Join a 15-day journey that reverses part of the odyssey of the mutineers of the Bounty. Board the Silver Explorer in the magnetic Easter Island, stop at the Pitcairn Islands before exploring the Gambier and Austral Islands, Bora Bora and Tahiti. Enjoy the opportunity to see rare endemics birds and as well as large seabird colonies. Relish a chance to see what is hidden to most!
Highlights
Meet the descendants of the famed HMS Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island
Swim and snorkel at remote reefs and islands rarely visited
Explore Bora Bora on land, in the water and optionally from the air
Visit Mangareva’s magnificently restored St. Michael’s Cathedral
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting Silversea Expedition — “In the Wake of the Bounty”. Once you have settled in and before Silver Explorer leaves Hanga Roa, attend a mandatory safety drill. During a special sail away party watch as the island’s moai slowly disappear from your view. This evening enjoy the delights of The Restaurant with the last views of Easter Island as it disappears on the horizon.
These two days offer you relaxation after the long voyage to Easter Island. Gather in The Theatre for staff introductions and briefings on Zodiac safety. The members of the Expedition Team, all knowledgeable experts in their various scientific fields, present lectures about the rarely visited islands and archipelagoes to visit. Topics include botany, anthropology and ornithology, and prepare you for the adventures to come. As your voyage follows to a certain degree the route of HMS Bounty, your Historian describes how your itinerary is connected to the famous breadfruit-expedition of William Bligh and Fletcher Christian.
Other onboard diversions may include photographic workshops, Spa treatments, and a workout in the Fitness Centre.
Ducie, a small isolated atoll, is the easternmost of the Pitcairn Islands. A mere speck in the surrounding expanse of ocean, uninhabited except for thousands of nesting seabirds that reside among the two plant species (beach heliotrope and at least one specimen of Pemphis) that grow over seventy percent of the island. Bird species you should be able see include Murphy’s petrels, common white terns, great frigatebirds and masked boobies. Few have ever snorkelled on top of the remains of the Acadia, wrecked in 1881, or in the atoll’s lagoon waters. If conditions permit, this surely is a highlight of the voyage.
Today intend to go ashore on the northern shore of this uninhabited raised coral island. Although inhabited by Polynesians a few hundred years ago, Henderson’s isolation has led to its primary attraction: four endemic land birds. The onboard Ornithologist would like to lead a guided nature walk, hoping to spot the flightless Henderson rail, Stephen’s (or Henderson) lorikeet, the Henderson fruit-dove, and the Henderson reed warbler. The island is also known to have ten endemic species of plant life. To protect the rare, natural state of Henderson Island, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1988. If conditions permit, enjoy some snorkelling from your anchored Zodiacs.
Halfway between Peru and New Zealand, Pitcairn was the perfect hiding spot for the famed HMSBounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Not only had the island been misplaced on early maps of the region, but it can also be very difficult to come ashore as large breakers tend to build up just in front of the small harbour of Bounty Bay. Depending on the sea conditions, you can either go ashore by Zodiac, or have the privilege to use one of Pitcairn’s longboats.
Your goal is to visit with the islanders, descendants of the Bounty crew, and get a sense of their daily lives, far removed from the rest of the world. Listen to their distinct dialect, a combination of 18th-century English and Tahitian, and explore the island, either on your own or accompanied by one of your experts. Plan to visit the museum, the cemetery, the school and hike towards Fletcher Christian’s cave. Birders should be on the lookout for the endemic Pitcairn Reed Warbler, while stamp collectors may certainly want to purchase a few of the coveted Pitcairn Island stamps to keep as reminders of their visit to this remote island. Pitcairn Island cook books, hand-carved replicas of the Bounty, walking canes, and other souvenirs are set up at Adamstown’s meeting ground next to the church and post office.
Located 120 kilometres northwest of Pitcairn, Oeno is a beautiful low-lying island rarely visited. Oeno used to be the island Pitcairn Islanders went to on their ‘holidays’. The little island is surrounded by white sandy beaches inside a lagoon. A sand bar, which is constantly undergoing change, is currently unattached to the island. The island is home to a number of seabirds -such as Murphy’s petrels, sooty terns and brown noddies.
Access to the island is quite limited, as the currents close to the channel leading to the island can be quite strong and one has to carefully navigate around the many coral heads.
Day 8: Mangareva, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia
Mangareva is the main island of the Gambier Islands and together with Taravai, Akamaru, Aukena and several smaller islands is the visible part of an old volcano.
Before the large lagoon had been used for black pearl farming, local divers brought up black-lip pearl oysters for their mother-of-pearl and used them for trade. Mangareva is known as the cradle of Catholicism in French Polynesia and in the mid-19th century St. Michael’s Cathedral was built using large amounts of mother-of-pearl shells to decorate the altar. The building has recently been renovated and you can visit the church to see the workmanship of the locals. The church is still involved in teaching students how to engrave mother-of-pearl shells and you can visit their workshop.
