Arrive in Papeete and transfer directly to National Geographic Orion for embarkation. While in port this morning, take some time to freshen up and settle into your cabin as we prepare to depart. Alternatively, choose to walk around downtown Papeete and visit the central market where vendors sell fresh fruit, pareos, artwork, and coveted black pearls. Enjoy a lunch aboard and be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. This afternoon, meet the expedition team and your fellow travelers and settle into island time. ... Read More
Saturday - Mar 1, 2025
Day 2
Cruising the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
Spend two days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the "Dangerous Archipelago", a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn of their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel or dive, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago. ... Read More
Sunday - Mar 2, 2025
Day 3
Cruising the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
Monday - Mar 3, 2025
Day 4
Fakarava, French Polynesia
Today, we arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants, and crustaceans, and we will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop, or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. ... Read More
Tuesday - Mar 4, 2025
Day 5
Fakarava, French Polynesia
Wednesday - Mar 5, 2025
Day 6
Rangiroa, French Polynesia
The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second-largest in the world. Kayak, snorkel, and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of pelagic fish, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. ... Read More
Thursday - Mar 6, 2025
Day 7
Makatea, French Polynesia
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island's limestone caves, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto. ... Read More
Friday - Mar 7, 2025
Day 8
Raiatea, French Polynesia
Tahaa, French Polynesia
Encircled by a single fringing reef, and sharing a common lagoon, Ra'iatea and Taha'a are islands well worth exploring. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuatea on Ra'iatea is one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world. The centuries-old complex was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, and New Zealand. Our afternoon is spent at Taha'a where we visit a family-run vanilla plantation and spend time snorkeling in the crystalline lagoons where we encounter blacktip reef sharks. ... Read More
Enjoy lunch onboard as we sail to nearby Bora Bora and be on deck as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Spend the afternoon on a nearby motu for a relaxing beach day and BBQ lunch.
In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and check into a hotel room for the afternoon. In the late evening, transfer to the airport for international overnight flights home.
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