Tahiti evokes an island Eden, blending turquoise lagoons, fine sandy beaches, coconut palms, and timeless Polynesian traditions. Discovering Tahiti means experiencing dance and music rituals, savoring the exquisite flavors of local cuisine, and exploring its underwater world filled with shimmering coral and multicolored fish. Each island, each lagoon—with its emerald mountains and hidden valleys—feels like a waking dream in the Pacific Ocean, a paradise untouched by time. Exploring Tahiti on a cruise in French Polynesia lets you connect with Polynesian culture through dance and crafts, enjoy the delights of local cooking, explore vibrant reefs teeming with fish, and hike through verdant mountains.
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Tahiti
Itinerary : Papeete, Huahine, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Motu Mahana, Moorea, Papeete
7 other departures
Paul Gauguin
12 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
3/28/2026
from
US$ 7,487
Other departures:
21 Nov 2026
02 Jan 2027
06 Nov 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : San Diego, Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, Fanning Islands, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Bahia D opuncha, Papeete, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, San Diego
MS Zaandam
36 d
Inside Stateroom
San Diego
10/14/2027
from
US$ 5,458
Itinerary : San Diego, Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Kauai, Fanning Islands, Raiatea, Papeete, Bahia D opuncha, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, San Diego
MS Koningsdam
36 d
Inside Stateroom
San Diego
2/19/2028
from
US$ 5,638
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Rarotonga, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Papeete
Norwegian Spirit
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
6/9/2027
from
US$ 1,489
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Papeete
Norwegian Spirit
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
9/22/2027
from
US$ 1,509
Itinerary : Papeete, Makatea (Tuamotu), Mataiva, Anaa, Vairao, Papeete
Aranoa
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
5/5/2027
from
US$ 1,973
Itinerary : Papeete, Huahine, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete
27 other departures
Paul Gauguin
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
12/2/2028
from
US$ 2,808
Other departures:
21 Mar 2026
06 Jun 2026
04 Jul 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Huahine, Raiatea, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete
16 other departures
Paul Gauguin
8 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
12/4/2027
from
US$ 3,371
Other departures:
18 Apr 2026
13 Jun 2026
11 Jul 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, UA HUKA, Tahuata, Hiva oa, Fatu hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Papeete
16 other departures
Aranui 5
12 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
7/4/2026
from
US$ 4,010
Other departures:
14 Mar 2026
11-25 Apr 2026
09-30 May 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Rurutu Island, Rimatara, Rapa, RAIVAVAE, Raiatea, Papeete
2 other departures
Aranui 5
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
3/28/2026
from
US$ 4,218
Other departures:
12 Sep 2026
24 Oct 2026
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva oa, Fatu hiva, UA HUKA, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Papeete
18 other departures
Aranui 5
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
3/16/2027
from
US$ 4,309
Other departures:
23 Jan 2027
11-27 Feb 2027
03-20 Apr 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva oa, Tahuata, Fatu hiva, UA HUKA, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Papeete
Aranui 5
14 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
12/13/2027
from
US$ 4,609
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Rurutu Island, Rimatara, Rapa, RAIVAVAE, Papeete
5 other departures
Aranoa
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
11/27/2027
from
US$ 4,695
Other departures:
06 Mar 2027
15 May 2027
19 Jun 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Papeete
4 other departures
Silver Whisper
8 d
Suite
Papeete
12/13/2027
from
US$ 4,800
Other departures:
06 Apr 2026
27 Sep 2026
25 Oct 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Hiva oa, Tahuata, Fatu hiva, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Papeete
Aranoa
13 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
12/14/2027
from
US$ 4,856
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Anaa, Amanu, Mangareva, Pitcairn, Mangareva, Papeete
1 other departures
Aranoa
12 d
Inside Stateroom
Papeete
7/21/2027
from
US$ 5,138
Other departures:
08 Sep 2027
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Motu Mahana, Moorea, Papeete
Paul Gauguin
11 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
12/29/2027
from
US$ 6,011
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Motu Mahana, Moorea, Papeete
7 other departures
Paul Gauguin
11 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
1/19/2028
from
US$ 6,131
Other departures:
22 Mar 2028
26 Apr 2028
14 Jun 2028
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Motu Mahana, Moorea, Papeete
9 other departures
Paul Gauguin
11 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
12/2/2026
from
US$ 6,287
Other departures:
08 Apr 2026
13 May 2026
29 Jul 2026
