The 118 islands of French Polynesia reveal themselves layer by fascinating layer, with the spirit of mana (vital force) linking them all the way from Tahiti to the remote reaches of the Marquesas. This is part of the world best savored on a journey that dives as deep into culture as natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. A cruise makes it easy to cover a lot of ground while unpacking just once (and sneaking in some work done in comfort, too, during at-sea days). And cruising offers particular appeal within this semi-autonomous French territory sprawling across nearly 2 million square miles of ocean and covering five archipelagos.

Happily, you’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to ways to cruise French Polynesia. For a classic adventure, consider the islands’ beloved passenger freighter Aranui 5, launched in 2015 with just 103 cabins. It delivers goods — everything from food to refrigerators — to the most remote islands while giving passengers riding it, both for transport and as a pleasure cruise, a glimpse into everyday island life during 12-day itineraries covering the Marquesas, Tuamotu, Society and Austral islands.

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On the more luxurious side of the spectrum in a similar small-ship setting, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers several itineraries throughout French Polynesia that visit islands like Huahine, Taha‘a and Bora Bora during seven-night itineraries from Tahiti.

Its 14-night voyages access farther-flung locales like Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, where guests delight at disembarking to snorkel within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and visit ancient archaeological sites within the Taipivai Valley.

Windstar Cruises has sailed these islands for more than 35 years and offers seven- and 14-day itineraries from Papeete aboard the
314-passenger Star Breeze. And in 2025 Oceania Cruises will offer an 18-day sailing from Los Angeles to Papeete aboard the 670-passenger Nautica, overnighting in Bora Bora and Papeete and calling into port in Moorea and Raiatea (it also visits Kailua-Kona, Honolulu and Hilo in Hawai‘i). Other sailings with the cruise line include the Tahitian Legends itinerary: a 10-day round-trip sailing from Papeete that calls into port in Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa and Raiatea. Deciding which islands whisper your name most convincingly in the tropical breeze might prove the hardest decision you face.

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Lodging 

Hilton Hotel Tahiti
An excellent choice near the airport on Tahiti, the newer (2021) Hilton Hotel Tahiti has a spectacular pool and pool bar with views of neighboring Moorea Island as well as a handful of restaurants serving Tahitian fare (poisson cru is a must), Southeast Asian cuisine, sushi and steaks.
Auae Faaa, Papeete,
French Polynesia
$$$$

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
A short drive from the airport, this sprawling oceanfront property has been an island standard on Tahiti since first opening in 1974. The 246 guestrooms include a collection of overwater bungalows fronting a lagoon and surrounded by flowering plants.
PK7, Fa‘a‘ā, French
Polynesia
$$$$

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Opt for an oceanfront room at this 120-room resort with an on-site fitness center, infinity pool and an ocean lagoon with manmade motus (islets) you can rent for a private retreat.
Puna‘auia, French
Polynesia
$$$

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Dining

Kozy Restaurant
Helmed by Polynesian chef Kirahu Chaves, trained in France, this understated restaurant lures locals with artful dishes featuring tropical ingredients rendered with classic French culinary technique. Don’t miss the tuna tataki with black garlic and ponzu sauce.
129 Rue Dumont
d’Urville, Papeete, French
Polynesia
$$–$$$

L’O à la Bouche
The delightful fine-dining option in Papeete serves great seafood and meats with a menu that riffs on French and Polynesian flavors (dishes like foie gras spiked with Tahitian vanilla).
BP 343 Papeete, French
Polynesia
$$

Tahiti La Plage Restaurant & Beach Bar
Scope the ocean and views of Moorea from tables at the edge of a black-sand beach at this beloved open-air restaurant on Sapinus Bay. Choose from healthy bowls, burgers, grilled lobster, steaks and more.
Restaurant le Coco’s,
PK 13,200, Puna‘auia,
French Polynesia
$$–$$$

Info to Go
Tahiti Fa‘a‘ā International Airport, the only international airport in French Polynesia, lies in Papeete on the main island of Tahiti Nui. Several global airlines offer direct service from the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, France and Chile. Domestic airlines Air Tahiti Nui, Air Moana and Tahiti Nui Helicopters — as well as charter flights — carry travelers to Tahiti’s many other island destinations, although some remote islands only see a few small passenger flights per week. Most cruise ships dock in Papeete, the cosmopolitan capital city of French Polynesia.