Exploring untouched paradises and diverse cultures across the vast Pacific
Only a few hours by air beyond Hawaii’s familiar beaches, remote Pacific isles stretch across pristine seas, offering travelers illuminating perspectives on the South Pacific. Here, vibrant modern-day cultures mingle with ancient Polynesian and Melanesian traditions, and thousands of endemic plant and animal species can be found under water, on land, and in the sky.
Go beyond the bungalows to experience all this tropical paradise has to offer, traveling by expedition ship to secluded lagoons and uninhabited islands. Snorkel coral gardens teeming with turtles and tropical fish, hike through rainforests in search of rare wildlife, and share enriching moments with the people who live in these remote places. Each evening holds the promise of a dazzling Pacific sunset and the dawn of surprising adventures on a stunning, yet unfamiliar, isle.
(5) French Polynesia & Pacific Islands Itineraries
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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.
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.
Feb
From
$12,488
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands
Duration
12 days
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.
Feb
From
$12,488
Top 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
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.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$11,144
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Beyond: Exploring the Rites and Relics of the Pacific
Duration
15 days
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.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$11,144
Top Highlights
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and the lovely and less-visited Kadavu
Swim in the spectacular Matevulu 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
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.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$16,570
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History
Duration
17 days
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.
Jan
Feb
Apr
From
$16,570
Top Highlights
Snorkel, swim, scuba dive, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons of French Polynesia and Fiji
Experience untouched beauty, remarkable cultures, and rare flora and fauna
Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia
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.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$10,910
Prices are per person
Highlights
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society and Tuamotu Islands
Duration
12 days
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.
Feb
Mar
Jun
From
$10,910
Top 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
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.
Jan
Oct
Dec
From
$12,994
Prices are per person
Highlights
Australia and New Zealand
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
Duration
15 days
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.
Jan
Oct
Dec
From
$12,994
Top Highlights
Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species
The exploration lore and legend of the South Pacific is among the world’s most romantic. As we venture from west to east, we follow the routes of the bold people who populated these islands. Sail in their wake, and learn their stories. You’ll enter a world of visual wonder. Discover a profusion of wildlife—fairy terns, Tahitian petrels, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and red-footed boobies—plus rare endemic species like the brilliantly hued, white-capped fruit dove in the Marquesas. The islands’ flora, lush and luxurious as a dream, is equally intriguing. Discover enchanting colors and sweet aromas of tropical flowers. Under the sea a kaleidoscopic world unfurls among pristine, colorful coral reefs.
It is a privilege to visit the far-flung and pristine islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, a richly diverse and culturally fascinating geography. And to the privilege of cruising the South Pacific, National Geographic Orion adds the luxury of comfort—a quality of shipboard life and a philosophy of wellness designed to relax and revitalize body, mind, and spirit.
A Warm Welcome in the Solomon Islands
Recently, guests aboard Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesiawere welcomed by hundreds of locals on Utupua in the Solomon Islands with a vibrant ceremony that took villagers two months to prepare. Hear from expedition leader Alex Searle about this amazing cultural experience.
In Good Company: Tua Pittman on the Many Islands of Polynesia
In this episode of In Good Company, Cultural Specialist and Master Navigator Tua Pittman shines light on the breathtaking wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures of the South Pacific islands.
A Heroic History: The Story of Polynesian Voyaging
Christina Thompson, editor of the Harvard Review and author of Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia, shares the incredible story of ancient Polynesian exploration–who they were, how they settled across the vast Pacific ocean, and their rich history in this spectacular region.
South Pacific Islands: Beauty & History
Hiding among the azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests of places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, the scars of World War II are still very much present. As we call in on these remote sites on our Rites and Relics voyage, we’ll be joined by Ian W. Toll, author of a highly regarded, three-volume history of the Pacific War, who will help resurrect these stories from the past.
South Pacific: A Musical Journey
Cultural Specialist and Ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar shares the importance of music to the identity, culture, and traditions of the South Pacific.
5 Things You Didn't Know About French Polynesia
Although this region is known for its vitreous aqua water, lilting palms, and white sand beaches, the islands also hold many only-here discoveries to make beyond the sand and sun--from hidden underwater caves to vibrant coral churches.
Marae Taputapuatea: The Sacred Center of Polynesia
On the sacred isle of Ra'iatea, Marae Taputapuatea is the center of Polynesian spirituality and culture for the entire region, reaching from Hawaii to New Zealand.
It’s possible to both unwind in an overwater bungalow and actively experience French Polynesia’s diverse stunning landscapes, ancient cultures, and dazzling wildlife by combining a land stay with an inspiring expedition at sea.
Being able to experience the ceremonies of the welcome—the dances, singing, leis—in an authentic Polynesian cultural context was not just artful, beautiful, and fragrant, it was also sincere and meaningful—pure bliss for both audience and performers.
Christine B.
Explore with top expedition teams
See, do, and learn more by going with engaging experts who have been exploring this region for decades. Go with an expedition leader, naturalists, historians, and more.
