Azure Seas from Tahiti to the Marquesas

Depart for Tahiti and land in Tahiti where a room will be available for you. Spend the morning at your leisure before meeting your fellow travelers for lunch and a tour of Tahiti before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (Day 2: L,D)

We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago” at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive. Continue to Raroia, one of the easternmost atolls in this chain, and the site where Thor Heyerdahl’s famous Kon-Tiki raft made landfall in 1947. (B,L,D Daily)

A day at sea brings us to one of the most remote island groups on Earth, the Marquesas Islands. We begin our exploration of this archipelago on Tahuata, the smallest of the inhabited Marquesan Islands. Choose to attend a local church service with stunningly beautiful music, and spend some time exploring Vaitahu, the main village on the island. In the afternoon we reposition to nearby Hapatoni Bay where both land and sea excursions await. (B,L,D Daily)

Start the day at Hatiheu Bay, on the north shore of Nuku Hiva Island. Visit ancient petroglyphs and witness a spectacular dance performance at a Marquesan me’ae, or hike up the valley with the naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and spectacular views. Later, sample local foods in the village, and peruse unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)

Today is open for exploration. Dive some of the incredible waters here and search for rare cetaceans with your naturalists. Marvel at the rugged volcanic silhouettes of these legendary islands from the Zodiacs and kayaks. (B,L,D)

At Hiva Oa, stop for a fresh-baked French baguette in the village of Atuona. Visit the village of Puamau to see the stunning Marquesan me’ae lipona, and photograph one of the largest tikis in Polynesia. (B,L,D)

Be sure you’re on deck this morning to photograph the volcanic pillars of Hanavave Bay, as Orion approaches one of the most storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Visit a remote village where you’ll see displays of uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a challenging hike to a remote waterfall, or take Zodiacs to the next bay where local transport takes you on a birdwatching foray deep into the Omoa Valley. (B,L,D)

We let nature be our guide for these days, as we explore some of the more than 80 islands and atolls that make up this seldom-visited archipelago. Snorkel or dive stunning healthy reefs, kayak and stand-up paddleboard on turquoise lagoons, and walk pristine beaches beneath coconut palms. (B,L,D Daily)

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. Spend the day exploring limestone caves and grottos with your expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, then snorkel and dive among colorful fish on the nearby reef. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Bora Bora this morning and take a short, scenic flight back to Papeete. Tour Tahiti and enjoy lunch at the hotel before overnight flights home in the evening. (Day 16: B,L)