Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands
Join the legacy of explorers, writers, and artists like James Cook, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Paul Gauguin who crossed oceans seeking distant landscapes and discovered a paradise rich in ancient culture and astonishing marine life. On this expedition to the sparsely populated Marquesas Islands, encounter giant tikis on Hiva Oa, thousand-year-old petroglyphs on Nuku Hiva, the wild horses of Ua Huka, lush rainforests with rare birds, and the abundant biodiversity of the surrounding sea.
Highlights
Experience warm, heartfelt welcomes from island residents and visit ancient maraes (sacred sites)
Taste local foods and connect with Marquesans during a cultural dance performance
On jungle hikes, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns
Explore one of the world's largest groups of coral atolls and their incredible blue lagoons via kayak, Zodiac, or stand-up paddleboard
Dive and snorkel in an extraordinary undersea world of manta rays, green sea turtles, and vast schools of pelagic fish from the clear, turquoise waters of the Tuamotus to the deep, nutrient rich seas of the Marquesas
Join Jeff Mauritzen on the Feb. 18, 2025 departure
From
$12,363
/ per person
Does not include flights
2025: BRING A FRIEND
View our brochure for more details
From
$12,363
/ per person
2025: BRING A FRIEND
View our brochure for more details
Video
Kate Walsh Travels to Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
- Sep 2023
Recently, Actress and Ocean Conservationist Kate Walsh traveled with us to the Marquesas Islands aboard the Nat Geo Orion. Here, she discusses French Polynesia's unique culture, history, and wildlife with a few of our experts onboard.
Dates & Rates
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Ships
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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Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
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2025: BRING A FRIEND
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