Thanks to its supply of fresh water, Papeete has long been a gathering place – the name means “water basket.” Today it’s the main population center of the Polynesian islands. The bustling city meets the sea on a long, walkable waterfront. Peruse the lively Marche de Papeete, where local venders sell food and handicrafts, and dine at enticing restaurants serving French and Polynesian cuisine. Popular local dishes include poisson cru (raw fish with coconut milk and lime). Papeete cruise visitors who have a purchase of Tahitian black pearls in mind may want to stop by the Robert Wan Pearl Museum to learn the history of the baubles. For quiet time, walk to one of the city’s gardens. Mother Nature is close at hand in the island’s interior, where jungles and waterfalls are accessible on hiking and Jeep excursions. Or head to a black-sand or white-sand beaches for lounging time or snorkeling among colorful tropical fish. Some beaches are popular with surfers, lessons available.

Moorea is not as well-known to travelers as Bora Bora, but the lush green scenery topped by spectacular volcanic peaks is no less stunning. Your ship will enter the blue waters of a bay that was once the crater of a volcano. Exploring the island, you’ll find waterfalls, fruit tree-filled valleys, and colorful houses in pastel tones – all of which are great photo opportunities for photographers. Moorea is known as a nature’s playground for good reason. Hikers will find a variety of options including climbing Mount Mouraputa for bay and valley views. Snorkelers and divers may explore the large coral reef that surrounds the island – where you may encounter black-tip sharks and larger lemon sharks, sea turtles, and octopus. Windstar also offers the unique opportunity to learn about dolphin and whale behaviors on a private boat tour with a marine biologist. In addition to spinner and rough-tooth dolphins you may spot pilot whales and, depending on the season, humpback whales, too, as they come here to mate and calf.

On the second largest of the Society Islands, spectacular blue sea meets lush green landscape. The sky, particularly at sunset, is just as spectacular – the name of the island means “bright sky.” Scenery is just one of the island’s calling cards. The island is historically important. As the first Polynesian island to be populated, Raiatea is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture and religion, a sacred place. Taputapuatea marae (temple) on the southeastern coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where kings gathered for important ceremonies. Experiences on the low-key island include exploring the calm Faaroa River in a kayak for two or on a motorized canoe. You will be enveloped in tropical forest and bamboo groves (it’s a spectacular experience!). Stop by a tropical garden to admire flowers such as Birds of Paradise and trees loaded with tropical fruit. Visit a pearl farm to learn the mysteries of black pearls, with opportunity to dive for your own treasure. Hike Mount Temehani to see the rare and fragrant tiare apetahi flower that only grows on the mountain. Or hang out in Uturoa, a town time seems to have forgotten, for a look at old Tahiti.

On the second largest of the Society Islands, spectacular blue sea meets lush green landscape. The sky, particularly at sunset, is just as spectacular – the name of the island means “bright sky.” Scenery is just one of the island’s calling cards. The island is historically important. As the first Polynesian island to be populated, Raiatea is considered the cradle of Polynesian culture and religion, a sacred place. Taputapuatea marae (temple) on the southeastern coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where kings gathered for important ceremonies. Experiences on the low-key island include exploring the calm Faaroa River in a kayak for two or on a motorized canoe. You will be enveloped in tropical forest and bamboo groves (it’s a spectacular experience!). Stop by a tropical garden to admire flowers such as Birds of Paradise and trees loaded with tropical fruit. Visit a pearl farm to learn the mysteries of black pearls, with opportunity to dive for your own treasure. Hike Mount Temehani to see the rare and fragrant tiare apetahi flower that only grows on the mountain. Or hang out in Uturoa, a town time seems to have forgotten, for a look at old Tahiti.

You may feel like you and the one you love are having a private “Gilligan’s Island” experience when you explore the deserted soft white sands of this private islet, dotted with swaying palms. Take a dip in the crystal-clear water, go snorkeling and enjoy kayaking and other watersports activities. Or sit back and just enjoy the scene. Your beach break includes tasty tropical drinks and a barbecue lunch. Optional excursions explore the quiet island of Tahaa, known as “Vanilla Island” thanks to its numerous, family owned vanilla plantations, some of which welcome visitors, Most Tahitian vanilla is grown on the island, and there is a lovely scent of the spice in the air. You’ll find here, too, the unique opportunity to experience drift snorkeling in a coral garden, the current carrying you through shallow waters to view the colorful coral and resident schools of small fish. Jet ski tours around a scenic lagoon add an adrenaline rush to your island experience.

Approaching this legendary island’s darkly mysterious volcanic peaks feels like one of those good-to-be-alive movements. There’s something almost sacred about the sight. Once on shore, the swaying palms, white-sand beaches and sea in various shades of turquoise are so seductive they’re nearly hypnotic. Romance is quite literally in the air. Get in the water to snorkel or dive with black-tipped sharks and petting stingrays, their skin velvety smooth. The diving here is excellent. If diving is new to you, try Discover SCUBA options in shallow water. Or, for something different, choose a Helmut dive, going down 10 feet while tethered (and without wetting your hair), no experience required. The sights under the sea also may also be viewed from glass-bottom boat tours. Explore the island and its mountains and lush valleys, stopping in the hills to see American World War II cannons still in their original locations. Or get a birds-eye view of the volcanic peaks on a thrilling helicopter flight. Fans of “South Pacific” will want stop by Bloody Mary’s Restaurant & Bar. You’ll have plenty of time to explore since your Windstar Bora Bora cruise experience includes an overnight in this island oasis, with the option of leaving the ship for a stay in a romantic over-the-water bungalow at one of the island’s leading resorts. 

Approaching this legendary island’s darkly mysterious volcanic peaks feels like one of those good-to-be-alive movements. There’s something almost sacred about the sight. Once on shore, the swaying palms, white-sand beaches and sea in various shades of turquoise are so seductive they’re nearly hypnotic. Romance is quite literally in the air. Get in the water to snorkel or dive with black-tipped sharks and petting stingrays, their skin velvety smooth. The diving here is excellent. If diving is new to you, try Discover SCUBA options in shallow water. Or, for something different, choose a Helmut dive, going down 10 feet while tethered (and without wetting your hair), no experience required. The sights under the sea also may also be viewed from glass-bottom boat tours. Explore the island and its mountains and lush valleys, stopping in the hills to see American World War II cannons still in their original locations. Or get a birds-eye view of the volcanic peaks on a thrilling helicopter flight. Fans of “South Pacific” will want stop by Bloody Mary’s Restaurant & Bar. You’ll have plenty of time to explore since your Windstar Bora Bora cruise experience includes an overnight in this island oasis, with the option of leaving the ship for a stay in a romantic over-the-water bungalow at one of the island’s leading resorts.

Huahine is home to lush forests, vanilla, melon and banana farms, white-sand beaches and quaint rural villages, where residents lead a traditional way of life. Visiting here, amidst the natural beauty, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret place. Explore the island on bike or e-bike (or take a 4x4 or ATV tour) – stopping to meet the island’s friendly locals. In the village of Maeva, stone structures include numerous marae (temples). The one-time royal village is one of the most important archaeological sites in Polynesia. A small museum displays archaeological finds. On the island’s Faie River, the must-do experience is seeing the huge resident eels, some as long as six feet and all with eerie bright blue eyes.