windstar cruises to tahiti

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7 Reasons I Love Windstar’s Cruise Through Tahiti

• Australia and South Pacific
• Cruises and Sailing
• Destinations
• French Polynesia
• Types of Travel

Do you have dreams of Tahiti? 

It’s a far-off paradise with warm waters, gentle breezes, year-round sunshine, and beautiful and welcoming people. So of course you do! 

Well, when you finally decide to make those dreams come true and plan a trip to this magical region of the world, you want to make sure to do it right. 

I was invited to sail with Windstar Cruises on its small motor yacht Star Breeze . We spent a week in Tahiti visiting islands for adventures at stunning beaches and in blue waters. Along the way, we learned about the culture and history of this fascinating place. 

This cruise line is celebrating 35 years of offering immersive travel in French Polynesia on its small ships, and I found a number of great things to love about a cruise to Tahiti with Windstar. 

It all starts with the incredible islands you visit. 

1. Moorea 

After sailing away during the night from Papeete, the capital city and home port for cruise ships in Tahiti, we woke up in what appeared to be a Gauguin painting . 

Moorea — with its craggy volcanic mountains and soft inviting beaches — was our first destination, and Star Breeze anchored in gorgeous Cook’s Bay for the day, with Mount Rotui majestically overlooking the ship. 

Windstar’s shore excursion program in Tahiti is packed with adventures and unique cultural experiences. At each island throughout the week, cruisers were faced with an abundance of choices, like snorkel safaris, 4×4 Jeep off-road tours, exploring the waters on wave runners, stingray or dolphin encounters, and beach cookouts. 

We opted for a whale-watching outing in Moorea. This was an afternoon excursion, so we had a morning to enjoy Star Breeze and play at the ship’s marina. We jumped in for a swim, then tried out kayaking, paddle boarding, jumping on the trampoline, and lazing on floating mats. 

We set out for our whale safari after lunch at the ship’s Veranda buffet restaurant. Dr. Michael Poole, who has been living on Moorea and studying whale activity for more than three decades, was our guide, and he brought us right out to a spot where we watched a mother humpback and calf swimming and jumping for about an hour. Whales breed in this part of the world, then migrate to feed in Antarctica . 

We learned so much during our 3-hour trip out toward the coral reef at the edge of the lagoon and had such a wow-worthy time watching these great animals up close. 

2. Bora Bora 

Star Breeze spent two days in Bora Bora , again anchored in a stunning lagoon. 

We found ourselves waking up each morning, looking at the surroundings, and stating, “Oh, just another day in paradise.” 

That’s how it goes in Tahiti, where every spot, while special in its own way, is indescribably beautiful. 

At Bora Bora, which is located northwest of Tahiti and known for its sandy little islets filled with coconut trees (called lotuses), we went off the ship to the city of Vaitape for an “Aqua Safari.” This was a fun helmet dive that sent us 12 feet below the surface, right next to a coral reef, to walk on the sandy bottom and interact with colorful reef fish and a curious sting ray. 

For a helmet dive, guides place an 80-pound helmet over your head to rest on your shoulders and provide all the oxygen needed to breathe and relax while you stroll under the sea. 

Windstar also offers excursions like glass-bottom boat tours, jet tours, snorkeling with stingrays, cultural, discovery tours, and scuba diving introductions in Bora Bora. 

On our second day, we enjoyed a deluxe lagoon tour that was a nice small-group ride out to the edge of the reef on a speed boat. We had a snorkel stop and swim break in clear blue waters, with fresh fruit and rum punches served up while we splashed about. We also were lucky to see a pod of about three dozen dolphins frolicking by the boat on our way back to shore. 

During the evening, we were ferried to a motu (a reef islet) for Windstar’s signature Destination Discovery Event, which was a festive dinner on our own private island. More on this later. 

3. Raiatea And Taha’a 

Windstar visits these sister islands for two days of adventures. 

While at Uturoa, Raiatea, we took the chance to go on an outrigger canoe voyage up the Faaroa River, the lone navigable river in the Society Islands. Meeting our guide, Tihoti, at the cruise pier, our group set off to the small marina to hop in an outrigger for a thrilling ride out to sea, cruising past pearl farms and luxury homes in a secluded bay before we arrived at the mouth of the river. 

Tihoti is an icon in Tahiti. He’s a noted historian, tour guide, and tattoo artist, with his own body filled with art pieces that tell the tales of his ancestry and his island nation. During our tour up the serene river, we were able to stop off to buy bananas, coconut water, and vanilla beans from farmers who set up little shops on the banks of the waterway. Tihoti told us about how much he loves the natural beauty of the islands — “We don’t have snow!” — and did a chant and played a nose flute to show us how he connects with his surroundings and pays homage to all that nature provides. 

The next day, at Taha’a, we went out for a drift snorkeling adventure, with a boat taking us out to the edge of the reef. We walked out into the waters, slipped on our masks and flippers, and glided with the current over a beautiful coral garden. Then, the boat dropped us off at a motu to join our fellow cruisers for a day at the beach and a big barbecue lunch. Colleen and I enjoyed a bit of kayaking around the postcard-perfect little island. 

You definitely can get your fill of all kinds of activity on a Windstar cruise in Tahiti. 

Pro Tip: Take an afternoon nap. We had a nice lay down every afternoon and felt refreshed for the evenings. The days of sunshine and excursions can wear you out. 

4. Destination Discovery Event 

Tahiti is one of two destinations in the world where Windstar features a signature Destination Discovery Event. This is a big off-the-ship bash — a cultural immersion with a dinner and a show at an epic locale. (The other place Windstar holds this is at Ephesus in Turkey.) 

Our party took place on a remote motu while we were visiting Bora Bora. Passengers arrive on a special ferry boat and are greeted with leis and Tahitian music as they stroll ashore on their own private island. We enjoyed some swimming and gazing at the sunset while wandering the sands and listening to the live music performed by a local group playing drums, a ukulele, and guitars. 

After a sumptuous dinner buffet featuring lobster, fish cooked in banana leaves, ceviche with coconut milk, and desserts such as poe, sweet potato cake, and rice pudding, the festivities really gained energy. 

Our group of about 150 (plus Star Breeze crew) was transfixed by a show that included hula dancing, fire dancing, feats of strength (men stripping a coconut with their teeth and bare hands), and fire eating to close out a fantastic celebration of the Tahitian and Polynesian culture. 

5. Spa Time 

Star Breeze is a small ship with big spa energy. Windstar has dedicated a large space to its impressive World Spa facility. The ship features several rooms where you can receive a range of massages, as well as a salon for hair and nail treatments and a big thermal suite area with a sauna, ceramic loungers, relaxation room, and experience shower. There is also a nice locker area with a changing room and shower. 

Cruisers can even book a couple’s “Massage Under the Stars” on an outer deck during the evening. Colleen and I indulged and treated ourselves to a Swedish massage out on the bow of the ship in a serene setting that was pure romantic bliss, complete with a glass of Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries afterward. 

6. The Star Breeze

A ship that fits the destination .

Star Breeze carries just 312 people max — and on our cruise, the ship only had 150 cruisers. It’s a motor yacht that blends in nicely with the surroundings. Residents we spoke with mentioned that they liked that it’s not one of those huge cruise ships that overwhelm many destinations with thousands of people streaming ashore. 

With the marina at the back of the ship, it is also perfectly equipped to jump right into the waters and marvel at the scenery as you swim or paddle around idyllic bays and lagoons. 

Star Breeze features a lot of outdoor space with natural teak decking. It really is a yachting lifestyle onboard, with a duo of singers performing while cruisers gather at the Star Bar for sunset cocktails. Others like to use the pool and hot tubs or bliss out on the loungers and comfy couches available all over the top of the ship. 

We also loved the chance to dine al fresco for almost every meal at the ship’s Star Grill or Veranda eateries. 

The program also brings on residents from the islands to give talks and share stories about life in French Polynesia. We had an especially fun time one afternoon learning how to make leis and dancing with the Mamas and Papas group, who played Tahitian music in the ship’s Compass Rose lounge. 

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of sunscreen, a good hat and sunglasses, and comfortable beachwear so you can be well protected from the plentiful sunshine. 

7. Delicious Cuisine

Speaking of the ship’s dining, Star Breeze offered an overall outstanding culinary experience, with items offered throughout the day to suit any taste. The main dining room is Amphora, which serves dinner in a pretty space with a more formal dress code. The menu offers gourmet creations using regional ingredients, such as marinated octopus with grapefruit and fennel or pan-roasted Pacific cod. You can also get classics like salmon, chicken, and steak dishes. 