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Motu Mahana, Moorea, Papeete
4 other departures
Paul Gauguin
12 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
7/29/2028
from
US$ 6,755
Other departures:
11 Mar 2028
15 Apr 2028
03 Jun 2028
Other departures
Itinerary : Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Papeete
Silver Whisper
11 d
Suite
Papeete
12/27/2027
from
US$ 6,800
Itinerary : Papeete, Huahine, Raiatea, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Moorea, Papeete
2 other departures
Paul Gauguin
12 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
7/24/2027
from
US$ 7,067
Other departures:
29 May 2027
25 Sep 2027
Itinerary : Papeete, Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete
Paul Gauguin
11 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Papeete
10/14/2026
from
US$ 7,103
Itinerary : Papeete, Raiatea, Fakarava, Fatu hiva, Nuku Hiva, Tahuata, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete, Raiatea, Fakarava, Fatu hiva, Nuku Hiva, Tahuata, Rangiroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete
3 other departures
Silver Whisper
15 d
Suite
Papeete
1/23/2028
from
US$ 7,300
Other departures:
07 Nov 2027
20 Feb 2028
09 Apr 2028
Itinerary : Papeete, Raiatea, Fakarava, Fatu hiva, Nuku Hiva, Tahuata, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete
Silver Whisper
15 d
Suite
Papeete
1/24/2027
from
US$ 8,200
Located in the Society Islands, Tahiti is often considered the beating heart of French Polynesia. The largest island in French Polynesia blends modern life with tradition and offers a wealth of captivating experiences for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Papeete, Tahiti’s lively capital, is the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the island and the other jewels of French Polynesia. This cosmopolitan city is known for its colorful market, where visitors can find local products such as exotic fruit, pareos, and mother-of-pearl jewelry. You can also dive into the island’s history and culture at the Pearl Museum and the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, home to fascinating collections of Polynesian artifacts.
Tahiti is famed for its beautiful beaches, ranging from stretches of volcanic black sand to pristine white-sand shores—perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Pointe Vénus Beach, with its black sand and calm waters, is ideal for swimming and picnicking. For white sand, Taharuu Beach in Papara is a popular spot for surfing and relaxing.
Tahiti’s interior is every bit as spectacular as its coasts. The island’s green mountains—including Mount Orohena, the highest peak in French Polynesia—offer outstanding hiking. Trails wind through lush tropical forests and deep valleys to impressive waterfalls such as the Faarumai Falls. A 4x4 excursion into the Papenoo Valley reveals breathtaking scenery, rushing rivers, and crystal-clear natural pools.
Tahitian culture is rich and vibrant, steeped in ancestral traditions. Visitors can attend Tahitian dance performances, known as ’ori Tahiti, which tell ancient stories through graceful, rhythmic movement. Polynesian music—often with ukuleles and percussion—accompanies these shows, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Tahitian cooking delights the senses. Sample traditional dishes like poisson cru à la tahitienne, marinated in coconut milk and lime, or poulet fafa, cooked with taro leaves. In the evenings, Papeete’s “roulottes” (food trucks) set up on Place Vaiete, offering a unique, convivial culinary experience with a wide variety of dishes. Local markets brim with fresh tropical fruit, coconuts, and pastries.
Cruises to Tahiti generally include calls in other Society Islands, each offering unique, memorable experiences.
Close to Tahiti, Moorea captivates with its natural beauty. Its heart-shaped bays—Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay—are framed by dramatic mountains and lush forests. Pineapple plantations, pearl farms, and tropical gardens add to the island’s charm. Moorea is also renowned for exceptional surf breaks and hiking trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints. Visitors can join cultural excursions—Tahitian dance demonstrations and local craft workshops—for a full immersion in Polynesian culture.
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Bora Bora is a paradise of turquoise lagoon, motus (islets), and Mount Otemanu rising majestically at the island’s center. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, with coral gardens and exceptional marine life, including manta rays. Beyond water sports, popular activities include guided hikes to Otemanu’s summit and cultural visits in local villages to learn more about Polynesian traditions.
Raiatea is rich in history and culture. The Taputapuātea marae—a sacred site on the UNESCO World Heritage List—attests to its cultural importance in Polynesia. Considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization, this archaeological complex offers visitors a fascinating window into ancient history and traditions. Raiatea also boasts diverse landscapes, from verdant mountains to crystalline lagoons. Sailors find ideal conditions for cruising, especially toward its sister island Taha’a, famed for vanilla plantations. Raiatea’s winding rivers are perfect for kayaking through tropical jungle, offering a unique perspective on the local ecosystem.
