Tahiti Cruises

A Tahiti cruise offers the perfect way to discover secluded beaches, colourful coral reefs and enchanting island villages. Think of your cruise ship as your floating overwater bungalow while you traverse the beautiful islands

Bora Bora Copywright Tahiti Tourisme

Tahiti Cruises: The Best way to discover French Polynesia by Sea

A Tahiti cruise is one of the best ways to experience the diverse islands of French Polynesia, from the iconic lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea to the remote landscapes of the Marquesas and the pristine atolls of the Tuamotus. Cruising allows you to explore multiple islands while enjoying the comfort of travelling between destinations by sea.

French Polynesia is made up of several distinct island groups, each offering a different experience. Whether you are looking for Bora Bora cruises, Society Islands cruises, Marquesas Islands cruises or Tuamotu cruises, understanding the differences can help you choose the right itinerary.

What to see in Tahiti & French Polynesia

Explore beautiful islands, tropical lagoons, vibrant reefs, white sandy beaches & Polynesian culture

an aerial view of a tropical island in the middle of the ocean

Bora Bora

Snorkel the Aqua blue lagoon, explore the white sandy beaches and make memories to last a lifetime

a palm tree in front of a mountain range

Moorea

Take time to explore the island of Moorea, with lots of adventure activities on offer, or chill at one of the great beaches

the sun is setting over the ocean with a dock

Raiatea

Known as the “Sacred Island” Raiatea offers visitors a quieter, more authentic side of French Polynesia.

an island in the middle of a body of water

Huahine

Encircled by a brilliant turquoise lagoon & framed by verdant mountains, the island is rich in ancient traditions, archaeological treasures & natural wonders

Image courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme/ Frederique Legrande

The Tuamotus

The Tuamotu Archipelago is a collection of coral atolls, crystalline lagoons and tiny palm fringed islands, a scuba divers paradise

NUKU-HIVA_©Tahiti Tourisme

The Marquesas

Towering volcanic peaks, plunging valleys, dense forests and wild coastlines create a landscape unlike anywhere else in French Polynesia.

What are the different island groups in French Polynesia

Society Islands – Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti

The Society Islands are the most popular destination for a Tahiti cruise and include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a. These volcanic islands are known for their dramatic green mountains, beautiful turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and rich Polynesian culture.

A Society Islands cruise is ideal for travellers wanting the classic Tahiti and Bora Bora experience, with opportunities for snorkelling, diving, swimming, cultural experiences and exploring picturesque island communities.

Marquesas Islands – Remote, Wild and Culturally Rich

Located much farther northeast of Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands offer a completely different experience. The islands are rugged and mountainous, with dramatic valleys, towering cliffs and a strong connection to traditional Polynesian culture.

A Marquesas Islands cruise is particularly appealing to adventurous travellers who want to explore a more remote and less-visited part of French Polynesia. Highlights include spectacular scenery, archaeological sites, traditional culture and the opportunity to experience islands far beyond the usual Tahiti and Bora Bora itinerary.

Tuamotu Islands – Tropical Atolls and Exceptional Marine Life

The Tuamotu Archipelago is made up of low-lying coral atolls rather than the mountainous volcanic islands found in the Society Islands and Marquesas. Surrounded by brilliant turquoise lagoons, these remote islands are renowned for their exceptional snorkelling, diving and marine life.

A Tuamotu cruise is perfect for travellers seeking peaceful tropical landscapes, secluded beaches and some of the South Pacific’s most spectacular underwater experiences.

When is the Best Time for a Tahiti Cruise?

May to October

This is the Tahiti Dry Season and is the most popular time to visit the islands. The weather is generally sunny and comfortable with lower humidity. This is an excellent time for a Tahiti cruise if you want to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, hiking and island sightseeing. Our favourite months are June & September

November to April

This is the Tahiti Wet season which means warmer, wetter weather. Rain showers can be frequent but often short-lived and there is still plenty of sunshine between the showers. The landscapes are particularly lush at this time and there are often fewer visitors and often great specials outside of holiday periods

July & August

These can be the busiest months as coincide with winter holidays for Australia & New Zealand, but also the European summer holidays. Early booking is essential over this period as accommodation is limited and prices rise considerably as bookings get busy

Which Tahiti cruise is right for you?

The Society Islands are best for classic Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea experiences, while the Marquesas appeal to travellers looking for remote landscapes, adventure and Polynesian culture. The Tuamotus are an excellent choice for snorkelling, diving, marine life and secluded tropical atolls.

Whichever itinerary you choose, a French Polynesia cruise offers a unique way to discover the beauty and diversity of Tahiti and its surrounding islands—all in one unforgettable journey.

Windstar Sailing Yacht and Motor Yacht

How to choose the right ship for a Tahiti cruise?

A highlight of any trip to Tahiti is undoubtably a visit to the beautiful lagoon at Bora Bora. Keep in mind the island prohibits access to any ships which take more than 1200 guests, so pick your ship wisely. Check the itinerary for those offering an overnight stay as this is also a highlight for star gazing on clear sky nights. Ships that offer watersport platforms, like Windstar, Ponant and Seabourn also make the experience in the islands very different, as you can access the lagoon straight from your ship for watersports

Search All Tahiti Cruises

Browse all our amazing French Polynesia & Tahiti cruise deals below. Use the filters to narrow down the results to find your perfect cruise. Note prices shown are for Twin Share, please contact our team for Single, Triple or family pricing

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