Sailing the South Pacific: A Windstar Cruise to Tahiti
If you’ve ever dreamed of paradise—crystal-clear lagoons, overwater bungalows, and emerald peaks—Tahiti and the surrounding islands of French Polynesia probably top your list. But there’s a way to experience these idyllic isles that’s even more magical than staying at a resort: sailing aboard a Windstar cruise.
I recently had the opportunity to take a Windstar cruise through Tahiti and the Society Islands, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most breathtaking and relaxing ways to explore this corner of the world. With only about 150–300 guests on board (depending on the ship), the Windstar experience feels intimate, luxurious, and refreshingly personal.
Why Windstar?
Windstar is known for its small-ship cruises, which is exactly what sets it apart from the massive floating cities of the mainstream cruise lines. The ship we sailed on, the Wind Spirit, is a sleek, masted sailing yacht that seems to belong in a James Bond movie. The vessel glides silently between the islands, often under full sail, creating a romantic and immersive way to travel.
What I loved most was the balance: a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere combined with top-tier service and thoughtful luxury. Think fresh croissants in the morning, a glass of Champagne at sunset, and anchoring off hidden coves that the big ships simply can’t reach.
The Itinerary
Our 7-night voyage began and ended in Papeete, Tahiti’s bustling capital. From there, we explored a dreamy lineup of islands:
• Moorea: Just a short sail from Tahiti, Moorea’s jagged volcanic peaks and lush valleys made it feel like a scene out of Jurassic Park. We snorkeled with blacktip reef sharks and rays in the lagoon and wandered the beach markets in the afternoon.
• Raiatea and Taha’a: Often less visited than Bora Bora or Moorea, these sister islands offer a slower pace. Taha’a is known as the “Vanilla Island,” and a visit to a vanilla plantation gave us a real taste of local culture. Raiatea, the spiritual heart of Polynesia, was equally enchanting.
• Bora Bora: No trip to French Polynesia is complete without a stop here. Windstar anchors just off the iconic island, giving you stunning views of Mount Otemanu every time you step on deck. We kayaked, snorkeled, and even splurged on a beach barbecue excursion—absolutely worth it.
• Huahine: The final stop, and a hidden gem. This island felt the most untouched, with fewer tourists and a wild, lush interior. We visited archaeological sites and cruised the river by outrigger canoe.
Life On Board
The onboard experience is all about ease and indulgence. The crew learned our names within a day, and the open bridge policy meant you could visit the captain at any time (a cool bonus for sailing geeks like me). Dining was a highlight—whether it was fresh seafood under the stars or a Tahitian-themed night with local dancers and music.
There are no waterslides or casinos here, just the gentle rocking of the ocean, open-air decks, and moments of pure calm. I often found myself just sitting on the deck, watching the sails billow as we glided past island silhouettes in the distance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a truly immersive, luxurious-yet-laid-back way to explore French Polynesia, Windstar’s Tahiti cruise is hard to beat. It combines the romance of sailing with the comfort of a boutique hotel, and it takes you to the heart of the South Pacific—far beyond the postcard version of paradise.
Whether it’s your honeymoon, a milestone trip, or just the long-awaited vacation of your dreams, Tahiti by tall ship is an experience you’ll never forget.
