Le Soleal, Easter Island & Polynesia Cruise ex Easter Island to Papeete

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14 Night Cruise sailing from Easter Island to Papeete aboard Le Soleal.

14 Night Cruise sailing from Easter Island to Papeete aboard Le Soleal.

PONANT invites you to enjoy an unforgettable experience discovering atypical destinations in the heart of the Pacific. From Hanga Roa to Papeete, you will sail aboard Le Soléal for an exceptional 13-day cruise.

Some 3,700 km away from the South American continent, your cruise will start at the intriguing Easter Island. You will discover its famous wooden tablets called ‘Rongorongo’ and the Moai, or ‘walking statues’, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Clear waters, abundant flora and endemic fauna… you will sail to the Pitcairn Islands, an unspoiled subtropical environment whose capital, Adamstown, resembles a charming small village.

Far from the major maritime routes, the Gambier Islands are one of Polynesia’s most unspoiled destinations. Encircled by a large ring of coral, its multicoloured lagoons are each more beautiful than the next and will offer a breathtaking show.

The Le Soléal will make a stop in the small village of Rikitea, where Saint Michael’s Cathedral stands proudly, built entirely of coral and wood.

Before disembarking in Papeete, feast your eyes on the incomparable beauty of Cook’s Bay, the pineapple fields clinging to its hillsides, and its lush peaks that dominate the island of Moorea.

Highlights of this cruise:

Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The main town of legendary Easter Island, Hanga Roa is also its only urban area. Bathed by the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque Chilean town is an excellent base for exploring the islandﾒs spectacular treasures, particularly the moai, the famous enigmatic monumental statues. The Polynesian Hanga Roa culture and its traditional houses are a sheer delight. As evening approaches, wend your way to the charming fishing port where, weather permitting, you can admire the captivating light of the setting sun.

Sailing along Ducie Island
This lost atoll in the heart of the Pacific Ocean merits special attention. It was discovered by the British Captain Edward Edwards in 1791. He named it after Baron Francis Ducie, a captain in the British navy. Located around 500 kilometres from Pitcairn Island, it is one of the most remote islands in the world. Very few ships have approached it, and it has apparently never been permanently inhabited. Sailing away from this coral atoll, you will be able to admire from afar the volcanic island of Pitcairn, whose summit culminates at 330 metres and which has around fifty inhabitants.

Adamstown, Pitcairn Island
If you’ve got a taste for adventure and you love discovering wild, remote lands, you’ll definitely be won over by the Pitcairn islands. This tiny British territory is mainly composed of atolls right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Rimmed by steep cliffs several hundreds of metres high, the volcanic Pitcairn Island is to be explored on foot. In Adamstown, the only village on this 5-square-kilometre land, you’ll meet the 50 sole inhabitants of the entire archipelago. The call to Pitcairn is suject to weather and sea conditions.

Sailing around Temoe Atoll
Sailing around the Temoe Atoll is breathtaking. Trapezoidal in shape, it is the most easterly atoll in French Polynesia. In administrative terms, it belongs to the Gambier Islands and has been uninhabited since 1838, when missionaries moved all the inhabitants to Mangareva. There are several ancient Polynesian remains and archaeologists are attempting to preserve the integrity of the former heritage of the atoll by faithfully rebuilding certain coral monuments. In the waters around the atoll, it is common to see shoals of tuna or sea bream following the coastlines: a unique and marvellous spectacle.

Rikitea, Gambier Islands
Discover the tall island of Mangareva, an unusual place nestling between sky and Ocean, surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and boasting an abundance of vegetation. Located in the Gambier archipelago, it is the cradle of Catholicism in this part of the world and boasts an exceptional cultural heritage, as demonstrated by the vestiges of 19th century religious buildings here. Nestling in the heart of this historic site with idyllic landscapes, do not miss the small village of Rikitea, where one of Polynesia’s wonders, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, stands proudly, entirely built from coral and timber. Renowned for the quality of its immaculate black pearls, this small corner of paradise will gladly reveal its most beautiful treasures to you.

Cook Bay, Moorea Island
Lush, emerald vegetation contrasting with the limpid turquoise of the Ocean, charming wooden bungalows scattered along pristine beaches...The beauty of Moorea is sumptuous, unchanged since James Cook discovered the island in 1769. Edged with coral, this small island is renowned for its natural gardens of tropical flowers as well as for its pineapple plantations. Wander along the two bays that slice through the coral island, or head off to explore the Belvedere, which will offer you a breathtaking view over the majestic volcanic peaks of the island, such as Mount Rotui. Unless you would rather encounter the many Dolphins and Rays that swim gracefully in the lagoon. Total relaxation in the middle of a paradise lost, fragranced with Monoi.

Papeete, Tahiti Island
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.