This 19-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
This morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure and spend some time exploring the resort while adjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelers for lunch and then join us for a tour of Tahiti before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
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 among colorful fish on the nearby reef.
Today we begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago,” in Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift snorkel. From here, your Captain and Expedition Leader will determine our next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, we will visit some of the Tuamotus’ most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as we make our way east and explore one of French Polynesia’s many uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea.
Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. We then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here, or go on a hike with our naturalists.
Day 10-13: Pitcairn Islands | At Sea
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
We begin our exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home here 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. We continue to 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. At Ducie Atoll, spend time watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs.
Day 14-15: At Sea
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
As we voyage east toward Easter Island, head up to the Bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled Captain and officers sail these historic waters. There’ll also be time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, workout in the gym, and browse in the library. Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.
Day 16-19: Easter Island, Chile| Disembark | Santiago
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Arrive at Easter Island where you will check into the Hanga Roa 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. Fly to Santiago, Chile for your overnight international flight home
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.
$20,000
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Category 1
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 183 square ft. #406, 408, 411, 413, 415.
Standard Cabin Amenities
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Category 2
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair 205 square ft. #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427
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Category 3
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #512-524
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Category 4
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa, 205 square ft. #608, 610, 612, 613-623
Standard Cabin Amenities
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Category 5
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 205 square ft. #708, 709, 711, 713
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Category 6
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed 344 square ft. #710
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Category 7
Bridge Deck—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet 430 square ft. #700-707, 712, 714-717
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Category A Solo
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #504-510, 513
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Category B Solo
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa 140 square ft. #604, 606, 609, 611
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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
