Join us to explore to the Society Islands—the lush, volcanic heart of French Polynesia—where dramatic green peaks soar from brilliant turquoise lagoons and Polynesian culture pulses through every village, bay, and ancient marae.

From September 2026 through March 2027, we offer two distinct adventures designed to immerse you in the best of this iconic archipelago. We can explore the Windward Islands of Tahiti and Mo’orea for a vibrant mix of urban energy, bustling markets, incredibly diverse diving and snorkeling, and stunning natural beauty. Or we can sail the Leeward Islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea & Taha’a for sacred spiritual sites, fragrant vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and the legendary over-lagoon serenity that has captivated travelers for generations with its beauty and unique diving and snorkeling areas.

These high volcanic islands, with their cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, fringing coral reefs, and warm, welcoming communities, create an unforgettable escape for passionate divers, enthusiastic anglers, curious explorers, and anyone seeking deep, genuine connections to Polynesian life and traditions.

The Society Islands are naturally divided into two groups: the Windward Islands (Tahiti and Mo’orea), which catch the prevailing trade winds first, and the Leeward Islands (Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Huahine), sheltered behind them. All rise sharply from the deep Pacific, crowned by rugged, rainforest-covered mountains, fed by numerous streams and waterfalls, and encircled by vibrant fringing and barrier reefs that protect expansive lagoons. Unlike the flat coral atolls of the Tuamotus, the Society Islands feature dramatic elevation changes, ancient geological formations, and a rich tapestry of Polynesian history visible in the many marae (sacred stone platforms) that dot the landscape. We’ll take you to intimate, often secluded anchorages far from the main tourist paths, allowing you to experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of these islands—thrilling underwater encounters, peaceful moments under starry skies, authentic cultural interactions, and the quiet magic of places where time seems to slow down. This is tropical paradise in its most authentic and vibrant form.

Tahiti serves as the gateway to French Polynesia, with its capital Papeete offering lively markets, colorful street life, and a fusion of Polynesian, French, and global influences. Just a short, scenic sail across the channel lies Mo’orea, affectionately known as the “Magical Island,” where emerald-green valleys, pineapple-covered hillsides, and twin bays framed by jagged peaks create a quieter, more intimate counterpart. Together, Tahiti and Mo’orea deliver the ideal introduction to the archipelago’s blend of modern Polynesian life and breathtaking natural splendor. We’ll anchor in deep, protected bays with easy shore access, giving you the freedom to explore on foot, by bicycle, or scooter while fully immersing yourself in the islands’ lively spirit and welcoming atmosphere.

Snorkeling & Diving

Mo’orea stands out as one of the premier underwater destinations in French Polynesia, offering a diverse range of sites suitable for all levels. The Tiahura reef features shallow, colorful coral gardens patrolled by resident blacktip reef sharks and playful spinner dolphins, while the Taotoi Pass delivers exhilarating drift dives through channels filled with eagle rays, schools of vibrant tropical fish, and occasional larger pelagics. Visibility frequently surpasses 80–100 feet, revealing healthy hard and soft corals, graceful sea turtles, curious moray eels, and schools of parrotfish and butterflyfish. Tahiti provides excellent diving as well, particularly along sites near the Faa’a airport reef where macro enthusiasts can spot nudibranchs, pipefish, and small critters, and deeper walls attract occasional sharks, barracuda, and jacks. Snorkelers enjoy drifting over shallow lagoon areas teeming with clownfish, damselfish, and vibrant anemones, or joining guided excursions to calm spots where stingrays and small reef sharks glide gracefully in clear, warm water.

Land Exploration

On Tahiti we’ll love wandering through Papeete’s bustling municipal market, where stalls overflow with fresh tropical fruits, Tahitian pearls in every shade, hand-carved wooden tiki, fragrant monoi oil, and colorful pareos. From there, short hikes lead to the dramatic Faarumai Waterfalls cascading through lush jungle, or to the peaceful Arahoho Blowhole where waves crash through natural rock tunnels. The Paul Gauguin Museum offers a fascinating look at the artist’s time in French Polynesia. Over on Mo’orea, renting a bicycle or scooter lets you circle the island at your own pace, stopping at pineapple plantations for fresh juice, climbing to the panoramic Belvedere Lookout for sweeping views across Opunohu and Cook’s Bays, and visiting ancient marae sites that whisper of pre-European Polynesian life. Roadside stands serve classic poisson cru—fresh raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk—while cultural workshops introduce pareo tying, coconut husking, or traditional Tahitian dance and drumming, all shared by warm, knowledgeable locals.

Sail around the Leeward Islands with us for a noticeably more serene and deeply cultural experience. Raiatea, considered the ancient spiritual and cultural birthplace of Polynesian voyaging, is home to the majestic Taputapuatea marae complex and lush botanical gardens. Taha’a, often called the “Vanilla Island,” enchants with its fragrant plantations and world-renowned black pearl farms. Bora Bora crowns the journey with its iconic turquoise lagoon, iconic peaks, and postcard-perfect overwater vistas. This cluster of islands offers a slower, more reflective pace, ideal for quiet contemplation, excellent fishing, intimate cultural encounters, and simply soaking in the extraordinary beauty of one of the world’s most celebrated archipelagos.

Snorkeling & Diving

The passes, lagoons, and outer reefs here rank among the finest in the Pacific. In Raiatea, the Te Ava Piti Pass provides thrilling drift dives through strong currents where gray reef sharks, barracuda, eagle rays, and large schools of jacks patrol the walls. Taha’a offers more relaxed snorkeling along shallow reefs and around private motus, where green sea turtles, colorful angelfish, and butterflyfish thrive in protected waters. Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon is a highlight—snorkel with blacktip reef sharks, graceful stingrays, and lemon sharks at sites such as the Coral Garden or Anau reef, where exceptional visibility reveals abundant marine life and vibrant coral formations. A true standout is the opportunity to dive or snorkel alongside giant Pacific manta rays that glide effortlessly through the lagoon, often seen circling feeding stations or plankton-rich currents in calm, crystal-clear waters. Across all three islands, healthy coral ecosystems and prolific tropical species create unforgettable underwater experiences for divers and snorkelers alike.

Land Exploration

On Raiatea we can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taputapuatea marae, once the most sacred site in Polynesia and a spiritual launch point for ancient voyagers across the Pacific; guided tours bring its history to life. The Faaroa River invites peaceful kayak paddles deep into dense rainforest, surrounded by tropical birds and the scent of wild ginger. In Taha’a, guided tours of family-run vanilla plantations reveal the meticulous hand-pollination and curing process that produces some of the world’s finest vanilla, while pearl farms demonstrate the delicate art of cultivating black pearls in the lagoon. Bora Bora offers hikes up the slopes of Mount Otemanu for breathtaking panoramic views, long beach walks along the powdery white sands of Matira Point, and evening cultural experiences featuring fire dancing, traditional drumming, and communal feasts of grilled fish, taro, and tropical fruits. In every village, authentic encounters with artisans, farmers, and families allow you to share stories, learn customs, and feel the living heartbeat of Polynesian culture.

The Society Islands’ waters are rich for anglers. Deep-sea fishing targets marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo beyond the reefs, while lagoon fishing yields trevally, snapper, and bonefish on light tackle. Join locals for traditional spearfishing in shallow reefs. Our meals will often feature fresh catches, supplemented by market produce and island specialties like poe (fruit pudding).