Fiji to the Cook Islands: Polynesian Discovery

Arrive in Nadi, Fiji, and take a tour of western Viti Levu Island before embarking the National Geographic Orion in Lautoka.

Spend the day at sea before arriving at Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest island. Known as The Garden Island for its rich vegetation, the island produces several species which are not found anywhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park, and admire a panoramic view from 3,920-foot Des Voeux Peak. Go diving or snorkeling, or take a birding walk along a coastal trail to see species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. On Fiji’s outer islands, experience the local culture in remote villages.

Wind your way through a maze of uplifted limestone islets and arrive in the lesser-known Kingdom of Tonga. In Neiafu, the capital of the stunning Vava’u island group, venture into verdant hills to visit a vanilla plantation and browse the craft and produce markets at the wharf. Spend the afternoon on the water kayaking, snorkeling, diving, or taking a Zodiac into limestone caves along the coast.

Enjoy a day at sea and cross the deep Tonga Trench. Grab binoculars and cameras as you join the expedition team on deck to scan the waters for marine mammals, seabirds and scores of ever-present flying fish. Zodiacs take you ashore at the tiny island nation of Niue, one of the largest uplifted coral atolls, and least populous nations, in the world. Tour the island and have the opportunity to snorkel with docile banded sea kraits. Gain a day crossing the international date line.

Continue east to the Southern Group of the Cook Islands, where a number of possibilities await. Visit Palmerston Atoll, discovered by Captain Cook on his second voyage, which is now inhabited by the descendants of English carpenter William Marsters. Weather permitting, snorkel en route at Beveridge Reef, an oceanic reef with no land in sight!

Arrive at Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, and disembark the National Geographic Orion. Tour the island before transferring to the airport for your independent flights home.