Veranda is the ship’s buffet eatery, open for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of delicious entrees, salads, and desserts. Made-to-order eggs are cooked perfectly at breakfast, and the chefs work at carving stations or serve up pasta or stir-fry creations as you watch. 

At night, the space becomes Candles, a wonderful steak restaurant where passengers eat outside in the balmy breezes under moonlit skies. 

Windstar has partnerships with renowned chefs for two more restaurants on Star Breeze . 

Star Grill by Steven Raichlen is the al fresco eatery at the top of the ship offering lunches and dinners from a menu that features rotisserie and smoked meats and vegetables. During our Tahiti cruise, we enjoyed bourbon-brined smoked turkey breast, chicken wings, beef brochette, and a variety of fish dishes. You can also get a nice juicy burger or hot dog here. 

The ship also offers Cuadro 44 by Michelin-star chef Anthony Sasso, who has created a Spanish tapas restaurant with a New York flair on Star Breeze . The menu features delights such as grilled octopus and chorizo, paella croquettes, sea bream filets, pork belly, and lamb chops, as well as the most delicious churros with chocolate dipping sauce. 

Star Breeze covers every base, with food, entertainment, cultural enrichment, and shore excursions so you can really choose how to enjoy your time in paradise. 

Related Reading:

• 10 Places Where You Can Experience Tahiti Like Paul Gauguin
• Bora Bora Vs. Moorea: 5 Key Differences To Know Before You Visit
• The Most Unique Vineyard In The World Is On This Remote Tropical Island

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

Review: “Dreams of Tahiti” cruise on Windstar’s Star Breeze

Just say the word, “Tahiti,” and, for many, it instantly evokes images of serene islands rising from sparkling waters in every hue of blue, palm trees swaying over pristine, white sands. Having just returned from our first time there, I can tell you it’s just as you imagined.

Pam and I made the 7,000-mile-plus, one-way trip from Florida to Tahiti’s capital city, Papeete, in two segments: Miami to San Francisco, then aboard French bee’s nonstop flight from San Francisco to Papeete.

We were in French Polynesian to take the seven-night, “Dreams of Tahiti” cruise on Windstar’s Star Breeze, the power yacht that just replaced Windstar’s sailing ship, “Wind Spirit” after a long run serving the Society Islands (the collective name for the 118 islands that comprise French Polynesia).

As a cruise line, Windstar has cruised here for almost 40 years, and one of the reasons Star Breeze was brought in is that she more than doubles the guest capacity of Wind Spirit, an indication of how in-demand Tahiti is as a cruise destination.

In late 2022, we took a Caribbean holiday cruise on Star Legend, the sister yacht to Star Breeze, so we were very familiar with the layout. We learned the previous cruise to ours had encountered stormy weather, which forced it to miss several ports of call (November to April is the rainy season). Fortunately, the Tahitian gods were smiling, and we had near-perfect weather the entire time.

Boarding and Disembarkation: 10/10

Guest capacity on Star Breeze is 312 — there were 254 of us on this cruise — so getting on and off the ship is relatively painless, one of many advantages to small ship cruising. One word of advice: Boarding commences at 1 pm, so no reason to get there early and wait in their shaded baggage area. Located some 1,200 miles south of the equator, halfway between Australia and Los Angeles, expect it to be hot, and humid.

You can make advance arrangements with Windstar if you need transport to the airport, and they also offer a post-cruise, three-night stay at Moorea’s Hotel Manava Beach Resort and Spa, which several people from our cruise opted to do. Uber hasn’t come to the islands yet, but taxis are plentiful. Be aware most don’t take credit cards, so you’ll need cash (American money is accepted pretty much everywhere) or Polynesian francs.

By the way, if you do arrive early — and many flights do — there is a large shopping market near the dock, as well as restaurants and bars.

Design and Appearance: 10/10

While Windstar’s power yachts like Star Breeze are almost 30 years old, it looks new. It had a major makeover a few years ago that added a whole new midsection and other upgrades, plus it is routinely refreshed every two years.

Getting around its eight decks is a “breeze,” so to speak. Most days, you’ll be topside on decks 7 and 8, where you’ll find the Yacht Club, a lounge with panoramic windows — perfect for relaxing, reading, meeting friends or enjoying coffee and light snacks from the bar. Also on these decks are the pool and hot tubs, the Star Grill and bar and plenty of seating.

Aft on deck 7 you’ll find the Veranda, serving breakfast and lunch for dining inside or al fresco. One deck below is Compass Rose, hosting nightly entertainment, and on deck 5, the multi-purpose Lounge. The main dining room is Amphora, located on deck 3.

Just like a yacht, the vibe here is relaxed and informal. Capt. Terry and his officers circulate freely among the guests — they even an open bridge policy, and you are welcome to visit and chat with the officers on duty. Clothing-wise, you can dispense with the formalities. Country club or island chic is the order of the day — in the heat you’ll want to dress for comfort.

Stateroom: 9/10

It’s an all-suite ship, and ours was a balcony stateroom on deck 6. Like many older vessels, it featured a step-out, French balcony that let in the Polynesian trade winds. Our upgraded bath had double sinks and a walk-in shower. There was a walk-in closet, along with a seating area beside the bed.

While there were both American and European plugs, as well as USB connections, as always, we pack a power strip for our electronics. There is a nice selection of choices on your stateroom TV, including in-demand movies/TV shows and music.

Sono, our stateroom attendant, refreshed the room twice daily. One of the nice “extras” Windstar provided were samples of local Tahitian products, such as vanilla sandalwood soap (vanilla is a major crop in the islands), Monoi Tiare moisturizing oil, made from the tiare flower (the Tahitian gardenia), and perfume made from Tapanier flowers as we could “indulge in the enchantment of your French Polynesian experience when you return home.”

Note you won’t receive a copy of the Daily Planner on your bed — it’s available digitally on the Windstar app or your stateroom TV. If you need a hard copy, guest services can provide it.

Star Breeze offers a full range of dining options, including two specialty restaurants — Candles and the Spanish-themed Cuadro 44 — plus the main dining room, Amphora. There’s also the more casual breakfast/lunch venue, Veranda and the eclectic Star Grill on deck 8. Candles and Veranda share the same space, aft on deck 7, and feature both open air and inside dining (Veranda by day and Candles at night). It’s a good idea to make your specialty reservations after you board.

The menus offer something for every taste and do a good job of incorporating local favorites as well. Windstar has a partnership with the James Beard Foundation, and menus feature a James Beard selection as an option.

Light snacks are available in the Yacht Club and soft-serve ice cream is adjacent to the Star Grill. I liked to start my day with Swedish Pancakes in Veranda, and end in Amphora, where the food is uniformly excellent. When late night hunger strikes, there’s room service 24/7 as well.

Excursions: 10/10

While enjoying a five-star vacation at sea is a destination in itself, guests are here to experience everything French Polynesia has to offer, and Windstar’s excursion lineup has something for everyone.

As you would expect, water sports are front and center, with many opportunities to snorkel in some of the world’s most beautiful, crystal-clear waters. Other high-interest tours include visits to black pearl farms, vanilla plantations, white sand (and black sand) beaches and sightseeing/shopping.

Along with the excursions, Windstar does an commendable job of highlighting the local culture. We were joined on our cruise by Pearl, a Tahitian cultural ambassador, who entertained and educated us about the islands, as well as Tihoti, who spoke about the rich history behind Tahitian tattoos.

Windstar also staged two highlight events on private motus (islands): A beach BBQ and a fire dancing demonstration and sunset dinner. In both cases, it was a first-rate experience for the guests.

Service: 10/10

With a crew/guest ratio that approached 1:1 on this cruise, we felt pampered. For anything we needed, someone was always close at hand to assist. Special kudos to the Maitre d’ Hotel, Karnick, who took great care of us in Amphora (coincidentally, he also served in the same role on our Star Legend cruise) and Sono, our stateroom attendant. Guest Services was also a big help for guests who needed assistance with WiFi.

Entertainment: 9/10

When it comes to small ship cruising, guests have to adjust their expectations. Typically, you don’t find big stage productions, Broadway shows or even casinos. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be entertained after a day of excursions.

Star Breeze featured nightly entertainment in Compass Rose, the lounge/bar area on deck 6, where the house band Aplooza played guests requests and on one occasion, performed a tribute to The Beatles. Pearl also played here as well, offering up music from her native Tahiti.

On one day of the cruise, the Tahitian group The Mammas and The Pappas played while Tahitian women created wrist corsages for the ladies from tropical flowers and demonstrated how to wear a pareo, the traditional wraparound skirt found in the islands.

