South Pacific

Next Article

Polar Regions

Graced with white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, the islands of the South Pacific are the very definition of a tropical paradise. Yet there is much more than beauty to experience: welcoming cultures with timeless traditions; incredible biodiversity among coral reefs, jungles, and mangroves; and islands that tell tales of traders and World War battles. From the reefs of French Polynesia, teeming with marine life, to the moai of Easter Island, venture to some of the most unspoiled spots on the planet, exploring by kayak, paddleboard, and foot, and snorkeling or diving spectacular reefs.

Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to the Society and Tuamotu Islands

12 DAYS FROM $12,110

• Dive or snorkel the stunning Fakarava Atoll, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Explore fabled Bora-Bora and venture to the unusual uplifted coral atoll of Makatea.

• Learn about Polynesian culture at the ancient spiritual site of Marae Taputapuatea.

DAYS 1–2: U.S./PAPEETE, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA Fly overnight to Tahiti and arrive early the next morning. Transfer to Papeete and board the National Geographic Orion in time for breakfast. Enjoy free time to take a walk in Papeete’s city center and visit the colorful central market. Gather for lunch on board and be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti. National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D (Day 2)

DAYS 3–4: TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO Spend two days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotus, a region of French Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn of their unique traditions. Snorkel or dive amid reef sharks, rays, and swirling schools of fish or learn to stand up paddleboard in a crystalline lagoon. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 5–6: FAKARAVA Discover 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 we have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs and ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. In the main village of Rotoava, go on a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop, or take a stroll along the waterfront. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAY 7: MAKATEA The uplifted coral atoll of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. Raised out of the water and tilted due to plate tectonics, the island is edged with stunning, vertical cliffs—a marked contrast to the flat, sandy atolls that surround it. This geological phenomenon occurs in other parts of the world and is named after this particular island. Venture into the island’s limestone grottos with local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8: TAHA’A/BORA-BORA Arrive in picture-perfect Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling with black-tipped reef sharks. Or go ashore to visit a family-run vanilla farm. Return to the ship for lunch as we sail to nearby Bora-Bora and find a spot on deck as the iconic emerald crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. This afternoon, snorkel and swim in the island’s refreshing lagoon, or explore Bora-Bora’s lush interior. Gather for a barbecue dinner and live music on a private motu this evening. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 9: RA’IATEA Take in a South Pacific sunrise from on deck as we sail to Ra’iatea in the early morning. Ra’iatea is home to one of the most important spiritual sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuatea, from which seafarers set out on voyages to distant islands. Enjoy a scenic lagoon cruise around the island to the village of Uturoa. Here, taste Polynesian specialties during lunch at a beachside restaurant, and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding in Ra’iatea’s calm lagoon. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 10: MO’OREA Wake up to views of Mo’orea’s tall, green cliffs as we anchor in stunning Cook’s Bay. Spend the morning discovering the island by land and by sea: hike through a pineapple plantation or snorkel its aquamarine lagoon. Have lunch on deck and take in views of the island as we cruise toward Opunohu Bay, where we’ll spend the rest of the day. Join an afternoon excursion to Mo’orea’s newest museum and enjoy the golden light of the late afternoon from ashore. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 11-12: MO’OREA/PAPEETE/U.S. If you wish, rise early for a morning walk into Mo’orea’s caldera. Or enjoy a final snorkeling excursion, leisurely exploring the marine life of the lagoon. Cast off for Tahiti and disembark in Papeete in the afternoon. Check into day rooms before transferring to the airport in the late evening for flights home. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

Another Way to Explore

Wild Polynesian Escape:

A Voyage from Tahiti to Bora Bora

7 DAYS | FROM $6,060

This expedition is offered from January through May. Experience French Polynesia in less time and witness incredibly diverse marine life on pristine reefs and everyday life in this far-flung French territory.

Your National Geographic Expert

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

Krista Rossow

Photographer

Krista Rossow was a photo editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine, and shot feature stories as a contributing photographer for Traveler in South Africa, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Japan, and beyond. She judges Instagram contests for @NatGeoTravel and photo edits for National Geographic Books. Find the departure(s) Krista will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in March and June.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Easter Island to the Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

• Encounter the enigmatic moai and ancient sites of Easter Island with local experts.

