Lo, Vanuatu, 12/31/2024, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Here in the South Pacific, we often get the chance to visit indigenous people. Sometimes the people are so warm, welcoming, and their sprit so contagious, that it is life changing. The people of Vanuatu are one such group of people and our visit today on the island of Lo was such an amazing experience that we truly felt at home.
Steve Morello has had a long and colorful career in the natural history world. Born in New Jersey, he was lucky to be able to summer on the shores of Cape Cod. Whether it was exploring the tidal pools, snorkeling along the beach, or hiking in the dun...
The last day of activities on our expedition was at the picturesque Santa Ana Island in the Solomon Islands. The shoreline of this small tropical island was lined with dense rainforest and coconut trees right up to the beach. Surrounding the Island was a vibrant fringing reef with a spectacular variety of healthy corals. We were greeted at the beach landing by the traditional Melanesian warrior welcome, and once ashore we had time to peruse the various local crafts and wooden carvings for sale. Once we were all gathered, we watched the special performance from the local community that represents the historical migration of the different groups of people who visited these islands. After the performances and music, we all had time to explore and head out for different activities, including bird watching, hiking, and snorkeling.
We commenced our day with an early morning snorkel on a beautiful island reef. Small groups of guests moved with the gentle current on the edge of the drop-off. The marine life was abundant and diverse. After breakfast, and when the tropical storm passed, we all crossed on a Zodiac from National Geographic Orion to the small village of Utupua where we were greeted by enthusiastic locals. A group of ‘warriors’, young and old, ran at each Zodiac in an exhilarating and light-hearted display. Everyone was thrilled with the show. We were treated to a welcome song and cultural dance, then we presented educational material to the chief and village teacher. An exploration of the village followed where we got to know the people, their lifestyle, and made new friends.
What an amazing way to start the year! We woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the ocean as we cruised toward the beach of Nendo in the Solomon Islands. Piling into our BAT mobiles (Best Available Transport), we headed up the mountain for an hour to reach the remote village of Noipe, rarely visited by outsiders. The locals gave us a warm, vibrant welcome—dancing, singing, and sharing delicious local dishes. They also showed us their traditional crafts, demonstrating skills passed down through generations. This included the creation of tevau, feather money, an extremely rare art and currency still used in the Solomons today. Back on board, the adventure continued as we encountered a small pod of sperm whales, including a mother and calf. As we continued cruising, we made our way to circumnavigate Tinakula Volcano. With a stormy sunset painting the sky, it was a powerful, unforgettable way to end the day. What a first day of the new year—full of new sights, sounds, and experiences we’ll never forget!
