Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

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 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. Settle into your cabin before dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Makatea

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day exploring the island's limestone caves and grottos with our expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, then snorkel among colorful fish on the nearby reef. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-8

At Sea / Tuamotu Archipelago

Today we begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago,” in Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift snorkel. From here, our captain and expedition leader will determine our next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, we visit some of the Tuamotus' most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as we make our way east and explore one of French Polynesia's many uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Mangareva

Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. We then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here, or go on a hike with our naturalists. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 10-13

Pitcairn Islands / At Sea

We begin our exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary H.M.S. Bounty made their home here in the late18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English "sailor speak" and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty's anchor, which was salvaged in 1957.We continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans.Discover the island's four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. At Ducie Atoll, spend time looking for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkeling among spectacular reefs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 14-15

At Sea

As we voyage east toward Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as our skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym, and browse in the library.Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 16-20

Easter Island, Chile / Disembark Ship / Santiago

Arrive in Easter Island where you will disembark and check into the Nayara Hangaroa (or similar) for two nights. Explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. Board our flight to Santiago, Chile and check into the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) for one night. The next day, take a tour of Santiago and transfer to the airport in the evening for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch