Polynesian Bliss : Marquesas and Tuamotu

Departure: 6:00 PM

Embark aboard Le Jacques Cartier in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia and the starting point of your South Pacific voyage.

Before departure, discover the city’s blend of Polynesian character and urban energy. Browse the colourful municipal market for tropical fruit, spices, flowers and handcrafted souvenirs, or explore local landmarks and Tahiti’s waterfront.

Settle into your stateroom and familiarise yourself with the ship before sailing towards the beautiful islands and atolls of French Polynesia.

Departure: 5:30 PM

Arrive in Moorea, an island celebrated for its turquoise lagoon, tropical vegetation and dramatic volcanic peaks.

The island offers an idyllic introduction to the Society Islands, with opportunities to enjoy its beaches, explore the lagoon or admire its mountainous interior. One of Moorea’s most memorable viewpoints is the Belvedere, where sweeping views extend across Mount Rotui, Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay.

Spend the day surrounded by lush scenery before returning to the ship and continuing towards the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Makatea, Tuamotu Islands

Arrival: 6:30 AM | Departure: 9:30 PM

Discover Makatea, one of the most unusual islands in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Unlike the region’s low-lying atolls, Makatea is a raised coral island characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs and elevated landscapes.

The island is also distinguished by its industrial heritage. Extensive phosphate mining took place here during the first half of the 20th century, leaving behind traces of an extraordinary chapter in Makatea’s history.

Today, the island offers a striking combination of rugged scenery, tropical vegetation, hidden caves, local traditions and a peaceful community atmosphere.

Arrival: 6:30 AM | Departure: 12:30 PM

Sail into Rangiroa, one of the largest atolls in the world and one of French Polynesia’s most celebrated marine destinations.

Its immense lagoon is surrounded by countless coral islets and waters that shift between shades of turquoise, blue and green. Rangiroa is particularly renowned for its abundant underwater life, making it an exceptional destination for snorkelling, diving and marine exploration.

The atoll is also an important centre for Polynesian black-pearl cultivation, one of the region’s most recognised traditions.

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day aboard Le Jacques Cartier as the ship sails towards the remote Marquesas Islands.

Take time to appreciate the ship’s refined facilities, open decks and ocean views. Depending on the onboard programme, the day may include lectures, cultural presentations, entertainment or opportunities to learn more about the landscapes, wildlife and communities encountered during the voyage.

You may also unwind by the pool, visit the spa or simply enjoy the tranquillity of sailing across the South Pacific.

Arrival: 10:30 AM | Departure: 10:00 PM

Arrive at Hakahetau on the north-western coast of Ua Pou, the third-largest island in the Marquesas.

The former island capital is surrounded by a lush valley, tropical forest and a peaceful bay with clear waters. Ua Pou is famous for its distinctive volcanic peaks, which rise dramatically over the island and create one of the Marquesas’ most recognisable landscapes.

Meet local residents whose livelihoods continue to be closely connected to fishing, agriculture and traditional craftsmanship. Ua Pou’s wood and stone sculptures are especially admired throughout the archipelago.

Arrival: 6:30 AM | Departure: 6:00 PM

Enter Hatiheu Bay on the northern coast of Nuku Hiva, surrounded by towering basalt peaks and densely vegetated valleys.

A statue of the Virgin overlooks the village from high above the bay, while inland archaeological sites reveal the history of the island’s early Marquesan communities.

Explore ceremonial plazas known as tohua, including the important Kamuihei and Hikokua sites, where reconstructed traditional structures provide insight into ancestral social and religious life.

This port of call offers a compelling combination of dramatic nature, archaeological heritage and living Marquesan culture.

Departure: 6:00 PM

Discover Taiohae, the main village of Nuku Hiva, set around a sweeping bay framed by black-sand beaches and majestic valleys.

Explore the village and its surroundings on foot or venture into the island’s rugged interior. Elevated viewpoints around Mount Muake provide impressive panoramas over the bay and the rocky islets beyond.

