The ship National Geographic Orion approaching the island of Raiatea in the early morning light, Society Islands, French Polynesia
The ship National Geographic Orion approaching the island of Raiatea in the early morning light, Society Islands, French Polynesia
ExpeditionsFrench Polynesia’s Society Islands: Emerald Peaks and Turquoise Lagoons

French Polynesia’s Society Islands: Emerald Peaks and Turquoise Lagoons

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Discover French Polynesia’s idyllic Society Islands, where emerald volcanic peaks rise above turquoise lagoons and Polynesian traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life. From the sacred marae of Ra'iatea and Huahine to the iconic beauty of Bora Bora and the untamed atoll of Tupai, each island reveals its own distinct character shaped by centuries of life connected to the sea. Explore coral reefs and crystalline lagoons, encounter centuries of seafaring history and experience the warmth of Polynesian culture across some of the South Pacific’s most breathtaking islands.

Highlights

A gust explores adn take photos at Marae Taputapuatea on Rai'atea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea, the spiritual and cultural heart of Polynesian seafaring traditions

  • Explore coral reefs and crystalline lagoons in Taha’a, Bora Bora and the remote atoll of Tupai, home to abundant marine life

  • Discover lesser-visited Huahine, where ancient marae, lush landscapes and quiet lagoons offer a glimpse into traditional Polynesian life

  • Experience Bora Bora from both land and sea, capped off with a private motu barbecue and Polynesian music beneath the stars

  • Hike across the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mo’orea, one of French Polynesia’s most iconic islands

duration
7 Days
starts at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
ends at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

View our brochure for more details

Explorations

2026-2028
Voyages
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Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348
duration
7 Days
starts at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
ends at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

View our brochure for more details

Explorations

2026-2028
Voyages
Request copy
duration
7 Days
starts at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
ends at
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

View our brochure for more details

Explorations

2026-2028
Voyages
Request copy

Itinerary


Starts atPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Ends atPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Day 1

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Huahine

Huahine is one of French Polynesia’s lesser-visited islands, where lush mountains, sacred archaeological sites and crystalline lagoons offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history and enduring traditions. Discover ancient marae—ceremonial stone temples that once served as important centers of Polynesian spiritual and community life—and learn about the island’s connection to generations of Polynesian navigators and royalty. There will also be opportunities to explore the island’s dazzling lagoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Huahine

Huahine is one of French Polynesia’s lesser-visited islands, where lush mountains, sacred archaeological sites and crystalline lagoons offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history and enduring traditions. Discover ancient marae—ceremonial stone temples that once served as important centers of Polynesian spiritual and community life—and learn about the island’s connection to generations of Polynesian navigators and royalty. There will also be opportunities to explore the island’s dazzling lagoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Taha’a / Ra'iatea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling its turquoise waters, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. In the afternoon, visit Ra'iatea, including a stop at one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Hawaii, New Zealand and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). As you explore, you’ll learn about the site’s significance in Polynesian history.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Taha’a / Ra'iatea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling its turquoise waters, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. In the afternoon, visit Ra'iatea, including a stop at one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Hawaii, New Zealand and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). As you explore, you’ll learn about the site’s significance in Polynesian history.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Bora Bora

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today, choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner accompanied by Polynesian music on a private motu under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Bora Bora

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today, choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner accompanied by Polynesian music on a private motu under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tupai / Bora Bora Outer Lagoon

Awake this morning to the stunning blue waters surrounding Tupai, an uninhabited coral atoll rarely visited by travelers and known for its distinctive heart-shaped lagoon visible from above. Spend a day exploring powder-white beaches, crystalline lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel alongside tropical fish in remarkably clear water, stroll deserted motus edged with coconut palms or simply relax in one of the most remote corners of the South Pacific.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tupai / Bora Bora Outer Lagoon

Awake this morning to the stunning blue waters surrounding Tupai, an uninhabited coral atoll rarely visited by travelers and known for its distinctive heart-shaped lagoon visible from above. Spend a day exploring powder-white beaches, crystalline lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel alongside tropical fish in remarkably clear water, stroll deserted motus edged with coconut palms or simply relax in one of the most remote corners of the South Pacific.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Mo’orea

This morning, arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo’orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, or opt to explore the island's calm turquoise waters, laced with coral reefs that teem with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through the Society Islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Mo’orea

This morning, arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo’orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, or opt to explore the island's calm turquoise waters, laced with coral reefs that teem with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through the Society Islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship

Begin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea.

Disembark in Papeete this afternoon, and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship

Begin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea.

Disembark in Papeete this afternoon, and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Expedition Team

Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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View our brochure for more details

Explorations

2026-2028
Voyages
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