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Explore the top-rated South Pacific small ship cruises below.  Adventure Life works with all the top-rated small ship cruise lines visiting Papeete, Darwin, Dunedin, The Snares, and Bora Bora, and we help match you with the perfect small ship and cruise itinerary for your specific tastes and needs. There are countless advantages to exploring on a small ship cruise versus a large cruise ship including avoiding crowds and being able to visit and explore smaller ports and scenic shorelines that large ships simply cannot access. The cost of South Pacific small ship cruises start at $2,490 for a trip of 5 to 36 days in 2023. Tell us about your dream South Pacific small ship cruise and our team of travel planners will help you make it a reality.  
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Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound
$8,850
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Expedition to the Albatross Latitudes: The Subantarctic & Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Explore Dusky and Doubtful Sounds
  • Discover Subantarctic islands
  • Spend time on Chatham Islands
  • Spot incredible wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Wellington
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
AboardCoral Geographer, discover why these islands are part of New Zealand’s Subantarctic UNESCO World Heritage site. Each wilderness experience is guided by our knowledgeable expedition team, as you spot rare birds, hike through wonderful fields of mega herbs and encounter numerous species …
Cruise Details
0
Beautiful view of Akaroa
$7,100
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New Zealand's East Coast

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Enjoy a New Year’s Eve cruise
  • Experience the Maori culture
  • Explore Fiordland’s sounds
  • Encounter birds and marine wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
AboardCoral Geographer, experience New Zealand from a different perspective, as free time and the ability to customize your expedition from a choice of experiences in historic cities is contrasted with wilderness experiences guided by the knowledgeable expedition team. By small ship, enjoy access …
Cruise Details
0
Relax on the beaches of the South Pacific
$3,200
Savings
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Tahiti & the Society Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana
  • Explore stunning Bora Bora
  • Visit the island of Moorea
  • Experience Tahiti's capital Papeete
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Spa Relaxation, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day South Pacific cruise is perfect for those who want a core Polynesian experience.In 1891, when Paul Gauguin arrived in Tahiti, he captured the charm, culture, and languid grace of the natives in oils. You won't find his paintings here, but the original models still call this piece of …
Cruise Details
0
Sunrise in Papua New Guinea Highlands
$13,700
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South Pacific Expedition: Cairns to Lautoka

2022 - 17 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Explorer
  • Experience a Melanesian welcome
  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef
  • Witness Vanuatu’s traditions
  • Swim at Sawa-i-Lau
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Lautoka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Both humongous and humbling, Melanesia has been topping wanderlust wish lists for years. Join a team of onboard experts aboard Silver Explorer and explore this lesser known region. Leaving Cairns, venture to hot springs and view birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea, exploring the island’s …
Cruise Details
0
Paul Gauguin sits outside Bora Bora.
$5,800
Savings
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Cook Islands & Society Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Snorkel in Bora Bora
  • Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahaha
  • Visit the famous Aitutaki lagoons
  • Experience the Cook Islands
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Spa Relaxation, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this South Pacific cruise, the region's incredible diversity of scenery is front and center. Discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rainforests. Then experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands. Arid Aitutaki is virtually flat - so much so that you can spot the …
Cruise Details
0
Women wearing traditional dress of the South Pacific.
$7,550
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Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji

16 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Discover Motu Mahana beach
  • Tour Fiji's capital city, Suva
  • Experience unique Tongan culture
  • Snorkel one of the largest reefs
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Lautoka
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Spa Relaxation, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Follow in the wake of explorers on this comprehensive 15-day South Pacific cruise onboard Paul Gauguin. Discover the South Pacific’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities.No matter what kind of experience you seek, there are treasures to discover at every …
Cruise Details
0
Coral grouper, diver, & school of fish
$7,550
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Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands

Lautoka - Tahiti - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Visit Lautoka, the Sugar City
  • Explore fascinating Suva
  • Enjoy Tongan culture and food
  • Discover dramatic Bora Bora
Starts / Ends:
Lautoka / Papeete
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Spa Relaxation, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this 14-day Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands Cruise from Lautoka to Tahiti aboard Paul Gauguin,the trip unveils diverse cultures and lush landscapes in the vibrant region. Encounter Fiji's colonial charm, unwind on Bora Bora's immaculate beaches and explore Aitutaki's …
Cruise Details
0
Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin, Australia
$7,000
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Crossing Melanesia: Australia To Fiji

17 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Explore coral reefs of Milne Bay
  • See WWII historical sites in Alotau
  • Swim in the waters of Espiritu Sant
  • Discover Vanuatu's beaches
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Lautoka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 17-day cruise Crossing Melanesia from Australia to Fiji. Explore the remote island nations of Melanesia, from the lush landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory to the tribal traditions of Papua New Guinea and the historical importance of Guadalcanal during WWII. Delight in two …
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy a tropical escape
$3,490
Savings
EXPLORE

