Star Clippers 'Star Flyer' Shore Excursions Offer the Best of Tahiti by Land & Sea

**Ally** · 10-25-2007, 04:14 AM

MIAMI, Oct. 24 -- Tahiti and the French Polynesian islands that Star Flyer will call home beginning in December 2007 are world-renowned for their breathtaking beauty and magical ambiance. To enhance the year-round sailing program, Star Clippers has put together an extensive selection of shore excursions that best showcase the region and enable guests to immerse themselves in Polynesian history, culture and charm. Guests can walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook who, in 1769, named the islands after the Royal Society, England's preeminent scientific academy, or absorb the colorful landscape that Paul Gauguin captured on canvas. Whether seeking an adventure or a more relaxed experience, a memorable journey awaits.

"In French Polynesia, it's all about showcasing the beauty of the islands -- both on land and in the water," said Jack Chatham, vice president of sales and marketing for Star Clippers. "Our guests come from all over the world with a variety of interests, and we've worked attentively to compile a well-rounded selection of tours that highlight the best of each port of call."

Following is a brief description of the types of tours offered in each of Star Flyer's eight ports of call:

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Papeete, Tahiti: Star Flyer arrives in Papeete, Tahiti, the evening before disembarkation, giving guests ample time to explore the tranquil paradise. In addition to exploring the greenery, guests will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin on a tour throughout the island. The shore excursion includes a stop at the Paul Gauguin Museum, which houses original works, documents, letters and personal belongings of the artist who lived in Polynesia from 1891 to 1893 and again from 1895 until his death in May 1903.
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Moorea, Society Islands: With calls at both Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, guests will have a variety of options for uncovering this tropical haven. A helicopter flightseeing tour, off-road safari or botanical walk keep passengers high and dry, and the lagoon cruise with picnic lunch gives guests the thrill of discovering the island from the lagoon just as the first Western explorers did in the 18th century. For those who don't dive or snorkel, a semi-submersible watercraft features a 180-degree viewing chamber that permits one to gaze at Polynesia's underwater kingdom without getting wet.
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Bora Bora, Society Islands: Guests will have the chance to see the island by sea or air on a variety of shore excursions, from a flightseeing tour by helicopter and parasailing to the adventurous shark and ray feeding experience and the lagoonarium, where passengers will have the opportunity to swim in three separate enclosed pools and enjoy close encounters with a variety of marine animals including sharks, rays, turtles and parrot fish.
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Raiatea, Society Islands: The island is filled with pearl farms and vanilla and pineapple plantations, and because of it's surrounding lagoon and ocean, Raiatea offers ideal sailing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. The shore excursions that best highlight the island's natural beauty include kayaking on the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river, as well as a jungle hike to the three Hamoa waterfalls. The four-wheel Jeep safari takes guests to the heart of the island through tropical vegetation such as bamboo forests, and groves of chestnut, mango and guava trees.
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Taha'a, Society Islands: Taha'a's lagoon connects to the ocean through two wide reef passages where blue dolphins play. With inside cruising, guests are privy to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Often called the "Vanilla Island," Taha'a produces about 80 percent of all French Polynesian vanilla, and the rich aroma lingers in the island's air. Passengers can take a tour of Taha'a and learn more about island life, as well as visit a vanilla plantation.
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Huahine, Society Islands: Guests will have an opportunity to explore the historic villages and beauty of Huahine in a variety of ways, including an expedition in open-air Jeeps, biking adventure and sailing tour. A picnic in a covered outrigger canoe to the islet Motu Tefarearii for snorkeling and swimming highlights the excursion selections.
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Tiputa, Rangiroa, Tuamotu Atolls: Star Flyer calls at Tiputa on the island of Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Southern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. Rangiroa's lagoon is world renowned for scuba diving in the clear warm water, and the ship will spend a day and a half alternating between visiting the port and scenic cruising in the lagoon. In addition to taking to the water, guests will be able to visit a black pearl farm and learn how the prized gem is produced.
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Fakarava, Tuamotu Atolls: In Fakarava's fantastic purple water, visibility of 150 feet is the norm, and the immense lagoon has several black pearl farms and idyllic white sand beaches. Divers can explore rarely visited areas teeming with lagoon and ocean fish such as loach, grouper, barracudas, rays and the impressive hammerhead and tiger sharks.

Star Flyer sails a seven-night, round-trip Papeete itinerary with almost all overnight calls. Along the way, the ship visits Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a (overnight), Bora Bora (overnight), and Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay (overnight), Moorea, with an overnight in Papeete before disembarkation. The 10-night round-trip Papeete cruise takes Star Flyer to the Society Islands and Tuamotu Atolls, with special cruising in the Rangiroa Lagoon. The ship calls at Fakarava, Rangiroa (overnight with lagoon anchorage), Bora Bora (overnight), Raiatea, Taha'a (overnight), Huahine and Moorea. The 11-night voyage adds an overnight call at Huahine.

Star Clippers combines the luxury of mega-yacht cruising with the thrill of sailing aboard an authentic clipper ship. Guests rediscover what sailing was like during the golden age of tall ships while visiting intimate ports of call untouched by larger cruise ships. The four- and five-masted clipper ships feature a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Passengers dress in resort-casual attire and dine in one unhurried, open seating. Whether unwinding in the bowsprit net while gazing at the sea below or climbing the mast for a panoramic view of the horizon, a unique sailing adventure awaits. To request a brochure, call toll-free (800) 442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at (800) 442-0551 or visit Welcome to Star Clippers.