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View at Otemanu mountain and luxury bungalow at Bora Bora island, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands

Papeete Roundtrip - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution
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Embark on an 11-day cruise through French Polynesia aboard National Geographic Resolution. Travel across iconic islands including Bora Bora, Taha’a, Raiatea, Makatea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. In Bora Bora, explore Mount Otemanu, snorkel vibrant reefs, and relax on private motu beaches. In Raiatea, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Marae Taputapuatea. In Taha’a, snorkel with reef sharks or visit a vanilla plantation. Discover Makatea’s limestone cliffs, caves, and rare birdlife. In Rangiroa, kayak and snorkel one of the world’s largest lagoons. In Fakarava, drift snorkel the Tumakohua Pass and explore Rotoava village. Sail through the Tuamotu Archipelago and visit remote islands. This voyage delivers remote island exploration, marine biodiversity, and Polynesian cultural exposure.
Cabanas silhouette on a Bora Bora cruiseLagoon of Bora Bora, French PolynesiaWoman snorkeling in clear water in Bora BoraAncient Marae Taputapuatea temple complex on the lagoon shore with mountains on background. Raiatea islandTahitian black cultured loose pearls in handsView at Otemanu mountain and luxury bungalow at Bora Bora island, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Highlights
  • Visit Raiatea Marae Taputapuātea UNESCO cultural heritage site
  • Snorkel Bora Bora reefs and relax on private motu
  • Meet Anaa residents and learn traditional island practices
  • Discover Makatea cliffs, caves, birds, and crystal waters
Activities
Places Visited
  • South Pacific
  • Tahiti
  • Bora Bora
  • Fakarava
  • French Polynesia
  • Makatea
  • Oceania
  • Papeete
  • Polynesia
  • Raiatea
  • Rangiroa
  • Society Islands
  • Taha'a
  • Tuamotu Islands
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia | Embark

Arrive in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. You transfer from the airport to the meeting point and check in at the hospitality desk in the afternoon. Board the ship after check-in.

Day 2: Bora Bora

Morning brings views of Mount Otemanu’s dramatic peaks. Exploration of Bora Bora takes place on land or in the water. The evening includes a barbecue dinner with music on a private motu.

Day 3: Taha’a | Ra’iatea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Rai’atea. This afternoon, visit Ra’iatea and one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. As you explore, you’ll learn about its significance in Polynesian history.

Day 4: Makatea

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.

Day 5: Rangiroa

The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Kayak and snorkel in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Day 6-7: Fakarava

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. Snorkel through Fakrarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift snorkels in the world.

Day 8-10: Tuamotu Archipelago

Spend three days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn about their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel trip, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.

Day 11: Papeete, Tahiti | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Papeete and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Resolution

Explore Chile, Tierra del Fuego, Beagle Channel, aboard National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic Resolution is a polar expedition passenger ship (Polar Code PC5) designed for remote exploration. This 138-guest ship features a patented X-Bow® for a smoother ride, large viewing windows, and a modern Scandinavian interior ideal for polar adventures.
National Geographic Resolution ship
A guest relaxing in the Infinity Edge Pool while soaking in the breathtaking views of the wild Patagonia
A photographer taking stunning views of Patagonia aboard the ship National Geographic Resolution

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

10% Special Group Offer 30949
Book by May 6, 2026, and receive 10% savings on cabin fare when you reserve a group of 6 or more guests on any voyage departing April 1, 2026 through 2028. Groups must include a minimum of 6 guests across at least 3 cabins. The discount is valid on new bookings only, and is subject to availability. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Offer applies on voyage-based departures on April 1,2026, through 2028
Per person starting at
$24,187 2-3 travelers
Category 1
Category 1
Fore Deck #404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 2
Category 2
Fore Deck #410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 3
Category 3
Main Deck—#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, convertible sleeper sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.
Category 4
Category 4
Lounge Deck—#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 5
Category 5
Bridge Deck—#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, and a closet.
Category 6
Category 6
Bridge Deck—#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category 7
Category 7
Bridge Deck #708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table, two single beds that can convert to a queen, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.
Category A Solo
Category A Solo
Main Deck #504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with an office chair, and a closet.
Category B Solo
Category B Solo
Lounge Deck#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table, single bed, writing desk with chair, hammock, and a closet.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • 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
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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