South Pacific, French Polynesia

Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands

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Experience idyllic islands and atolls of renowned biodiversity and untouched beauty in French Polynesia. Explore underwater havens in the Tuamotu Archipelago and Fakarava, whose flora and fauna are so diverse that its breathtaking reefs and other habitats are protected by UNESCO. Makatea’s sheer volcanic cliffs and Bora Bora’s jagged Mount Otemanu create indelible memories and complement the underwater Gardens of Eden that surround these remote tropical islands.

Highlights

• Discover an extraordinary undersea world via snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming, plus watch for cetaceans from the expansive open deck

• 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

• See iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes like Bora Bora’s verdant Mount Otemanu, jutting 2,400 feet above turquoise waters, and Makatea’s steep cliffs that drop straight to deserted beaches

Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meeting point, and check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 11:00 a.m.
Arrival City: Papeete, Tahiti

Day 2 Bora Bora

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this evening.

Day 3 Taha’a / Ra’iatea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Rai’atea. This afternoon, visit Ra’iatea and one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. As you explore, you’ll learn about its significance in Polynesian history.

Day 4 Makatea

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.

Day 5 Rangiroa

The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Kayak and snorkel in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Day 6-7 Fakarava

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 you 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. Snorkel through Fakrarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift snorkels in the world.

Day 8-10 Tuamotu Archipelago

Spend three days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotu 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 about their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel trip, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.

Day 11 Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Papeete and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m.
Departure City: Papeete, Tahiti

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

10 April, 2027 to 20 April, 2027
National Geographic Resolution

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Category SB

#604-607, 609, 611 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with chair; hammock; and a closet.

Category SA

#504, 506-511, 513 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; single bed; writing desk with an office chair; and a closet.

Category 01

$34,553 AUD pp

#404, 406, 408, 411, 413, 415 — Cabin with two large windows, two singles that can convert to a queen, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, window sofa, coffee table, and a closet.

Category 02

$36,281 AUD pp

#410, 412, 414, 416-419, 421-427 — Cabin with two large windows, two single beds that can convert to a queen, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, and a closet.

Category 03

$45,357 AUD pp

#512, 514-524 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; convertible sleeper sofa; writing desk with a chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; and a closet.

Category 04

$47,171 AUD pp

#608, 610, 612, 613-623 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock and a table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.

Category 05

$49,056 AUD pp

#700-707, 712, 713, 715, 717 — Cabin with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and a table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; and a closet.

Category 06

$56,420 AUD pp

#714 — Junior suite with balcony that features two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; writing desk with chair; two bedside tables; coffee table; espresso maker; and a closet. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.

Category 07

$64,890 AUD pp

#708-711, 716, 718, 719, 721 — These large balcony suites feature two balcony chairs, hammock, and table; two single beds that can convert to a queen; pull-out sofa; coffee table; writing desk and chair; espresso maker; and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. Expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer and rain shower. Guests receive priority access to one spa treatment and one igloo reservation and complimentary laundry per departure.

National Geographic Resolution

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Passenger Capacity: 126

Built: 2020

One of two next-generation ships purpose-built for polar exploration, National Geographic Resolution is named in tribute to Captain James Cook’s legendary second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. With a Polar Code Category A ice-class hull and a pioneering X-Bow® design, she offers unmatched comfort, stability, and quiet passage through even the most challenging polar waters—opening access to remote corners of the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond.

Designed for immersive exploration, the ship’s interior is warm, modern, and elegantly Scandinavian, with expansive windows throughout that keep the wild, ice-bound world always within view. Her six decks house 76 spacious cabins, inviting public spaces, and a full complement of expedition tools. Guests can relax in the observation lounge, library, or spa; enjoy flexible dining across three venues; or gear up in the Expedition Base before heading out in Zodiacs or kayaks. From polar bear sightings in Svalbard to navigating ice-choked channels in the Southern Ocean, Resolution is a state-of-the-art platform for discovering the planet’s most astonishing frontiers.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Resolution

Inclusions

• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
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Exclusions

• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)