Uncover the tropical beauty and important cultural history of the South Seas
The archipelagos of the South Pacific have defined our notion of “island paradise” since Robert Louis Stevenson told his tales and Paul Gauguin captured Polynesia in paint. As we sail from Tahiti’s lush volcanic crags to the sparkling white shores of Fiji, discover a fascinating geology and a stunning wealth of bird species and marine life. Dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava. Meet island communities. And explore the far-flung reef systems of the extraordinary archipelagos of the South Pacific.
Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia
Snorkel, swim, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear, aqua lagoons and reefs of French Polynesia
Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular “Garden Island,” Taveuni, and in the rainforests of Samoa
Visit remote island villages and discover rich cultural histories, including the tradition of fire-walking in Fiji
Share South Pacific Adventure Travel | Tahiti to Fiji | Lindblad Expeditions
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands, New and Noteworthy
Day By Day
This expedition offers an in-depth opportunity to discover the rich wildlife of these remote islands and interact with the intriguing, friendly people who live here. Relax on secluded beaches and snorkel above or near some of the world’s finest coral reefs.
This expedition offers an in-depth opportunity to discover the rich wildlife of these remote islands and interact with the intriguing, friendly people who live here. Relax on secluded beaches and snorkel above or near some of the world’s finest coral reefs.
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.
BRINGING THE KIDS
Special Offers
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.
BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS
Special Offers
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.
$1500 AIR CREDIT
Special Offers
Book by February 28, 2022, to receive a $1,500 AIR CREDIT on select 2022 departures. New bookings only. Complimentary air is based on group flights and must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad's group flight is not available at the time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit. Baggage fees may be additional. Not combinable with other offers. Call for details.
SOLO OFFER
Special Offers
Book by February 28, 2022, and we will WAIVE THE SOLO PREMIUM on select 2022 departures. New bookings only. Not applicable on extensions and may not be combined with other offers.
EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS
Special Offers
Book 2023 departures and get 2022 rates if booked by January 31, 2022. Valid for new bookings on departures on Lindblad-National Geographic ships, Delfin II, and The Jahan made by Jan. 31, 2022, subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Special Offers
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.
AIR CREDIT
Special Offers
Receive a $1,500 per person air credit on select 2023 departures. New bookings only, subject to availability, not applicable to extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
On the isle of Moorea, volcanic peaks rise from sapphire seas in an explosion of emerald-green splendor, creating an arresting backdrop for a French Polynesian escape. Settle into your overwater bungalow at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa and enjoy a selection of activities with a complimentary $150 resort credit. Kayak, snorkel, and paddleboard among pristine coral reefs, unwind on white-sand beaches, and explore dense tropical forest where bright hibiscus blooms and rare birds roost.
Perfect cruising conditions on this last sea day with blue skies and calm seas. Throughout the day the expedition staff offered presentations on marine life and local culture. There was time to honor the 60 crew members from nine countries (48 alone from the Philippines) who put so much effort in making our voyage safe and enjoyable. Not only do they work very hard, but they also spend part of their free time with rehearsals to demonstrate their hidden talents in the very popular crew show.
Our morning began with a presentation on sea turtles by naturalist Cristiana Damiano, and just like those fascinating creatures we on National Geographic Orion have been traveling thousands of miles across the Pacific. By noon, our ship had anchored outside the massive reef surrounding the island of Aitutaki, the second largest of the Cook Islands after Raratonga. A short Zodiac ride later, we were ashore and transferring to transport trucks. These drove us to the other side of the island, where we stepped onto local boats for a journey across one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Our destination: One Foot Island, a picture-postcard tropical isle. There, we languished on the white sand beach, snorkeled among giant trevally fish and colorful giant clams, and enjoyed the lilting sounds of ukuleles while feasting on local delicacies.
At sunrise, National Geographic Orion found herself cruising east toward Cook Island. It was an overcast morning and what could be seen at the distance was an immense body of water. The distance to covered was around 750 nautical miles. These moments at sea were a great opportunity to enjoy the facilities of our ship. A set of great presentations were given in the lounge and enjoyed by our guests during the morning. In the afternoon, we had the honor of enjoying the music performance of Kura Happ and her grandmother Tekura Ruaporo. At the end of the day, we had to conclude that the Pacific Ocean is a large body of water in which for centuries the Polynesians explored and populated remote islands for generations.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest geographical feature on Earth, covering a third of the planet’s surface. It hosts more than 20 thousand islands, which is 80% of the world’s total. It is the “water continent”, based on geographical, biological, historical, and ethnic criteria. 40,000 years ago, humans were settling offshore islands of the South Pacific, long before rising seas separated New Guinea from Australia. Pacific Islands also experienced Earth’s last human settlements. Over tens of thousands of years, the history of the Pacific Islands has been one of never-ending migration: eastwards and northwards, with ‘back migrations’ southwards and westwards. This human ebb and flow created new cultures and communities adapted to differing island environments and new social challenges. Pacific Islanders were the last people on Earth to encounter Europeans, in some places nearly 500 years ago, in others 50 years ago. The collision of the two worlds changed both the Pacific and Europe, as history will show. The history of the Pacific is understood to be the story of all islanders, old and new. As National Geographic Orion sails east into Polynesian waters, we have time to rest and let our minds wonder about the challenges and new discoveries of early navigation era and exploratory times. The myriad of untouched paradises waiting to be revealed. The diverse and enigmatic culture of Pacific Islanders. The exotic fauna and flora and the spectacular colorful reefs. As we sail, we take time to immerse ourselves into informative lectures about this incredible biodiversity, to learn about photography and share our precious captured images. And to experienced perhaps the sweetest moment of all, when old and new customs were united. Kura Happ, a talented Raratongan musician, performed side by side with her beautiful Grandmother, Tekura Ruaporo. A special moment where the old cultural songs met the new generation and explorers of a modern era. A singular intimate moment of exchange that touched and warmed our hearts. A moment in time we will never forget.
Today National Geographic Orion arrived on the shores of the beautiful island of Savaii, the largest of the Samoan islands. Sparsely populated, Savaii is a place of tradition and ceremony, where the old ways of fa’a Samoa are still celebrated. Fa'a Samoa is the practice of traditional values and an integral part of Samoan life. Time-honored traditions and a genuine warm hospitality are part of the fa’a Samoan culture. Our island exploration introduced us to a Samoan kava ceremony and a local cultural dance. We tasted some of the delicious village homegrown food. We also experienced a pleasant morning in the forest where guests that were up for a challenge braved a bridge at canopy walk. All topped by a refreshing swim in a warm enticing ocean followed by a tropical dive!
