Exploring untouched paradises and diverse cultures across the vast Pacific
Only a few hours by air beyond Hawaii’s familiar beaches, remote Pacific isles stretch across pristine seas, offering travelers illuminating perspectives on the South Pacific. Here, vibrant modern-day cultures mingle with ancient Polynesian and Melanesian traditions, and thousands of endemic plant and animal species can be found under water, on land, and in the sky.
Go beyond the bungalows to experience all this tropical paradise has to offer, traveling by expedition ship to secluded lagoons and uninhabited islands. Snorkel coral gardens teeming with turtles and tropical fish, hike through rainforests in search of rare wildlife, and share enriching moments with the people who live in these remote places. Each evening holds the promise of a dazzling Pacific sunset and the dawn of surprising adventures on a stunning, yet unfamiliar, isle.
(7) French Polynesia & Pacific Islands Itineraries
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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.
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.
Feb
May
From
$12,363
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands
Duration
12 days
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.
Feb
May
From
$12,363
Top Highlights
Explore one of the world's largest groups of coral atolls and their incredible blue lagoons via kayak, Zodiac, or stand-up paddleboard. Be on the lookout for marine mammals, including resident spinner dolphins and migrating humpback whales
Dive and snorkel in an extraordinary undersea world of massive manta rays, green sea turtles, and vast schools of pelagic fish
Learn about Polynesian history on visits to ancient maraes (sacred sites), petroglyphs, and an 8-foot tiki, and connect with Nuku Hiva residents during a cultural dance performance
Admire the volcanic spires of Hanavave Bay as we approach one of the most storied shorelines in the Pacific
Appreciate the skilled artistry behind tapa cloths, bone and rosewood carvings, and oils and perfumes crafted from natural materials, like the tiare flower
On jungle hikes, seek out unique birds, including the endangered ultramarine lorikeet, the Fatu Hiva monarch, and the endemic Upe, one of the largest pigeon species in the world
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
From
$13,790
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Beyond: Exploring the Rites and Relics of the Pacific
Duration
15 days
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
From
$13,790
Top Highlights
Arrive to Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses
Ride up the crystal-clear Riri River to the spectacular Riri Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
Visit mysterious Ambrym Island in Vanuatu—known as a place of magic and spirits—and witness the traditional Rom dance
Visit the traditional island of the Fijian firewalkers—Beqa
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Jun
From
$16,404
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History
Duration
17 days
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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Jun
From
$16,404
Top Highlights
Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia
Snorkel, swim, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons and reefs of French Polynesia
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and in the rainforests of Samoa
Visit remote island villages and discover rich cultural histories, including the tradition of fire-walking in Fiji
Be among the few to explore the secluded beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs of remote atolls alive with unusual endemic flora and fauna like tiny whistling green pigeons and rare mangroves
Discover the unique isolated island cultures: Guam’s Chamorro melting pot and Tokelau’s Polynesian heritage. Meet friendly inhabitants. Visit important UNESCO sites like French Polynesia’s Marae Taputapuatea and Pohnpei’s Nan Madol ruins
Walk in the footsteps of brave soldiers and explore shipwrecks at historic World War II sites in the Chuuk State and Butaritari Atoll, with vestiges including propellers, torpedoes, and cave networks
Experience the energy and diversity of Tarawa, where half of Kiribati’s population resides, and Papeete, the meeting point of cultures from surrounding archipelagos
Visit Pohnpei, a tropical Micronesian paradise with mangrove forests and stunning undersea life
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.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$12,727
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society and Tuamotu Islands
Duration
12 days
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.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$12,727
Top Highlights
In clear, warm waters, experience an extraordinary undersea world of whales and dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles, sharks and vast schools of colorful fish
Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites
Visit one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, UNESCO World Heritage site Marae Taputapuātea on Ra’iātea Island
Spend a day on the small island of Anaa and in its biodiverse lagoon, meeting fishermen and skilled local artisans who craft jewelry from stones mined on the island, string elaborate shell necklaces, and weave cloth with island motifs
Be on the lookout for endemic birds like the blue lorikeet, chattering kingfisher, and Makatea fruit dove
Enjoy special dining experiences including a barbecue with live music on a private motu in Bora Bora and a lunch of Polynesian specialties at a beachside restaurant in Ra'iatea
Enjoy a visit to a vanilla farm on Taha'a, “the vanilla island.” Polynesian vanilla is known throughout the world for its unique flavor, and Taha'a produces more than 70% of all vanilla in French Polynesia
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 8, 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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
From
$6,373
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Polynesian Discovery: Exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus
Duration
7 days
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 8, 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.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
From
$6,373
Top Highlights
See iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes like Bora Bora’s verdant Mount Otemanu, jutting 2,400 feet above turquoise waters, and Makatea’s steep cliffs, which drop straight to deserted beaches
Dive and snorkel in crystalline waters, experiencing an awe-inspiring undersea world of 16-foot manta rays, green sea turtles, black-tipped reef sharks, and enormous schools of fish
Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites
Learn about Polynesian history and culture at sites including Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
Dec
From
$15,610
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
Duration
18 days
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.
