Island Sanctuaries
12 days, 11 nights Round Trip from Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
From the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands we sail through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.
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Voyages!
 CRUISE + EASTER ISLAND
Here we’ll explore the great variety of dramatic volcanic and coral islands, fjord-like bays, and atolls that make these islands a naturalist’s paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins found here.
CRUISE + EASTER ISLAND
YOUR SELECTION
 CRUISE + EASTER ISLAND NORTHBOUND Island Sanctuaries
- Tour Costs From: $9,799 pp
- 6 days/ 5 nights
- Santiago, Chile to Papeete, Tahiti
- Departures: Island Sanctuaries plus Easter Island
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 Northbound Cruise 51B
- Day 1 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 16  OR TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009 - SANTIAGO, CHILE
- Arrive in Santiago, Chile and check into the Hotel Plaza San Francisco. There is time to rest from the journey before your afternoon sightseeing tour of Santiago. LD
- Day 2 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 OR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009 - SANTIAGO / EASTER ISLAND
- Breakfast is included at the hotel. The morning is at your leisure to explore the city further. In the afternoon, we transfer to the Santiago Airport for the flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival, a light dinner will be served followed by check-in to the Otai Hotel. BD
- Day 3 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 OR THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009 - EASTER ISLAND
- Following breakfast at the hotel, begin your explorations of Rapa Nui on a morning excursion to Tahai for an introduction to the famous monoliths. Following lunch, a guided visit of the Padre Sebastian Englert Archaeological Museum offers insights into the mysteries and treasures of the island. BLD
- Day 4 - MONDAY, JANUARY 19 OR FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2009 - EASTER ISLAND
- This morning a guided tour of Hanga Roa includes a discussion of its history, its administration, the market, the economy, and implications for the future of Rapa Nui. Later, we continue our explorations of the island's archaeological sites including a tour of Ahu Vaihu, where 11 toppled moai are lying where they fell. Drive down the South Coast along the wind- and wave-carved shoreline, past many collapsed ahu (temple platform), toppled moai, and fallen stone. Our goal is Tongariki, the largest ahu on the island.
Demolished in 1960 by the tremendous force of a Pacific tsunami (tidal wave), Tongariki has recently been restored by Chilean archaeologists. After a picnic lunch, we view the quarry from which the massive moai were carved out of the hard basalt. Moai in all stages of production cover its southern flank - unfinished giants still imprisoned in stone, including the largest one ever attempted, which is 70 feet long! Dinner is on your own this evening to explore local restaurants. BL
- Day 5 - TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 OR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2009  - EASTER ISLAND
- Enjoy the morning at leisure for independent explorations. This afternoon we make an excursion to the Parque Nacional Rapa Nui to visit Rano Kao crater and Orongo Ceremonial Village, two of the truly great sights of Rapa Nui. Located on the southwestern point of the triangle, the park provides spectacular views of the whole island. Rano Kao's huge crater-lake contains a bog filled with native totora reeds and is the fresh water reservoir for the island.
The ceremonial village, Orongo, is on Rano Kao's seaward edge. Until 1853, the Birdman Festival was held at Orongo in the spring of each year. Members of leading tribal groups gathered at the edge of the 1,000-foot cliff to watch their representatives scramble down it and swim almost a mile through the turbulent shark-infested waters to Motu Nui, one of three small islands located off the point.
Once there, the competitors hid in caves awaiting the return of migrating sooty terns that nested there. The first competitor to find a newly laid egg, swim back, and carry it unbroken up the precipitous cliff, won the race. He, or the man he represented, then became the "Birdman," the position of highest status, for the next year. This evening we are hosted for dinner at the home of a local family. BD
- Day 6 - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 OR FEBRUARY 1, 2009 - RAPA NUI TO PAPEETE, TAHITI
- Enjoy time at your leisure this morning or attend church service at the historic Rapa Nui Roman Catholic Church - with beautiful choral singing in the Rapa Nui language. The hand-carved wooden statues and the designs on the vestments are wonderful examples of the use of culturally related symbolism in liturgical art. Later this morning, depart for a full day excursion. Visit Ahu Vinapu, an archaeological site that has raised many questions over the years because of its similarity in appearance and construction to the pre-Columbian structures found in Cusco, Peru.
Following a barbeque lunch, there is time for swimming at a gorgeous beach. Next, discover Ahu Nau Nau, a very complex archaeological site located on the hill overlooking the beach. This site includes 7 finely carved moai with elaborately decorated backs and at least 4 levels of ahu construction.
Later this afternoon we return to the hotel for check-out. Before transferring to the airport, we will have a light dinner. An evening flight takes you to Papeete. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel of choice. BLD
- Day 7 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2009 - PAPEETE, TAHITI
- Today is on your own at the hotel of your choice. Tomorrow you board the Spirit of Oceanus to begin your Island Sanctuaries cruise.
