Sail from the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

A sanctuary is a nature reserve and an oasis, often hidden and hard to reach: the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands are all sanctuaries, rich in both wildlife and culture. Sailing on a small luxury vessel you will explore the dramatic volcanic islands, fjordlike bays and tiny coral atolls that make these islands a naturalist's paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins found here.

Emerald mountains, white sand beaches and sheltered turquoise lagoons define perfection on Bora Bora in the Society Islands. You will tour the island's colourful villages, visit the archaeological sites and Second World War relics, and swim with gentle sting rays. The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa offers some of the best swimming, snorkelling and diving in the South Pacific. You should take some time out to stroll through one of the local villages and soak up the slow, tropical pace of life.

As you approach Ua Huka in the Marquesas, look out for the thousands of seabirds that inhabit the surrounding islets and breathe in the smell of fresh herbs and wild cotton that blanket the island's southern coast. As you bounce along dirt roads on a 4-wheel drive tour of the lush interior, the ancient petroglyphs and red rock tikis, or carved talisman, will reveal life on the island dating back as far as 300 AD.

Hiva Oa, the largest and most fertile island in the southern Marquesas, is chiselled with deep valleys, fertile plateaux and lush forests. In Paumau, you visit the Oipona me'ae temple, home of Takaii and three metre tall stone tiki, the largest in French Polynesia. Hiva Oa was where the artist Gauguin spent the last years of his life and you will have a chance to visit his grave.

Fita Huva is wildly beautiful: jungle greenery plunges straight down into splashing surf and rock curtains enclose Hanavave Bay. You will watch the locals as they perform traditional dances, demonstrate handicrafts and explain their tattoos, once a mode of expressing social status and protecting against evil spirits.

The protected atoll of Fakarava and its six neighbouring islands make up a UNESCO classified nature reserve. Home to the rare hunting Kingfisher and Tuamotu palm, Fakarava is also the haunt of countless dolphins, rays and sea cicadas. Snorkellers will enjoy the Tumakohua Pass and there will be local village cultural and handicraft demonstrations.

Your voyage starts and ends in Papeete, Tahiti.