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Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

From AUD $25,000

Description

Sailing in the wake of early Polynesian navigators, this Tahiti expedition strikes to the farthest reaches of Oceania. From remote and enigmatic Easter Island to the historically significant Pitcairn Islands through the “low islands” of the Tuamotu Archipelago to Tahiti, you’ll visit islands that are virtually inaccessible and untouched. The voyage begins in one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia: Easter Island. See the legendary moai statues up close and hear the leading theories on what happened to the people who created them from top experts. Walk the length of untouched tropical beaches, meet the descendants of H.M.S. Bounty mutineers, and drift dive or snorkel through an atoll pass.

Trip Name
Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.  Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare.  Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Papeete, French Polynesia
Depart in the late afternoon for Tahiti and arrivelate in the evening on the same day. Check into ahotel room and spend the evening at your leisure.
Day 2 - DAY 2: Papeete/Embark
This morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure andspend some time exploring the resort whileadjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelersfor lunch and then join us for a tour of Tahiti beforeembarking the ship in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Makatea
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is oneof the most unique landforms in the Pacific. Spendthe day exploring limestone caves and grottos withyour expedition team and local guides, or searchfor endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, thensnorkel among colorful fish on the nearby reef.(B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAYS 4-8: At Sea/Tuamotu Archipelago
Today we begin our exploration of the “DangerousArchipelago,” in Fakarava, one of the largest atollsin French Polynesia and part of a UNESCOBiosphere Reserve. Explore the protected reefs orride the current into the lagoon on a world-famousdrift snorkel. From here, your Captain andExpedition Leader will determine our next spot forexploration. In true expedition mode, we will visitsome of the Tuamotus’ most remote islands,taking the opportunity to explore them by land andby sea. Navigate reefs and islets as we make ourway east and explore one of French Polynesia’smany uninhabited atolls such as Tahanea. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 9: Mangareva
Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with ournaturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book.We then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of theGambier Islands, with its interesting history andbeautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel,meet islanders to learn about their culture and themissionaries who made their home here, or go ona hike with our naturalists. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAYS 10-13: Pitcairn Islands/At Sea
We begin our exploration at the famed PitcairnIsland. Many of the mutineers of thelegendary Bounty made their home here in the late18th century, and about 50 of their descendantsstill live here today. Meet the residents and hear afew words of the unusual Pitkern dialect—acombination of English “sailor speak” andPolynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the lastsurviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and seethe Bounty’s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957.We continue to the UNESCO World Heritage siteof Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that isuninhabited and virtually untouched by humans.Discover the island’s four endemic bird species,rich flora and fauna, and fascinating geology. AtDucie Atoll, spend time watching for frigatebirdsand boobies and snorkeling or diving amongspectacular reefs. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAYS 14-15: At Sea
As we voyage east toward Easter Island, head upto the Bridge to watch for wildlife and observeexpert navigation at work as our skilled Captainand officers sail these historic waters. There’ll alsobe time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center,workout in the gym, and browse in the library.Each day our naturalists offer talks that add depthto your experience. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAYS 16-18: Easter Island, Chile/Disembark
Arrive at Easter Island where you will check intothe Hanga Roa Eco Village & Spa (or similar) fortwo nights. Explore volcanic calderas, jagged lavafields, and sweeping grasslands to discover thecolossal moai statues, the astonishing legacy of along-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examinethese statues and discuss their meaning andcreation; visit burial sites, quarries, and intricatelycarved ceremonial altars. Fly to Santiago, Chile foryour overnight international flight home. (Days 16-17: B,L,D; Day 18: B,L)
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $25,000Category 1
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $25,750Category 2
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $31,380Category 3
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $34,580Category 4
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $38,490Category 5
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $39,220Category A Solo
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $43,230Category B Solo
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $44,320Category 6
08-11-202226-11-2022AUD $49,120Category 7

Inclusions

    • Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pitcairn Islands, identified as one of most unspoiled reef systems in the world by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala
    • 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 endemic bird species
    • Delve into the intriguing lost culture of Easter Island and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai with an archaeologist

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