South Pacific

Small Ship Cruises & Expeditions

Explore the Paradise and Unspoiled Beaches of the South Pacific

The South Pacific offers a paradise of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes. Exploring this region by small ship cruise is ideal, allowing for intimate encounters with local cultures and breathtaking natural beauty. Popular destinations include Fiji, where you can discover lush islands, traditional villages, and a blend of Indian and Melanesian cultures; Tahiti and French Polynesia, offering diving, hiking, and iconic islands like Bora Bora; and the Cook Islands, known for Polynesian hospitality and stunning lagoons, especially in Aitutaki. In Vanuatu, you can explore volcanoes, shipwrecks, and the vibrant capital, Port Vila. Samoa and American Samoa provide an immersion in traditional Polynesian life with pristine beaches and friendly villages. New Caledonia offers the diverse culture of Grande Terre with its Melanesian and French influences. In Tonga, you can swim with humpback whales in the Vava'u Group and explore traditional kingdoms. Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is known for the mysteries of the moai statues, while the Solomon Islands offer exploration of WWII history and pristine lagoons like Marovo. Papua New Guinea presents adventures through remote mountain ranges, forests, and off-the-grid villages. Cruising the South Pacific by small ship offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and local traditions in an intimate and immersive way.

South Pacific Highlights

Benefits of Booking with Wild Earth Travel

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra activities.

• We Know the South Pacific. From snorkeling coral reefs or hiking lush forest to meeting the locals and partaking in island life, but what kind of adventure are you looking for? With a firsthand experience cruising the South Pacific, we will find the right trip for you! 

Featured South Pacific Cruises

Below is a selection of the expedition cruises we offer to the South Pacific. Our collection ranges from 4 to 21 days, and from adventure and expedition to luxury-style ships.

South Pacific / Melanesia

Cook Islands & Society Islands - French Polynesia Luxury Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin

12 days from
$690 AUD per day
South Pacific / Melanesia

From New Caledonia to Micronesia - South Pacific Luxury Cruise

18 days from
$744 AUD per day
  • Melanesia Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
  • From New Caledonia to Micronesia - South Pacific Luxury Cruise in Melanesia: ship
  • Next departure on Feb. 22, 2026
Selling out!
South Pacific / Melanesia

Vanuatu, Solomons, New Britain and Bougainville - South Pacific Small Ship Cruise

17 days from
$1,023 AUD per day
South Pacific / South Pacific Ocean

Escape to Paradise Cruise - Discover Fiji

8 days from
$644 NZD per day
South Pacific / French Polynesia

26 Days South Pacific Luxury Cruise - Papeete to Valparaiso

26 days from
$689 AUD per day
  • French Polynesia Luxury Small Ship CruiseLuxury Small Ship Cruise
  • 26 Days South Pacific Luxury Cruise - Papeete to Valparaiso in French Polynesia: ship
  • Next departure on March 30, 2025
South Pacific / Micronesia

Through the Islands & Atolls of Micronesia - Cruise from Rabaul to Sorong

22 days from
$1,178 AUD per day

If you'd like to learn about some of our other South Pacific itineraries, please contact us. You may also be interested in specific cruising destinations within the South Pacific including Melanesia, French Polynesia or Papua New Guinea.

Ready to Learn More?

We look forward to helping you plan an incredible adventure to South Pacific

Choose Your Adventure!