For water sports enthusiasts, one of the ship’s most popular features is the Water Sports Platform aft on deck 6. Here, guests are welcome to swim, paddleboard, kayak or just chill on a float while Star Breeze is anchored off one of the islands. Now this really is how the other half lives on their yachts.

Overall Rating: 9.6/10

For guests who want to immerse themselves into the culture of these storied islands, Windstar draws on their long experience here to create unforgettable memories. You’ll discover each island visited — from Tahiti and Moorea to Riatea, Huahine and Bora Bora — has its own unique charm and personality.

By including several overnights, you’ll have an opportunity to do some exploring on your own. Don’t miss sampling the local fruits and cuisine — we bought coconut bread from a street vendor and it was the best bread we’ve ever had. Although Tahitian and French are mostly what’s spoken, English is also widely in evidence as well, and the islanders themselves couldn’t be more warm and welcoming.

Your fare includes everything except alcohol, gratuities, laundry, shore excursions and Internet. If you need extra pampering, there’s is a full-service spa onboard, where I treated myself to a shave and facial.

There’s no better way to see this magical place than on a boutique cruise ship — make that, yacht — like Star Breeze. One visit and you’ll be under its enchanted spell.

PHOTOS credit Gerry Barker

• Star Breeze
• Snorkeling in the island’s pristine waters
• Visiting a motu (private island)
• One of the pearl farms
• Waterfall at Faarumai on Tahiti
• Example of a pareo
• Scene of the beach BBQ
• Fire dancers perform for guests
• Beach on Moorea, with Windstar anchored in Cook’s Bay

See cruises Windstar (cruisecompete.com)

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Ultimate Trip to Tahiti with Windstar Cruises

It has been one of our lifelong travel dreams to take a trip to Tahiti and visit the islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, and more. This trip has literally been decades in the making and for a trip that has been built up so much in our minds, I’m happy to report that it didn’t disappoint, either.

We built this article around the experience of being in French Polynesia with a yacht cruise, what it’s like, and what you can expect to experience if you book a cruise with Windstar Cruises.

Our entire Tahiti trip was just over 3 weeks and we combined both land touring and cruising. We saw a lot, but are ready to go back again already!

A Trip to Tahiti with Windstar Cruises is Insane Value

Table of Contents

Before I get into the particulars of our experience cruising in French Polynesia with Windstar Cruises, I need to point some things out for you. Especially if you landed on this article and are on the fence about whether this kind of trip makes sense to visit Tahiti .

The islands of Tahiti are often associated with luxury travel and high price tags. While this can certainly ring true if you’re looking at a week at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora, but it doesn’t have to be.

Choosing the yacht life with Windstar Cruises in Tahiti is an absolute bargain when compared to the alternatives and this is not an exaggeration. Let’s run some numbers quick.

Cost of an Independent Trip to Tahiti

Staying in overwater bungalows across French Polynesia will run you, a minimum of $1,500 per night. Let’s be honest, most of the higher-end properties will far exceed that number. A one-week stay will put you at around $10,500 – at the lowest priced option for overwater bungalows.

Then there’s transportation and flights. Unless you’re staying in Tahiti, you’ll have to book a flight or ferry to any of the other islands. Air Tahiti has a monopoly in the market, so the prices are expensive and have intense bag restrictions.

From our research, the average price for a round trip ticket for one person to most of the islands averaged $1,000-$1,200. This is for one island.

So, if you want to visit more than one island, you’ll likely have to reroute to Tahiti and then to the other, costing the same for the next ticket. It’s not cheap, but Air Tahiti does offer an island pass, so that can slightly reduce the cost if you’re planning some island hopping.

Then there is, of course, paying for meals during your stay and any excursions that you do like snorkel trips, boat trips, scuba diving, land tours, etc. The options are endless, and this can add up.

Cost of a Cruise in Tahiti

If you book the 7 night Society Islands Windstar Cruise , you’ll visit 6 different islands and pay one price that includes your accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transport to all of them. Their all-in package also includes laundry (so you can pack light), and unlimited bar service.

They also offer an 11 day Society & Tuamotu Islands itinerary that includes 8 islands. This is the itinerary that we did.

Windstar Cruises prices the 7 night itinerary around $3,200 per person on average and just under $4,000 per person including the all-in package. For the 11 day itinerary, the prices average around $5,000 per person and just under $6,000 including the all-in package.

You simply cannot beat the value in either itinerary!

You will, in all transparency, pay for any shore excursions that you book on top of your initial booking amount. But this is so you can customize the trip that you want to do. We found their island discovery tours to be good value and even the pricier options offer value that makes them worth the spend.

Now that I have that off my chest – I do feel passionate that this is one of the best ways to visit French Polynesia – let me tell you about our amazing experience with Windstar Cruises in the South Pacific.

Arriving in Tahiti & Pre-Cruise

Tahiti is an island within the Society Islands group of French Polynesia. While most people refer to the entire country as ‘Tahiti’, it is actually made up of 121 islands.

These islands are separated into 5 island groups that are spread across an area roughly the size of Europe. There is more water in French Polynesia than actual land space.

However, all travel to French Polynesia starts with arrival at the Faa’a International Airport in French Polynesia’s largest city of Papeete, Tahiti.

This could be considered the ‘main’ island but don’t let that put you off. It holds some incredible beauty, history, and culture to discover.

As our cruise departed from here, we flew in a couple of days early so we could recover from the jet lag and explore a bit. Windstar Cruises put us up at the beautiful and secluded Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts , located on the historic Matavai Bay, where Tahiti was first discovered by Europeans.

Our flight from the USA arrived in Papeete at night, so having transport pre-arranged to our hotel was a blessing. We arrived, showered, and crashed for some much-needed rest.

Waking up early, both from excitement and jet lag , we prepared for a full day of touring on Tahiti. This would entail an exploration of the Papenoo Valley, including a great hike to Matovo Waterfall as a full-day tour that was booked separately from the cruise.

On the second day, we enjoyed a morning on the black sand beaches of Matavai Bay before heading to Papeete to check-in and board the Star Breeze .

Day 1 – Windstar Tahiti Cruise Day At Sea

While some people detest booking cruise itineraries that include sea days, we love them. Especially on longer routes and the 11 day Tuamotu and Society Island itinerary was no exception.

We spent our day getting to know the ship, the staff, and enjoying all the onboard amenities that we wouldn’t have time to enjoy without a day at sea.

This included hitting the gym, soaking in the whirlpools, enjoying the deck loungers, sampling the artistic drinks, and touring the spa.

Day 2 – Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands

Have you ever heard of Fakarava? It’s ok if you haven’t. It’s not the kind of place that people think of when you mention the islands of Tahiti. While visions of towering tropical mountains dance in people’s heads, French Polynesia also has some pretty amazing atoll islands, too!⁠ ⁠ Atoll islands are formed by a buildup of dead coral over many, many years. The islands are usually flat with mostly sand and little vegetation. To give you more context, the Maldives is made up of atolls. ⁠ ⁠ Fakarava is part of the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia, the only group that is primarily atolls. Because of this, it has some of the most famous and spectacular diving spots in the whole nation. ⁠ ⁠ The entire lagoon is also a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ! How cool is that?⁠ ⁠ So for us, justifying the longer 11-day itinerary with Windstar Cruises that include the Tuamotu Islands was a no-brainer!⁠

After a full day and night of sailing, we awoke just off the coast of the stunning Fakarava. The itinerary includes an anchor here for a nice long day, so we’d highly recommend that you take advantage of it and book multiple excursions, as we did.

The island itself is small, yet long. You could go off on your own, rent bikes, and explore, but you’ll get the best of this island if you do excursions because the best snorkeling is offshore.

Beach Escape – Shore Excursion

Wanting to experience the famed white-sand beaches, we booked the morning Beach Escape shore excursion, which offers 3.5 hours of beach time on a private beach.

The location is around 20 minutes from the pier, and once you arrive you have access to bathrooms, a shaded area, a few picnic tables, and a fresh coconut.

The beach is gorgeous with several nice coral outcroppings that you can access from the beach if you want to snorkel and the family that owns the property is very friendly.

We had a stormy day in Fakarava with on and off rain, but it really didn’t detract from the beauty and we thought the beach escape option was worth the time and money.

Snorkeling at Pufuna – Shore Excursion

In the afternoon, we wanted to get in the water. We are both PADI Advanced Open Water divers , however, it has been some time since our last dive, so we didn’t have the option to dive here. Instead, we booked a snorkel trip to one of the most famous spots in French Polynesia.

