Exploring untouched paradises and diverse cultures across the vast Pacific
Only a few hours by air beyond Hawaii’s familiar beaches, remote Pacific isles stretch across pristine seas, offering travelers illuminating perspectives on the South Pacific. Here, vibrant modern-day cultures mingle with ancient Polynesian and Melanesian traditions, and thousands of endemic plant and animal species can be found under water, on land, and in the sky.
Go beyond the bungalows to experience all this tropical paradise has to offer, traveling by expedition ship to secluded lagoons and uninhabited islands. Snorkel coral gardens teeming with turtles and tropical fish, hike through rainforests in search of rare wildlife, and share enriching moments with the people who live in these remote places. Each evening holds the promise of a dazzling Pacific sunset and the dawn of surprising adventures on a stunning, yet unfamiliar, isle.
(6) French Polynesia & Pacific Islands Itineraries
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NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Feb
From
$12,363
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands
Duration
12 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Feb
From
$12,363
Top Highlights
Experience warm, heartfelt welcomes from island residents and visit ancient maraes (sacred sites)
Taste local foods and connect with Marquesans during a cultural dance performance
On jungle hikes, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$11,032
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Beyond: Exploring the Rites and Relics of the Pacific
Duration
15 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$11,032
Top Highlights
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
Swim in the spectacular Matevulu Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
Arrive at Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$16,404
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History
Duration
17 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$16,404
Top Highlights
Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons of French Polynesia and Fiji
Experience untouched beauty, remarkable cultures, and rare flora and fauna
Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$12,727
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society and Tuamotu Islands
Duration
12 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$12,727
Top Highlights
Discover an extraordinary undersea world of whales and dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, sharks and vast schools of colorful fish
Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites
Learn about Polynesian history and culture at Ra'iatea’s Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 8, 2024, onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
From
$6,373
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Polynesian Discovery: Exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus
Duration
7 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 8, 2024, onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
From
$6,373
Top Highlights
See iconic landscapes like Bora Bora's verdant Mount Otemanu, jutting 2,400 feet above turquoise waters
Dive and snorkel in crystalline waters to discover an undersea world of 16-foot manta rays, green sea turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, and enormous schools of fish
Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Oct
Dec
From
$12,864
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
Duration
18 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged.
Jan
Oct
Dec
From
$12,864
Top Highlights
Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species
The exploration lore and legend of the South Pacific is among the world’s most romantic. As we venture from west to east, we follow the routes of the bold people who populated these islands. Sail in their wake, and learn their stories. You’ll enter a world of visual wonder. Discover a profusion of wildlife—fairy terns, Tahitian petrels, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and red-footed boobies—plus rare endemic species like the brilliantly hued, white-capped fruit dove in the Marquesas. The islands’ flora, lush and luxurious as a dream, is equally intriguing. Discover enchanting colors and sweet aromas of tropical flowers. Under the sea a kaleidoscopic world unfurls among pristine, colorful coral reefs.
It is a privilege to visit the far-flung and pristine islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising the South Pacific, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
A Warm Welcome in the Solomon Islands
Recently, guests aboard Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesiawere welcomed by hundreds of locals on Utupua in the Solomon Islands with a vibrant ceremony that took villagers two months to prepare. Hear from expedition leader Alex Searle about this amazing cultural experience.
In Good Company: Tua Pittman on the Many Islands of Polynesia
In this episode of In Good Company, Cultural Specialist and Master Navigator Tua Pittman shines light on the breathtaking wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures of the South Pacific islands.
A Heroic History: The Story of Polynesian Voyaging
Christina Thompson, editor of the Harvard Review and author of Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia, shares the incredible story of ancient Polynesian exploration–who they were, how they settled across the vast Pacific ocean, and their rich history in this spectacular region.
South Pacific Islands: Beauty & History
Hiding among the azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests of places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, the scars of World War II are still very much present. As we call in on these remote sites on our Rites and Relics voyage, we’ll be joined by Ian W. Toll, author of a highly regarded, three-volume history of the Pacific War, who will help resurrect these stories from the past.
South Pacific: A Musical Journey
Cultural Specialist and Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar shares the importance of music to the identity, culture, and traditions of the South Pacific.
5 Things You Didn't Know About French Polynesia
Although this region is known for its vitreous aqua water, lilting palms, and white sand beaches, the islands also hold many only-here discoveries to make beyond the sand and sun--from hidden underwater caves to vibrant coral churches.
Marae Taputapuatea: The Sacred Center of Polynesia
On the sacred isle of Ra'iatea, Marae Taputapuatea is the center of Polynesian spirituality and culture for the entire region, reaching from Hawaii to New Zealand.
It’s possible to both unwind in an overwater bungalow and actively experience French Polynesia’s diverse stunning landscapes, ancient cultures, and dazzling wildlife by combining a land stay with an inspiring expedition at sea.
Being able to experience the ceremonies of the welcome—the dances, singing, leis—in an authentic Polynesian cultural context was not just artful, beautiful, and fragrant, it was also sincere and meaningful—pure bliss for both audience and performers.
Christine B.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Sail with a team of four naturalists, each passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Go with two divemasters, plus an undersea specialist. The divemasters will lead dive outings for up to 24 guests with advanced diving certifications. And your undersea specialist will lead snorkeling outings in some of the world’s most pristine seas, plus deploy an ROV to explore down to 1,000 feet deep.
