Depart the U.S. and arrive Brisbane on Day 3. Transfer to your hotel for check in and lunch, and relax this afternoon before a welcome briefing in the evening to meet your fellow travelers. (Day 3: L,D)
Our expedition begins with a charter flight to Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and strategic WWII battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43. 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. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Oct 13, 2024
Day 3
Santa Ana , Solomon Islands
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we're 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. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Day 4
Utupua Island, Solomon Islands
Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Travel by Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Take a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their fantastic fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 15, 2024
Day 5
Tikopia, Solomon Islands
Tikopia is an unusual island. Just under 2 miles square, it is the caldera of an extinct volcano and boasts dramatic scenery. Officially a part of the Solomon Islands of Melanesia, it was settled by Polynesian people, whose descendants still reside there today. Made up of several villages led by different chiefs, the island retains many of its traditional practices. We will visit one of the villages to meet the local people and learn about the unique culture of the island. Afterward, take a hike along the ridgeline of the caldera to see an aerial view of the island and its lagoon. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 16, 2024
Day 6
Lo Island, Vanuatu
Arrive to the small village on Loh Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel in along the beautiful fringing reef of the island. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Thursday - Oct 17, 2024
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, or enjoy a serene canoe paddle to the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Friday - Oct 18, 2024
Day 8
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
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. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at 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'll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and enter the impressive Fels Cave. (B,L,D)
Sunday - Oct 20, 2024
Day 10
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Swim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Natural Pool or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of Queen Hortense's Cave, filled with limestone features and a variety of tropical vegetation. Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of N'Ga Peak to see incredible views over the island and the surrounding sea or join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Monday - Oct 21, 2024
Day 11
At Sea
Relax on deck as we make our passage to Melanesia or attend talks by our expert expedition and photo teams. (B,L,D)
Tuesday - Oct 22, 2024
Day 12
Norfolk Island, Australia
Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of ship-building lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 23, 2024
Day 13
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. (B,L,D)
Thursday - Oct 24, 2024
Day 14
Waitangi, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Disembark National Geographic Orion after breakfast, and join a tour of this vibrant city center. We'll stop for lunch midday before arriving at Auckland Airport in the late afternoon for onward flights. (B,L,D)
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