ACCESS the UNDISCOVERED

Island Hopping The South Pacific On National Geographic Orion With Lindblad Expeditions

EAGER FOR ADVENTURE IN THE PACIFIC AND BEYOND? Travel with Lindblad Expeditions, and you’ll find that accessing remote locales is all in a day’s play. Set course for unforgettable discovery— from Raja Ampat’s vibrant undersea world and the fascinating Asmat culture of Papua New Guinea, to the dramatic landscapes of Australia’s Kimberley region. Discover the massive penguin colonies of the Subantarctic Islands, follow in the wake of early Polynesian wayfarers, and stare in awe at the stunning fiords of New Zealand.

What’s more? All of the above is navigated aboard the intimate National Geographic Orion . An elegant ship for exotic islands, this 53-cabin vessel features an expansive outdoor deck, which offers a range

BY AMY ROBERTS

of panoramic views of the region’s rich avian and marine life. As such, National Geographic Orion is a boat “in-the-know,” navigating remote islands that will remain forever undiscovered by most. Expect an intimate vibe — sailing on her feels like you’re traveling on a friend’s private yacht. National Geographic Orion is elegant without being stuffy, with ample outdoor space for taking in the beautiful surroundings. With 14 Zodiacs (one with a glass bottom), guests can land on most any island shore and can also experience the bountiful undersea life by way of snorkeling and SCUBA diving. She mainly sails the little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, and Indonesia. Here are some of her top itineraries.

Opposite: Lindblad Expeditions takes guests to untrammeled locales like in the Kimberley, Australia. Clockwise from top: Breakfast with a view in French Polynesia; yelloweyed penguins at play; traditional Polynesian dance.

COLORS OF INDONESIA: CORALS, KOMODOS, & VIBRANT CULTURES

Indonesia’s rich tapestry of cultures is on display with each exuberant welcome ceremony, a specialty of the country’s remote island villages. A stop at Komodo National Park brings a good chance to see the rare Komodo dragon. Spectacularly colorful reefs, isolated atolls, and ivory beaches await swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers at Kri Island, Raja Ampat, and West Papua.

ANCIENT POLYNESIA: TUAMOTU

Marquesas Islands

Astonishing turquoise lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and welcoming villagers are a few

& certainties on this journey. Lucky divers might spot giant manta rays in the nutrient-rich waters of Rangiroa during a visit to the world’s largest marine sanctuary — a haven for dozens of threatened species of cetaceans, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and other marine life.

KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION:

AUSTRALIA’S WILD NORTHWEST

Spread across Australia’s northwest coast, the Kimberley plateau is an immense and complex landscape of plunging waterfalls, towering red rock, and emerald rainforests. Travelers can expect astonishing sites like Aboriginal rock art, otherworldly geological formations, and gravity-defying horizontal waterfalls located deep within the Buccaneer Archipelago. Some of the biggest tidal changes on Earth can be witnessed at Montgomery Reef.

SOUTHERN ODYSSEY: NEW ZEALAND & THE SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS

Untouched islands, rare wildlife, pristine beaches, quiet coves, soaring peaks, and dazzling fjords are just a few of the natural wonders found along on this journey. Birders will delight in the chance to view many of New Zealand’s nearly 300 bird species. Penguins and other pelagic birds can be found throughout the rarely visited Subantarctic Islands.

Natural Bounty. Enter OFFER M24974 on the website found on the back cover for a deeper dive.