Pufuna is a classic pinnacle dive site that offers a massive coral garden to explore. It’s hard to put into words just how amazing this snorkel is, considering you will see thousands of brightly colored reef fish, sharks, and healthy coral.

Alternatively, you could do the Tiputa Pass drift snorkel. The difference between them is that Tiputa Pass is a deep-water snorkel on a wall drop.

Here you have a greater chance to see big pelagics, like sharks and rays, but not a lot of reef fish. It’s also fast-moving, so if you just want to swim around overtop a lush coral garden, Pufuna is better.

Day 3 – Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Islands

Our second cruise stop would introduce us to the largest atoll island in the Tuamotu Islands and one of the largest atolls in the world. ⁠ ⁠ Made up of 415 motus, islets, and sandbars, Rangiroa offers the quintessential definition of paradise found. And find, we did.

One of the things we love about small ship cruising is it gets us into places for just enough time to decide if we love it enough to come back and stay longer. Suffice to say, Rangiroa is strongly on our return to list. ⁠

Discover the Green Lagoon – Shore Excursion

First up on the agenda was a trip to the Green Lagoon, a bay of the most pristine, beautiful clear turquoise water we have EVER seen! The lagoon features white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and shallow water with coral outcrops to explore. ⁠

Onshore, friendly faces introduced us to traditional Polynesian music, palm weaving, fresh coconuts, and dancing. ⁠

The excursion lasts for 4 hours, including transport to and from the dock via private boat. The location is a pristine paradise, do not miss this shore excursion.

Aquarium Coral Garden Snorkel – Shore Excursion

Since sailing with Windstar Cruises in Tahiti also means you have access to some of the best dive spots in French Polynesia, we spent our afternoon in the water. ⁠

Rangiroa’s ‘aquarium’ dive location was unreal. I don’t think we’ve ever seen such a density of fish during a snorkel trip. The dive site offers a beautiful coral garden that gradually descends to a drop into deep water. This means you can see dense coral life but also large species (like sharks!) if you head to the drop point. ⁠ If you enjoy underwater photography – whether you have pro gear or just a GoPro – this spot is fantastic for it. We even got amazing footage with our phones using an underwater dive case.

Day 4 – Day At Sea

Sailing away from Rangiroa, it would take another night, day, and night to reposition back to the Society Islands. This meant another day at sea and a chance for us to enjoy the spa.

We each booked in a 75-minute hot stone massage, something that was much needed after the long journey and busy days in the Tuamotu Islands. Following the massage, we enjoyed the steam room and sauna before spending the afternoon soaking up the sun on the deck.  

Knowing that the next seven days in the Society Islands were going to be busy, the day at sea is the perfect way to recharge and truly relax.

Day 5 – Taha’a & Motu Mahaea in the Society Islands

Taha’a is known as ‘The Vanilla Island’ and produces 70-80% of all French Polynesia’s vanilla, all of which is very high quality. The moment we stepped off the ship we could smell the luscious fragrance of vanilla and hibiscus.

Fascinatingly, Taha’a and its sister island Raiatea, are believed to be the first islands that were settled in French Polynesia, most likely by people from Samoa.

This is not an island that sees a lot of tourists, making it the perfect place to kick back, relax and just enjoy the island life. The day our small yacht was in port, we were the only tourists on the island.

Encircled by a very large lagoon, that also stretches around Raiatea, there is plenty of motus offering idyllic tropical places for retreat. That said, Taha’a itself offers a verdant and lush interior that has beautiful vistas, pearl farms, and vanilla plantations to visit.

Scenic Exploration of Taha’a – Shore Excursion

After leaving the beauty of the Tuamotu atoll islands, we decided it was time to spend some time on land getting acquainted with the history, culture, and economy behind both black pearls and vanilla in French Polynesia. ⁠ ⁠ Our tour took us into the lush interior of the island to see how vanilla is planted, grown, and harvested. ⁠We were given an in-depth demonstration of the process, including opportunities to smell and taste the vanilla at the various stages.

The current production of vanilla in French Polynesia is around 25 tons annually. Worth noting is that only one century ago it was as much as 200 tons annually.

As we made our way up into the lush interior, we stopped at a viewpoint and were treated to some fresh fruit and a session of Polynesian dance by our local guides. ⁠ ⁠ Lastly, our tour ended at one of the top pearl farms in French Polynesia, where we ran our hands through huge buckets of beautiful black pearls. We were also able to learn about the process of pearl harvesting – which is done ethically in the islands – and meet the technicians that extract the pearls without killing the oysters. ⁠ ⁠ Did you know that only one specific kind of oyster can produce a black pearl? The Tahitian Black Lipped Pinctada Margaritifera (say that a few times fast).

Motu Mahaea – Windstar Private Motu & Beach BBQ

One of the highlights of our Windstar Cruises Tahiti itinerary was the afternoon we spent on their private island! Yes, you get a taste of the high life when you cruise with Windstar.

Motu Mahaea is one of the most beautiful uninhabited islands we have ever set foot on, and Windstar Cruises reserves this island for the exclusive use of their guests and for their signature BBQ beach lunch. ⁠ Offering white sand beaches, close access to coral gardens, towering palm trees, and turquoise water, the island is the perfect setting for an afternoon of BBQ and relaxation. ⁠

Since we opted to tour on Taha’a in the morning, we took the tender over to the motu immediately after returning to enjoy the BBQ lunch.

The crew of the Star Breeze put forward great effort to offer us a beach BBQ featuring fresh seafood, and a full bar onshore. To make us comfortable we had the option of loungers. ⁠

If you wanted to hit the water, you had kayaks and SUP boards. Or you could bring your assigned snorkeling gear to check out the surrounding reef. ⁠

Suffice to say, we spent the whole afternoon playing in the water and enjoying the best that this small atoll island had to offer us. It turned out to be a highlight in the Society Islands. ⁠

Day 6 – Raiatea in the Society Islands

Like its neighbor Taha’a, Raiatea (Rye-ah-TEY-ah) is off the beaten track when it comes to tourism. Mostly because the island itself lacks beaches, however, the island offers dramatic topography made of steep slopes, mountains, lush vegetation, and an incredible lagoon.

The island of Raiatea, which translates to “faraway heaven”, is considered to be sacred and was the spiritual center of Polynesia. As we would soon discover, there is a mystical feeling to the island that is hard to deny once you’ve had the chance to set foot on the island.

Raiatea is also home to one of the rarest flowers in the world. The Tiare Apetahi is found only on the Temehani Plateau, and it is forbidden to pick them.

Faaroa River with Motu Beach Break – Shore Excursion

When we heard that Raiatea has the only navigable river in French Polynesia, we knew we needed to explore it. So, we hopped in a traditional outrigger canoe for a morning of river cruising and motu hopping. ⁠ ⁠ The Faaroa River starts quite wide and eventually narrows as you get further inland. We met a variety of characters that live near the river, harvesting crustaceans and selling coconuts to anyone who passes by.⁠ ⁠ Our outrigger adventure ended with a short journey off the coast of Raiatea to a nearby motu for a bit of beach time. Here we met a couple of locals that manage the island who then showed us a great spot to see stingrays.

If you’re looking for a more intimate look at the Faaroa River, Windstar also offers a kayaking shore excursion up the river. It doesn’t include any motu time but would give you a much more immersive experience.

Scuba Diving – Shore Excursion

To finish off our visit to Raiatea, we opted to spend the afternoon scuba diving, as many people told us that some of the island’s best wonders are underwater. They were not wrong. French Polynesia has some of the best snorkeling and diving we have ever done. The pure density of aquatic life is unreal. ⁠

If you want to visit the islands and do a lot of diving, Windstar Cruises is an excellent option. They are one of not many (maybe no other?) companies that offer the chance to liveaboard – offering both morning and afternoon scuba options on all of the islands. You cannot beat the value when you consider that vs staying on one island for a week. ⁠

Day 7 – Bora Bora in the Society Islands

Bora Bora, which derives from the original name of Pora Pora meaning “first born”, is the most famous place in French Polynesia, hands down.

With a towering center island, a string of motu islands, and an insanely gorgeous lagoon, it is the destination of tropical dreams. ⁠When people talk about the Tahitian Islands, Bora Bora is what immediately comes to mind. ⁠ So, we were thrilled to see that Windstar Cruises offers two full days in Bora Bora on their itineraries! This meant we’d have time to explore both the land and sea of this magical place. ⁠ ⁠

Bora Bora by 4 Wheel Drive – Shore Excursion

This was a true Land Rover off-road, 4×4 excursion to places that are accessible only to these special vehicles.  We ascended high into the mountains to Pahonu Hill overlook, where we stared in awe at Matira Beach and the spectacular lagoon that encircles Bora Bora.

