Tahiti Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Highlights Of Paradise
The principal island of French Polynesia , Tahiti is shaped like a figure eight. The larger section of the island is Tahiti Nui and the smaller is Tahiti Iti. This excursion explores the east coast of Tahiti Nui.
WHAT YOU VISIT
James Norman Hall Museum - The American writer and co-author of the "Bounty Trilogy" lived in Tahiti for over 30 years. The museum is an exact replica of his house and stands a few yards from the sea overlooking Matavai Bay . Inside is the library with the original wooden desk and typewriter. Over 3,000 books containing seven generations of American literature, antique furniture, nostalgic family photos and favorite paintings can be found.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Tomb of Pomare V - The last king of Tahiti, Pomare V ruled for only a short time before his controversial decision to transfer sovereignty of his territories to France in 1880. The tomb is constructed from coral slabs and lava rocks in a tower-like shape that resembles a Grecian urn.
Monument of Captain Bligh - The National Geographic Society erected the monument in the early 1960s to commemorate the naval feats of Captain Bligh. The breadfruit tree under which the monument is erected is of special interest; it is an offshoot of one of the original trees Captain Bligh introduced to the Caribbean Islands in 1793.
Tahara'a "One Tree Hill" - Captain James Cook sailed the "Endeavor" into Tahiti's Matavai Bay in 1769 and sighted a single tree with bright red-orange flowers growing on the promontory above the bay. Cook used the tree as a navigational landmark and named this reference point "One Tree Hill." Although the gnarled old tree has long since disappeared, the lookout provides impressive panoramic views of the island of Moorea , the Sea of Moons and the surrounding coral reefs and lagoons.
Point Venus - The 18th-century explorers Bligh, Wallis and Cook landed here; Cook's expedition observed the Transit of Venus from the point in 1769. The monumental 110-foot tall lighthouse built in 1867 is still operational up to this day.
Arahoho Blowhole - Waves crashing through the volcanic basalt rock create the famous blowhole.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier, travel along the scenic east coast of Tahiti passing the famous Papenoo surfing beaches. At Point Venus, admire the black-sand beach that is recognized by the locals as the most popular beach on the island. Before returning to the ship, travel into the Faarumai Valley to view one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on Tahiti .
Circle Island Drive , Gauguin Museum & Lunch
Explore Tahiti's most spectacular sights; visit the Gauguin Museum ; and partake in a lunch of local specialties.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Gauguin Museum - Set in a spacious garden, the museum recreates the life of celebrated Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin with a multi-media display. The museum features two original Gauguin sketches and a sculpture.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Arahoho Blowhole - Waves crashing through the volcanic basalt rock create the famous blowhole.
Point Venus - The 18th-century explorers Bligh, Wallis and Cook landed here; Cook's expedition observed the Transit of Venus from the point in 1769.
Arahurahu Marae - Traditional Tahitian religious rituals were held at the marae before the advent of Christianity.
Maraa Grotto - Giant elephant ear ferns and taro grace the grotto's entrance. Inside, overhead springs seep through a ceiling of ferns in this cavern formed by the sea.
Vaipahi Waterfalls and Gardens - A private property with a garden of local fruit trees, native trees and flowers plus a picturesque waterfall setting.
SHOPPING
Shop for souvenirs at the museum's gift shop.
LUNCH
A lunch buffet will be served at a restaurant near the museum.
YOUR CIRCLE ISLAND DRIVE
From the pier, you depart on a grand tour that takes in Tahiti's most spectacular sights, including Tahara'a Hill overlooking Matavai Bay , Venus Point, Arahoho Blowhole, the Maraa Grotto plus the Vaipahi waterfalls and gardens of Mataiea.
SPECIAL NOTES
From August 2006 to February 2007 the visit to Vaipahi Gardens & Waterfall will be substituted with Faarumai Waterfall due to improvement works.
Leisurely Tahiti
Explore Tahiti on a leisurely drive, perfect for those guests that prefer a minimal amout of walking.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Tomb of Pomare V - The last king of Tahiti, Pomare V ruled for only a short time before his controversial decision to transfer sovereignty of his territories to France in 1880. The tomb is constructed from coral slabs and lava rocks in a tower-like shape that resembles a Grecian urn.
Monument of Captain Bligh - The National Geographic Society erected the monument in the early 1960s to commemorate the naval feats of Captain Bligh. The breadfruit tree under which the monument is erected is of special interest; it is an offshoot of one of the original trees Captain Bligh introduced to the Caribbean Islands in 1793.
