Guarantee cannot be given that whales will be found nor that it will be possible to get into the water, but the team will do their best.

·        Participation is limited to 7 people maximum. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship.

From August to November, Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where you can meet humpback whales and swim with them in their natural environment.

Accompanied by your local guide, take advantage of our experience to experiment unforgettable encounters with humpback whales and other cetaceans. First, we observe the behavior of the whales from the boat and if conditions allow, we will offer you to observe them while snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel). An experienced guide will accompany you and ensure your safety during each launch.

·        Participation is limited to 12 people. Plan to wear a swimsuit under loose clothing and take eco-friendly sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, your snorkeling equipment and a towel on the boat.