This 18-day cruise will have you following in the wake of early Polynesian navigators, this Tahiti travel expedition takes you to the farthest reaches of Oceania. From remote and enigmatic Easter Island to the historically significant Pitcairn Islands through the “low islands” of the Tuamotu Archipelago to Tahiti, you’ll visit islands that are virtually inaccessible and untouched. The voyage begins in one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia: Easter Island. Walk the length of untouched tropical beaches, meet the descendants of H.M.S.Bounty mutineers, and drift dive or snorkel through an atoll pass.
Highlights
Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Trace the legend of the ill-fated H.M.S. Bounty from Tahiti to Pitcairn Island
Explore the geology and wildlife of Henderson Island
Delve into the intriguing culture of Easter Island
Early the next morning, fly to Easter Island where you will check into the Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa (or similar) for two nights. Explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars.
Set sail from Easter Island on your journey west, listening to talks by the experts as you sail for two days. Begin your exploration in Ducie Atoll, where you will spend time watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. Discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology.
Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bountymade their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957.
Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists, or relaxing on deck with a good book. Then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home there, or go on a hike with the naturalists.
Begin your exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” in Pukarua, where you’ll be greeted by traditional dancers. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea and then in true expedition mode, explore one of the uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea. Continue to Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world famous drift dive.
Day 19: Papeete | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Arrive in Papeete, French Polynesia and take a tour of Tahiti before
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.
$19,670
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Inclusions:
Aboard ship
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages*
Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
Cappuccinos, lattes & filtered water
24-hour coffee, tea & soda on demand
Hors d’oeuvres & snacks during Recap
Fitness center or exercise equipment, depending on the ship
Fully stocked library, and other gracious public spaces
The guidance and company of our expedition staff
The services of a physician on certain ships/destinations
Ashore
Hotels ashore as indicated in the itinerary
Meals on land, as indicated in the itinerary
Sightseeing & entrance fees
Special access permits, park fees, port taxes
Transfers to and from group flights
The expertise of our expedition staff
Activities
All excursions
Zodiac & kayak explorations
Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
Presentations and guest speakers in the lounge
Exclusions:
Airfare
International and internal airfare
Pre- and post-expedition
Additional hotel nights
Private transfers
Travel Protection Plan
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Expedition extensions
Gratuities
Aboard ship
Spa treatments
Scuba diving
Laundry
Internet and phone
Gift shop items and any other items of personal nature
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
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!
