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

• 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.

11 DAYS FROM $11,760

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–2 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I MOOREA Wake up to views of Moorea’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 Moorea’s newest museum and enjoy the golden light of the late afternoon from ashore. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 11 I MOOREA/PAPEETE If you wish, rise early for a morning walk into Moorea’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

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Wild Polynesian Escape: Tahiti to Bora Bora Escape to French Polynesia and witness incredibly diverse marine life on pristine reefs and everyday life in this far-flung French territory.

Dates: This expedition is offered from May, June, and August. For more ways to travel the South Pacific, visit our website. 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 from May through September. 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.

Visit website for complete details and dates.