Orion, French Polynesian Discovery ex Papeete to Hiva Oa
Cruise Line Lindblad Expeditions
Ship National Geographic Orion
Destination South Pacific & New Zealand
Nights 8
Departure Date 16 May 2021
Description 7 Night Cruise sailing from Papeete to Hiva Oa aboard National Geographic Orion. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Papeete.

DAY 1: Papeete, French Polynesia
Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti early this morning and check into your room at the tropical InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Spend the day adjusting to island time and enjoying the resort’s many amenities, or join us for a leisurely afternoon excursion. This evening, connect with your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail party.

DAY 2: Papeete/Embark
Today, join an island tour and have lunch at a local restaurant before embarking National Geographic Orion. (B,L,D)

DAY 3-4: Tuamotu Archipelago
Spend two days exploring this idyllic archipelago. Experience with all your senses while learning the geological distinction between volcanic islands and atolls. 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. Visit the village, and kayak, snorkel, and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of pelagic fish, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Snorkelers will revel in the protected reefs of gorgeous Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conditions permitting, ride the current into the vast lagoon on a world-famous drift dive or snorkel. (B,L,D)

DAY 5-6: At Sea/Fatu Hiva, Marquesas
A relaxing day at sea brings us to one of the most remote and historic island groups on Earth, the Marquesas. One never forgets the first sight of lovely Hanavave Bay, fronting one of the world’s most soul-stirringly beautiful islands-Fatu Hiva. Be sure you’re on deck and camera-armed as we arrive at one of the most storied shorelines in the entire Pacific. Enjoy a warm Polynesian welcome on a visit to a remote village where you’ll see displays of well-made, uniquely Marquesan arts and crafts. Choose a challenging hike through landscapes studded with sculptural granite and stunning flora to a remote waterfall, or Zodiac to the next bay where local transport takes you birdwatching deep in the Omoa Valley. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
If you read Herman Melville’s Typee in prep for your voyage, you’ll thrill doubly to the green-mantled, rugged silhouette of Nuku Hiva, the largest and most imposing of the Marquesas. 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)

DAY 8-9: Hiva Oa, Marquesas/Disembark/Papeete/Home
At Hiva Oa, we plan to land at Atuona. 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. Choose to end your Polynesia adventure here, and fly back to Papeete, where you’ll connect to your flight home. Or continue: spend seven relaxing days at sea following in the wake of the great Polynesian explorers north to Hawai’i. (Day 8: B,L,D)
Sailing Dates
  • 16 May 2021
Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

DayDateActivityArriveDepart
1 16/05 Papeete, Tahiti Hotel
2 17/05 Papeete, Tahiti Embark
3 18/05 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
4 19/05 Tuamotu Atolls, French Polynesia
5 20/05 At sea    
6 21/05 Fatu Hiva, Marquesa Islands, France
7 22/05 Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
8 23/05 Hiva Oa, Marquesa Islands
9 24/05 Hiva Oa, Marquesa Islands Disembark
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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