Haumana Cruises - For a limited time only!

The Haumana will begin cruising the spectacular lagoon of Rangiroa in French Polynesia from July 09 until October 1st 2011.

There are two cruises from which to choose - but after I read them both - I would want to stay on for the entire week! Plan your dream vacations around either of the Haumana cruise itineraries listed below:

The Blue Lagoon Cruise - 3 nights, from Wednesday to Saturday

Wednesday : Haumana Base - Embarkation

Meet & greet at the Rangiroa airport
Polynesian welcome onboard, with flowers and tropical drinks, and check-in
Snorkeling tour at the Rangiroa’s natural Aquarium
Pre-dinner cocktail hour & presentation of the next day’s program
Dinner followed by fishing from the aft platform
Departure during the night for the Blue Lagoon area

Thursday : Blue Lagoon & Faama

Morning excursion to the Blue Lagoon of Rangiroa, stunning chain of islets within the lagoon of Rangiroa : swimming, sunbathing, shark feeding adventure.
Lunch onboard while the Haumana navigates towards Faama, also called the Reef Island
Afternoon at leisure in Faama : snorkeling, kayaking, “farniente” on the beach, fishing
Pre-dinner cocktails, presentation of the next day’s program and pareo tying class
Dinner followed by night fishing from the Haumana platform for those interested
Overnight in Faama and early morning departure the next day to Motu Ai Ai

Friday : Motu Ai Ai

Full day tour on Motu Ai Ai, starting with the exploration of the islet, and reef outing to get acquainted with the different species of fish, shells and sea urchins that can be seen in Rangiroa
Discovery of the “feo” fossilized coral formations, a lunar landscape typical of the Tuamotu archipelago
Swim in these natural pools, refreshed by the ocean’s waters
Coconut demonstration & BBQ lunch feet in the water
Afternoon at leisure on this Robinson Crusoe paradise islet : kayaks, snorkeling, fishing, “siesta”
Pre-dinner cocktails & Tahitian dancing, followed by dinner
Overnight in Motu Ai Ai and early morning departure to the base the next day

Saturday : Haumana Base - Farewell

Or, stay onboard and continue the adventure…..

The Pink Sand Cruise - 4 nights, from Saturday to Wednesday

Saturday : Haumana Base, Embarkation

Meet & greet at the Rangiroa airport
Polynesian welcome onboard, with flowers and tropical drinks, and check-in
Departure during lunchtime for Onetere
The Haumana will anchor in Onetere in the afternoon
Time at leisure in Onetere
Pre-dinner cocktail hour & presentation of the next day’s program
Dinner followed by fishing from the aft platform for those interested
Departure during the night for the Pink Sand area

Sunday : Shells Islet, Pink Sand Islet and Birds’ Islet

Morning visit to a local family on their private “motu” islet, the Shells Islet : discover their way of life, away from civilization. This family is one of the only ones still digging Rangiroa’s hostile grounds to find those very precious orange shells used in the islands to make the beautiful shells necklaces.
Snorkeling at the Coral Garden and lunch onboard
Afternoon at leisure at the Pink Sand islet, a beautiful natural sand bank floating above a crystal-clear lagoon Participate in a shark feeding adventure or relax on the beach
On the way back to the yacht, stop by the Birds’ Islet, a natural birds’ sanctuary
Dinner under the stars, on the beach, to the sounds of ukuleles and Polynesian drums
The Haumana remains at anchor overnight

Monday : Motu Teu & Kiroria

Early morning departure for Motu Teu
Morning excursion to Motu Teu explore the islet at your own pace. (Possibility for troll fishing early morning)
Coco demonstration and tasting followed by lunch feet in the water at Motu Kiroria
Afternoon at leisure : walk to the reef, snorkeling, kayaks, fishing or “farniente”
Pre-dinner cocktails, presentation of the next day’s program and pareo tying class
Dinner and fishing from the aft platform after dinner

Tuesday : Otepipi & Mauahatea

Morning excursion to Otepipi ancient village
Reef outing and discovery of the island’s fauna and flora
Lunch onboard and navigation to Mauahatea
Afternoon visit to Mauahatea : discover Rangiroa’s interesting landscape of “feo”, fossilized coral formations sculpted by time. Take a refreshing dip in one of the natural spa pools.
Overnight in Mauahatea and early morning departure to the Haumana base the next day

Wednesday : Haumana Base - Farewell

Today, it will be time to say farewell to the magic of Rangiroa and end your “paumotu” dream and your barefoot chic adventure in Tahiti and her islands.

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Cruising Aboard the Paul Gauguin - Tours & Excursions

There are quite a few adventures from which to choose while cruising the South Pacific islands aboard the Paul Gauguin. Here are some of my top favorite adventures:

Aito Off Road Safari - Travel in a four-wheel drive vehicle for a journey inside the volcanic crater that created Moorea.
Catamaran Sail with Snorkel - Explore Moorea’s beauty aboard a catamaran. Ride to Moorea’s northern coast, then on to Cook’s and Opunohu Bays. Upon reaching Opunohu Bay, the captain will drop anchor in the clear blue waters of a coral garden.
Dolphin Watching Expedition - Join Marine Biologist Dr. Michael Poole or his assistant for this eco-tour. With luck, you’ll see schools of spinner dolphins while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable society. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and magnificence of Moorea’s coastline ensure a rewarding time. Guests visiting between July and early November may also view humpback whales in their annual mating and calfing rituals.
Coral Gardens Drift Snorkeling - After a short ride by motorboat, walk across an uninhabited motu off the coast, where your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. You will be delighted to find that this area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral. This shore excursion is available from both Raiatea and Taha’a.
Exploration of Taha’a - You’ll drive via a safari off-road vehicle across one of Taha’a highest mountains. Visit a scenic viewpoint, learn the traditional use of local plants and trees, and learn the tamure, a Tahitian dance. Then tour a local vanilla plantation and a black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultured and harvested.
Golf in Paradise at the Moorea Green Pearl -Enjoy magnificent mountain and ocean views while playing this 18-hole championship course. The Nicklaus Design team created the course around the natural beauty of the island. Amateurs and professionals alike will find the Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course to be both challenging and inspirational.
In Paul Gauguin’s Footsteps - Take a walk in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin and explore the museum that bears his name during this scenic tour of Tahiti.
Raiatea Highlights Island Tour - Explore the interior of this picturesque island, climbing the hillside through untouched forests of bamboo, balsa and rosewood. Then pass pearl farms, local agriculture and conclude at the Botanical Garden with a guided nature walk.
Snorkel and Black Pearl Farm - Discover the Motu Pearl Farm, where you’ll learn all about the magnificent black pearl. Continue to a small motu for some snorkeling in the crystal clear lagoon of Taha’a and get acquainted with the myriad of tropical fish there. You’ll also find a small lagoonarium where you can swim with turtles, rays, and fish enclosed in different pools.
Tahiti - Off the Beaten Path - Explore a side of Tahiti not commonly seen by visitors during a scenic off-road journey through this idyllic island. Depart the pier with your guide in an off-road vehicle for the scenic drive through Tahiti’s pristine interior.

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