Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

Arrive in Papeete and head to the hospitality room before boarding the ship in the afternoon. Depart in the evening and begin your journey across the islands of French Polynesia.

Visit Makatea, a raised coral atoll shaped by tectonic activity and one of the Pacific’s most distinctive island formations. Explore limestone caves and grottos with local guides, spot endemic fruit doves and seabirds, and snorkel the nearby reef filled with tropical fish.

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 Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift snorkels in the world.

Experience the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book.

Visit 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 naturalists. 

Explore the famed Pitcairn Islands. Many of the mutineers of the legendary HMS 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.   
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.  

As you journey east toward Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as the skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse in the library. Each day, naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. 

Over the next two days, explore Easter Island’s 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. 

Disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago, Chile. Arrive in Santiago and connect to late-night homebound flights.