I’m not very good at relaxing on vacation. I always bring a new book and decide to spend some quiet time reading. I imagined myself sitting back, soaking up the sun and dozing off here and there to the lullaby of the crashing waves. The book was not opened when it came back. It never even left the bag. Instead, my camera roll is filled with photos of activities and adventures, and I often need time to recover from vacations.
So when we booked our cruise to Tahiti, I found myself asking…WWhat are we going to do on the cruise ship?
Little did I know that this was no ordinary cruise. We booked Windstar’s Tahiti Dreama 7-day cruise from Papeete on Star Breeze, A small boat that can accommodate up to 312 people, I was about to discover that cruising around the island does have an adventurous side.
Our week on the boat star wind Either way, it’s luxurious, indulgent, rejuvenating and yes, relaxing. But it’s also packed with activities, with endless opportunities to disembark, go ashore, hit the water and make the most of this spectacular South Pacific spot.
We took full advantage of the activities on offer. Each trip is carefully planned with expert and local guides. When every detail was in place, we just showed up, boarded the supply ship on time, and began our new adventure tailor-made for us. Since this was my wife and I’s first time on a Polynesian cruise, we chose the perfect itinerary for those new to the area. The Tahiti week-long dream (now that we’re hooked, we’re planning to extend our next sailing a little longer) includes stops in Moorea, Huahine, and more, as well as an overnight stay in Raiatee, where Windstar guests celebrate an evening at the private Motu Mahaea on nearby Taha’a. Then spend the night in Bora Bora.
There’s never a dull moment.
Bora Bora: An afternoon, a peaceful lagoon, and a ride I still miss
A towering figure in life and legend, Bora Bora is a stunning spire rising from the sea. The island, an ancient volcano, was exactly what I imagined: lush, rugged jungle rising straight off a postcard. The best way to see Bora Bora is from the lagoon, a stretch of turquoise, glassy water sheltered by coral reefs. What better and more fun way to explore the lagoon than on a motorboat?
We met our local Maui guide at the dock, and after a brief lesson and catching up on the game, we hit full speed and found ourselves somehow gliding through the kaleidoscopic sea. As we zipped around the lagoon, colorful coral beds dotted the white sand beneath the water. The views of this otherworldly island kept changing as we progressed, seeing different angles and stopping at different locations. We took a break on a small motu across the water where Maui cracked fresh coconuts, a light rain passed and we marveled at the surreal scenery.
Ultimately, we will circle the island on this four-hour tour. When we got back to the boat it was hard to believe what we had just experienced.
On Taha’a, we discovered that its coral gardens will make you forget the surface exists
Often the most colorful coral beds are found in shallow water, and Taha’a’s Coral Gardens are no exception. After a short boat ride to the other side of the island, we made our way through an uninhabited Motu and donned our masks to begin our magical journey into this underwater wonderland.
We drifted down the current through the small canyons of the coral reef, and a stunning shoal of bright and lively fish poked their heads out of the folds of the reef and glided around us. The purple, red and green hues of the coral reef resemble color film. As we go down the river we have to be careful not to hit the coral. At the end of the canyon we were able to walk back and do it again.
Snorkeling in these waters is a special experience. This special place is unique in all of Polynesia for its pristine coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
How electric bikes can unlock French Polynesia’s most underrated island, Huahine
While it’s great to hit the water in French Polyni, it’s also fun to explore the islands and experience local life on land. Huahine is not as steep and mountainous as other islands, but there is something very special about it. It feels real and relaxing. From the friendly French women who left Paris to raise their families in this paradise, to the warm greetings we received from the people tending the gardens, to the boys jumping off the pier and playing in the sea together. We experienced part of local life here. It’s a peaceful place, lost in time, undisturbed by the mass tourism of large ports in other parts of the world.
On Huahine Island we joined a small group tour with eight other passengers to travel around the island on e-bikes. Only one road circles it, and we glide along the coast beneath towering palm trees, past colorful houses where residents tend their gardens, feed their chickens, and go about their daily lives.
The scenery changes from a flat coast to a rocky bay. We climbed the hill easily and enjoyed the stunning ocean views. We stopped for a fresh juice and a chance to wade in the clear shallows. Viewed from the top of the island, the difference between the small boats of the Wind Star was obvious as we were able to see our boat, moored alone in a small cove.
With an e-bike, riding is as easy as pressing a button. Whether you want a physically demanding outing or a relaxing island ride, almost anyone can enjoy a three-hour e-bike tour. This is a great way to see the island up close.
The underwater side of Bora Bora and Raiatee is where true luxury lies
And of course, there’s scuba diving. There were plenty of outings to choose from – including beginner courses and shallow water introductory dives for beginners – I chose two different double tank dives, in Raiatea and Bora Bora (where we stayed overnight so we had a few days to play). With my dive guide and gear ready, I just showed up and jumped in.
After stopping at a small local dive shop, we drove outside the reef and dived 50 feet along the coral wall, surrounded by dozens of tropical fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Parrot fish, puffer fish, wrasse and more slowly swim by, as curious about us as we are about them. Six blacktip reef sharks circled, harmlessly close to inspect at arm’s length. This was a great first dive and introduction to the area.
The diving in Bora Bora is even more exciting. We took a shallow dive to the manta cleaning station to get a close-up view of these behemoths as they slowly glided by just five feet above the ground. Deeper dives took us into underwater canyons where huge schools of fish swim in perfect unison, illuminated by the sun. Moray eels, crabs and bright red fish as big as your thumb play hide and seek in the coral.
Our diving companions were all very experienced and this trip was specifically for diving. It was an experience that I will always remember, both in terms of what we saw under the waves and where we were when we came back.
Absolutely in heaven.
if you go
In 2026, the star wind sets sail Tahiti is open year roundoffering a range of options suitable for first-time travelers, such as Tahiti Dreams, as well as more exotic forays in the Marquesas and Cook Islands. In 2027, Windstar’s 148-passenger motor sailing vessel Wind Star will serve the region alongside Star Breeze two special ships Experience French Polynesia.
With two ships in French Polynesia in 2027 and 2028, Windstar can offer a variety of itineraries in the region. Among them?
- seven nights Tahiti Dream As author Brendan Harrington points out above, the itinerary is a perfect introduction to French Polynesia. There is another great option for those new to Tahiti. 10 nights Maori Storytellers and the Treasures of French Polynesia Gain insight into the South Pacific culture of the Cook Islands and Society Islands.
- For a more extensive regional experience, consider the 13-night Pacific Flower Cruise Lautoka and Tahiti, Fijistopping in the Cook Islands along the way. Craving a deeper experience? 20 nights at Fengxing Star Collector Star Collector, Legends of the Pacific Included are Fijian’s off-the-beaten-path ports of Taveuni, Savusavu and Derauni, as well as Tonga for additional immersive experiences. You’ll also visit popular destinations in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, such as Raiatee, Bora Bora, Rarotonga and Moorea.
- One of the best experiences we had on Windstar in French Polynesia was traveling to the remote Marquesas Islands. two weeks Celebrity Collector: Tahiti and Tuamotu Islands Adventure Tour Voyage, round trip from Tahiti including visits MarquesasHiva Oa and Fatu Hiva, and the Society Islands of Moorea, Fakarava, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora.
You can find more information about all of Windstar’s products in the South Pacific region here.