Tahara'a "One Tree Hill" - Captain James Cook sailed the "Endeavor" into Tahiti's Matavai Bay in 1769 and sighted a single tree with bright red-orange flowers growing on the promontory above the bay. Cook used the tree as a navigational landmark and named this reference point "One Tree Hill." Although the gnarled old tree has long since disappeared, the lookout provides impressive panoramic views of the island of Moorea , the Sea of Moons and the surrounding coral reefs and lagoons.
Point Venus - The 18th-century explorers Bligh, Wallis and Cook landed here; Cook's expedition observed the Transit of Venus from the point in 1769. The monumental 110-foot tall lighthouse built in 1867 is still operational up to this day.
Arahoho Blowhole - Waves crashing through the volcanic basalt rock create the famous blowhole.
Faarumai Valley - The valley contains one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on Tahiti .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier, travel along the scenic east coast of Tahiti passing the famous Papenoo surfing beaches. At Point Venus, admire the black-sand beach that is recognized by the locals as the most popular beach on the island. Before returning to the ship, turn off into the interior of Faarumai Valley to view one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls on Tahiti .
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is not available on all voyages.
Papenoo Valley & Waterfall By 4wd
Visit some of Tahiti's most scenic areas only accessible by 4WD.
YOUR 4WD SAFARI
Meet your guide and four-wheel drive vehicle at the pier and travel to the scenic east coast of Tahiti and the famous Papenoo Valley . Stop at "One Tree Hill" for a fabulous view of Matavai Bay where the island was first discovered by English explorers in 1767. After a short coastal drive, turn inland at the mouth of Papenoo River and begin the ascent up the largest valley on the island. The view of the surrounding mountainsides carved by centuries of erosion and covered with rich, thick, multi-green rain forest will awe you. The adventurous drive crosses rivers and includes photo stops of the numerous waterfalls. Take a swim in one of the natural pools of the river before stopping at a panoramic viewpoint for refreshments. Retrace your path down the valley and pause at the famous surfing and black-sand beaches of Papeenoo before returning to the ship.
SPECIAL NOTES
This is an off-road tour and can be bumpy and dusty. Passengers should take this into consideration when booking this tour.
Moorea By Land & Sea
Travel around Moorea for a glimpse of the Polynesia of legend; then experience an island picnic on one of the island's coral islets.
YOUR ISLAND DRIVE
Drive up Mt. Rotui to Le Belvedere Lookout for views of Moorea's Cook and Opunohu Bays . Then continue on to Papetoai, traveling through a landscape of coffee plantation and pineapple fields. Return to board covered motorized catamarans for your lagoon cruise to an island motu.
YOUR LAGOON CRUISE
Cruise through Moorea's clear turquoise lagoon to a private motu (islet) where you will wade ashore to a welcome party and music. This truly incredible spot is a perfect picture of a ‘ South Seas ' paradise. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or join your local guide as he attracts over a school of stingrays into shallow water for you can hand feed.
MOTU PICNIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy a buffet of grilled fish and chicken, salads, and fresh-cut island fruit. Lay back and listen as a trio performs Tahitian songs on guitar and ukulele or watch the "coconut" show.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Protestant Church , Papetoai - Constructed in 1822, the octagonal church is built from the stones of a Tahitian marae, or open-air temple, that originally occupied the site. This is the oldest European structure still in use in the South Pacific.
Kia Ora Lookout - Bring your camera and plenty of film to record sensational island and lagoon views.
Marae - Make a brief stop at an ancient stone temple.
Le Belvedere Lookout - The summit of Mt. Rotui affords panoramas of Moorea's mountains and Cook's and Opunohu Bays.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Air-conditioned motorcoaches await for your short transfer to Papeete 's main ferry dock for a 30-minute speed catamaran trip across "the sea of the moons" to Tahiti 's sister island - Moorea. Upon arrival in Moorea, you shall be met and board waiting air-conditioned motorcoaches with professional English speaking guides for a glimpse of Moorea's most popular and spectacular sights. Transfer by covered catamaran to the motu for an afternoon picnic, swimming and sunbathing and then return to the dock for the return by ferry to Papeete .
SPECIAL NOTES
Bring beach wear, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
A limited amount of snorkeling equipment is available on the motu with the exception of fins.
You should have some snorkeling experience and be a competent swimmer to cope with occasional currents.
This tour is only available on the Star Princess Voyage 9344A. |
