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
$12,488
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
$12,488
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
$11,144
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
$11,144
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
$16,570
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
$16,570
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
$10,910
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
$10,910
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
$6,509
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
$6,509
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
$12,994
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
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
Oct
Dec
From
$12,994
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.
We woke up as we were threading through the atoll surrounding Taha’a and Ra’iatea and then we started our day with a visit to a vanilla plantation. Taha’a is famous for the vanilla it produces. Next, we got to snorkel in the beautiful blue water off a private motu (island formed from built up coral debris). After a lovely lunch, we went to a sacred complex called Marae Taputapuatea. This area is recognized by UNESCO for its important cultural heritage. This place is considered one of the central starting points for Polynesian explorers and has much religious significance. After the cultural excursion, we went off on a hike and went birding. Upon returning to the ship, we had cocktail hour and a lovely dinner. To top it off, the crew put on a fantastic show for us after our meal.
Guests awoke to fair conditions and calm seas for their arrival to North Fakarava. We started the morning with stretches hosted by Wellness Specialist Diana. Following breakfast, guests departed for the village. A warm musical welcome and traditional flowers awaited our arrival. Local markets had a variety of handicrafts and trinkets available for purchase, as well as a convenience store with standard amenities. Guests had the option to hire a bike to ride around town or follow the guidance of the naturalists on foot. A nature walk and cultural tour was available to best take in what North Fakarava had to offer. The church was also hosting a 9 am service, given it was Sunday. After lunch, Kura gave a presentation on the uses of palm trees before we set off for another platform snorkel on Nioa Reef. Sharks were plentiful and lots of schooling fish made for a great in-water experience. Once back on board, dinner was served in the restaurant before Karen delivered her presentation on seabirds. It was another great day in French Polynesia.
Today we had one of the most incredible experiences one can have on a tropical expedition. We started our gorgeous morning sailing along Fakarava Atoll and shaking our hips for Ura with Kura. Our cultural specialist onboard, Kura, showed us some traditional dance movements. Greeted by the local community who welcomed us with fresh coconut water, we were eager to get in the water and drift snorkel the South Pass of the Fakarava Atoll. The local guides took us along the coral reef wall drifting with the incoming current. Right under us was an incredible scene of the richest biodiversity of the world. The colors, the fish, and the marine life were just mesmerizing. What an unforgettable experience. After the most incredible snorkeling excursion we visited the pink beach where the bar team from National Geographic Orion awaited us with fresh drinks and cocktails. We ended our day on a beautiful, picturesque colored beach in paradise. What an incredible day!
In the early morning, we found ourselves arriving through one of the passes into Tahanea Atoll. Slight cloud coverage made for dramatic lighting in the morning. We had the chance to explore the uninhabited atoll by foot as we searched for birdlife and took a swim or went paddleboarding. Some guests went scuba diving. In the afternoon, we finally submerged ourselves in the pristine waters of the Tuamotus. Snorkelers were treated to blacktip reef sharks, wrasses, parrotfish, and even a spotted eagle ray. We finished the day with an island barbecue on the back deck and an amazing presentation from our cultural specialist about what life is like and observed a traditional Polynesian sailing canoe.
We had a fair amount of ocean to cover to reach Anaa, our first destination in the Tuamotus. This time allowed us to have our snorkel briefing, gather our snorkel gear, and then learn from undersea specialist Taylor about what we might discover in French Polynesia’s underwater world over the next ten days. After a delicious lunch in the outdoor café, it was time for our first disembarkation and Zodiac ride to the wharf on Anaa. We were greeted by traditional song and dance from the residents along with refreshing coconut! There was also an opportunity to purchase some of Anaa’s beautiful, traditional crafts. A highlight for many was experiencing one of French Polynesia’s traditional sports, javelin throwing. The activity is not quite the same as what we might be familiar with. The goal is to pierce a coconut on a pole about 9.5 meters high. After a demonstration from some of the residents, it was our turn to try. It was a lot harder than it looked, requiring a lot of technique, accuracy, and agility. Despite this, all who tried had a lot of fun! We finished our time on Anaa with an optional visit to a village, where we learned how to weave palm fronds, or a short walk to a stunning, luminous jade lagoon, where we had the opportunity to take a well-deserved dip.
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.