Shore Excursions

Your around-the-island drive will take you past several of the island's villages. You'll visit a marae (sacred Polynesian temple grounds) site. Pass through plantations of various crops grown here on Aitutaki. Learn about the island's myths and legends while taking in its beautiful scenery. Aitutaki has a unique geographical makeup - the island is a volcanic atoll with the typical volcanic peaks in the center of the island with the encircling coral reef ringed by the off shore islands (motus) and the lagoon in the center.

The Circle Island Tour is a great way to see the island and meet the locals. Visit the inland villages of Tautu Vaipae and Vaipeka, drive along the coast and see the remnants of the Copra Production Facility, and see how the people of this tiny idyllic island live. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and take photographs along the way.

Depart the ship by covered motorized boat for a 15-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a. Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling session. Your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. The drift can be moderate to strenuous depending on the strength of the current. The drift is done in a single line with one snorkeling guide leading the 12 snorkelers spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkeling guide closing up on the group This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral. Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkeling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.

Please note: This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkelers that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkelers are strongly encouraged to snorkel on the Motu. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship.

Legend has it that over 500 years ago the men of Beqa Island were given the gift of being able to walk on fire by an eel in exchange for its life. Today, the descendants of these warriors carry on the tradition, observing the same strict rules of tabu as the ancestors. Men are chosen as representatives from different villages. Ten days prior to the ceremony, they segregate themselves from females and are not allowed to eat coconut. The fire pit is dug out 12 to 15 feet in diameter and 3 to 4 feet deep. Large river stones are then collected and placed in the pit, filling it up. Six to eight hours before the ceremony a log fire is built over the top of the stones, heating them up. The Firewalkers are led to the arena accompanied by dances and chants. Leaves and vines are grazed across the stones to prepare the pit. The men then proceed to walk across the stones in a few different phases. Finally, a bundle of grass is thrown onto the pit and the group huddles in the center while chanting a song. Bands around the ankle of each participant, which are made of tree ferns that do not burn, are thrown into the pit. The pit is finally covered with earth, and days later, the ankle bands are recovered and ground up, mixed with water, and eaten by the Firewalkers.

A tender boat will transfer you from the ship to the beach on Beqa Island. From the beach landing area, you will walk approximately 20-25 minutes to the village along an uneven, rough dirt path. Upon your arrival in the village, you will be greeted and welcomed by the fearsome Fijian warriors in traditional costumes. Villagers serenade and escort you to the village green where a traditional kava ceremony will take place. You will then be seated in a covered area to watch the ceremony and the Meke, a special dance performed by the dancers normally only for their Paramount Chief. The highlight of the village visit is the Firewalking! After all the excitement, you will walk back to the beach for your transfer back to the ship.

Please note: CULTURAL REQUIREMENT: It is mandatory for guests to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. No guest will be allowed on the tour without covered arms and legs. Not suitable for guests with mobility and walking difficulties.

Join American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant, for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free-ranging dolphins. Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough-tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event. While viewing Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea, you will also learn about French Polynesia's geology. Following your tour and time permitting, you may have an opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling at a coral garden directly from the boat before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not a swim with the dolphins program, Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability.