French Polynesia & Pacific Islands, New and Noteworthy
15° 47′ S 167° 45′ E
Rites and Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes, and Beyond
Highlights
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
Visit the traditional island of the Fijian firewalkers—Beqa
Ride up the crystal-clear Riri River to the spectacular Riri Blue Hole grotto on Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island
Arrive at Owaraha in the Solomon Islands for a series of traditional dances and music, then walk to see the island’s traditional spirit houses
Visit mysterious Ambrym Island in Vanuatu—known as a place of magic and spirits—and witness the traditional Rom dance
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2023 (Eastbound)
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Lautoka, Fiji
Days 1-3
U.S. / Brisbane, Australia
Depart the U.S. and arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check in to our hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers. Meals are on your own, except for dinner, which is included on Day 3.
Meals Included: Dinner
Days 1-3
U.S. / Brisbane, AustraliaDepart the U.S. and arrive in Brisbane, Australia, where we check in to our hotel. Join us for a welcome briefing this evening to meet your fellow travelers. Meals are on your own, except for dinner, which is included on Day 3.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 4
Brisbane / Honiara, Solomon Islands / Embark Ship
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place, before embarking National Geographic Orion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Brisbane / Honiara, Solomon Islands / Embark ShipEnjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place, before embarking National Geographic Orion.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Owaraha Island
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Owaraha IslandOn the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At Sea
Take advantage of a full day at sea to settle into the relaxed pace of life on board. Watch for marine life from the deck, study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by our experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At SeaTake advantage of a full day at sea to settle into the relaxed pace of life on board. Watch for marine life from the deck, study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by our experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, experience the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Espiritu Santo, VanuatuCaptain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, experience the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Ambrym
Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
AmbrymAmbrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Lelepa
Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we are welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we enter the impressive Fels Cave.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
LelepaRide Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we are welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we enter the impressive Fels Cave.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Tanna
On Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in Port Resolution in the shadow of Mount Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and dances, as well as locally made handicrafts. Sample the strong, local kava made for special celebrations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
TannaOn Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in Port Resolution in the shadow of Mount Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and dances, as well as locally made handicrafts. Sample the strong, local kava made for special celebrations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
At Sea
Relax on deck as we make our passage from Vanuatu to Fiji or attend talks by our expert expedition and photo teams.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
At SeaRelax on deck as we make our passage from Vanuatu to Fiji or attend talks by our expert expedition and photo teams.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Beqa, Fiji
More than 300 islands make up the remote volcanic archipelago of Fiji, where we spend three days exploring. After entering the large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely Lawaki Beach House, a rustic resort and beautiful place to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike across the island to a local village. Taste local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Beqa is considered the traditional “home” of the Fijian firewalker. Witness this dramatic ceremony and the incredible strength and discipline required to perform it.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Beqa, FijiMore than 300 islands make up the remote volcanic archipelago of Fiji, where we spend three days exploring. After entering the large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely Lawaki Beach House, a rustic resort and beautiful place to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike across the island to a local village. Taste local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Beqa is considered the traditional “home” of the Fijian firewalker. Witness this dramatic ceremony and the incredible strength and discipline required to perform it.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Taveuni
Taveuni, Fiji’s third largest island, is known as “The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park and search for species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and to see a dance performance by some of the local, talented children.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
TaveuniTaveuni, Fiji’s third largest island, is known as “The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park and search for species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and to see a dance performance by some of the local, talented children.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Kadavu
Join the ship’s naturalists for a beautiful scenic hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the rich variety of birdlife on the island of Kadavu. Explore a lovely village, or snorkel and dive in the refreshing Fijian water, rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet exploration of the lagoon by stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
KadavuJoin the ship’s naturalists for a beautiful scenic hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the rich variety of birdlife on the island of Kadavu. Explore a lovely village, or snorkel and dive in the refreshing Fijian water, rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet exploration of the lagoon by stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
Lautoka, Viti Levu / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check in to our hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today; dinner is on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15
Lautoka, Viti Levu / Disembark ShipDisembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check in to our hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today; dinner is on your own.
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.
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Explore through the heart of Melanesia to the western edge of Polynesia, from the Solomon Islands to Fiji. Receive warm welcomes in the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Be greeted with traditional dances when arriving by Zodiac on remote and verdant shores. Search for endemic bird species, snorkel and dive stunning reefs and wrecks, and soak up the tranquil beauty of palm-fringed beaches.
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AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
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Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$13,790
/ per person
View our brochure for more details
From
$13,790
/ per person
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochure for more details