South Pacific Expeditions

View of the ship National Geographic Orion at Vaitahu in Tahuata, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, Oceania

In a region known the world over for balmy waters and idyllic beaches, the South Pacific still holds secrets for the traveler who ventures just beyond Hawaii’s familiar shores. Voyage by small ship to the furthest reaches of French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands for an array of tropical adventures—from rainforest hikes and snorkeling excursions in the planet’s most spectacular undersea realms to enriching encounters with Polynesian culture. Or journey down under to witness ancient cave art in Australia’s Kimberley region or take in the superlative scenery of New Zealand and the rarely visited Subantarctic Islands, harboring endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

“Traveling to the most remote places on earth is something I will never take for granted. I have not even begun to process the magnitude of what I just experienced in visiting New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands.”
Guest aboard Southern Odyssey: New Zealand and the Subantarctic Islands, January 2024

Why Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Guests enjoy the view of China Strait from the deck aboard the ship National Geographic Orion. The China Strait is a navigable strait in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea between mainland New Guinea and Samarai Island.

Experience the world’s premier expedition fleet: intimately scaled ships, cutting-edge exploration tools, and maximum comfort.

Ship Crew on the bridge of the ship National Geographic Orion, Indonesia

Explore with the pioneers of expedition travel: 50+ years and counting because there’s always more to discover.

Tua Pittman, Cultural Specialist, in New Zealand.

See the world from a new perspective with a veteran expedition team by your side and leading the way.

Our Trips in the South Pacific

Our Ships in the South Pacific

With the sun setting and casting a spectrum of warm hues across the sky, the ship National Geographic Orion sits anchored in the calm waters of the Java Sea.

National Geographic Orion

Guests: 102
Cabins: 53

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, the Mediterranean, and beyond

View Amenities & Cabins

Our Team in the South Pacific

Every member of our team—from our naturalists and photographers to our expedition leaders—is committed to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Many are veteran and locally based guides chosen for their extensive knowledge of subjects like wildlife biology and cultural history, while special guests—including National Geographic Experts—offer additional insights into the South Pacific’s diverse treasures. Exploring in small groups, you’ll hear different perspectives every day, and because there are no group assignments, you can gravitate toward experts who share your interests and inspire your curiosity.

Your expedition team is complemented by a dedicated hotel team that strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.