Continuing on we checked out old WWII canons, ancient ruins, a local artisan market, and stopped at additional scenic overlooks. ⁠

If you’re looking for a way to get intimate with the main island of Bora Bora, this is the excursion you want to book. A lot of people come to the island and never actually visit the main island, as they stay on motus around the lagoon.

Concierge Collection: Helicopter Flight – Shore Excursion

When you have a good weather day in Bora Bora, the most exceptional thing you can treat yourself to is a helicopter flight around the island and surrounding lagoon. It is absolutely spectacular and something you will not regret.

The flight lasts 20 minutes in one of the nicest helicopters we have ever ridden in, featuring large panoramic windows and unobstructed viewing.

This offered an amazing opportunity for photography and allowed all passengers in the helicopter to scan the lagoon below for sharks and manta rays. To say it was money well spent is an understatement.

Day 8 – Another Day in Bora Bora

Our second day of exploration in Bora Bora would continue to show us why this island is so beloved worldwide. Moving away from land, our day would be spent in the water discovering the wonders of the famed lagoon.

Snorkel Safari & Sting Ray Encounter – Shore Excursion

Setting out from the port, we boarded a large, covered catamaran with a couple of lively guides and were swept away for a day of adventure.

Being serenaded with traditional Polynesian music and dance, we made our way to an area with deep water, where we had the chance to snorkel above a long giant manta ray that was feeding below.

This was unplanned and a bonus as they are not easy to spot. When we left the manta ray, we headed to a shallow sandbank where we were able to swim in shallow water with many stingrays and blacktip sharks.

The stingrays and sharks come to this sandbank because it was once used as a fish cleaning station by local fishermen. Today, it is only visited by tourists.

While the guides allow you to touch the stingrays, we would recommend that you do not. For your own safety and for the animals. Seeing them swim among the group is plenty satisfying!

After leaving the sandbank, we were taken to the barrier reef that marks the end of the lagoon and given the opportunity to snorkel among pristine coral gardens in about 4-5 feet of water.

When you are snorkeling in water that is this shallow, it is very important to be aware of your body. It is not ok to touch or stand on any kind of coral. Keep your wits about you and enjoy the view. If you want to see tropical fish up close, this is the trip for you!

Motu Tapu Windstar Discovery Event

During every sailing in French Polynesia, Windstar Cruises offers their signature Destination Discovery event to get you up close and personal with the amazing South Pacific culture. ⁠ ⁠ This includes traditional music, hula dancing, and fire dancers. ⁠Paired with a sunset BBQ on a private motu off the coast of Bora Bora, the event truly is a special experience. ⁠ ⁠ For us, as photographers, we were able to get right up in the action – with spaced outdoor seating and plenty of room to work with the lighting. ⁠ ⁠ I don’t think there was one person that wasn’t smiling before, during, and after this event. ⁠ ⁠ It was not only memorable but an event that helped us to connect with the people and destination. Absolutely priceless. ⁠

Day 9 – Huahine in the Society Islands

Archeological evidence reveals that some of the earliest settlements in the Society Islands were on Huahine. Polynesians inhabited this island thousands of years before Europeans arrived in this part of the world.

As such, there is a high density of marae, temples, found around the Matairea Hill area of the island which is believed to of been occupied by the nobility and families of the chiefs. To date, there are 30 maraes uncovered in this area.

Of all the islands, this one felt the most authentic. The most sacred. You know, the place you go and immediately feel privileged to know. It was one of those places. At least for us.

Legendary Sites and Sacred Places – Shore Excursion

Naturally, with an island steeped in such rich Polynesian history, we had to know more and see it for ourselves. This is how we ended up on one of the most entertaining and educational tours of the entire trip.

Boarding a local ‘le truck’ we were guided by Paul Atallah a local archeologist and expert on Polynesian Anthropology through geology, botany, anthropology, archeology, sociology, economy, history, and traditions of the Polynesians and Huahine.

It was an exciting and wild ride that included a hike to a stunning marae that is being overtaken by a giant Banyan tree, a visit to the Fare Pote’e Museum of Polynesian history, a local vanilla plantation, 500-year-old fish traps, a visit to sacred blue-eyed eels, and several scenic viewpoints.

The highlight was our visit to one of the most sacred and beautiful marae temple ruins in all of French Polynesia. Today it is being slowly consumed by the tropical forest around it, but to visit this site was special. ⁠ ⁠ If you believe in energy, this is a place that was oozing it and I couldn’t help but be drawn to that gigantic banyan tree that has sprouted out of the temple stone!⁠

Scenic Huahine by ATV – Shore Excursion

To add some adventure to our trip to Tahiti, we also booked this ATV tour in Huahine. Not only was this tour a lot of fun, but it also showed us areas of the island that we didn’t see on the above tour.

Our route included following the coastline of Motu Maeva and its beautiful white sand beaches before heading to the ancient Polynesia temple of Marae Mananue.

We contemplated this historical site over a refreshing beverage and fresh fruit before heading to the abandoned grounds of the Sofitel Heiva. Here we enjoyed free time to walk the beach and play in the water at the stunning Heiva Beach.

From the beach, we had some overlap with stops at Fare Pote’e Museum and a visit to the sacred blue-eyed eels at Faie but the tour then headed to the Belvedere Viewpoint and gave us time to stroll along the historical bridge that links Huahine Nui with Huahine Iti.

Day 10 – Moorea in the Society Islands

Moorea (Mo-oh-REY-ah) means “yellow lizard” in Tahitian, and it is one of the most spectacular islands in the world and it has a vibrant cultural history. The island itself is about 2 million years old.

People have lived on Moorea for almost 2,000 years, and rich history of traditional knowledge has been passed down through the generations. With two major research centers on the island, it is also likely the most studied island in the world.

From the moment we laid eyes on this island, we were in love. With towering mountains, deep-set bays, and a stunning lagoon, Moorea combines the best of the society islands into one.

We enjoyed this island so much that we went back after our Windstar Cruise to stay a few more days in an overwater bungalow and discover more of the island.

Dolphin Eco Tour – Shore Excursion

Moorea is considered the best island for dolphin and whale watching in French Polynesia, so we didn’t hesitate to book the shore excursion that would have us on a boat with Dr. Michael Poole for the morning. A well-respected marine biologist, Poole has been studying dolphins and the ocean from Moorea for decades.

His tour took us into one of the three main bays on the island to observe a pod of spinner dolphins that were hunting and playing. The tour was interactive, meaning we could rapid-fire any and all questions pertaining to the dolphins or the ocean.

It was a fun way to get acquainted with the waters around Moorea. At the end of the tour, he took our group to a channel that flows into the lagoon to snorkel.

These unique water spaces flush water in and out of the lagoon, creating a lifeline for marine life. This meant we had the chance to snorkel among sea turtles and large schools of rays.

Island Tour & Belvedere Lookout – Shore Excursion

Having spent the morning on the water, we wanted to see more of the island and its interior. The Island Discovery shore excursion offered the perfect introduction to the history and beauty that Moorea offers.

Combining all of the available information from researchers and local elders together, this tour introduced how the island of Moorea started and the evolution of how it has become the island that you can visit today.

We enjoyed in-depth conversation with our guide while we made our way around the island, stopping off at iconic photo stops like Belvedere Lookout, the filming location for Bali Hai, and coastline views.

Additionally, we spent time exploring the UC Berkley research campus and spent generous time at the archeological sites of Belvedere de Opanohu, Marae Ti-i-rua, and Marae Mahine.

Day 11 – Back to Tahiti & Disembarkation

After ten incredible days of exploring French Polynesia by yacht with Windstar Cruises, we had come full circle with our arrival back to Papeete.

But we weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to Windstar yet, so we booked a day trip to explore more of Tahiti.

West Coast Highlights Tour – Shore Excursion

Since we chose to explore a bit of the east side of Tahiti along with the Papenoo Valley before we boarded the yacht, we jumped at the chance to book the West Coast Highlights Tour.

This tour took us to some of the most notable and interesting places on the island of Tahiti. It included the Arahurahu Marae, Maraa Grottoes, and Vaipahi Gardens. It normally includes a stop at the Polynesian museum, too, however it was closed due to repairs when we visited.

The most interesting stop of the day was the impressive Arahurahu Marae. It is the only ancient temple in Polynesia that has been completely restored. The site is maintained like a museum as well.

Some people think it is less impressive than the waterside maraes of Raiatea and Huahine, but we found the vibrant green jungle setting of this temple irresistible.

