Have questions? We're here.
Relax on the beaches of the South Pacific

Azure Seas from Tahiti to the Marquesas

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal South Pacific trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Board the National Geographic Orion and set off on an expedition through the azure waters of the South Pacific from Tahiti to the Marquesas. Explore the Tuamotu archipelago, where you'll have the opportunity to meet local people and learn about their cultures. Snorkel and swim in warm, clear waters over brilliantly colorful coral reefs. In the Marquesas, each day provides ample opportunities to explore: join a naturalist guide on a hike through emerald forests to spot birds and unique flora; look for migrating whales in the warm tropical waters; and learn about the unique Polynesian cultures at each island you visit, getting to know the local people and customs. This is an unforgettable exploration of islands, reefs, and atolls, and with a newfound appreciation for the people, flora, and fauna of this region. 
View the exceptional underwater wildlife of Bora BoraA white-sand beach of TuamotuVisit the beautiful MarquesasRelax on the beaches of the South PacificSnorkel with incredible sea turtlesRelax on the beaches of the South Pacific
Highlights
  • Explore the Marquesas, one of Earth's most remote and unique island groups
  • See ancient stone sculptures, including one of Polynesia's largest tikis
  • Hike to a remote waterfall and search for rare birds on far-flung Fatu Hiva
  • Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Places Visited
  • South Pacific
  • Tahiti
  • Bora Bora
  • Fatu Hiva
  • French Polynesia
  • Hiva 'Oa
  • Makatea
  • Marquesas Islands
  • Nuku Hiva
  • Oceania
  • Papeete
  • Polynesia
  • Society Islands
  • Tahuata
  • Tuamotu Islands
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Papeete, French Polynesia | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Tahiti where a room will be available for you. Spend the morning at your leisure before meeting your fellow travelers for lunch and a tour of Tahiti before embarking on National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.

Day 2-4: Tuamotu Archipelago

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
You begin your exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with traditional dancers, learn about the island’s pearl industry, and walk its pristine beaches. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world famous drift dive. Continue to Raroia, one of the easternmost atolls in this chain, and the site where Thor Heyerdahl’s famous Kon-Tiki raft made landfall in 1947. 

 

Day 5-6: Tahuata, Marquesas

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
A day at sea brings us to one of the most remote island groups on Earth, the Marquesas Islands. We begin our exploration of this archipelago on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesan Islands. Choose to attend a local church service with stunningly beautiful music, and spend some time exploring Vaitahu, the main village on the island. In the afternoon we reposition to nearby Hapatoni Bay where both land and sea excursions await

Day 7: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start the day at Hatiheu Bay, on the north shore of Nuku Hiva Island. Visit ancient petroglyphs and witness a spectacular dance performance at a Marquesan me’ae, or hike up the valley with the naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and spectacular views. Later, sample local foods in the village, and peruse unique arts and crafts.

Day 8: Exploring the Marquesas Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today is open for exploration. Dive some of the incredible waters here and search for rare cetaceans with your naturalists. Marvel at the rugged volcanic silhouettes of these legendary islands from the Zodiacs and kayaks.

Day 9: Hiva Oa, Marquesas

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Hiva Oa, stop for a fresh-baked French baguette in the village of Atuona. Visit the village of Puamau to see the stunning Marquesan me’ae lipona, and photograph one of the largest tikis in Polynesia

Day 10: Fatu Hiva, Marquesas

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Be sure you’re on deck this morning to photograph the volcanic pillars of Hanavave Bay, as Orion approaches one of the most storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Visit a remote village where you’ll see displays of uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a challenging hike to a remote waterfall, or take Zodiacs to the next bay where local transport takes you on birdwatching foray deep into the Omoa Valley.

Day 11-13: Tuamotu Archipelago

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
We let nature be our guide for these days, as we explore some of the more than 80 islands and atolls that make up this seldom-visited archipelago. Snorkel or dive stunning healthy reefs, kayak and stand-up paddleboard on turquoise lagoons, and walk pristine beaches beneath coconut palms.

Day 14: Makatea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. Spend the day exploring limestone caves and grottos with your expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, then snorkel and dive among colorful fish on the nearby reef.

Day 15: Bora Bora | Disembark | Papeete

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Disembark in Bora Bora this morning and take a short, scenic flight back to Papeete. Tour Tahiti and enjoy lunch at the hotel before overnight flights home in the evening.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
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.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
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.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
Select a Date
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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
Select a Date
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

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 15 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
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
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

South Pacific Travel Guide

Favorite South Pacific All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By