Cruise Line |
Lindblad Expeditions |
Ship |
National Geographic Orion |
Destination |
South Pacific & New Zealand |
Nights |
14 |
Departure Date |
30 Mar 2021 |
Description |
14 Night Cruise sailing from Easter Island to Papeete aboard National Geographic Orion.
Following in the wake of early Polynesian navigators, this voyage takes you to the farthest reaches of Oceania. From remote and enigmatic Easter Island, to the historically significant Pitcairn Islands through the “low islands†of the Tuamotu Archipelago to Tahiti, you’ll visit islands that are virtually inaccessible and untouched. The voyage begins in one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia: Easter Island. Walk the length of untouched tropical beaches, meet the descendants of H.M.S. Bounty mutineers, and drift dive or snorkel through an atoll pass.
Day 1: Easter Island/Embark
Day 2-6: At Sea/Pitcairn Islands
Set sail from Easter Island on our journey west, listening to talks by our experts as we sail for two days. We begin our exploration in Ducie Atoll, where we spend time watching for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving among spectacular reefs. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. On hikes and Zodiac excursions, discover the island’s four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology.
Many of the mutineers of the legendary Bounty made their home on Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor speak†and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. (B,L,D)
Day 7-8: At Sea/ Mangareva, French Polynesia
Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with our naturalists, or relaxing on deck with a good book. We then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, and famous for its black pearls. Venture underwater to snorkel or dive, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here, and go on a hike with our naturalists. (B,L,D)
Day 9-14: At Sea/Tuamotu Archipelago
We begin our exploration of the “Dangerous Archipelago†in Pukarua, where we’ll be greeted by traditional dancers. Navigate reefs and islets during a day at sea and then in true expedition mode, explore one of the uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea. After a festive welcome with traditional dancers in Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, learn about the island’s pearl industry, and walk its pristine beaches. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world famous drift dive. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Papeete/Disembark
Arrive in Papeete, French Polynesia(B) |
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Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
1 |
30/03 |
Easter Island (Hanga Roa), Chile |
Embark |
|
2 |
31/03 |
At sea |
|
|
3 |
01/04 |
At sea |
|
|
4 |
02/04 |
Ducie Atoll, Pitcairn Islands |
|
|
5 |
03/04 |
Henderson, Pitcairn Islands |
|
|
6 |
04/04 |
Pitcairn (Adamstown), Pitcairn Islands |
|
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7 |
05/04 |
At sea |
|
|
8 |
06/04 |
Mangareva, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia |
|
|
9 |
07/04 |
Puka Rua, Tuamotus Islands, French Polynesia |
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10 |
08/04 |
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia |
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11 |
09/04 |
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia |
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12 |
10/04 |
Fakarava, French Polynesia |
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13 |
11/04 |
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia |
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14 |
12/04 |
Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia |
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15 |
13/04 |
Papeete, Tahiti |
Disembark |
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All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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