Sailing the Pearls of the Pacific: A Journey Through the Society Islands
Some trips are beautiful. Others are unforgettable. This one? It was both.
Twelve days sailing through French Polynesia aboard Bundalong, weaving between the islands of the Society archipelago — Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora — each with its own flavor, charm, and rhythm. From ancient marae to manta rays, sacred rivers to coral gardens, this trip gave us a taste of paradise, Polynesian-style.
Day 1: Arriving in Huahine
The journey began in Huahine, an island that instantly feels more like a local’s secret than a tourist hotspot. It’s lush, quiet, untouched in the best way. The kind of place where time seems to slow and people still wave as you pass.
Our guests flew into the small local airport, and within moments were onboard Bundalong, we settled in with a short sail down to Bourayne Bay— a peaceful anchorage that set the tone for the trip. That first afternoon was all about unwinding: snorkeling in turquoise water, exploring the shallows, and simply doing nothing, beautifully.
Day 2: Exploring Huahine
We went inland today, hopping into a 4×4 to explore Huahine’s hidden treasures. First stop: the marae — sacred archaeological sites that reminded us just how deep the roots of this place run.
We fed blue-eyed eels (yes, they’re real and a little mystical), walked through a vanilla plantation, and learned about the ingenious stone fish traps used for centuries in the village of Maeva.
Lunch at the Huahine Yacht Club felt like a reward: grilled fish, cold drinks, and a view that didn’t need a filter. In the afternoon, a short hike at Hana Iti Beach gave us panoramic views — lush, untouched, and impossibly green.
Day 3: Sailing to Raiatea
The morning was all about Huahine lagoon. Exploring by tender, we visited the more remote parts inaccessible by Bundalong and learnt about the mythological creation of the island; we even saw the god, Hiro’s fish hook and paddle – now great pillars of rock, where he supposedly threw them, as his canoe carved the island in half.
At midday we lifted anchor and set a course for Raiatea, a steady three-and-a-half-hour run that brought us through the striking pass at Motu Iruru. The island’s steep mountains rose in the late-afternoon light, revealing landscapes unlike any we’d seen so far — a fitting arrival to an island known not only for its beauty, but for its deep cultural significance in Polynesia.
Day 4: Raiatea
Our day started with a visit to Taputapuatea Marae, perhaps the most spiritual moment of the trip. The site is centuries old and still very much alive with cultural energy. You stand there on sacred ground, where ancient Polynesians once gathered, and you feel it in your bones.
Afterwards, we drove along the coast, ending with lunch at Opoa Restaurant — open-air, delicious, and perfectly relaxed.
The afternoon took us deeper into Raiatea’s interior via the Fa’aroa River. Kayaking through the winding waterway with our guide Remy from Raiatea Paddlesports was like stepping into a nature documentary — jungle vines, bird calls, and a sense of total peace.
Day 5: Taha’a and her Pearls
Early start for the divers in the group, who were whisked off to explore the Nordby Wreck, while the rest of us sailed Bunda over to neighbouring Taha’a.
Taha’a might be the most peaceful of all the Society Islands— shaped like a flower and scented like one too. Palm trees leaned lazily over white sand beaches, and the water seemed to come in a hundred shades of blue.
In the afternoon, we visited the Champon Pearl Farm — learning how Tahitian pearls are formed, harvested, and (let’s be honest) shopped for. It was fascinating, and the temptation to take a few pearls home was too strong to resist.
Day 6: Vahine Island
Today was all about indulgence. We sailed around Taha’a’s east coast to Vahine Island, a private island resort that feels like something out of a honeymoon brochure.
Lunch onshore was slow and delicious, and the afternoon faded into a dreamy blur of snorkeling, lounging, and floating in the kind of water that redefines “clear.”
Day 7: Outriggers and Whales
This morning we were greeted by the incredible sight of humpback whales in the lagoon – a mother and very small calf – just behind Bundalong, swimming through the blue shallows – what a start to the day – it was hard to drag ourselves away, however, we had lots of activities ahead of us!
We met up again with Remy, our kayak guide — this time, for something new: Holopuni canoe sailing. These traditional Polynesian outriggers glide effortlessly across the lagoon, and with two captains guiding us, we got a taste of ancient seafaring life. We explored the lagoon around Motu Mahea (locally known as Motu Ceran), then returned to Bundalong for a BBQ lunch onboard. Energised for the afternoon – we spent the rest of the day ashore, on our own private oasis, playing beach games and floating on water toys, with tame sting rays gliding around us. The mother and calf humpbacks returned to our lagoon, putting on a grand display of breaching – what a sight to behold – the perfect end to a day!
Day 8: Coral Gardens and Island Spirits
We upped anchor early and headed north west to Motu Tautau and its famous coral gardens. An exhilarating drift snorkel between motus with the incoming tide produced a kaleidoscope of coral and fish that blurred as we shot by.
Later, in a more relaxed manner, we visited a local rum distillery in Tapu’amu — tastings included, of course — before finishing the day with sunset drinks and tapas at Fare Miti, where the cocktails rivalled the view.
Day 9: Bora Bora
We had an early morning departure from Taha’a to our final destination, Bora Bora. A downwind 4-hour sail, which was more than a little bumpy, and we were all glad to turn into its calm lagoon! Sundowners were well-earned that night.
Day 10: More Whales!
Today we went in search of humpback whales, speeding out beyond the reef on a fast RIB with Tohora Bora Bora, a wonderful organisation, determined to be the best ambassadors for both their islands and the amazing creatures inhabiting it. We very incredibly lucky and were able to witness a male humpback. We carefully slid into the water and quietly snorkelled over him as he hung, suspended in the blue and singing. What a once in a lifetime experience!
Back inside the lagoon, we took the tender down to the south side of Bora Bora to Ari Grill, a motu restaurant with a beach straight from a postcard. The afternoon was spent playing beach games and relaxing before indulging in a locally caught lobster dinner.
Day 11: Rays, Reefs, and Retail Therapy
Another early start — this time in search of manta rays on the eastern side of the lagoon. It was worth it. We drifted over the cleaning station and watched these giants glide just beneath us.
The rest of the day was ours to spend snorkeling around the lagoon or exploring Vaitape’s little shops — picking up jewelry, art, and maybe another pareo or two. Bora Bora’s beauty is obvious, but it’s the mix of nature and culture that keeps you wanting more.
Day 12: Farewell, Bunda!
The final day aboard Bundalong for our guests was exactly what it should’ve been: chill, sun-soaked, and bittersweet.
Once again, Mauruuru roa, Polynesia
French Polynesia, we’ll be back. Until then…
Manuia! Cheers to the adventure.