Discover that the idealized notion of tropical paradise is alive and well—as are some of the world’s best dive and snorkel sites—on an expedition from Rangiroa’s sparkling lagoon to the verdant peaks of Tahiti’s neighbor, Moorea. This compact voyage maximizes your time in some of the most vibrant undersea sites in the world. Plus, there’s time to stroll pristine beaches, kayak peaceful coves, and experience true Polynesian hospitality. Dive or snorkel in the Southern Line Islands and see diverse coral, clouds of tropical fish, and healthy predator populations. It is one of the healthiest reef systems in the world and a rare place virtually unmarred by the touch of humans, which is why it was identified as one of the few places researchers can study to see how reefs and undersea ecosystems looked before humans.
Highlights
Spend three days among some of the world's healthiest reef systems
Navigate the pass in Moorea’s fringing reef to anchor in Opunohu Bay
Ride Zodiacs, snorkel over beds of giant clams, or dive the outer reefs
Hike tropical forests or visit ancient Polynesian archaeological sites
Explore the pristine beaches and enchanting lagoons of these isles
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive Papeete, Tahiti early this morning and take a short, very scenic flight to the nearby atoll of Rangiroa. After a brief tour of the island, embark National Geographic Orion this afternoon. Settle in to your cabin, or linger on deck to take in the view of the island’s turquoise lagoon as you’re fanned by tropical ocean breezes. Just before sunset, watch from on deck as we navigate the narrow Passe de Tiputa and exit the lagoon to the north.
A day at sea brings us to the far-flung Southern Line Islands, where you’ll snorkel or dive some of the most remote and pristine coral reefs on Earth. Marine Ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala researched these islands as part of the Pristine Seas project and identified them as one of the last healthy, undisturbed places in the ocean. You’ll spend three full days exploring seldom-visited atolls such as Caroline Island, also known as Millennium Atoll after creative realignment of the international date line made it one of the first places on earth to welcome the year 2000.
For your final day in Kiribati, you’ll navigate the intricate channels of the lagoons by Zodiac or, possibly, kayak, see nesting boobies and tropic birds on shore, and snorkel above beds of giant clams. Stroll along pristine white sand beaches, or meander through palm groves with your naturalists as they search for endangered coconut crabs, the largest land-dwelling invertebrates in the world. Bring binoculars and join your naturalists on deck for a day at sea, as they search for marine mammals and seabirds. Photographers will want to try and capture the perfect image of a flying fish skimming above an azure sea.
Approach the verdant island of Moorea this morning, and anchor for the day in Opunohu Bay on the island’s north shore. Spend the day hiking tropical forest trails or exploring ancient Polynesian sacred sites with an archaeologist. Take in the view of both Opunohu and Cook’s bays from the island’s famous Belvedere, then stop at the Lycée Agricole d’Opunohu to sample locally produced jam and sorbet.
Day 8: Papeete | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Papeete this morning and tour Tahiti before the flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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