Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

Depart in the late afternoon for Tahiti and arrive late in the evening on the same day. Check into a hotel room and spend the evening at your leisure.

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.

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.

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.

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