French Polynesia & Pacific Islands, New and Noteworthy
17° 31′ S 149° 34′ W
Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History
Highlights
Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons of French Polynesia and Fiji
Experience untouched beauty, remarkable cultures, and rare flora and fauna
Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and in the rainforests of Samoa
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2023-24 (Westbound)
Papeete, Tahiti
Lautoka, Fiji
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Arrive in Tahiti and transfer to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (or similar) in the afternoon for check in. Spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French PolynesiaArrive in Tahiti and transfer to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (or similar) in the afternoon for check in. Spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 2
Papeete / Embark Ship
This morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure and spend some time exploring the resort while adjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelers for lunch and then join us for a tour of Tahiti before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Papeete / Embark ShipThis morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure and spend some time exploring the resort while adjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelers for lunch and then join us for a tour of Tahiti before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-5
Taha'a / Ra'iatea / At Sea
Enjoy the day acclimating to island time at beautiful Taha'a. Surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon, make use of our private motu to snorkel, swim, kayak or just enjoy your surroundings from the white sandy beach.
Spend the next morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the centuries-old complex was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, and New Zealand. Later, refresh yourself with a swim in the island's lagoon.
Spend time on deck during a day at sea, mesmerized by deep-blue water while scanning the horizon for marine mammals and seabirds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-5
Taha'a / Ra'iatea / At SeaEnjoy the day acclimating to island time at beautiful Taha'a. Surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon, make use of our private motu to snorkel, swim, kayak or just enjoy your surroundings from the white sandy beach.
Spend the next morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the centuries-old complex was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, and New Zealand. Later, refresh yourself with a swim in the island's lagoon.
Spend time on deck during a day at sea, mesmerized by deep-blue water while scanning the horizon for marine mammals and seabirds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-8
Cook Islands / At Sea
Today we let nature be our guide as we discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel or dive among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystalline waters. Then enjoy life aboard National Geographic Orion as we spend two days sailing west toward Samoa, crossing the International Date Line.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-8
Cook Islands / At SeaToday we let nature be our guide as we discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel or dive among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystalline waters. Then enjoy life aboard National Geographic Orion as we spend two days sailing west toward Samoa, crossing the International Date Line.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10
Samoa
With its spectacular beaches and dense green foliage, hidden waterfalls and lava-sculpted landscapes, Samoa captures the essence of the South Pacific. During our time on these islands, hike through rainforests vibrant with flowers and birds, take a dip in a swimming hole, go snorkeling or diving, and soak up the languid rhythms of island life that drew Robert Louis Stevenson to these shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10
SamoaWith its spectacular beaches and dense green foliage, hidden waterfalls and lava-sculpted landscapes, Samoa captures the essence of the South Pacific. During our time on these islands, hike through rainforests vibrant with flowers and birds, take a dip in a swimming hole, go snorkeling or diving, and soak up the languid rhythms of island life that drew Robert Louis Stevenson to these shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12
Wallis and Futuna
Another of France's South Pacific territories, the tiny island nation of Wallis and Futuna lies between Samoa and Fiji. In Wallis, we are greeted with local dancing and singing. Visit the beautiful crater lake Lalolalo and a cathedral built of blue volcanic stone, chiseled by hand. In Futuna, stop at a historic “cannibal oven” and learn of the history of these fascinating people before taking in a warrior dance performance in front of the Cathedral of Poi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12
Wallis and FutunaAnother of France's South Pacific territories, the tiny island nation of Wallis and Futuna lies between Samoa and Fiji. In Wallis, we are greeted with local dancing and singing. Visit the beautiful crater lake Lalolalo and a cathedral built of blue volcanic stone, chiseled by hand. In Futuna, stop at a historic “cannibal oven” and learn of the history of these fascinating people before taking in a warrior dance performance in front of the Cathedral of Poi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-15
Fiji
Enter the island nation of Fiji with a stop at Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, known as “The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Experience warm Fijian welcomes at the village of Waitabu and explore the waterfalls of nearby Bouma National Heritage Park. Visit Beqa Island and snorkel in one of the Pacific's most successful community marine parks. Witness Kadavu's stunning beauty.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 13-15
FijiEnter the island nation of Fiji with a stop at Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, known as “The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Experience warm Fijian welcomes at the village of Waitabu and explore the waterfalls of nearby Bouma National Heritage Park. Visit Beqa Island and snorkel in one of the Pacific's most successful community marine parks. Witness Kadavu's stunning beauty.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 16-17
Lautoka / Disembark Ship / U.S.
Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home. Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 16.
Days 16-17
Lautoka / Disembark Ship / U.S.Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home. Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 16.
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
Dates & Rates
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National Geographic Orion
Guests
102
Cabins
53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.
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Set sail from Tahiti's lush volcanic landscape to explore the sparkling white shores of Fiji. Along the way, discover a fascinating geology and a stunning wealth of bird species and marine life. Dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava. Meet island communities. Survey the far-flung reef systems of the extraordinary archipelagos of the South Pacific.
From
$15,920
/ per person
Does not include flights
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$15,920
/ per person
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details