Jan
Feb
Oct
Dec
From
$15,610
Top Highlights
Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
Visit important World War II sites, including the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge and the Battle of Guadalcanal
See the fantastic fishing canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon
The exploration lore and legend of the South Pacific is among the world’s most romantic. As we venture from west to east, we follow the routes of the bold people who populated these islands. Sail in their wake, and learn their stories. You’ll enter a world of visual wonder. Discover a profusion of wildlife—fairy terns, Tahitian petrels, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and red-footed boobies—plus rare endemic species like the brilliantly hued, white-capped fruit dove in the Marquesas. The islands’ flora, lush and luxurious as a dream, is equally intriguing. Discover enchanting colors and sweet aromas of tropical flowers. Under the sea a kaleidoscopic world unfurls among pristine, colorful coral reefs.
It is a privilege to visit the far-flung and pristine islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising the South Pacific, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
A Warm Welcome in the Solomon Islands
Recently, guests aboard Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesiawere welcomed by hundreds of locals on Utupua in the Solomon Islands with a vibrant ceremony that took villagers two months to prepare. Hear from expedition leader Alex Searle about this amazing cultural experience.
In Good Company: Tua Pittman on the Many Islands of Polynesia
In this episode of In Good Company, Cultural Specialist and Master Navigator Tua Pittman shines light on the breathtaking wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures of the South Pacific islands.
A Heroic History: The Story of Polynesian Voyaging
Christina Thompson, editor of the Harvard Review and author of Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia, shares the incredible story of ancient Polynesian exploration–who they were, how they settled across the vast Pacific ocean, and their rich history in this spectacular region.
South Pacific Islands: Beauty & History
Hiding among the azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests of places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, the scars of World War II are still very much present. As we call in on these remote sites on our Rites and Relics voyage, we’ll be joined by Ian W. Toll, author of a highly regarded, three-volume history of the Pacific War, who will help resurrect these stories from the past.
South Pacific: A Musical Journey
Cultural Specialist and Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar shares the importance of music to the identity, culture, and traditions of the South Pacific.
5 Things You Didn't Know About French Polynesia
Although this region is known for its vitreous aqua water, lilting palms, and white sand beaches, the islands also hold many only-here discoveries to make beyond the sand and sun--from hidden underwater caves to vibrant coral churches.
Marae Taputapuatea: The Sacred Center of Polynesia
On the sacred isle of Ra'iatea, Marae Taputapuatea is the center of Polynesian spirituality and culture for the entire region, reaching from Hawaii to New Zealand.
It’s possible to both unwind in an overwater bungalow and actively experience French Polynesia’s diverse stunning landscapes, ancient cultures, and dazzling wildlife by combining a land stay with an inspiring expedition at sea.
Being able to experience the ceremonies of the welcome—the dances, singing, leis—in an authentic Polynesian cultural context was not just artful, beautiful, and fragrant, it was also sincere and meaningful—pure bliss for both audience and performers.
Christine B.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Sail with a team of four naturalists, each passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Go with two divemasters, plus an undersea specialist. The divemasters will lead dive outings for up to 24 guests with advanced diving certifications. And your undersea specialist will lead snorkeling outings in some of the world’s most pristine seas, plus deploy an ROV to explore down to 1,000 feet deep.
Shoot with a National Geographic photographer at your side, on deck and in the field, inspiring and advising. They share their secrets and tips and actively lead special photo walks on shore or on Zodiac cruises to help photographers of every skill level capture the best images possible.
