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Guests paddleboard at Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Archipelago, Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia
A group of Polynesian dancers perform a traditional dance in ceremonial costume in Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva Island, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.
Aerial view of the Marquesas Islands and the ship National Geographic Orion, French Polynesia.
A Lindblad staff member snorkeling among a schools of fish at the Aquarium site in Rangiroa atoll in French Polynesia
Two girls in traditional costume in Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. It is the most remote inhabited island in the Marquesas Islands.
Guests paddleboard at Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Archipelago, Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia
ExpeditionsAncient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

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Join the legacy of explorers, writers, and artists like James Cook, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Paul Gauguin who crossed oceans seeking distant landscapes and discovered a paradise rich in ancient culture and astonishing marine life. On this expedition to the sparsely populated Marquesas Islands, encounter giant tikis on Hiva Oa, thousand-year-old petroglyphs on Nuku Hiva, the wild horses of Ua Huka, lush rainforests with rare birds, and the abundant biodiversity of the surrounding sea.

Highlights

A local woman wearing flower bracelet at a cultural event in Marquesas, French Polynesia
  • Experience warm, heartfelt welcomes from island residents and visit ancient maraes (sacred sites)

  • Taste local foods and connect with Marquesans during a cultural dance performance

  • On jungle hikes, be on the lookout for birds including endangered ultramarine lorikeet, zebra doves, manikins, and fairy terns

  • Explore one of the world's largest groups of coral atolls and their incredible blue lagoons via kayak, Zodiac, or stand-up paddleboard

  • Dive and snorkel in an extraordinary undersea world of manta rays, green sea turtles, and vast schools of pelagic fish from the clear, turquoise waters of the Tuamotus to the deep, nutrient rich seas of the Marquesas

From

$12,488

/ per person

Does not include any flights

Book Now
dates
Feb
duration
10 Days

View our brochure for more details

South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25

Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$12,488

/ per person

Book Now
dates
Feb
duration
10 Days

View our brochure for more details

South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25

From

$12,488

/ per person

Book Now
dates
Feb
duration
10 Days

View our brochure for more details

South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25

Video

Kate Walsh Travels to Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

  • Sep 2023

Recently, Actress and Ocean Conservationist Kate Walsh traveled with us to the Marquesas Islands aboard the Nat Geo Orion. Here, she discusses French Polynesia's unique culture, history, and wildlife with a few of our experts onboard.

Dates & Rates

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Ships

With the sun setting and casting a spectrum of warm hues across the sky, the ship National Geographic Orion sits anchored in the calm waters of the Java Sea.

National Geographic Orion

Guests

102

Cabins

53

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, and the Mediterranean

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.

Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey

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Expedition Team

Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

Special Offers

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South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25