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
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CRUISE DATES & PRICES
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TOUR 51B NORTHBOUND
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SUP |
MAJ |
PRE |
CLS |
EXP |
GT |
OWN |
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$9799 |
$10149 |
$10549 |
$11099 |
$12349 |
$13099 |
$16699 |
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$9799 |
$10149 |
$10549 |
$11099 |
$12349 |
$13099 |
$16699 |
The cost of your cruise-land tour includes $515 per person which covers taxes/port charges/fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected. Prices are per person, double-occupancy, U.S. dollars. Single/Triple rates available upon request where applicable. Airfare extra.
Note: For the destinations in this cruise, small motorized excursion craft are the only way to get ashore. Travelers should have confident balance and mobility to participate.
Rates do not include: International airfare from your home city, arrival taxes in Chile, which, as of May 1, 2008 are $100 USD; meals not indicated and items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, Internet access, taxis, etc.
Due to the unpredictability of international flights an add-on hotel
night in Santiago, Chile,, is strongly advised. We recommend checking with
your
Travel Professional
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Spirit of Oceanus
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Cabin Category SOO - Superior :
(Suites 250, 331) Located on the Oceanus and Main decks, Superior Suites average 215 square feet in size and have three portholes (Main Deck) or picture windows (Oceanus Deck). Twin or king beds. |
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YOUR SELECTIONS BELOW
Island Sanctuaries
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Spirit of Oceanus
One Classy Lady
Cruise West's first oceangoing vessel is also our most spacious and luxurious. Equipped with stabilizers, the Spirit of Oceanus reveals new worlds.
- 295 feet in length
- Cruising speed of 14.5 knots
- Registered in the Bahamas
- English-speaking multinational crew
- All cabins feature private facilities
- Bed sizes will vary from standard
- Elevator to all passenger decks
- TV monitor/VCR in each cabin
- 120 guests
- Satellite phone, email and Internet capability
- 15 Suites have private balconies
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SOO - Superior
SOO - Majestic
SOO - Premium
SOO - Classic
SOO - Explorer
SOO - Grand Titan
SOO - Owner's Suite
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 Tahiti, Society Islands
Immortalized by Gauguin’s paintings and James Michener’s words, Papeete is a place of romance and seduction. You may be charmed by the Tahitian aita pea pea (no problem) attitude. Or fall in love with the colorful 150-year-old municipal market with its mo
- Bora Bora, Society Islands
Bora Bora is everyone’s idea of a South Pacific paradise – dramatic basalt peaks that soar 700 meters above a gorgeous, multicolored lagoon, valleys that blossom with hibiscus and some of the most perfect beaches one may ever see. The Bora Borans of yesteryear, however, were indomitable warriors. During the reign of Chief Puni, ‘The Terror’ of all the nearby Islands, the name of the Island was named Pora Pora. The brave warriors of the land distinguished Pora Pora by conquering their neighbors on Maupiti, Taha’a and Raiatea. The island of Pora Pora became known by the poetic name of Porapora I te hoe manu (first born of the silent paddle). In February 1942, the 1,500 Polynesians who lived on Pora Pora became involved in World War II when the U.S. Navy-Army task force was sent to construct a military fuel base. In June 1946, the base the Army-Navy now named Bora Bora was decommissioned and turned over to the French. Today, with a local population of 6,000, Bora Bora has become the center of tourism in Tahiti attract some of the world’s most famous stars and royalty. Your adventure today begins with a tour of this island paradise, passing colorful villages, archaeological sites, and relics left over from World War II. Enjoy free time in Vaitape, Bora Bora’s main village.
- Taha’a, Society Islands
Marine turtles have found a refuge on Taha’a, where the Hibiscus Turtle Preserve works to save the endangered reptiles. We’ll meet with founder Leo Morou and find out why marine turtles are endangered and how they are rehabilitated and released to live ou
- Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
French Polynesia is composed of 118 islands divided into 5 archipelagoes located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. Spread over a surface larger than Europe, these 118 islands barely occupy 4,000 km² of land (less than 1/100 of the surface of France).
Of this surface, the atoll of Rangiroa alone with its huge lagoon -that could fit entirely the island of Tahiti- is the largest. In fact, Ra'iroa gets its name "huge sky" from its great length. The incomparable brilliance and colors of the lagoon from jade-green to purple completely overwhelm the visitor who discovers this long ribbon of islets way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. On the northwest side of the atoll is Avatoru, the main village opposite the Fara motu whose lagoon is said according to the legend to have been breached by the two twins Moana-tea ("Peaceful Ocean") and Moana- uri ("Wild Ocean"). The main government buildings are to be found here, the Pearl Industry Research Center together with a mother of pearl and pearl culture Crafts Center. The other village of Tiputa, situated at the eastern end of the motu, near to the second main reef entry point, has houses ringed with bleached coral and fenced with flowering hedges. A road surfaced with crushed coral or tar seal links the two villages and their neighborhoods. We spend our day here exploring the marine treasures on snorkeling excursions, visiting the charming villages and learning about the black pearl industry.
- Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands
This charming little atoll, 12 miles by 4 miles, with no reef pass, is almost totally given over to pearl farming. It is here that the South Seas “gem,” the rare black pearl, was first farmed. Tuamaotus' sheltered lagoon is the perfect environment for growing and collecting the baby mother of pearl. The village of Fakatopatere stretches out in a narrow tongue of land between the lagoon and the ocean. Nearby, very beautiful white sand beaches and the remains of Takai marae (traditional Polynesian temple), built of raised coral blocks are main points of interest. The feathered residents of the atoll, including the endemic atoll fruitdove, will captivate bird watchers. Still the center of black pearl farming, you’ll learn more about this fascinating industry as you tour a black pearl farm and visit the small village of Fakatopatere.
- Ua Huka, Marquesas Islands
Wild cotton and fragrant herbs cover the hills of the southern coast, and offshore islets are home to thousands of seabirds. The island has more horses than human beings and herds of goats also run rampant. The ‘Storage Area’ of the great house of the gods, Ua Huka has a wild, austere appearance due to prevalent drought. Its relief is less elevated than its neighbors and includes plateaus and almost deserted zones where the summit reaches 855 meters. Now we enter the Marquesas, far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in everything from language and culture to geology. Archaeological sites reveal life in 300 AD, and ancient petroglyphs and red rock tikis rest in fern-covered valleys. The concern for preservation of the environment and the protection of cultural heritage is shared by everyone and is especially noticeable in the art of carving. The local mayor, Leon Lichtle, with whom we will meet, has been instrumental in preserving traditional Polynesian handicrafts. We spend our time ashore exploring the delights of this island, including visiting a local botanical garden, and the archaeological Museum of Vaipee.
- Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands
The largest of the southern islands, Hiva Oa, the master pillar or finial post of the "Great House" -which represents the Marquesan archipelago in the local mythology- has always been the rival of neighbor island, Nuku Hiva. The island is also the most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas and boasts deep valleys, fertile plateaus, and thickly wooded forests. Hiva Oa is shaped like a seahorse and has a mountain range whose main peaks, Mt Temetiu and Mt Feani, form a real wall around the peaceful little port of Atuona at the head of the Taaoa bay. Atuoa has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being the last resting place of Paul Gauguin, whose relatives still reside on the island, and of the late singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage. We also hope to make a landing at the small village of Puamau to visit the Oipona me’ae temple and the eight-foot-tall tiki, Takaii, the largest stone tiki in French Polynesia. Watch ancient Polynesian culture brought to life in a special performance by the villagers. In Atuona we tour the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center, and Jacques Brel Cultural Center where the famous Belgian songwriter is celebrated. You’ll also visit the cemetery where both Gauguin and Brel are buried.
- Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Fatu Hiva is wildly beautiful. At 50 square miles with a population of only 630,
it is often called the "Garden of Eden". The jungle greenery plunges straight down into the splashing surf where basalt rock curtains, which Catholic missionaries said were formed as veiled virgins, are landmarks in the spectacular Hanavave Bay. White patches of goats and sheep look down from their precarious perches above this quiet harbor. Learn about Marquesian culture here, on an island where artists are reviving traditional crafts including intricately carved wood bowls and war clubs. The making of umuhei, aromatic bouquets that are said to have aphrodisiac properties, and the production of sandal wood scented monoi (oil made from coconut oil) remain very much alive. And culinary specialties are no less attractive with specialties made of dried bananas and breadfruit. This is the only place in French Polynesia where they still make tapa, beaten bark cloth. Villagers perform their traditional dances, demonstrate their handicrafts and explain their traditional tattoos. Tattooing reached its zenith in the Marquesas, where it was used to express personality, social status, and to protect against evil spirits.
- Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
This protected atoll together with its six neighboring islands, originally including Taiaro, makes up a UNESCO classified nature reserve, which is the proof of the richness of the ecosystem of these atolls: the especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting king-fisher, the Tuamotu palm, and in the lagoons, crustaceans such as squills or sea cicadas. The second biggest atoll in Polynesia –comprising a 37 by 15 mile rectangle- has two main villages. Rotoava in the northeast near the Ngarue pass is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants and it’s aerodrome. Fakarava's immense lagoon provide endless and exciting discoveries for snorkelers in dream-like purple water where 150 foot visibility is the norm, or you may choose to join the local villagers of Rotoava while they demonstrate their handicrafts and colorful cultural traditions.
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