Expedition Leader
Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.
Sail with a team of four naturalists, each passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly) and who illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Choose to spend time with whoever shares your interests in birding, human history, flora and fauna, and so much more.
Go with two divemasters, plus an undersea specialist. The divemasters will lead dive outings for up to 24 guests with advanced diving certifications. And your undersea specialist will lead snorkeling outings in some of the world’s most pristine seas, plus deploy an ROV to explore down to 1,000 feet deep.
Shoot with a National Geographic photographer at your side, on deck and in the field, inspiring and advising. They share their secrets and tips and actively lead special photo walks on shore or on Zodiac cruises to help photographers of every skill level capture the best images possible.
Today we enjoyed our first full sea day on board National Geographic Orion . Guests were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the amenities of the ship. After breakfast we were treated to two presentations by our natural history staff. First up was an introduction to Polynesia, then ‘Life Behind the Lens’ with our National Geographic expert. After lunch we were treated to a presentation explaining the settlement and migration of Polynesia. It was a beautiful and inspiring talk by our cultural specialist.
Today's expedition took us to the island of Raiatea, where we had the privilege of visiting the sacred marae, a site of profound significance to the Polynesian people. As we stepped onto the island, we were immersed in a rich tapestry of history and culture that has shaped the region for centuries. Led by local expert Tua Pittman, we were welcomed to the marae with warmth and reverence. Tua shared with us the deep-rooted history of the site, recounting tales of ancient chiefs who gathered here to make pivotal decisions that influenced the destiny of Polynesia. From Raiatea to Hawaii and Easter Island, the marae served as a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, its influence extending far beyond its shores. Despite the occasional rain, our expedition leader, Alex Searle, led us through the site with unwavering enthusiasm and expertise. As he deciphered the intricate history etched into the stones, we marveled at the resilience and ingenuity of the ancient Polynesian civilization. While some of us opted to explore the marae grounds further, others embarked on a hike up the mountain behind the site. As we ascended, the panoramic views of Raiatea and the surrounding landscape took our breath away, offering a perspective that underscored the sacredness of the marae and its surroundings. At the summit, we were rewarded with a stunning vista overlooking the beach, the marae, and the sacred entrance. It was a moment of profound connection with the land and its people, a testament to the enduring legacy of Polynesian culture.
La orana and greetings! Welcome to beautiful Tahaa Island, known as the vanilla island of French Polynesia. Today National Geographic Orion anchored in the lagoon of Tahaa Island in French Polynesia. To start the day, we ventured to a vanilla plantation where we were hosted by plantation co-owner, Bryan. He explained the intricacies of planting, caring for, and harvesting the vanilla bean. Our visit was followed by snorkelling in a pristine lagoon off the shore of Mahaea Islet and a fantastic beach BBQ put together by Chef Lorenzo and his team. Needless to say, our guests welcomed the great variety of delicacies provided, not to mention the service from our incredible hospitality staff, led by Hotel Manager Fran and maître d’ Mio. The day’s outdoor activities ended with a swim with the whitetip sharks of Tahaa. An experience our guests could not stop talking about. Expeditions with Lindblad/National Geographic are about sharing unique moments and today was no exception. Photos by Alex Joesph and Tua Pittman
We awoke to a stunning sunrise as National Geographic Orion made her way through Tiputa Pass at the beautiful atoll of Rangiroa. What a way to start the day! The South Pacific swell greeted us as well, but that did not deter us from an amazing snorkel in the morning. We swam amongst the fish in Rangiroa’s Aquarium. The black and white striped sergeant majors were everywhere, joined by glistening blue fusiliers. An army of fish made for an incredible visit. After having lunch back on board the ship, we ventured off to Paul Gaugin’s Pearl Farm where we learned all about how to grow, harvest, and grade pearls. It really is quite an elaborate process. After our visit to the pearl farm, it was time for farewell cocktails on the sundeck with music from our cultural specialist, Kura. What a jam-packed perfect day. It is hard to believe the trip is nearly over. What a whirlwind of beauty we are so lucky to have experienced together!
This morning National Geographic Orion arrived at the beautiful island of Makatea. This uplifted coral island is a geological rarity, and its exposed cliff walls are topped with lush green vegetation. This island was once the site of a booming phosphorus mining operation with a couple thousand people residing here but is now home to under 100 islanders. After landing via our Zodiacs, local trucks took us up to an amazing overlook of the island and sea. We then hiked down to a cave entrance where hidden below was the most amazing grotto. Our undersea team used their lights to brighten it up and we had a swim in the refreshing waters. The hotel team from National Geographic Orion had a picnic lunch waiting for us near the beach under the coconut trees. It was a perfect day exploring this hidden gem of an island in French Polynesia.
In the past three years I’ve spent a couple weeks in French Polynesia, each time exploring some new terrain. Why return year after year? Because I find the region utterly joyous, beautiful and fascinating; the people, the land and sea and particularly the undersea.