Shoot with a National Geographic photographer at your side, on deck and in the field, inspiring and advising. They share their secrets and tips and actively lead special photo walks on shore or on Zodiac cruises to help photographers of every skill level capture the best images possible.
Oh, what a trip it has been. Our morning was spent enjoying the views on our first day in New Zealand! We had presentations from on-board National Geographic expert Wade Davis and lovely naturalist Kelly. We spent the chilly afternoon in Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. After lunch and clearing customs, we went ashore to the amazing treaty grounds. We learned about New Zealand’s culture and how it became independent, and we enjoyed an amazing cultural display of song and dance. We returned to the ship for Captain’s farewell drinks. Today was a day well spent.
Today was a restful day at sea on National Geographic Orion . After an active agenda since our embarkation, most guests took advantage of a day at sea to catch up on journaling, working on photographs, artistic projects, lectures, hot tubbing, and even napping. Our open bridge policy allows everyone to see how our amazing officers and deck team navigate through the seas. Sea days are a great time to visit the bridge as well as to watch for wildlife. Today was also the day to choose our top images to submit for the slideshow, which will help us remember the highlights of our adventure. A wandering albatross, a pelagic bird with one of the widest wingspans on the planet, was seen as we began recap. It continued to fly gracefully behind National Geographic Orion as we headed to our gourmet dinner and concluded our evening.
National Geographic Orion arrived on the north side of Norfolk Island in beautiful conditions. Landing here is notoriously difficult, but today the seas were on our side. We took Zodiacs to the stunning coastline and waltzed up the concrete steps with ease. Our morning tour of the island featured historical information about the penal colony, the cemetery, slavery, and hardship. Expedition Leader Leah Eaton made special arrangements for us to have lunch ashore. We enjoyed a Norfolk Island famous fish fry at an amazing bay! They served us red emperor, locally called trumpeter fish, that had been caught that morning. It was so delicious that I’m pretty sure everyone went back for seconds. The afternoon was about exploring the vegetation and birds of the island. We went to a gorgeous, pristine botanical garden where we were treated to looks at the Norfolk Island gerygone and even a flyby of the Norfolk Island parakeet! Our next and final stop was at 100 Acres Reserve, where some of us walked the full loop down to the cliff edge to witness glorious vistas and nesting red-tailed tropicbirds. Norfolk Island is truly a special place, and we were lucky to spend the entire day there. But wait…there’s more! Today was the day of the famous National Geographic Orion Crew Show. After a beautiful Aussie barbecue, we got to see the amazing talents of our crew. What an awesome day!
A day at sea is a useful opportunity to recharge the batteries, enjoy the pleasant surroundings on National Geographic Orion, and listen to lectures provided by the Lindblad Expeditions staff. Today, as a warm sun illuminated the sparking sea between New Caledonia and Norfolk Island, guests had the chance to enjoy three lectures. The first, by Karen Velas, looked at the wide variety of seabird life that calls this corner of the Pacific home and gave everyone a good idea of what to look out for from the ship’s decks and bridge. In the afternoon, Stephen Fisher presented an overview of Norfolk Island’s history, examining the less palatable aspects of colonial expansionism into Australasia in Captain Cook’s wake. After afternoon tea and a slightly early dinner, National Geographic photographer Krista Rossow provided a workshop on enhancing travel photography. She focused on getting the perfect shot onsite and improving the outcome when editing at home. Meanwhile, National Geographic Orion steamed relentlessly south, bound for Norfolk Island, our destination for tomorrow.
The last day of our journey across the remote Pacific began with an overcast sunrise. We had cruised from Bora Bora since dawn. As clouds filtered the sunrays, the lush topography of Taha’a was revealed. Two activities were offered to guests. One group visited a vanilla farm. Here, they learned how flowers are hand-pollinated to get vanilla pods. Guests experienced the processes of extracting, drying, and processing the pods. The other group snorkeled in the surrounding waters of the motu Mahaea. This little paradise had lots of surprises for guests. A light rain fell, and the experience will remain in our memories. We returned to the ship for lunch and to reposition to the UNESCO archeological site of Taputapuatea. As we cruised, we enjoyed the lovely scenery and topography of Raiatea. Guests were excited to disembark and learn more about this sacred place. Upon our arrival, local guide Susan was waiting for us. We boarded a bus, and Susan shared the area’s history as we drove. We arrived to the Taputapuatea, and Tua Pittman, our Cultural Expert, gave us an introduction to the sacred areas. We made a very special visit to the remains of the marae. We had the honor of meeting one of the members of the chiefly family of Tamatoa, Matorae. Matorae offered a special ceremony in the marae for us. Guests were allowed to walk inside the marae. It was a very special moment for each of us. Having the opportunity to be part of this event will remain in our memories. It seems like not long ago that we started in Palau, and now our journey has come to an end. What we experienced during each of our visits, the friendly people we met, and the smiles we shared will all remain in our memories.
In the past three years I’ve spent a couple weeks in French Polynesia, each time exploring some new terrain. Why return year after year? Because I find the region utterly joyous, beautiful and fascinating; the people, the land and sea and particularly the undersea.
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