Explore Taha'a's exquisite topography, ancient culture, and local economy during this scenic and memorable off-road tour.

Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the ride across one of Taha'a's highest mountains. Along the way, your guide will point out sights of interest, and a stop will be made at a scenic viewpoint to learn about the traditional uses of local plants and trees.

The island of Taha'a is often called Vanilla Island, and you will learn about this fragrant spice while visiting a small family plantation. Afterwards, you will visit a small black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultivated and harvested. These small cottage industries represent a large part of this small island's economic structure.

During the return drive along the east coast of the island, your guide will entertain you with tales of island life and lore. Upon returning to the ship, a tender service to the Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana will be available throughout the day.

• This tour involves travel over very rough roads, with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Guests must remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.

Explore Tahiti's most unique and sought-after treasures during this canoeing and snorkeling adventure and a visit to the Black Pearl Farm.

Depart the pier aboard a motorized outrigger canoe for the 10-minute ride to Poerani, a black pearl farm. The vanilla industry is the island's most important business, followed closely by the production of black pearls. At the black pearl farm, you will learn all about the most beautiful jewel of French Polynesia: the magnificent black pearl. This informative stop will help you understand the value of these lustrous jewels in these islands – and around the world.

Continue on to a small motu for an opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear water. This motu is located close to a pass where experienced snorkeler can observe the drop-off of the reef. Don your snorkeling gear and enter the water, where you will see wonderful underwater fauna and a myriad of tropical fish swimming around you.

Following your snorkeling session, you will embark the canoe for the return ride to the Motu Mahana for Paul Gauguin's Beach BBQ.

• The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on weather conditions. Some of the canoes may not be covered, and sunscreen is strongly suggested. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. This tour ends at our private islet, Motu Mahana, where lunch, water activities and snorkeling is available. Guests should be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and able to cope with occasional currents. Morning tour departures will conclude at the beach.

After a brief tender boat ride to the pier, you will be met by your local guide and "Le Truck".

You will start exploring this scenic island, known as the Vanilla Island, by first visiting a Vanilla Plantation. You will have a brief tour of the grounds of the plantation and a presentation into farming and cultivation of this precious spice.

Afterwards you will continue your guided tour and you will learn about the history, the legends and present-day life of Taha'a. There will be a number of photo stops along the route.

Your final stop will be at the 'Motu Pearl Village' where you will find out all about the creation of the Tahitian Black Pearl and enjoy refreshments and local fruits in season. After the visit you will be transferred by boat directly to Motu Mahana.

• The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Rest room facilities at the Motu Pearl Village. Please have local currency with you for any purchases.

Start your tour with a short introduction on how to drive your wave runner. After, your guide will take you for a ride around the northeastern side of Taha’a’s lagoon.

Stop for explanations on the way to your snorkeling stop. The wave runner has a spacious compartment where you can store your snorkeling gear. You will stop at one of the most beautiful coral gardens and have one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences during your cruise. This tour will end directly at Motu Mahana.

• The minimum age to drive is 16 years and minimum 8 years to be accompanied by an adult (more than 18 years old). This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, pregnant guests, or guests with back and/or neck problems are discouraged to participate on this tour. Participants must respect safety instructions. We recommend wearing a swimsuit, sun protection and sunglasses, and to bring your snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) and a towel from the ship. *This tour is priced per waverunner, which can accommodate two average-sized adults, maximum weight per waverunner is 500 lbs.

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 snorkeller spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkelling 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 snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.

• This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkeler that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkeler 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.

The scene of the turning point of World War II in the Pacific theater, Guadalcanal boasts more war sites and relics than any other island in the Pacific. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the monuments and museums that are of great significance Americans and Japanese alike.

Accompanied by a licensed, professional, English-speaking driver/guide, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought in this iconic campaign as you visit sights such as the U.S. Memorial, the Bloody Ridge, Henderson Field and Memorial Garden, and the Coast Watchers Memorial Lighthouse. After your tour, you’ll be transferred back to the ship.

