Legends of the South Pacific: Tahiti to Easter Island
20 DAYS–ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pitcairn
Islands, one of National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala’s Pristine Seas preservation
areas.
• Trace the legend of the ill-fated H.M.S. Bounty from Tahiti to Pitcairn Island, where descendants of its
mutineers still live today.
• Explore the unusual geology and wildlife of Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and look
for some of its endemic bird species.
• Delve into the intriguing lost culture of Easter Island, and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai
with an archaeologist.
Laced with wispy islands and coral atolls, the tropical seas that stretch from French Polynesia to Easter Island
have seen missionaries and mutineers, intrepid explorers and enigmatic cultures pass their way. Traveling
aboard the new National Geographic Orion, encounter spectacular volcanic landscapes in Bora Bora and uplifted
atolls of Makatea and Henderson Island. Snorkel and dive some of the most remote and pristine reef systems in
the world. Hear the tales of the Mutiny of the Bounty and the Kon-tiki, and experience the lively culture of the
islands. End the voyage among the evocative statues of Easter Island.
DEC. 3 AND 4: U.S./PAPEETE, TAHITI, FRENCH
POLYNESIA Depart for Papeete in the late evening, arriving
Papeete in the early morning, and transfer to day
rooms at our hotel. Enjoy an introduction to the
culture, history, geology, and archaeology of French
Polynesia on a guided tour of Papeete. Visit the
Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, and trace the legacy of
some of Polynesia’s most famous expats at the Paul
Gaugin Museum and the James Norman Hall
Museum, home of the American author who co-wrote
Mutiny on the Bounty. After time to stroll the
waterfront, board the National Geographic Orion and
take to the Tahitian seas. (D)
DEC. 5: BORA BORA, SOCIETY ISLANDS Jutting out from an aquamarine lagoon ringed with
tiny islets, Bora Bora’s angular volcanic crags are a
spectacular sight. Explore the island’s slopes and
shores with naturalists by 4x4 or on foot, or hop on a
bicycle to discover Bora Bora on your own. Stroll the
beach beneath coconut palms and don your mask
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and fins to snorkel or dive amid clownfish, sea turtles,
harmless sharks, and manta rays on the coral reefs
here. (B,L,D)
DEC. 6-11: TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO/AT SEA On the northwestern edge of the Tuamotu
Archipelago, natural forces have uplifted the atoll of
Makatea, exposing a raw geology of coral and
limestone cliffs, deep caves, and landscapes of
riddled rock. Wander through the ruins of early 20th
century phosphate mines, take a swim in an
underground grotto, or join birders in search of the
island’s endemic fruit dove. Then sail to Fakarava,
one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part
of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a festive
welcome with traditional dancers, learn about the
island’s pearl industry, and see its historic sites,
including a 19th-century church built out of coral.
Snorkel among the protected reefs or ride the current
into the lagoon on a world-famous drift-dive.
Continue to Raroia, to meet the local community and
hear the tale of the Kon-Tiki, a wooden raft built by a
Norwegian explorer that beached on the reef at the
end of its epic journey. Navigate jewel-like reefs and
islets during a day at sea on our way to Pukarua,
where we’ll be greeted by traditional dances. Visit a
vanilla plantation, and get to know the friendly people
of this remote atoll before we continue our voyage
east. (B,L,D)
DEC. 12-13: MANGAREVA, GAMBIER
ISLANDS/AT SEA Famous for its black pearls, Mangareva is the largest
of the Gambier Islands. 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. Then
spend a day at sea visiting the sauna or the gym,
watching footage of the ocean with our undersea
specialist, or relaxing on deck. (B,L,D)
geology. Then spend a day on Ducie Atoll, watching
for frigatebirds and boobies and snorkeling or diving
among spectacular reefs. The Pitcairn Islands have
been identified as one of the last unspoiled ocean
environments on the planet by marine ecologist and
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric
Sala as part of the Pristine Seas project. Set out on
our final voyage east, listening to talks by our experts
as we sail two days towards Easter Island. (B,L,D)
DEC. 19-22: EASTER ISLAND/SANTIAGO,
CHILE/U.S. Disembark on Easter Island and check into our hotel,
then set out into a landscape of volcanic calderas,
jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to
discover the colossal moai statues, the astonishing
legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to
examine these statues and discuss their meaning and
creation, and visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately
carved ceremonial altars. After time to explore on our
final morning, fly to Santiago to connect to your
overnight flight home. (B,L,D)
Aboard the 102-guest
National Geographic Orion
2014 Departure: Dec. 3
2014 Cost Per Person Double Occupancy
Category 1………………$17,930
Category 2………………$20,770
Category 3………………$24,550
Category 4………………$26,870
Category 5………………$31,990
Category 6………………$36,990
Sole Occupancy
Category 1………………$26,890
Category 3………………$36,830
Advance Payment: …..$1,800
DEC. 14-18: PITCAIRN ISLANDS/AT SEA 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. Visit this last remnant of the British Empire and
learn about its place in 18th-century exploration. Meet
the locals and hear a few words of the unusual
Pitkern dialect—a combination of English “sailor
speak” and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of
mutiny leader Fletcher Christian, and see the
Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957.
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
Sample Airfare
Economy:……………….$2,600
Business…………………$5,900
Subject to change.
Cost Includes: Accommodations; meals indicated;
excursions; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ leader,
naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; all
port charges and service taxes.
Not Included: Air transportation; personal items such
as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, etc.;
discretionary tips to ship’s crew.
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