• Dive or snorkel the pristine reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Meet descendants of the H.M.S. Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn Island.

DAYS 1–7: U.S./PAPEETE, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA/TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO Depart on an overnight flight to Papeete and visit the city before embarking the ship. Sail to the Tuamotu Archipelago, and anchor at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Learn about the island’s pearl industry and walk its pristine beaches. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. National Geographic Orion until Day 16. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 8–15: MANGAREVA/PITCAIRN ISLANDS/AT SEA After a day at sea, arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, famous for its black pearls. Snorkel or dive, meet with islanders, and go on a hike with our naturalists. A day at sea brings us to Pitcairn Island, where we’ll meet the descendants of the mutineers of the H.M.S. Bounty. On UNESCO World Heritage–listed Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll, discover fascinating geology and endemic bird species. Continue east to Ducie Island to watch for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkel or dive. Listen to talks by our expedition team as we sail to Easter Island. Meals: 8B, 8L, 8D

DAYS 16–19: EASTER ISLAND, CHILE/ SANTIAGO Disembark on Easter Island and enjoy two days to explore this mystical island. Venture to volcanic calderas and lava fields, and meet archaeologists to examine the burial sites, ceremonial altars, and astonishing moai statues of a long-lost civilization. Fly to Santiago for a final night before your overnight flight home. Hanga Roa Eco-Resort; Ritz-Carlton Santiago Meals: 4B, 3L, 3D 19 DAYS FROM $21,280

Your National Geographic Expert

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists will accompany this trip.

Chris Rainier

Documentary Photographer

Chris Rainier documents endangered cultures and languages around the globe. He co-founded National Geographic’s Enduring Voices Project and served as a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler. Find the departure(s) Chris will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in April. Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Rites and Relics: A Voyage from the Solomon Islands to Fiji

15 DAYS FROM $13,380

• Encounter World War II sites and spirit houses in the Solomon Islands.

• Witness timeless rituals, from the Rom dance of Ambrym to the firewalkers of Fiji.

• Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in serene lagoons, and snorkel among vibrant reefs.

DAYS 1–6: U.S./BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA/ SOLOMON ISLANDS Arrive in Brisbane after an overnight flight, gather for a welcome briefing, and fly to the Solomon Islands. Tour sites around Honiara associated with the Battle of Guadalcanal before boarding the ship. On tiny Owaraha, witness a traditional greeting dance and see “spirit houses” containing the bones of ancient chiefs. Then relax during a full day at sea. Brisbane Marriott or similar; National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D

DAYS 7–11: VANUATU Take local canoes to the Riri Blue Hole on Vanuatu’s main island of Espiritu Santo, or enjoy a phenomenal wreck dive at the S.S. President Coolidge. On mystical Ambrym, watch a Rom dance, a secretive ritual involving elaborate costumes. Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit 17th-century Chief Roi Mata’s domain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see ancient cave paintings in Fels Cave. Enjoy a leisurely day on Tanna Island, visiting with the residents of Port Resolution. See the active volcano of Mount Yasur before sailing to Fiji. Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 12–15: FIJI/U.S. Our first stop in Fiji is Beqa, where we’ll hike, snorkel the lagoon, explore by boat, and witness a firewalking demonstration. Spend a day on the “garden island” of Taveuni, discovering waterfalls and rare birds in Bouma National Heritage Park. In Waitabu, participate in a kava ceremony. Then join naturalists for a hike on Kadavu, snorkel or dive, or kayak or paddleboard on the serene lagoon. Disembark in Lautoka and tour western Viti Levu before your flight home. Meals: 4B, 4L, 3D

Your National Geographic Expert

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists will accompany this trip.

Jonathan Kingston

Photographer

Jonathan Kingston travels to remote corners of the natural world to photograph life on the edge—from vibrant tribal dances to underwater archaeological expeditions to climbers scaling cliffs. His work has appeared in National Geographic, the New York Times, and elsewhere. Find the departure(s) Jonathan will join on our website.

Information

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.

Dates: This expedition is offered in January through March.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.