Cultural highlights include sacred tiki statues at Piki Vehine and Notre-Dame des Marquises Cathedral, built using stones sourced from across the Marquesas Islands.

Departure: 7:00 PM

Experience the remote beauty of Ua Huka, one of the quieter and more secluded islands of the Marquesas.

Its red-toned cliffs, wide ocean views and tropical valleys create a striking natural setting. The island preserves a strong connection to traditional Marquesan culture, with local artisans continuing to produce distinctive woodcarvings and other ancestral crafts.

Accessible primarily by sea, Ua Huka offers an intimate encounter with an island community and landscapes that remain far removed from mass tourism.

Puama’u, Hiva Oa Island

Arrival: 6:00 AM | Departure: 12:00 PM

Begin the day in Puama’u on Hiva Oa, an island closely associated with the history, mythology and monumental art of the Marquesas.

Visit the archaeological site of Me’ae I’ipona, also known as Te I’ipona, where some of French Polynesia’s most important ancient tiki statues stand within a lush valley setting.

These religious stone figures, surrounded by forested peaks and streams, offer a powerful glimpse into the beliefs, rituals and artistic traditions of early Marquesan society.

Hanaiapa, Hiva Oa

Arrival: 1:45 PM | Departure: 7:00 PM

In the afternoon, continue to Hanaiapa, a peaceful village on the northern coast of Hiva Oa.

Nestled between green mountains and turquoise waters, Hanaiapa offers a quieter and more intimate experience of island life. Enjoy the tropical surroundings and meet residents who warmly share their traditions, culture and connection to the land.

Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island

Arrival: 6:30 AM | Departure: 12:00 PM

Arrive in Omoa, a remote fishing village situated in a beautiful bay on Fatu Hiva.

The surrounding valley contains former sacred sites and burial caves hidden within dense tropical vegetation. Cultural highlights may include the Maison Grelet museum, where wooden sculptures and examples of local artistic traditions are displayed.

Meet village artisans and learn about the production of tapa, a traditional cloth created from beaten bark. You may also discover umu hei, a fragrant arrangement made with flowers, plants and aromatic ingredients.

Hanavave, Fatu Hiva Island

Arrival: 1:15 PM | Departure: 10:00 PM

Later, sail to Hanavave and the magnificent Bay of Virgins, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Jagged volcanic formations rise above the water, while waterfalls, lush vegetation and steep cliffs create a dramatic natural amphitheatre.

Walk through the village’s gardens and houses, meet local artisans known for their tapa-making skills and experience the music and hospitality of the community. Traditional songs, ukulele performances and locally grown citrus fruits contribute to the warm island welcome.

Arrival: 6:00 AM | Departure: 12:00 PM

Visit Hapatoni on Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island in the Marquesas Archipelago.

A historic stone pathway leads from the shoreline towards the village church and local craft centre. Here, artisans display intricate carvings and engravings created from wood and bone, reflecting the Marquesas’ celebrated artistic heritage.

Beyond the village, green valleys and dense vegetation invite exploration. Guests may also receive a traditional welcome featuring Marquesan singing and dancing.

Spend another leisurely day at sea as Le Jacques Cartier sails back towards the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Relax onboard, attend presentations or enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. This is also an opportunity to reflect on the archaeological sites, island communities and dramatic scenery encountered throughout the Marquesas.

Arrival: 7:00 AM | Departure: 11:00 AM

Discover Fakarava, an extraordinary coral atoll recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Its enormous lagoon displays an exceptional range of blue and turquoise shades, bordered by pristine beaches and narrow strips of coral land. The surrounding marine environment supports rich biodiversity, including tropical fish, coral ecosystems, groupers and reef sharks.

Fakarava’s untouched natural setting provides a memorable final port of call before the ship returns to Tahiti.

Arrival: 7:30 AM

Return to Papeete in the morning and disembark Le Jacques Cartier.

Your journey concludes after 15 days of exploration across the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago and Marquesas Islands, combining tropical lagoons, volcanic landscapes, archaeological treasures and authentic encounters with Polynesian communities.