Orion, Tales of the Pacific ex Easter Island to Papeete
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)
Sailing Dates
  • 30 Mar 2021
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
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
7 05/04 At sea    
8 06/04 Mangareva, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia
9 07/04 Puka Rua, Tuamotus Islands, French Polynesia
10 08/04 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
11 09/04 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
12 10/04 Fakarava, French Polynesia
13 11/04 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
14 12/04 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
15 13/04 Papeete, Tahiti Disembark
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

Unless otherwise expressly noted, all materials, including images, illustrations, designs, icons, and photographs appearing anywhere on this website are protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The copyright on such materials is held by the original creator of the materials. None of the materials may be copied, reproduced, displayed, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in whole or in part in any form or by any means other than as provided by Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller to its clients, or with the prior written permission of Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller. All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved. Any unauthorised use of the materials appearing on this website may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws and could result in criminal or civil penalties.