The End of Our Windstar Cruises Tahiti Cruise

Returning to the port after the tour, we collected our luggage and said our goodbyes to our new friends. While we had to say goodbye to our amazing Windstar yacht, our travels in French Polynesia were far from over.

We made our way to the ferry terminal so we could make the 45-minute journey back to Moorea and check into the Hilton Moorea Beach Resort for a few nights of luxury in a classic Polynesian overwater bungalow.

Our trip to Tahiti was part of a paid partnership with  Windstar Cruises . However, all opinions, stories, advice, and insane love for this amazing itinerary are 100% ours, as always.

You might also like:

• How to Plan a Galapagos Cruise Like a Pro
• Ultimate Baja Mexico Cruise: The Sea of Cortez
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Cruise Essentials for Any Destination!)
• Russian River Cruises: Waterways of the Tsars

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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You’ll Love These 9 Great Reasons to Take a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti

Dec 8, 2022 | 0

Why do a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti?

By Christine Bottross

I spent a week aboard the beautiful 148-pax Wind Spirit in French Polynesia this past September and had a wonderful time.

The gorgeous 148-pax Wind Spirit in gorgeous French Polynesia. * Photo: Christine Bottross

Here are my nine reasons, along with photos and videos I enjoyed capturing throughout the trip ( check out my instagram feed to see more! ), to show you why you too should consider a Windstar cruise in Tahiti for your next vacation.

VIDEO: Before you read on, here’s my pretty little tour around the Wind Spirit , below!

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1. A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti is all about excellent service & personal touches

Having cruised several times in the past, this was the first time we enjoyed one-on-one service. In no time, the crew knew all the passengers’ names and our preferences.

For example, one of the servers knew we like hot sauce. They brought us a special hot sauce blend he made in the back and then took the time to always find us and bring us extra for every meal, which was really sweet and memorable.

Further, the staff also memorized passengers’ birthdays and anniversaries, making the effort to announce them and celebrate with the entire ship.

This doting attention and the personable conversations the crew had with us on and off the ship, made us feel really special, just like we were among family and friends.

The service is excellent on a Windstar cruise. * Photo: Christine Bottross

2. A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti makes meeting new friends easy

The 148-pax Wind Spirit carries a small number of passengers — during our cruise just over 100 people — which allows passengers to get  to know one another very quickly.

By the end of our cruise, it felt like we were one big family. Our nightly dinner tables started growing larger and larger. We made friends we hope to keep for a lifetime.

Windstar always puts on an extravagant (& very social!) BBQ on deck one evening in Tahiti. * Photo: Christine Bottross

3. On a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti you’ll enjoy distinctive dishes

Windstar Cruises is affiliated with the highly renowned James Beard Foundation. This partnership enables the Windstar culinary team to stay on top of trends by learning from the best chefs.

And the Wind Spirit team doesn’t just present top-quality food, they rotate their menus frequently, keeping options fresh and new, and doing great food and wine pairings as well.

A few dishes we loved were the poke bowl, Beef Wellington, pork chops, steak and eggs, creme brûlée and tiramisu.

Our absolute favorite meal was the elaborate barbeque dinner Windstar set up on deck under the stars.

From the different kinds of barbequed meats to the massive paella and all sorts of salads and desserts, plus the sun setting over the island terrain behind us giving the ultimate backdrop, we were in heaven.

Dining is a high point of a Windstar cruise. * Photo: Christine Bottross

Dining on a Windstar cruise in Tahiti. * Photo: Christine Bottross

Dessert on a Windstar cruise! * Photo: Christine Bottross

4. A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti avoids the crowds

If you cruised on a big ship before, you know you have to wait for pretty much everything. There’s a line for getting on/off the ship, the buffet, the restaurants, the bars, the entertainment etc.

On Windstar’s cozy Wind Spirit , waiting wasn’t an issue. We were able to be seated right away and to lounge on deck anytime without having to wake up early and reserve a seat.

Excursions were also very enjoyable as the groups were small and the guides were very friendly. Time wasn’t wasted in explaining things and gathering up a big group.

It’s easy to find a great spot on deck to relax. * Photo: Christine Bottross

There’s never a line to dine, including here at the deck BBQ. * Photo: Christine Bottross

VIDEO: We had the ship to ourselves more than once. See below …

5. A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti is one of the most romantic holidays out there

The views, the sunshine, the beaches, the remoteness, the gorgeous open decks of the Wind Spirit with the four masts towering above … life (and love!) doesn’t get much better than this!

There were several honeymooning couples in our sailing group and I can see why. Wind Spirit is a ship where you can find privacy and comfort at once.

The ship sailed to some of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in the world, such as Bora Bora. You can’t help but fall in love.

We met a few honeymooners from different parts of the world — a young couple in their 30s from Denmark as well as couples who were celebrating their 50th year of marriage.

Such an aspiring sight to see. You’ll meet people from all walks of life at different points in their relationship who in no time will become friends and start sharing delightful stories and experiences.

The Wind Spirit in Tahiti is pure romance! * Photo: Christine Bottross

VIDEO: Below, see just what a romantic setting a Windstar cruise in Tahiti is!

6. On a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti you can visit places the bigger ships can’t

Due to their smaller size Windstar ships can call on more remote islands (or motus as they’re called there) and areas of French Polynesia that can’t accommodate bigger ships; some don’t even have names!

Big ships can not take the same routes or fit into the small areas Windstar’s Wind Spirit is able to navigate, which is a huge plus.

Go where the big ships can’t on a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti. * Photo: Christine Bottross

The Wind Spirit sending passengers ashore by tender. * Photo: Christine Bottross

7. On a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti, enjoy remarkable excursions & longer time to explor e 

Windstar Cruises really puts the focus on the destinations they visit, rather than the vessel itself. That means excursions are key. In our case we had some remarkable, once-in-a lifetime excursions.

Each excursion had only a handful of people so, for example, on the “Swim with the Whales” excursion, we had lots of time to hear interesting information about whales, look for them and even swim with them (as opposed to a big ship, where excursions are often rushed and timed — hurry hurry!).

We were able to spend enough time on each island to really explore and immerse ourselves in our surroundings.

VIDEO: Below I’ll show you a bit about our amazing “Swim with the Whales” excursion.

https://youtube.com/shorts/NlMlN123nq0?feature=share

These were our favorite shore excursions:

• “Swimming with Whales” (about $100 per person). Our group was small and it was led by Dr. Michael Poole, who is an extremely knowledgeable marine biologist with an excellent ability to share his love for marine life. He is a legend in his field and an incredibly enthusiastic guide. Dr. Michael and his team educated us on the whales we were about to encounter, their work with them, and how to interact with marine life in a respectful manner. We had an epic whale encounter with a humpback whale, hanging upside down in the water and singing to attract a female partner. Dr.Poole’s assistant brought us very close to the whale. As we got to the whale’s location, we jumped in the water to swim with it and luckily saw a full breach right in front of us, which was a surreal sight to see. We will forever be grateful! Not only will you have a great experience and learn something along the way, booking a whale watching/swimming tour with Windstar led by Dr. Poole funds whale research and conservation in French Polynesia.
• “Harvesting your own Tahitian Black Pearls” (about $360 per person, as it includes keeping the pearls you find). We were only two couples, which made for such an intimate experience. We were transported to an over-water reef house (a pearl farm), which had incredible 360-degree views of all shades of clear blue water. Summer Rotu, the manager of Anapa Perles welcomed us and proceeded to give us a lesson on how pearls are farmed and how the cultivation of pearls is a major part of the economy in French Polynesia, which was so eye opening and interesting to learn as we’re coming from a completely different part of the world. Shortly after, we dove to find our own oysters in a lively reef full of colorful fish, coral and oyster strings. Then we brought the oysters up and the pearl grafter opened them for us and showed us the beautiful pearls inside. It was incredible to learn about the quality, size, pureness and variety of shades. We took the pearls we found home as a souvenir, along with a certificate indicating their type and quality. Definitely a very unique experience that I highly recommend.
• “Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays” (about $100 per person). We were supposed to go scuba diving, unfortunately, as much as we were looking forward to it, the currents were high and we were advised by Windstar officials not to. We immediately had to pivot, so we chose the swimming with sharks and stingrays excursion instead and were accommodated. We jumped on a catamaran that took us to two stops. First stop, we swam with lemon sharks and stingrays, which was such a fun experience. The Tahitian tour guide’s relationship with the stingrays was notable. It was almost like the sting rays naturally gravitate towards people from the region. Secondly, we stopped at a coral garden where we snorkeled and saw some breathtaking corals and fish. The tour didn’t just end here, on the way back they took us where they normally find dolphins, and so being escorted back to shore by the oceans’ friendliest animals was the cherry on top.