Known as the “garden of Polynesia,” Huahine is a preserved island where nature reigns, loved for secluded beaches, protected lagoons, and luxuriant vegetation. The island consists of two main parts—Huahine Nui (greater Huahine) and Huahine Iti (little Huahine)—linked by a natural bridge. Explore ancient archaeological sites, including marae and traditional fish traps, which showcase the ingenuity and way of life of early Polynesians. Huahine is also known for its pearl farms and fields of sweet melons. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular, with chances to observe stingrays and sharks in their natural habitat.
Papeete is Tahiti’s emblematic port, with numerous cruises departing Papeete that include calls in the other Society Islands, the Austral Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas, and the Gambier Islands.
Cruises to Tahiti can also depart the United States, with cruises from San Diego combining Hawaii and French Polynesia. There are also cruises from Los Angeles offering compelling itineraries that combine Hawaii and Tahiti, as well as cruises from Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital.
There are also cruises from Auckland in New Zealand and cruises from Sydney in Australia, which reveal the treasures of the South Pacific—such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, and Niue—before reaching Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia.
Aranui, a Polynesia specialist, offers authentic cruises from Papeete aboard its hybrid vessel, the Aranui 5, which combines freight service with passenger cruising. These itineraries let guests explore the splendor of the Polynesian islands while enjoying the comforts of a refined ship and the warmth of a Polynesian crew.
A benchmark for cruising in Polynesia, Paul Gauguin features varied itineraries with calls in Papeete, Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The luxurious ship Le Paul Gauguin, with five-star French-speaking service and refined cuisine by Ducasse Conseils, offers an immersive exploration of Tahiti and her islands.
Oceania Cruises offers luxury voyages with itineraries that combine multiple Pacific destinations, including Tahiti and her islands. Guests can enjoy “the finest cuisine at sea,” developed by renowned chefs such as Jacques Pépin, aboard spacious, comfortable ships.
Princess Cruises delivers a premium experience, notably with itineraries that combine Tahiti and Hawaii. Cruisers can savor delicious cuisine, enjoy Broadway-inspired productions, and take part in immersive activities such as lei-making workshops, hula lessons, and Hawaiian folk shows through the exclusive Aloha Spirit program.
The best time for a cruise to Tahiti runs from May to October, during the dry season (also called the cool season). During this period, the climate is drier and temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 21°C to 29°C, with less rainfall and lower humidity—ideal for enjoying outdoor activities without frequent showers or the intense heat of the wet season.
Many itineraries from Papeete let you explore the Society Islands and other archipelagos of French Polynesia, such as the Marquesas (Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, etc.) and the Tuamotus (Rangiroa, Fakarava, etc.). These voyages usually last 8 to 15 days.
You can also opt for cruises that combine Hawaii and French Polynesia, departing from Honolulu, Los Angeles, or San Diego, or for cruises from Auckland or Sydney that mix calls in South Pacific islands (such as Fiji and Samoa) with French Polynesia. These combined cruises last about 20 days. The longest combined routes—sailing from New Zealand or Australia to French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast (or the reverse)—take about a month.
Booking your Tahiti cruise early helps you secure the best prices and a wide choice of staterooms, including interior rooms, ocean-view cabins with windows or portholes, balcony or veranda cabins, and comfortable suites. This is especially true in high season (May to October), when demand is strong thanks to optimal weather.
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate—shorts, T-shirts, and swimwear. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection. Don’t forget a light rain jacket, as evenings at sea can sometimes be cool, and bring your snorkeling gear for exploring the reefs. Comfortable walking shoes are also a good idea for hikes.
Cruises that explore Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia start at around $2,500 per person for itineraries of about 7 nights. Longer cruises of 10 to 14 nights can reach up to $10,000 per person. These prices do not include flights and vary depending on the cruise line, stateroom category, and included services.
During a Tahiti cruise, visit the Faarumai waterfalls, go snorkeling or diving to admire the coral reefs, and browse Papeete’s market for local crafts. Relax on dream beaches such as La Plage Vaiava and taste Tahitian specialties like poulet fafa. Then set off to discover other Society Islands—Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Huahine.
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