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Lagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Passage Through Polynesia: Papeete - Cook Islands - Nuku’alofa

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Coral Geographer
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Enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Society Islands, the southern Cook Islands and the little-visited gems of tiny Niue and vibrant Tonga. The emerald mountains of Huahine and Raiatea welcome you and you will discover the sacred cultural home of Polynesia at the 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed remains of Marae Taputapuatea. The Cook Islands, known for beautiful beaches and lagoons, is full of remarkable experiences. Known as the island of birds, Atiu Island is the perfect place to spot species such as the Rarotonga monarch, Cook Islands fruit dove, Atiu swiftlets and the chattering kingfisher. Taste a local brew made from fermented oranges, see Capt. James Cook’s 1777 landing site and enjoy the island’s untouched beaches. 
Women wearing traditional dress of the South Pacific.Idyllic South PacificMoorea, French PolynesiaWoman snorkeling in clear water in Bora BoraLagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Highlights
  • Explore the lush jungles of Huahine to find sacred marae with cultural experts
  • Admire Bora Bora’s striking mountainous landscape
  • Visit the ‘sacred heart of Polynesia’, UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea
  • Swim & snorkel amongst a myriad of tropical fish at Aitutaki’s lagoon
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete | Embark

Enjoy a welcome function and one-night accommodation in Papeete, before boarding Coral Geographer at 8:00 am for a 9:00 am departure. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sunsets.

Day 2-14: Society Islands: Huahine, Taha’a, Raiatea & Bora Bora

  • Ship
  • 13 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners
These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise the guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.

Society Islands: Huahine, Taha’a, Raiatea & Bora Bora

Huahine, one of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, offers the slower pace of old Polynesia. Only eight villages are scattered across the island, but Huahine was once the home of Tahitian royalty and has the highest density of ancient temples, marae, hidden in the lush forests. Surrounded by a deep and clear lagoon, Huahine also boasts stunning white-sand beaches.  Here we will explore the lush shoreline of the lagoon by snorkelling or kayaking, visit the archeological site at Maeva Village with local guides, or take a nature walk into the forest to encounter sacred blue-eyed eels.

The second largest of the Society Islands, Raiatea means ‘bright sky’ in Tahitian. Regarded as the centre of ancient Polynesia, it is likely that the organised migrations to Hawai’i and New Zealand started here. Raiatea is home to rare flora and fauna species such as the Tiare ‘apetahi’ flower, which is found nowhere else in the world.  Here we will have the privilege of visiting the sacred site of Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the world of the living intersected with the world of the gods. Considered the religious and central temple of Eastern Polynesia.  The Marae was established over a thousand years ago as a place of learning where knowledge of navigation and the origins of the universe were shared. Human sacrifices were also performed here, and the chiefs of Ra’iatea were invested here. We will explore the site and learn about the ancient knowledge and religious practices of the Tahitian people, and how they voyaged from Raiatea to the far corners of the Polynesian islands. This afternoon cross to neighbouring Taha’a to visit a fragrant vanilla plantation and soak up the tranquil traditional lifestyle.

Bora Bora, in the Leeward Group, is a bucket list destination for many travellers. The iconic landscape of white beaches and sparkling turquoise lagoon, backed by the distinctive peak of Mt Otemanu is as beautiful as you imagined. Here you will have free time to enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable place, or enjoy walking or hiking expeditions, a tour of the WWII historical sites and enjoy swimming and snorkelling amongst the tropical fish and reef sharks in the lagoon.
Cook Islands: Atiu, Aitutaki, & Palmerston Island

Atiu is known as the ‘land of the birds’. The island, which lies in the southern Cook Islands, is home to around 400 proud warrior people. A true expedition location, Atiu boasts untouched beaches, remarkable limestone caves, and a genuine insight into island living.  Here we will disembark to a traditional welcome with the blowing of the Triton’s trumpet shell and warrior’s challenge. Enjoy birdwatching tours to spot the rare kakekori, Cook Islands fruit dove and Atiu swiftlet, which we find in the Anatakitaki Caves, where they nest and use echolocation clicks to navigate the darkness.

Aitutaki, known for a bright blue lagoon and beaches lined with palm trees, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands.  Here, we will enter the lagoon by zodiac, and step over sacred stones to be greeted by a warm Polynesian welcome. Here, we will experience the traditional food and culture of the village – Cook Islanders are known for their gift of communal singing and dancing. We may also visit the oldest church in the Cook Islands at Arutanga. Later, you may relax or join a snorkel in the aquarium-like lagoon, teeming with tropical fish.

Palmerston Island, uninhabited when Cook discovered it in 1774, was settled by William Marsters in 1863, who arrived with Polynesian wives. The inhabitants of Palmerston Island are his descendants, and this is the only island in the Cook Islands where English is the native language. This fascinating history comes alive as we go ashore and meet the local people. Be welcomed by the leaders of the community before touring the village. Enjoy the taste of fresh coconut, and if time permits a swim and snorkel in the lagoon.

Niue: Arrive Pape’ete
Niue or ‘the Rock’, is one of the world’s largest ‘coral islands’.  The centre of the island, a plateau rising 200 feet above sea level, is surrounded by cliffs and terraces with slopes down to the sea. Many limestone caves pepper the coastline. Here we will visit Alofi Village, the capital. The stamps here are the most sought after in the world, and you may purchase one at the Philatelic Bureau, before exploring the limestone caves and finding a remarkable swimming location at Matapa Chasm.

Kingdom of Tonga: Va’vau, Ha’apai & ‘Eua
Tonga, meaning ‘southwards’ is the southernmost group of the islands of central Polynesia. Not a tourist destination, Tonga in an authentic island kingdom where life progresses as its own pace. The Va’vau Group of islands is one of Tonga’s most popular destinations, particularly during the humpback whale migration of July to October. Here, it is believed that the demi-god Maui created the islands by pulling them up from the bottom of the sea with his magic hook. Here we will snorkel and dive over the brilliant reefs and explore the coastal limestone caves by zodiac or visit the charming village and nearby vanilla plantation.
In the Ha’apai group, we remember the history of the Bounty mutiny, which occurred near Tofua on 28 April 1789. The 62 islands in the Ha’apai group comprise of lagoons, barrier reefs, and active volcanoes. Here we will discover the history of the region, relax on the white sand of the beaches, and explore the coastline by snorkelling and zodiac.

‘Eua, often called the forgotten island of Tonga, is windswept and mountainous, perched on the edge of the deep underwater Tongan Trench. It is hilly, with hidden caves and cliff-top lookouts perfect for discovering on walks with our guides. ‘Eua (pronounced ‘a-wah’) is home to endemic plants and the koki or red shining parrot. Enjoy a taste of laid-back Tongan life on the small and little-visited island as you conclude your journey through Polynesia.

Day 15: Nuku | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Nuku’alofa to disembark Coral Geographer at 8:00 am.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Geographer

Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer Deck

Dates & Prices

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Coral Deck Stateroom
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Located on the Coral Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Twin porthole windows give you views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Stateroom
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Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located on the Promenade Deck, these 17 Sq m staterooms are furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Coral Geographer
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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
These 21.4 Sq m staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite bathroom has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
  • Scuba Diving 

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