Hearing the lapping of the water gently wake me up, I stepped onto my balcony for my first glimpse of French Polynesia. The ancient volcanic mountain cliff covered with lush palms and greenery, on each side of the bay.  No one else in sight except a sunlit manta ray gliding by through the vibrant blue clear water.   I was on the first day of my Society Islands discovery cruise, and was looking forward to my new adventure.  

I sailed on the luxurious Paul Gauguin cruise ship departing from Tahiti with visits to Huahine, Aitutaki and Rorotonga Cook islands, Bora Bora, Tahaa and Moorea.  I was there in late November and the water temperature was ideal at84 degrees and the air temperature was around 80’s. 

Sailing on the Paul Gauguin is an incredible experience.  With no more than 332 guests this small ship allows for casual relaxation and access into small bays that large ships cannot access. With a crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5, it is an experience in all inclusive luxury and personalized attention. 

In order to make knowledgeable personalized recommendations to my clients, I also made several resort inspections on Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea while I was there. 

These remarkable French Polynesia islands offer as much or as little activity as you choose. I snorkeled in crystal clear, warm and calm lagoon water.

I saw brightly rainbow and zebra striped fish tickling my fingers as they ate food right from my hand.  I was still as giant manta rays glide on by.  Divers will experience the density of colorful marine life.  One of my favorite experiences was taking a wave runner the all the way around the circumference of Bora Bora.  I loved making stops along the way at private beaches that included fresh local fruit refreshments, stunning photo opportunities and snorkeling.  

A motu picnic, which was furnished by the Paul Gauguin cruise line, is a real treat to experience.  A “motu” is a tiny islet delicately resting on the

lagoon. Soft sand, coconut palms and crystal-clear lagoon.  Lunch is served on the beach or in the lagoon. I sampled surprisingly tasty local speciality, “poisson cru”, a delicious salad of raw tuna and vegetables marinated with coconut milk and lime juice. The coconut milk is squeezed right before your eyes! Can’t get fresher than this!  Kayaking around the lagoon I could see through the crystal clear water and spot bright purple and sapphire giant clams and vibrant colored fishes.  It was exciting and exhilarating to hear the sound of the ocean break as it crashed on the reef a short distance from the calm lagoon in our kayaks. 

The signt turquoise waves crashing into colorful reefs that protect the bright warm emerald lagoons and soft white coral sand beaches was an experience I will not forget.  The French Polynesian islands combination of lagoons and soaring mountain peaks that rise out of the water with majestic views are beautifully pristine and tranquil.  Tropical year round water and air temperatures around eighty offer ample sun and enough rain to keep waterfalls flowing and flowers blooming. 

Nonstop flights depart daily to Tahiti from Los Angeles; flights are about eight hours. Tahiti is the large island of the Society Islands archipelago but there are many other islands you will want to discover, including Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa.

One way to enjoy idyllic beauty of Bora Bora is in a romantic overwater bungalow. These overwater bungalow resorts each have their own views   that offer tranquil relaxation and luxury. If you are looking for excitement for your Tahiti vacation, set sail in the South Pacific aboard a luxurious small ship or yacht and island hop from one resort to another and discover the, geography and charm of these islands. 

In addition, you could enjoy lagoon day cruises, wave runners, private beach motu picnics, shark and ray safaris, helicopter sightseeing, outrigger canoe excursions, ATV’s, hiking, shopping for beautiful Tatian black pearls and more.  

Cruising on the Paul Gauguin was an incredible experience! Witnessing the islands beauty will be cherished for many years. 

Lisa Berlin owns Great Escapes Travel in St. George. She may be reached at (435) 628-1500 or lisa@greatescapestrav.com