8. A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti is all about uncommon experiences that feel private & luxurious

On our sailing, one evening Windstar arranged a private dinner catered solely for our ship. Local Polynesian performers entertained us with a rich culture-filled night, delighting us with music, dance and delicious food on our own private island under the stars.

We felt entirely immersed in the Polynesian culture that night and enjoyed learning the meaning behind every dance, their attire and their traditions.

RELATED: Judi Cohen reviews her Windstar cruise in Tahiti.

The Polynesia cultural & dance performance. * Photo: Christine Bottross

The dazzling fire dance. * Photo: Christine Bottross

9, A Windstar Cruise in Tahiti offers an intimate experience from start to finish

Your head doesn’t have to spin with a million shows, a million restaurant reservations and having to beat everyone for a spot for everything. Smaller ships are all about relaxation while aboard when sailing between ports, with extreme attention to detail and privacy.

You feel like you’re on your own yacht with several people there to attend to your needs and give you an amazing experience. You can read a book or listen to music or just relax and unwind without feeling like you’re missing out.

Our favorite spots on the Wind Spirit were the hot tub on Deck Four and the sliver of deck above it on the flying bridge.

Smaller ships lend authentic meaning to a vacation, from providing quality time to relax on board and explore on shore, and by making it so easy and comfortable to befriend crew members and passengers.

Relaxing at the Wind Spirit’s hot tub against the backdrop of stunning French Polynesia. * Photo: Christine Bottross

Lots of little nooks to chill out alone. * Photo: Christine Bottross

VIDEO: Below, I share a 360-degree-view of the handsome Wind Spirit !

BOOKING INFO: Check out Windstar’s Tahiti sailings here.

Last But Not Least…

Sailing with Windstar Cruises was a unique experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves cruising or wants to try a different cruising style.

Small-ship cruising is such an intimate experience as you completely avoid the crowds, get one-on-one treatment and attention to your needs, eat delicious dishes from all over the world, and take in all the picturesque views on a graceful yacht surrounded by some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

I highly recommend cruising to Tahiti with Windstar as I truly wish everyone can experience this incredible ship for so many reasons including the nine above.

My week on Wind Spirit in Tahiti was simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience that my  fiancé and I will be talking about for a very long time.

Christine on deck of the Wind Spirit. * Photo: Christine Bottross

RELATED: Check out more of Christine’s travels on her instagram page @ChristineBottross.

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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Quasar Evolution Galapagos Cruise Adventure READER REVIEW by Holly Quinn

Quasar Evolution Galapagos Cruise Reviewer Holly Quinn from USA. Cruise Line Quasar. Ship 32-passenger Evolution. Destination Galapagos. # of Nights 7. Departure Port Baltra Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. Date of Cruise April 20, 2024. Ratings (5=excellent, 4=very good,...

Aqua Expeditions Amazon READER REVIEW by Holly Quinn

Aqua Expeditions Amazon Reviewer Holly Quinn from USA. Cruise Line Aqua Expeditions. Ship 40-passenger Aqua Nera. Destination Amazon-Peru. # of Nights 4. Departure Port Iquitos, Brazil. Date of Cruise May 4, 2024. Ratings (5=excellent, 4=very good, 3=good, 2=poor,...

Croatia Yacht Cruise with the Small Cruise Ship Collection — An Expert Review of a Cruise in the Adriatic Between Split and Dubrovnik

Croatia Yacht Cruise By Alison Abbott I must be one of the few visitors to Croatia without Game of Thrones on my mind. No, I was there for the pull of the pearls in the Adriatic’s azure waters. Being an island girl from way back, the names of Vis, Hvar, and Korčula...

3 Reasons a First Time River Cruiser Delighted in a Uniworld Douro River Cruise

Uniworld Douro River Cruise By Georgiana Verdonk-Sim When my best friend Heidi suggested a cruise along the Douro River, I jumped at the chance. I had never been on a cruise before, so I was excited for this new adventure. Plus, I would get to spend time with Heidi...

4 Nile River Cruises You Should Know About — From Viking, Nour El Nil & Lindblad

Nile River Cruises By Judi Cuervo & Heidi Sarna The Nile River IS Egypt. This 4,132-mile river, the longest in the world, inspired the ancient Egyptians to become experts in the areas of transportation, shipbuilding, farming, and engineering. It was also on this...

Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise Cut Short by High River Levels — Navigating Unpredictable Waters on Europe River Cruises

Riverside Mozart Danube River Cruise By Sharon Kurtz Embarking on a luxurious river cruise along the enchanting Danube River in June with Riverside Luxury Cruises, a new line still largely unknown by many travelers, seemed like a dream come true. Little did my husband...

River Levels in Europe — Understanding the Causes & Implications of Fluctuating River Levels That Can Throw a Wrench into your Travel Plans

River Levels in Europe By Sharon Kurtz Navigating Europe's rivers is not without challenges, particularly concerning river levels. Variations in water levels can significantly impact river cruises, causing potential disruptions and alterations to itineraries. I know...

New River Line Transcend Cruises Is Building Its First Vessel to Focus Entirely on Group Travel

New River Line Transcend Cruises By Anne Kalosh. Transcend Cruises, the fledgling European river operator, toasted a newbuild contract in early August. You haven't heard of this line? Transcend burst on the scene a couple years ago with a concept unlike any other on...

Majestic Line Glen Rosa Review by James from Scotland

Majestic Line Glen Rosa Review Reviewer James from Scotland. Cruise Line Majestic Line. Ship 6-passenger Glen Rosa. Destination Tobermory, Scotland. # of Nights 6. Departure Port Oban, Scotland. Date of Cruise August 3, 2024. Ratings (5=excellent, 4=very good, 3=good,...

American Cruise Lines Maine Coast Cruise — A Great Way to Take in the Beauty of our Northeastern-Most State & One of Many Excellent Itineraries Offered by ACL

American Cruise Lines Maine Coast Cruise By Heidi Sarna Stepping out on our small ship's private balcony as the sun was setting over southeastern Maine, I savored the fresh sea air and close-up views of the state’s scenic rocky coastline. VIDEO: View of Maine coast...

The Growing American Cruise Lines Fleet Will Number 24 by 2026

The Growing American Cruise Lines Fleet By Heidi Sarna Amid an impressive building spree, American Cruise Lines currently boasts 19 ships and, by 2026, the fleet will number 24 US-registered small ships carrying between 90 and 180 passengers each. All are built at the...

Quirky Cruise Contributors

Heidi & Ted and their team of curious travel writers explore the far corners of the world to share their experiences & insights about small-ship cruising.

Heidi M. Sarna

So far, I’ve explored 78 countries around the world by boat, road, plane, foot, bicycle and camel. My first big journey was a six-month trip around the world back in the days when…

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I am happiest near water, over water or better still on a conveyance moving through water. When my brother Sandy and I were deemed old enough, mother took us to Europe by ship.

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Windstar Cruises Expands Its Already Significant Presence In the South Pacific With Early Booking Offer Available Through 31st October 2024

Published by andy parrett on 23 september 2024 23 september 2024.

Windstar Cruises has announced a significant expansion of itineraries in the South Pacific, the only region other than the Mediterranean where Windstar sails year-round.

Beginning in 2026, Windstar will offer new experiences visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, in addition to existing sailings in Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus and the Marquesas.

New shorter itinerary options like the seven-night Tuamotus cruise and 11-night Marquesas cruise open these remote destinations to more travellers.

Additional air and hotel packages with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora will allow guests to extend their stay in these iconic islands.

Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years and is considered the cruising expert in the region with deep rooted relationships with local partners who assist the line to access remote areas and weave in the Polynesian way of life into its cruise and shoreside experiences.

Windstar has the most frequent seven-day departures of any cruise line on its popular Dreams of Tahiti sailing. In 2024, the line began cruising to the remote Marquesas, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its notable geography and unique culture and heritage.

The 312-passenger, all-suite Star Breeze sails in the South Pacific year-round, now with more itineraries and islands than ever before thanks to the 2026 additions.

To celebrate the news, Windstar is concurrently launching an early booking offer. Anyone booking a 2026 South Pacific cruise will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (worth £73 per person per day) featuring Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; and all gratuities, plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

“Tahiti is one of my favourite destinations on the planet, and I was thrilled to expand Windstar’s itineraries in the region to the remote Marquesas Islands this year,” says Windstar President Christopher Prelog.

