French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands and Tuamotus

Description

Journey across French Polynesia, from the coral atolls of the Tuamotus to the remote Marquesas Islands—one of the most isolated and culturally rich archipelagos in the Pacific. Discover the turquoise waters of Rangiroa and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fakarava before venturing north to the Marquesas’ world of towering volcanic cliffs, ancient me’ae ceremonial sites and deeply rooted Polynesian traditions. Explore dramatic valleys, sacred tiki sites and island communities where carving, dance, music and storytelling remain central to daily life. Along the way, encounter rare birdlife, rugged coastlines and wild tropical landscapes on an expedition that reveals the extraordinary diversity of French Polynesia.

Trip Name

French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands and Tuamotus

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 103 metres Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins) Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014 With just 53 cabins, National Geographic Orion offers an intimate and refined platform for exploring some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich regions—from the Pacific Islands and Asia to Antarctica and the Mediterranean. Purpose-built for expedition travel, she boasts an ice-class hull for navigating polar waters and exceptional manoeuvrability that enables access to secluded bays, narrow inlets and winding rivers—places far beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. Life aboard Orion is designed to immerse guests in the natural world, with panoramic deck spaces, a whirlpool hot tub, and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Her public areas include two relaxed dining venues, a lounge with bar, an observation library, fitness centre and spa, as well as the OM System Photo Gear Locker to support photography at all levels. Open-Bridge access allows guests to connect with the ship’s officers and learn about navigation first-hand. Whether sailing through polar pack ice or anchoring off a tropical atoll, Orion delivers a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to a hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.

Day 2 - Day 2 Rangiroa

The atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for some of the finest snorkeling in French Polynesia. Beneath the turquoise waters, marine ecosystems harbor large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Snorkeling offers an immersive way to experience this extraordinary South Pacific paradise.

Day 3 - Day 3 Fakarava

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Home to an exceptional diversity of marine life as well as rare birds and plants, this remote coral atoll offers opportunities to visit protected reefs and explore the village of Rotoava, the island's main settlement.

Day 4 - Day 4-5 At Sea

Enjoy time at sea en route to the Marquesas Islands, attending expert presentations, connecting with fellow travelers and taking advantage of the ship’s exceptional amenities. Relax in the sauna or infinity hot tubs, visit the bridge for wildlife sightings and take in the vast expanse of the Pacific as your expedition team shares insights into the islands and cultures ahead.

Day 5 - Day 6-10 Marquesas Islands

Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, visit remote island villages to learn about Marquesan traditions and religious rites, discover ancient petroglyphs, witness powerful dance performances at a traditional ma'ae, sample local foods and browse distinctive arts and crafts.Hike through verdant valleys with naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and sweeping island vistas. Explore dramatic coastlines by Zodiac, marveling at the rugged silhouettes of these legendary islands or slip beneath the surface to discover the vibrant marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters of the Marquesas.

Day 6 - Day 11-12 At Sea

Enjoy two relaxing days at sea as you sail across the South Pacific en route to Makatea. Take in ocean views from the lounge, cozy up with a book on Polynesian culture in the library or edit your favorite images at the photo kiosk with help from your National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructor.

Day 7 - Day 13 Makatea

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is among the Pacific’s most unusual and geologically fascinating landforms. Raised dramatically from the sea by tectonic forces, Makatea stands in striking contrast to the region’s low-lying atolls, with towering limestone cliffs and rugged elevated terrain. So distinctive is this rare formation that the island’s name has become the term used for uplifted coral atolls around the world. Spend the day with your naturalists and local guides, in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds. Explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite- and stalagmite-filled grotto.Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through French Polynesia.

Day 8 - Day 14 Papeete / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Papeete this afternoon and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers ashore. After dinner, transfer to the airport for flights home.

Day 9 - Please note:

Itineraries are sibject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Experience the striking diversity of French Polynesia, from uplifted coral atolls like Makatea to the rugged cliffs, open grasslands and remote villages of Ua Huka
Discover the Marquesas Islands, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient me’ae ceremonial sites and centuries-old Polynesian traditions remain deeply preserved
Visit Hiva Oa’s extraordinary me’ae lipona and document some of the largest and most important tiki sculptures in Polynesia alongside a National Geographic Photographer
Explore Fatu Hiva’s spectacular Hanavave Bay, surrounded by towering volcanic spires and lush valleys rich in Marquesan birdlife
Witness the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fakarava and Rangiroa’s immense lagoon, home to dolphins, reef fish and thriving coral ecosystems