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Papeete to Papeete

Experience the best of French Polynesia's Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Society Islands in a range of remote, romantic, and unspoiled tropical settings on this 11-day sailing. Seek out seabirds and snorkel among harmless black tipped reef sharks in Fakarava's famous blue lagoon, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Learn firsthand about Polynesian life and cultural traditions in the remote village of Omoa on Fatu-Hiva--a Marquesas Islands settlement recognized as one of the most isolated travel destinations in the world. Take a SUV tour of the remote Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva and explore Herman Melville's former refuge and setting for his novel, Typee. Go with the flow as you learn drift snorkeling with Tiputa Pass experts, or float aimlessly above coral formations and colorful fish in Rangiroa's coral garden. Create the perfect romantic moment during an overnight port stay in Bora Bora at an iconic South Pacific beachside resort.

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Day 1: Papeete

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

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Day 3: Fakarava

Here is a rare opportunity to experience one of earth’s most beautiful – and most rare – places. Fakarava, a place so stunning, an ecosystem so diverse it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diver’s paradise welcomes you to a world of magnificent cauliflower coral, sleek grey sharks, and neon schools of tropical fish. This “Island of Dreams” is home to rare species of nesting birds and rare marine life living in tranquil harmony.

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Day 5: Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas

Known as the Island of Tapa, a long-forgotten art elsewhere, Fatu Hiva, with its 650 inhabitants, has a remarkable coastline full of rich vegetation. The locals here live mainly on fishing, coprah producing and growing nono, a fruit with medicinal virtues. Meet the local artists and learn about their time-honored traditions

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Day 6: Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas

The final home and resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, Hiva Oa is watched over by many large stone tiki statues and boasts the tallest peak in the Marquesas, Mount Temetiu at 3,980 feet. Relax on black-sand beaches or try the diving or snorkeling, said to be among the best or find the Tehueto Petroglyphs.

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Day 7: Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

The second largest island in French Polynesia, this remote island is full of natural beauty in is deep bays, lush valleys, rocky peaks and narrow cliffside roads where you might come upon wild ponies. Giant banyan trees are found around ancient marae temples and ceremonial stone platforms as well as tiki statues outside huts. Find the 40-foot-tall Tiki Tuhiva sitting atop Mount Muake. Another interest is Tohua Koueva Archaeological Site with detailed restoration of ancient Marquesan life.

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Day 9: Rangiroa

Some people call this place heaven. You will call it perfect. The huge lagoon surrounded by beautiful coral and filled with colorful fish, rays, and dolphin is a diver’s dream. Explore, with an optional tour, in a glass bottom boat, take a dive that matches your level of expertise, or enjoy the magic of drift snorkeling. This is a place like no other on earth.

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Day 10: Bora Bora

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

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Day 11: Bora Bora

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Day 12: Papeete