French Polynesia: The Society Islands and Tuamotus

Description

From the sacred marae of Ra’iatea and the iconic emerald peaks of Bora Bora to the remote coral atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago, this epic voyage reveals French Polynesia in extraordinary depth. Explore the legendary Society Islands, discovering crystalline lagoons and turquoise bays, and tracing the seafaring traditions that carried ancient Polynesians across the Pacific. Then venture deeper, voyaging to the lesser-visited Tuamotus, where Makatea’s limestone cliffs, Rangiroa’s vast lagoon and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed passes of Fakarava offer some of the most spectacular marine encounters on Earth. Two archipelagos, one unforgettable passage through the heart of the South Pacific.

Trip Name

French Polynesia: The Society 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 capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.

Day 2 - Day 2 Huahine

Huahine is one of French Polynesia’s lesser-visited islands, where lush mountains, sacred archaeological sites and crystalline lagoons offer a glimpse into the region’s deep history and enduring traditions. Discover ancient marae—ceremonial stone temples that once served as important centers of Polynesian spiritual and community life—and learn about the island’s connection to generations of Polynesian navigators and royalty. There will also be opportunities to explore the island’s dazzling lagoon.

Day 3 - Day 3 Taha’a / Raʻiātea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling its turquoise waters, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. This afternoon, visit Raʻiātea, including a stop at one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Hawaii, New Zealand and Rapa Nui (Easter Island). As you explore, you’ll learn about the site’s significance in Polynesian history.

Day 4 - Day 4 Bora Bora

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today, choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water and enjoy a barbecue dinner accompanied by Polynesian music on a private motu under the stars.

Day 5 - Day 5 Tupai / Bora Bora Outer Lagoon

Awake this morning to the stunning blue waters surrounding Tupai, an uninhabited coral atoll rarely visited by travelers and known for its distinctive heart-shaped lagoon visible from above. Spend a day exploring powder-white beaches, crystalline lagoons and coral gardens. Snorkel alongside tropical fish in remarkably clear water, stroll deserted motus edged with coconut palms or simply relax in one of the most remote corners of the South Pacific.Later this afternoon, continue toward the outer lagoon of Bora Bora, where the silhouette of Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above the horizon. As the sun sets across the lagoon, enjoy an evening on deck while the ship repositions overnight toward Mo’orea.

Day 6 - Day 6 Mo’orea

This morning, arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo’orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, kayak or paddleboard across calm turquoise waters, or snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Day 7 - Day 7-8 Mo'orea / Papeete

Begin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea before sailing to Papeete. The vessel will remain in port overnight, offering a rare chance to experience the energy and charm of this vibrant capital after dark. The following afternoon, set sail for continued exploration of the surrounding islands.

Day 8 - Day 9 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.

Day 9 - Day 10 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 10 - Day 11-12 Fakarava

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its extraordinary marine life and biodiversity. Go ashore in the village of Rotoava, where there will be opportunities to explore by bicycle, browse local pearl shops or stroll the waterfront.

Day 11 - Day 13 At Sea /Mo’orea

Arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo'orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, and explore calm turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through French Polynesia.

Day 12 - Day 14 Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Papeete and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Witness the dramatic contrast between the emerald volcanic peaks of the Society Islands and the low-lying coral worlds of the Tuamotus—two different landscapes connected by the traditions of one seafaring culture
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea, the spiritual heart of the Polynesian world and launch point for ancient voyages across the Pacific
Explore the Society Islands' most iconic waters—from Tupai's heart-shaped atoll to Bora Bora's outer lagoon and the emerald bays of Mo'orea
Experience Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass, a UNESCO-designated coral haven teeming with marine life and extraordinary biodiversity
Discover Makatea, a rare uplifted coral atoll with dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient caves and crystal-clear grottoes found nowhere else in French Polynesia