South Pacific, French Polynesia
Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotus and Marquesas Islands
On an expedition to some of the world’s most remote islands, volcanic peaks rise dramatically from turquoise lagoons, 20 species of whales and dolphins thrive in protected waters, and welcoming villagers share their ancient cultural traditions. Begin in the renowned diving destination Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, where 16-foot manta rays, colorful butterfly fish, whales, and sea turtles flourish in pristine, nutrient-rich waters. Exploring the sparsely populated Marquesas Islands, encounter moss-covered giant tikis on Hiva Oa, thousand-year-old petroglyphs on Nuku Hiva, the wild horses of Ua Huka, and lush rainforests with rare birds and rushing waterfalls. Join the legacy of explorers, writers, and artists like James Cook, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Paul Gauguin who crossed oceans seeking distant primordial landscapes and distinct ways of life in a region that embodies paradise in both the breathtaking landscapes of its islands and in the abundant biodiversity of the surrounding sea.
• Dive and snorkel in clear, warm waters in an extraordinary undersea world of melon-headed whales, 16-foot manta rays, green sea turtles, and vast schools of pelagic fish
• Experience the world’s largest Marine Mammal Sanctuary, where 20 species of whales and dolphins include resident spinner dolphins, nomad sperm whales, and migrating humpback whales
• Learn about Polynesian history on visits to an 8-foot tiki and ancient petroglyphs
• Connect with island residents through a cultural dance performance at a me-ae (sacred site), sample local foods, and attend a church service
• Appreciate the skilled artisanry of tapa (cloth made from tree bark), carvings in bone and rosewood, and oils and perfumes crafted from local natural sources like the tiare flower
• On hikes and excursions in kayaks and Zodiacs, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns
Highlights
• Dive and snorkel in clear, warm waters in an extraordinary undersea world of melon-headed whales, 16-foot manta rays, green sea turtles, and vast schools of pelagic fish
• Experience the world’s largest Marine Mammal Sanctuary, where 20 species of whales and dolphins include resident spinner dolphins, nomad sperm whales, and migrating humpback whales
• Learn about Polynesian history on visits to an 8-foot tiki and ancient petroglyphs
• Connect with island residents through a cultural dance performance at a me-ae (sacred site), sample local foods, and attend a church service
• Appreciate the skilled artisanry of tapa (cloth made from tree bark), carvings in bone and rosewood, and oils and perfumes crafted from local natural sources like the tiare flower
• On hikes and excursions in kayaks and Zodiacs, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns
Arrive in Tahiti and proceed 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. Join us for lunch aboard and
be on deck as we set sail from Tahiti toward the
Tuamotu Archipelago. This afternoon meet the
staff and fellow travelers and settle into island
time. (B,L,D)
Today and tomorrow, we visit the Tuamotu
Archipelago. 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. (B,L,D)
Today we’ll visit Takaroa Atoll, a remote island
nearly 350 miles from Tahiti. We visit the main
village and snorkel or dive stunning healthy reefs.
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard in its turquoise
lagoons and walk pristine beaches beneath
coconut palms. (B,L,D)
A relaxing day at sea brings us to one of the most
remote island groups on Earth, the Marquesas
Islands. We begin our exploration of this
archipelago on Tahuata, the smallest of the
inhabited Marquesan Islands. Choose to attend a
local church service with stunningly beautiful
music, and spend some time exploring Vaitahu,
the main village on the island. In the afternoon we
reposition to nearby Hapatoni Bay where both land
and sea excursions await. (B,L,D)
Start the day at Hatiheu Bay, on the north shore of
Nuku Hiva Island. Visit ancient petroglyphs and
witness a spectacular dance performance at a
Marquesan me’ae, or hike up the valley with the
naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds
and spectacular views. Later, sample local foods
in the village, and peruse unique arts and crafts.
(B,L,D)
Today is open for exploration. Dive some of the
incredible waters here and search for rare
cetaceans with your naturalists. Marvel at the
rugged volcanic silhousettes of these legendary
islands from the Zodiacs and kayaks. (B,L,D)
Be sure you’re on deck this morning to photograph
the volcanic pillars of Hanavave Bay, as National
Geographic Orion approaches one of the most
storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Visit a
remote village where you’ll see displays of
uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a
challenging hike to a remote waterfall, or take
Zodiacs to the next bay where local transport
takes you on a birdwatching foray deep into the
Omoa Valley. (B,L,D)
This morning, we let nature guide us as we set out
exploring one of the Marquesas’ remote,
uninhabited islands. In the afternoon we arrive at
Hiva Oa, where we’ll visit the village of Puamau to
explore a well-maintained Marquesan sacred site,
a me’ae Iipona. Accompanied by our team and
knowledgeable local guides, we’ll learn about
religious rites, and photograph one of the largest,
most arresting ancient tikis in Polynesia. On our
last morning, we’ll visit the village of Atuona before
disembarking the ship and flying by charter aircraft
back to Papeete. This evening, transfer to the
airport for flights home. (B,L,D)
Itineraries are subject to change.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$15,140 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$18,520 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$21,870 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$22,720 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$24,030 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$28,690 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$32,780 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$33,450 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$15,140 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$18,520 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$21,870 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$22,720 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$24,030 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$28,690 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$32,780 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$33,450 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$15,140 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$18,520 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$21,870 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$22,720 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$24,030 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$28,690 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$32,780 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$33,450 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$15,140 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$18,520 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$21,870 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$22,720 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$24,030 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$28,690 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$32,780 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$33,450 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.
Special Offers
• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
• BRINGING THE KIDS. We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $500 off for each child under the age of 18.
• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Luxury Expedition
9 Days from
$15,140 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