If possible, visit a pearl farm and can swim and snorkel in the lagoon.
As the Silver Explorer travels towards the Austral Islands, learn about the residents of these remote islands –not only humans, but also plants and animals.
When not attending a lecture or relaxing on the Sun Deck, get help from the onboard Photographer during a workshop or contemplate the wide expanse of the South Pacific while Silver Explorer sails in a westerly direction to reach Raivavae.
Day 11: Raivavae, Austral Islands, French Polynesia
Your first stop in the Austral Islands has been described as a small and laid-back version of Bora Bora –without the tourists. Land on Raivavae’s north shore to semi-circumnavigate the island by local bus. A stop is made at a marae where one of the few tiki carved on Raivavae can still be seen in a private garden. Once past the airport –which had to be built in the lagoon because there was not enough flat space on land- meet your Zodiacs again on the southeast side to be transferred across the lagoon to Motu Vaiamanu. This is the typical South Sea paradise one expects: crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, pandanus and coconut palm trees, with reef fish for snorkelers to enjoy and tropicbirds, reef herons, noddies and the occasional shorebird for our birders. If you just want to relax on the beach listen to the local musicians and taste some of the local delicacies prepared for you.
Tubuai is the administrative centre for the Austral Islands, but is probably best-known for the role it played in the selection of a home for the Bounty mutineers before they finally landed on Pitcairn. See where the mutineers’ settlement Fort George was meant to be built –only impressions of the moat are still visible- and observe two of the important marae (ancient ceremonial sites).
If you want some exercise, a guided walk of some 7km around the island and even a strenuous hike to the top of the island (some 422 metres above sea level) could be done if it has not rained.
Join your experts in The Theatre for the final fascinating lectures about French Polynesia and attend a briefing on the variety of activities that are offered while in Bora Bora and other important information needed to make the most of your time ashore.
Later, join your Videographer to view the video presentation of oyur journey so far. Tonight the Captain would like to invite you to his Farewell Cocktail Reception and the Restaurant Manager and Executive Chef have prepared a special Farewell Dinner.
No superlatives can adequately describe the spectacular beauty of Bora Bora’s emerald-green hills and tranquil sapphire-blue lagoons. Cruise the narrow channel into the lagoon at dawn. Be out on deck to watch the sun rise behind Mount Pahia and Otemanu and look for dolphins playing at the entrance to the lagoon.
Select from a variety of excursions and activities today. Enjoy a leisurely, open-air ‘le truck’ tour of Bora Bora’s highlights: ancient marae stone temples, the Faanui Protestant Church, scenic lookout points with spectacular vistas of the lagoon and distant islands, old WWII remnants and popular Matira Beach. Sample local fruits and watch a pareo (sarong) demonstration before returning to the ship.
Alternatively, climb into a specially designed, open-air, off-road vehicle, to circle the island and visit some of its most dramatic sites that are only accessible by four-wheel drive. Veer inland following a trail that leads up the mountain to an amazing 360-degree panorama. From this height, you can view Bora Bora’s breathtaking multi-coloured lagoon. See canons remaining from the American’s presence during WWII.
If you would like to see Bora Bora’s underwater world, a snorkel safari permits you to swim with rays and with reef sharks.
Optional flight excursion:
Perhaps the most spectacular way to see Bora Bora is from the air on a helicopter flyover. This optional flight aboard a 5-seat “Squirrel” helicopter circles the island for spectacular views of the lagoon fringed with white sandy beaches and a network of smaller islets.
Day 15: Papeete, French Polynesia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer in Papeete, French Polynesia.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$20,160
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Adventurer Class
6 cabins on Deck 3, 180 sq. feet, Twin or Queen beds, 2 portholes.
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Explorer Class
4 cabins on Deck 4, Twin or Queen beds, 180 sq. feet with view window.
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View Suite
12 suites on Deck 3, 230 sq. feet with view window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Vista Suite
16 suites on Deck 4, 194 - 230 sq. feet with large window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Veranda Suite
8 suites on Deck 5, 215 sq. feet with French balcony, Twin or Queen beds.
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Medallion Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 358 sq. feet with private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Silver Suite
6 suites on Deck 5, 430 sq. feet with 2 French balconies, Twin or Queen beds.
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Grand Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 650 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Owner
2 suites on Deck 7, 540 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
Notes
Please note: Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are in US dollars, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy.
- The supplement for single occupancy in a Vista, Veranda or Midship Veranda Suite ranges from 25% – 100% above the double occupancy fare, depending upon the sailing and suite selected. Single supplement for a Silver or Medallion Suite (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper), Owner’s, Grand or Royal Suites are 100% above of the double occupancy fare. Suites for single and third guests are capacity controlled.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