Fiji, “the island of smiles,” and Beqa certainly lived up to the name today. We have had incredible weather on our journey so far. The sun was shining today, but the winds were picking up. Fortunately, we were able to get ashore and meet some incredibly friendly locals. We were fortunate enough to be presented with kava. This was followed by a traditional dance performance. The island is famous for its fire walkers. We were told of the history of how individuals are believed to be given the gift of walking on fire, and we observed the incredible feat as they walked barefoot across boiling hot rocks. We strolled around the area and spent time with locals before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, some of us chose to go on a challenging hike from one side of the island to the other, and all returned with smiles from ear to ear. Our day finished with the captain’s farewell drinks; it was a wonderful finish to an incredible journey that started in French Polynesia and ended in Fiji.
Fiji has an interesting and complex geological history. It’s based on a submerged platform of ancient formation. The Fiji Islands are largely a result of volcanic action, sedimentary deposits, and lovely formations of coral. This morning, we had the opportunity to explore two more islands of Fiji, Vurulevu and Yabu. Right before breakfast, we loaded the Zodiacs and cruised around the small island of Yabu. This pest-free island is home to red-footed boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, lesser frigatebirds, and brown boobies. Vurulevu Island had a lovely sand beach for the beach toys. Kayaks and standup paddleboards were available for guests who wanted to explore our surroundings. Some guests decided to snorkel from shore while others just enjoyed relaxing. It was a great morning of exploration. After lunch, we had another opportunity to keep exploring the underwater world. Our favorite highlight was the opportunity to snorkel while manta rays swam curiously beside our guests. We had great sightings of the giant oceanic manta ray as well as the reef manta ray. Back on board, we all concluded that it had been a great day and a life-changing experience!
After clearing Customs on board ahead of our first stop in Fiji, National Geographic Orion guests were treated to a very special afternoon at the rarely visited village of Waitabu on the island of Taveuni. This is the third largest island in Fiji, and it is known as the garden island thanks to its lush and extensive forestation. Villagers conducted a ritual kava ceremony for us, and we were told that the schoolchildren practiced for three months ahead of their exuberant performances today. There was time to stretch our legs on the walk to a photogenic waterfall in Bouma National Heritage Park for a refreshing swim in the river.
Futuna is a small island located in the Wallis and Futuna archipelago in the South Pacific. The island’s long history dates to prehistoric times. According to archaeological evidence, the island was first settled by Polynesians around 2,000 years ago. These early settlers were skilled navigators who arrived in large canoes and established a complex society based on agriculture and fishing. In the 16th century, European explorers, including the Dutch and the French, began to visit the island. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the island was formally colonized by France. Present day, Futuna is a French Overseas Collectivity, which means that it is part of France and governed by French laws and regulations. The island has a population of around 3,500 people and is known for its traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery. National Geographic Orion spent the entire day exploring the island of Futuna. After breakfast, guests were welcomed by a traditional warrior dance and treated to an assortment of fresh local fruits from the island. After the welcome, guests walked around and visited traditional thatched houses. Called fale or api nofo, these houses are usually oval or rectangular in shape with rounded ends. Although modern-style houses have been around for a long time, islanders still build traditional, wood-framed houses. The afternoon was dedicated to all things beach and water! Kayaks and standup paddleboards were available as conditions were ideal, and the water was calm as could be. Snorkeling from the beach to the outside reef was enjoyed, as were tours in the glass-bottom boat. Divers had an opportunity to take a plunge to explore the healthy outside reef. After all was said and done, a beautiful sunset concluded our day on Fortuna. National Geographic Orion weighed anchor for its next destination, the volcanic isles of Fiji.
After cruising all night, National Geographic Orion arrived at a French overseas collectivity. This territory is made up of three main volcanic tropical islands, Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi Islands. We anchored next to Wallis, also known as Uvea. A small islet, Faioa, called our attention. The white sands and clear waters invited us to bring ashore the beach toys. The kayaks, standup paddleboards, and snorkeling platform were deployed. Once settled, our guests disembarked to enjoy this paradise. After enjoying water activities, we returned on board. We could have stayed here for longer, but our journey must continue. We were granted a lovely sunset as we cruised away from Wallis.
In the past three years I’ve spent a couple weeks in French Polynesia, each time exploring some new terrain. Why return year after year? Because I find the region utterly joyous, beautiful and fascinating; the people, the land and sea and particularly the undersea.
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