“These new additions are a natural progression for us, as these faraway South Pacific islands exemplify the heart of Polynesian culture. But they are extremely difficult to access, especially if you’re piecing together your own trip. On Windstar, you’re able to sail there easily on an all-suite ship that has no more than 312 passengers. We can go to places like Tonga and Taveuni without overwhelming the destination from a tourism, ecological and cultural perspective, due to our small size and the great relationships we’ve built while sailing in the region over decades.”

NEW Itineraries Include:

Flowers of the South French Polynesia (15 days) begins with an overnight in Fiji’s largest city, Lautoka, followed by a visit to the small port of SavuSavu to tour its local villages and a stop in Taveuni to experience the rainforests of Bouma National Heritage Park. After a day at sea, it’s onto Nuku’alofa, Tonga, which is known for its beaches and Royal Palace. It’s also a brand-new port for Windstar. In the Cook Islands, Windstar will access both Aitutaki and Rarotonga. Then it’s onto an overnight in Bora Bora and concludes in Papeete, Tahiti.

Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (10 or 11 days) starts in Papeete followed by Raiatea. Then it’s off to Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The ship then returns to the Society Islands with an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), Huahine (known for its gardens), Moorea, and ends in Papeete. On the 10-day sailing, Huahine is removed.

Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora (7 days) is a new, shorter version of Windstar’s existing 11-day Tuamotu sailings. It combines the Tuamotus (Fakarava and Tiputa) and the Society Islands (an overnight in Bora Bora plus a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea). It’s perfect for divers, with four opportunities to dive on a seven-day sailing. It can also be combined with the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary.

Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (11 days) is also a new, shorter version of a current Windstar favourite. It begins in Papeete before heading to Fakarava in the Tuamotus. In the Marquesas, there are visits to Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Nuku Hiva. The ship then heads back to the Tuamotus with a stop in Rangiroa, followed by an overnight in Bora Bora and return to Papeete. This can also be combined with the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary.

Other new offerings are air and overwater bungalow packages combined with Windstar’s classic seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise that include overnights in a coveted overwater bungalow on Bora Bora pre-cruise. This way guests can experience more inland, starting March 2025 into 2026. Stars Over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package (14 days) is a new comprehensive package including Air Tahiti Nui flights roundtrip from Seattle or Los Angeles, plus two nights hotel in Papeete and three nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. Windstar’s existing Dreams of Tahiti, Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands, as well as the Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas itineraries will continue to be offered in 2026.

Windstar brings the culture of French Polynesia aboard with an onboard cultural ambassador for all sailings.

A local Polynesian, this crew member invites guests to embrace all things Polynesian throughout the cruise with special sessions on dance, music, language, culture and art.

All itineraries include a complimentary Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event, which is a private evening feast on a motu (small island) with local performances from music to fire dancing.

Another special event on the pool deck is an Arearea – an evening of Tahitian celebrations – with local musicians, dancers and hands-on activities like learning how to tie on a pareo and making flower leis.

Guests can swim from the ship’s watersports platform and enjoy the use of complimentary water sports equipment to go kayaking and paddle boarding; snorkelling gear is provided comp to guests to keep for the duration of the cruise. Shore excursions are under development for new ports.

The line recently announced it will expand its fleet with two new all-suite ships, which will allow Windstar to bring back one of its beloved Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for South Pacific sailings.

For reservations call 0808 178 2233 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk

Source: Kate Selley PR

Images: © 2024 Windstar Cruises. All rights reserved.

Windstar Cruises – My Cruise Blog

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• Windstar Cruises adds Fiji and Tonga to 2026 South Pacific...

Windstar Cruises adds Fiji and Tonga to 2026 South Pacific sailings

In 2026, Windstar Cruises will expand its footprint in the South Pacific beyond its established routes in Tahiti, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas with newly unveiled itineraries that include stops in Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. Additionally, the line will introduce new 7-night sailings to the Tuamotus and 11-night voyages to the Marquesas, alongside new air and hotel packages featuring overwater bungalows in Bora Bora .

To mark the launch of these offerings, Windstar has introduced an early booking incentive. Guests who reserve a 2026 South Pacific cruise by October 31st, 2024, will receive a complimentary All-Inclusive package, as well as a US$100 onboard credit per stateroom.

One of the highlighted itineraries, the 15-day "Flowers of the South French Polynesia," begins with an overnight stay in Fiji. Ports of call include Savusavu and Taveuni in Fiji, Nuku’alofa in Tonga, and Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The voyage also features an overnight in Bora Bora before concluding in Papeete, Tahiti .

Also debuting is the 10- or 11-day "Maori Storytellers & French Polynesia Treasures," which sails roundtrip from Papeete, with stops at Raiatea, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga, an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on the private island of Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), and visits to Huahine (on the 11-night option) and Moorea .

Additional offerings include the 7-day "Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora" and the 11-day "Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic." Guests can also take advantage of new air and overwater bungalow packages, combinable with Windstar's signature 7-day "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise, with overwater bungalow stays in Bora Bora available from March 2025.

For those seeking a comprehensive escape, the 14-day "Stars Over Bora Bora" package includes roundtrip Air Tahiti Nui flights from Seattle or Los Angeles , 2 nights in Papeete, and 3 nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

Windstar still knows the way to Tahiti

Windstar has been sailing in Tahiti for 35 years, so we have all the insider knowledge and local access to show you Tahiti in a comprehensive way no one else can. If you haven’t seen one Tahitian island, let alone eight, plan to see them aboard the Windstar yacht that suits your cruising style.

Step aboard the newly transformed 312-guest all-suite Star Plus Class yacht, Star Breeze . Paradise isn’t that far away with convenient all-inclusive Tahiti packages featuring air, all-inclusive cruise, hotel and ground transfers and make your Tahiti vacation easy.

Depart from Los Angeles (LAX) and set foot in Tahiti in only eight hours with Air Tahiti Nui . Then, step aboard an intimate Windstar yacht with a welcoming and thoughtful crew that guides you to the most serene destinations in Tahiti.

The Islands of French Polynesia invite you to discover their own distinct magic. Hop ashore to the enchanted landscapes of Moorea, or explore Raiatea’s lush forests and black pearl farms. Revel at a feast during our Destination Discovery Event complete with fire dancers in Bora Bora. Jump into a beautiful palm-fringed lagoon from the Watersports Platform on the yacht’s stern. Or simply unwind on deck, enjoying paradise and a Mai Tai in hand.

This is how Tahiti was meant to be seen, and with year round Windstar sailings, you can visit anytime.

"Windstar offers a distinctly different cruise experience in Tahiti."

• 7, 10, or 11-night boutique cruise through the Islands of Tahiti
• Round trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete (PPT) on Air Tahiti Nui
• Pre- and post-cruise accommodation at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
• Arrival and departure transfers between airport, hotel, and yacht
• Island feast and Bora Bora celebration festival with fire dancers
• All dining on board, including complimentary room service
• Signature Onboard Barbecue and Signature Beach Party
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges

*Excludes cancellation fees collected for air, transportation, and hotels

Dreams of Tahiti

7 days: papeete to papeete.

See the best of Tahiti in seven days. Embark on drift snorkeling excursions among coral gardens in Tahaa. Explore the majestic palm-fringed Three Coconut Trail in Moorea. And indulge in Bora Bora’s kaleidoscope of colored seas and stunning white-sand beaches.

Complimentary Private Event - Bora Bora: Private Island Celebration

Your private island celebration on the beach promises to be an extraordinary event with a menu carefully selected by Windstar’s executive chef and Polynesian fire dancers displaying their artistry and local traditions.

7 Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Papeete
• Day 2 Moorea
• Day 3 Tahaa
• Days 3–4 Raiatea (Overnight)
• Days 5­­–6 Bora Bora (Overnight)
• Day 7 Huahine
• Day 8 Papeete

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands

10 or 11 days: papeete to papeete.

Enjoy sunny Fakarava, one of earth’s most beautiful places that’s been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Discover rare species of nesting birds and marine life living in harmony and immerse yourself in Tahiti’s authentic experiences.

10 Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Papeete, Society Islands
• Day 2 At Sea
• Day 3 Fakarava Biosphere Reserve
• Day 4 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
• Day 5 At Sea
• Day 6 Tahaa, Society Islands
• Day 7 Huahine, Society Islands
• Days 8 - 9 Bora Bora, Society Islands (overnight)
• Day 10 Moorea, Society Islands
• Day 11 Papeete, Society Islands
• 11-day itinerary also visits Raiatea.

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Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.