Talofa! A very warm welcome to Samoa. National Geographic Orion arrived in Samoa after a long sea travel from Rarotonga. We were truly in the remote Pacific and ready for exploration.
The warmth from the Samoan people was intoxicating and we received special treatment today. We were shown around Robert Louis Stevenson’s house and the surrounding botanical garden, we had a Sunday feast cooked in an umu, we enjoyed a cultural performance, and then went snorkelling at Palolo Marine Reserve.
Born and raised outside Philadelphia; Mike spent his childhood playing around at his family's gymnastics facility. From camping with his family throughout the US to annual ski trips to Park City Utah, he has always had an affinity for the outdoors. H...
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Malo and greetings! Welcome to beautiful Futuna and Alofi Islands in the Wallis and Futuna Islands group. Today, National Geographic Orion anchored in the lagoon between Futuna and Alofi Islands. The excursions to begin our day were to visit the cathedral of St. Peter, a patron saint of these islands, then proceed to a scenic outlook to admire the view the island. This was followed by a pristine lagoon snorkel off the shore of Alofi Island where guests were given the opportunity to frolic in the lagoon and snorkel the reef’s edge. It was another fantastic day exploring this special region. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is about creating opportunities for these unique moments and today was one of them.
This morning aboard National Geographic Orion , our adventure began with a visit to the coastal village of Waitabu where we were warmly welcomed into the heart of Fijian culture. The villagers hosted a traditional kava ceremony, a profound and respectful ritual that brought us together in celebration and community. Following the ceremony, we were treated to a series of captivating dance performances, each movement telling stories of Fijian heritage, connection, and joy. Our next stop was a stunning hidden gem—a picturesque waterfall tucked within the lush tropical Bouma National Heritage Park. The cool, cascading waters provided the perfect spot to swim and soak in the beauty of nature. It was an unforgettable moment of tranquility and awe. After lunch aboard the ship, we headed out to a nearby marine reserve renowned for its vibrant coral life. Equipped with snorkels, we explored the vivid underwater world where colorful corals thrived alongside an array of marine species. The visibility was extraordinary, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of this thriving ecosystem.
As the ship slowed to its anchoring point, we were visited by many curious red-footed boobies flying across the bow. We had an early morning departure in Zodiacs as we found our way to a nearby snorkeling site. The waters around the island had a pleasant variety of corals and fish. After the relaxing snorkel, some of us chilled on the beach and enjoyed the island’s serenity. After lunch, we had some time to head out in Zodiacs to explore the islands and get an introduction to island ecology from our knowledgeable naturalist guides.
