Star Collector: Comprehensive Tahiti & Marquesas Adventure

Description

Wake to visions of Bali Hai, turquoise lagoons eagerly waiting for the Watersports Platform to open. Snorkel off private motus while your alfresco lunch is prepared. Watch fire dancers twirl their flaming batons during an unforgettable Destination Discovery Event. Every day is magical and no matter how many times you dive into the fascinating world of French Polynesia, there’s always something new. Legendary islands live up to all the hype with their intoxicating beauty, and adventures to the rarely visited islands of the Marquesas reveal Polynesia as it used to be, with small villages, traditional handicrafts, and a culture that’s true to the ways of the past. Tropical fish in Gauguin colors dart in and out of coral reefs like the pareo-clad women in the marketplace. Ancient maraes cloaked in banyans mysteriously appear in the jungle. And with each port you visit, you fall deeper in love with French Polynesia.

Trip Name

Star Collector: Comprehensive Tahiti & Marquesas Adventure

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 522 ft (159 meters) Passenger Capacity: 312 Built / Refurbished: 1988 / 2007 Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach. These all-suite yacht completed renovation as part of the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide more of what our guests love. New public areas, including two new dining venues, a new spa, infinity pool, and fitness area. The yachts also boast all new bathrooms in every suite and a new category of Star suites, featuring a new layout. With ocean views and at least 277 square feet of comfort, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride are the perfect yachts to watch glaciers and fjords drift by from the serenity of your suite. Carrying only 312 guests, Star Breeze, Star Legend & Star Pride still tuck into small ports like Sanary-sur-Mer and Wrangell or narrow waterways like the Corinth Canal and Keil Canal.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Days 1 - 2 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.

Day 2 - Day 2 Moorea

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you’ll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from Wind Spirit’s Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Day 3 - Days 3 - 4 Raiatea

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Day 4 - Day 4 Motu Mahaea (Tahaa)

We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island.

Day 5 - Days 5 - 6 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 mote complete with fird dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Day 6 - Day 7 Huahine

Anchor here in the place whose nickname is “Garden of Eden.” Take your time to explore the lush forests, the tropical landscapes, and the quaint villages to discover one of Polynesia’s best kept secrets. Here, at a slower pace, see a glimpse of the authentic South Pacific island lifestyle. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use And you’ll have your pick of the world’s best snorkeling once again.

Day 7 - Days 8 - 9 Papeete

Day 8 - Day 10 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.

Day 9 - Day 11 At Sea

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Day 10 - Day 12 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

Day 11 - Day 13 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.

Day 12 - Day 14 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.

Day 13 - Day 15 At Sea

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Day 14 - Day 16 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.

Day 15 - Day 17 At Sea

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Day 16 - Day 18 Motu Mahaea (Tahaa)

Day 17 - Days 19 - 20 Bora Bora

Day 18 - Day 21 Moorea & Papeete

Day 19 - Day 22 Papeete

Day 20 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Bali Hai's Turquoise Lagoons: Imagine waking up to the stunning views of Bali Hai and its mesmerizing turquoise lagoons, setting the stage for a day of exploration and adventure.
Fire Dancers and Cultural Events: Experience the enchanting fire dancers and other unforgettable cultural events that showcase the vibrant traditions of French Polynesia, creating lasting memories.
Marquesas' Authentic Beauty: Discover the lesser-known Marquesas islands, where traditional villages, ancient maraes, and a genuine Polynesian culture immerse you in a world that preserves the essence of the past.