Depart the U.S. and arrive in Papeete, French Polynesia. Enjoy an introduction to the culture, history, and geology of French Polynesia on a guided tour. Then embark the National Geographic Orion and take to the Tahitian seas.
(D)

Depart the U.S. and arrive in Papeete, French Polynesia. Enjoy an introduction to the culture, history, and geology of French Polynesia on a guided tour. Then embark the National Geographic Orion and take to the Tahitian seas.
(D)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive welcome with music and dancing, 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. In true expedition mode, set out to explore one of the uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea on our way to remote Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers and get acquainted with the island culture.

(B,L,D daily)

Famous for its black pearls, Mangareva is 
the largest of the Gambier Islands. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here, and go on a hike with our naturalists. Then spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists, or relaxing on deck with a good book.

(B,L,D daily)

Famous for its black pearls, Mangareva is 
the largest of the Gambier Islands. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here, and go on a hike with our naturalists. Then spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists, or relaxing on deck with a good book.

(B,L,D daily)

Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. See the gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island.

(B,L,D daily)

Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. See the gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island.

(B,L,D daily)

Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. See the gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island.

(B,L,D daily)

Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. See the gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island.

(B,L,D daily)

Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak” and Polynesian phrases. See the gravesite of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean environments on the planet as part of National Geographic Pristine Seas project. Set out on our final leg east, listening to talks by our experts as we sail two days towards Easter Island.

(B,L,D daily)

Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel for three nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your overnight flight home.

(B,L,D; B,L)

Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel for three nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your overnight flight home.

(B,L,D; B,L)

Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel for three nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your overnight flight home.

(B,L,D; B,L)

Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel for three nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your overnight flight home.

(B,L,D; B,L)

Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel for three nights. Venture to volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your overnight flight home.

(B,L,D; B,L)