• Comfortable shoes recommended. Please bring a bottle of water from the ship.

Embark on a guided tour that reveals many points of scenic, cultural, and historic interest about the Solomon Islands and their capital city, Honiara, on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal.

From the pier, you’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle for your panoramic tour. Among the highlights you’ll see is the Parliament House, a fine example of the architectural designs of these islands. You’ll also see the U.S. War Memorial, built in 1992 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The memorial site provides an excellent view of Iron Bottom Sound and the surrounding mountainous regions of Honiara and Guadalcanal.

Next, view the local flora and fauna of the islands at the Botanical Gardens, and admire the diverse cultural artifacts of the islands at the National Museum. You will also have the opportunity to browse the local carving shops or craft market before you are transferred back to the ship.

• Comfortable shoes recommended. Please bring a bottle of water from the ship.

Gain a firsthand experience of traditional daily life in a Solomon Islands village and of the islands’ unique culture on this guided Hotomai Cultural Village Tour. 

From the ship, you’ll board a vehicle for a 30-minute ride to Hotomai  Village, where you’ll be greeted with fresh coconuts. Then, witness the village’s traditional setting; learn how meals are prepared on hot stones; enjoy demonstrations of coconut husking, fire building, and home building; and discover just why it is that the local people have remained content with their simple lifestyle for generations. You will be returned to the ship at the end of your tour.

• Comfortable shoes recommended. Please bring a bottle of water from the ship.

Vava'u's big island is set in a cluster of nearly 40 smaller islands. The only harbour providing access to Neiafu is considered one of the most picturesque in the Pacific.

Your tour will consist of a boat cruise that winds through the harbour to the island of Kapa. The main attraction of Kapa Island is beautiful Swallow's Cave which perforates a cliff at its northern end. The cave is in fact inhabited not by swallows but by hundreds of swift lets that flit about in the dim light and nest in the darkness of the cave's upper reaches. You can only view the swallow cave from outside from your boat unless weather permits you to swim into the cave.

Afterwards you will continue to Falevai Mui Houma Beach. With its crystal blue waters and perfect beach, it is one of the most exquisite places on Vava'u Island. You will have time to enjoy a swim in the warm, clear ocean or simply relax on the white, sandy beach.

• Those guests wishing to swim, please bring your swimsuit, cover-up and reef shoes to wear while swimming. Also recommended: snorkel equipment, insect repellent, towel, sun protection and bottled water. The tour is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs. Guests must be in good physical condition. There is no bar, restaurant, sun chairs etc., available on the island. Tour may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

This tour not only allows you to explore the botanical wonders but also invites you to experience the authenticity of Polynesian heritage through engaging activities of how live plants are being processed into valued products ranging from; tapa cloths from paper mulberry, coconut milk and craft from coconut tree, the vanilla essence from vanilla, mats from pandanus, and kava drink from kava plants. Marvel at the skilled artistry displayed in tapa cloth designs, products crafted from the versatile coconut tree and the colorful patterns of traditional attire.

Participate in hands-on activities like weaving, coconut husking, or even sip the flavor of kava from traditional coconut cup. Enjoy your fruit plateau, while the mesmerizing performance that showcases the local Tongan’s Unique music and a dazzling display of traditional dances. Feel the energy and spirit of Polynesia. Come alive in a spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and deeply moving.

• 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.

Depart the pier for an orientation ride around the island, an excellent way to see the island. Along the way, you will visit such sites as Ngatangiia Harbor, the departure point of the Polynesian Migration to New Zealand in 1350 AD, and a historical back road built in 1050 AD called the Road of Toi, or Ara Metua.

Visit Muri Lagoon, where you will enjoy light refreshments and a cultural show, then continue on past ceremonial sites that include Arai Te Tonga, several historical buildings, the library, the museum, and fruit and vegetable plantations.

This tour provides guests with an excellent orientation to the island of Rarotonga and is recommended for all visitors who want an appreciation of the island and its culture and history.

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