French Polynesia & Pacific Islands, New and Noteworthy
17° 31′ S 149° 34′ W
Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Society and Tuamotu Islands
Highlights








Discover 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
Learn about Polynesian history and culture at Ra'iatea’s Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enjoy 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
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 that drop straight to deserted beaches
Spend a day on the small island of Anaa and in its biodiverse lagoon, meeting fishermen and skilled local artisans
Be on the lookout for endemic birds like the blue lorikeet, chattering kingfisher, and Makatea fruit dove
Visit to a vanilla farm on Taha'a, “the vanilla island”
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 Expedition
Papeete, Tahiti
Papeete, Tahiti
Days 1-2
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tahiti. Arrive in the early morning on Day 2 and proceed directly to National Geographic Orion for embarkation. While in port this morning, take some time to freshen up and settle into your cabin as we prepare to depart. Alternatively, choose to walk around downtown Papeete and visit the central market where vendors sell fresh fruit, pareos, artwork, and coveted black pearls. Join us for lunch aboard and be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. This afternoon meet the expedition team and your fellow travelers and settle into island time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 1-2
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipDepart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tahiti. Arrive in the early morning on Day 2 and proceed directly to National Geographic Orion for embarkation. While in port this morning, take some time to freshen up and settle into your cabin as we prepare to depart. Alternatively, choose to walk around downtown Papeete and visit the central market where vendors sell fresh fruit, pareos, artwork, and coveted black pearls. Join us for lunch aboard and be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. This afternoon meet the expedition team and your fellow travelers and settle into island time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Tuamotu Archipelago
Spend two days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the “Dangerous Archipelago,” a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn of their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel or dive, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 3-4
Tuamotu ArchipelagoSpend two days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the “Dangerous Archipelago,” a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn of their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel or dive, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-6
Fakarava
Today we arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants, and crustaceans, and we will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs and ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop, or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5-6
FakaravaToday we arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants, and crustaceans, and we will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs and ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop, or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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 and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island's limestone caves, and swim in the crystal clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
MakateaAn 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 and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island's limestone caves, and swim in the crystal clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Taha’a / Bora Bora
Arrive in Taha'a and spend the morning snorkeling alongside black-tipped reef sharks. Or, choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as we sail to nearby Bora Bora and be on deck as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. This afternoon, explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water and join us for a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Taha’a / Bora BoraArrive in Taha'a and spend the morning snorkeling alongside black-tipped reef sharks. Or, choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as we sail to nearby Bora Bora and be on deck as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. This afternoon, explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water and join us for a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Bora Bora / Ra'iatea
Take in the sunrise on deck as we sail to Ra'iatea in the early morning light. This morning we visit one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea. As we explore this large complex, once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand, we learn of its significance in Polynesian history. Join us for a scenic lagoon cruise around the island as we sail toward the village of Uturoa. Taste local Polynesian specialties over lunch at a local beachside restaurant, and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding from the beach in Ra'iatea's calm lagoon waters.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Bora Bora / Ra'iateaTake in the sunrise on deck as we sail to Ra'iatea in the early morning light. This morning we visit one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea. As we explore this large complex, once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand, we learn of its significance in Polynesian history. Join us for a scenic lagoon cruise around the island as we sail toward the village of Uturoa. Taste local Polynesian specialties over lunch at a local beachside restaurant, and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding from the beach in Ra'iatea's calm lagoon waters.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Mo'orea
Wake up to views of Mo'orea's tall, green cliffs as we anchor in stunning Opunohu Bay. Spend the morning discovering all that the island has to offer: hike through a pineapple plantation, explore the island's interior on horseback, or choose to snorkel in the island's crystalline lagoon. Have lunch on deck and take in views of the island as we cruise toward Cook's Bay, where we spend the rest of the day. Join us on an afternoon excursion to Mo'orea's newest museum and enjoy the golden light of the late afternoon from ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Mo'oreaWake up to views of Mo'orea's tall, green cliffs as we anchor in stunning Opunohu Bay. Spend the morning discovering all that the island has to offer: hike through a pineapple plantation, explore the island's interior on horseback, or choose to snorkel in the island's crystalline lagoon. Have lunch on deck and take in views of the island as we cruise toward Cook's Bay, where we spend the rest of the day. Join us on an afternoon excursion to Mo'orea's newest museum and enjoy the golden light of the late afternoon from ashore.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12
Mo'orea / Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Disembark Ship / Home
This morning, choose to stretch your legs with an early walk into Mo'orea’s caldera interior or opt to discover marine life beneath the surface of the lagoon on a leisurely snorkel excursion. Join us onboard for lunch as we cast off for Tahiti. In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and check into a hotel room for the afternoon. In the late evening, transfer to the airport for international overnight flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 11.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Days 11-12
Mo'orea / Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Disembark Ship / HomeThis morning, choose to stretch your legs with an early walk into Mo'orea’s caldera interior or opt to discover marine life beneath the surface of the lagoon on a leisurely snorkel excursion. Join us onboard for lunch as we cast off for Tahiti. In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and check into a hotel room for the afternoon. In the late evening, transfer to the airport for international overnight flights home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 11.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
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.
Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey
Make a reservation
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
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.
Special Offers
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
SOLO TRAVELER SAVINGS
20% OFF BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION VOYAGES
$1200 AIR CREDIT
Take advantage of our additional offers
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
BRINGING THE KIDS
Family fun!
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
COMBINING OFFERS
Combine now and save!
View our brochure for more details
Experience idyllic islands and atolls of renowned biodiversity and untouched beauty. Begin with underwater explorations in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Fakarava, whose flora and fauna are so diverse that its breathtaking reefs and other habitats are protected by UNESCO. Makatea's sheer volcanic cliffs, Bora Bora's jagged Mount Otemanu, and the tall green peaks of Mo'orea create indelible memories and complement the underwater Gardens of Eden that surround these remote tropical islands.
From
$12,350
/ 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
$12,350
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$12,350
/ per person
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details