Shore Excursions

Set in a luscious native forest within a picturesque valley is an ancient ceremonial site where Marquesans prayed to their gods to provide abundant water for their crops. Trekking up to the site you will pass an old chief's paepae upon which is a small tiki carved in the famous ke'etu stone of the islands. Ascending inland you will see a number of sites whose functions will be explained to you by your on-board lecturer in anthropology and archaeology, Mark Eddowes. Finally you will arrive on the crest of a ridge featuring important petroglyphs, or rock art. The images depict anthropomorphic images of men, concentric circle eyes of magical tikis and even an ancient sailing canoe. However, the most impressive petroglyph and one of the largest in the Marquesas is that of the famous paoa, which looks like a huge tuna fish, carved into the rock. See also the grinding, polishing and sharpening stones used in ancestral working of adzes and other tools. Enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding the site as sharp mountain peaks pierce the sky. This excursion provides a wonderful chance to visit the interior of Fatu Hiva's beautiful Omoa Valley.

Please note: The hike is medium to difficult and involves uphill walking in hot and humid conditions. Participants should be physically fit, carry a bottle of water and wear a hat. Sturdy footwear appropriate to trekking is recommended.

Board an island bus at Halaevalu Wharf and proceed to Eneio Botanical Garden. This tour offers a truly interactive experience which allows you to relive Polynesian yesterday and experience native lifestyles through guided, on-site, live demonstration and gentle strolling tours amongst the lush tropical paradise of the stunning and only Botanical Garden in Tonga. You will be fascinated with the various demonstrations which includes the making of clothing from bark, along with the creation of jewelry and mats from pandanus leaves, the making of milk and products from coconuts, the making of beverages from plant roots, the production of essence from vanilla beans, and juice from nonu fruits. This guided tour highlights the owner's efforts in conservation and preservation of different plant species since 1972, and is the only opportunity to discover the splendid collection of plants, mature trees and flowering shrubs in this garden. Return to Halaevalu Wharf via Tailulu College, Pouono Cemetery and the Catholic Cathedral Church for your last scenic view and photo-stop.

Please note: Transportation is by non-air-conditioned island bus/minivan without PA systems or microphones. Some roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride can be bumpy. We recommend bringing insect repellent, comfortable flat-soled shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a small bottle of water and clothing suited to weather conditions.

Explore Rarotonga’s pristine natural beauty in an exciting new way during this off-road tour of the island’s stunning lagoons, valleys, and inland villages.

Depart the pier in an off-road, open-top safari truck for a drive to Rarotonga’s back roads and valleys. Along the way, you will be privy to sights and sounds regular visitors to the island would not typically have an opportunity to experience. You will learn how traditional Cook Islanders live, and your guide will provide you with an informative commentary on the various traditional uses of local flora and fauna.

Following your tour, you will be returned to the pier.

Please note: As this tour involves travel over bumpy surfaces, guests with back and/or neck problems and guests with limited mobility are discouraged from participating. Seating on the trucks is very basic. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended.

Your spectacular excursion starts with a friendly introduction from your expert anthropologist/archaeologist guide, who has first hand experience working on the sites you will visit. Boarding "Le Truck", French Polynesia's famous local style bus, you will depart from Maroe Village on the small island of Huahine Iti, crossing the bridge to Huahine Nui, or 'big island'. Here you will drive past lush green valleys and turquoise lagoon through the capital town of Fare, where Captain James Cook sojourned on his visits to the island.

Your first stop is Maeva village, considered to be one of French Polynesia's most important archaeological areas and home to the largest pre-historic habitation site in Polynesia. During your walk through the village, you will explore the archaeological sites along the lake shore and the Fare Pote'e Museum. You will learn about Polynesian origins and migrations, traditional society, religion, botany, European explorers and get a first hand look at various traditional tools, handicrafts and artifacts.

You will continue on to Mata'ire'a hill, just above the Village of Maeva and home to more than 200 stone structures, including marae, agricultural terraces, house foundations, fortification walls and burial platforms.

Your next stop, via "Le Truck", is a local family run vanilla plantation where you will have the opportunity to purchase various vanilla products. Continuing on, you will stop to see and learn about the 500 year old fish traps that thanks to restoration work are used again today by the people of Maeva Village.

Your return journey to port, will take you through the village of Faie where your guide will feed the island's giant blue-eyed eels that swim in the stream, before enjoying a photo-stop at the Belvedere Lookout, for panoramic views of Huahine Iti and beautiful Maroe Bay.

Please note: This tour involves some slight uphill walking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The order of sites visited may vary. Please bring some cash along with you, as you may have the opportunity to purchase some authentic Tahitian vanilla during this tour.