Tahiti, the Society & Tuamotu Islands

11 Day Itinerary aboard Panorama II
  • Explore stunning Bora Bora
  • Visit ancient temples on Huahine
  • Observe incredible marine wildlife
  • Snorkel around colorful reefs
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Papeete
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join Panorama II roundtrip from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Discover the islands of two archipelagos by small ship. Visit Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa, Tikehau, and more. Admire these stunning islands, with their sculptural green peaks …
Cruise Details
0
Lagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
$2,490
Savings
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Tahiti & Pearls of French Polynesia

8 Day Itinerary aboard Panorama II
  • Visit the enchanted Huahine
  • Observe unique wildlife
  • Explore Bora Bora
  • Snorkel in clear blue waters
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Papeete
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the world-famous Society islands of French Polynesia by small ship. Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea - islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons. Island hopping allows you to see every …
Cruise Details
0
Sheep on a hillside overlooking Marlborough Sounds
$5,150
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New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Experience the Maori culture
  • Explore Fiordland’s sounds
  • Encounter birds and marine wildlife
  • Visit Gisborne town
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On a spectacular 11-day expedition cruise of coastal New Zealand aboard Heritage Adventurer, explore the hidden gems of Aotearoa/New Zealand and its three major islands (the North Island, the South Island, and Stewart Island). From the dazzling lights of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to …
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy a tropical escape
$4,390
Savings
EXPLORE

Tahiti, Society and Tuamotu Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Panorama II
  • Explore Bora Bora
  • Visit the enchanted Huahine
  • Observe unique wildlife
  • Snorkel in clear blue waters
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Papeete
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join Panorama II roundtrip from Tahiti unraveling the Society and Tuamotu islands. Uncover the islands of two archipelagos by small ship. Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Tetiaroa, Tikehau, and Ahe - islands sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid …
Cruise Details
0
Travelers learning how to scuba dive.
$3,470
EXPLORE

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns to Cairns - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Swim and snorkel Lizard Island
  • Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs
  • Learn about Cook’s landing
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Cairns
Activities:
Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day South Pacific cruise includes a full day to discover two different sections of the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, considered to be the most colorful and pristine reefs found anywhere along the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the wonderful fringing reefs off Lizard …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$17,497
EXPLORE

Coastal New Zealand: Milford Sound to Auckland

Northbound - 14 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore New Zealand’s diverse coast
  • See botanical gardens
  • Learn about Maori culture
  • Admire Napier's architecture
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Board the National Geographic Orion on this unforgettable 14-day expedition. New Zealand’s unparalleled natural beauty beckons with soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and swathes of white-sand beaches. Travel through scenic fjords, bays, and sounds, witness plunging waterfalls and an …
Cruise Details
0
A sea fan in the clear waters of Fiji
$13,790
EXPLORE

Rites and Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes, and Beyond

Solomon Islands - Fiji - 15 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore wonders of Solomon Island
  • Discover wonders of Vanuatu
  • Visit mysterious Ambrym
  • Explore wonders of Fiji
Starts / Ends:
Brisbane / Lautoka
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join this 15-day cruise aboardthe National Geographic Orion from the heart of Melanesia to the western boundary of Polynesia, spanning from the Solomon Islands to Fiji. Experience heartfelt hospitality in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where travelers are greeted with traditional dances upon …
Cruise Details
0
Lagoon of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
$12,727
EXPLORE

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Society and Tuamotu Islands

10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Swim on Makatea
  • Learn Polynesian history
  • Visit Anaa's small island
  • See Mount Otemanu landscape
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Papeete
Activities:
Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
From snorkeling with sea turtles and sharks to swimming into a hidden grotto and dining on a privatemotu, this South Pacific expedition is an adventure in paradise. Begin with bucket-list underwater explorations in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Fakarava, whose flora and fauna are so diverse that its …
Cruise Details
0
King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia
$9,260
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Australia's Iconic Kimberley

Darwin to Broome - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • See the Warton stones
  • Learn prehistoric art
  • Explore Kimberley
  • See the birds
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start your 11-day expedition cruise in Darwin.See mangrove forests wheresaltwater crocodileslive. Ravel at King George River and the majestic Twin Falls. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea where the corals are claimed by a rich biodiverse environment. Amaze at the …
Cruise Details
0
An amazing sunset over Bora Bora
$12,363
EXPLORE

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotus and Marquesas Islands

10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Dive and snorkel in clear waters
  • Learn Polynesian history
  • Experience Marine Mammal Sanctuary
  • Lookout for animals
Starts / Ends:
Papeete / Papeete
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits, Whale Watching
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Experience an unforgettable 10-day journey around Ancient Polynesia aboard the National Geographic Orion. Behold 16-foot manta rays, colorful butterflyfish, whales, and other impressive marine life. Explore the sparsely populated Marquesas Islands, encounter moss-covered giant tikis on Hiva Oa, …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 97 Results

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