Enjoy a welcome function and one-night accommodation in Apia, before boarding Coral Geographer at 5:00 pm for a 6:00 pm departure. This evening, join the Captain’s welcome drinks and meet your crew and fellow guests as the sun sets.

These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise the guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.Manu’a Islands, American SamoaThe Manu’a Islands of American Samoa are volcanic remnants rising out the sea. The beautiful islands of Ofu and Olosega are connected by a bridge, and the views of the two islands, standing alone in the Pacific, are breathtaking.A small population of some 1,500 people call the three islands home. This is an expedition stop, and subject to nature we will snorkel and swim, relax on the smooth expanse of Ofu Beach stargaze, and discover the National Park of Samoa with hikes and nature walks. We may also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Samoan cuisine cooked in an umu, earth oven. Pukapuka Atoll, Cook IslandsPukapuka, sometimes called the “Island of Beautiful girls” is one of the most remote atolls in the Cook Islands. On this small island, traditional cultures and language have been preserved. The northern islet, where the residents have their village, is affectionately known as ‘Wale’ or ‘home’. Although the population is only around 500 people, it is the most densely populated island in the Cook Islands.Communal life is the most important thing on the island, and traditional conservation methods are practised. The internal crystal clear lagoon teems with life and provides an important food source for the Pukapukan people. Going ashore on this island, we will get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people as they share their traditions, and we will soak up the peaceful and serene environment.See why author Robert Dean Frisbie moved to the atoll in 1924 to escape the technological world of the 20th century. He wrote about the island in his two books “The Book of Puka Puka” and “The Island of Desire”, and described it as a place where you won’t hear ‘the faintest echo from the noisy clamour of the civilised world’. Manihiki, Cook IslandsManihiki Atoll, known to many as the most beautiful of the Cook Islands, sits on the top of an underwater mountain which rises 4000 feet from the ocean floor. Forty tiny islets encircle the large lagoon, and here we will snorkel and kayak.Manihiki is the centre of the Cook Island’s pearl industry, and we will learn about the pearl farming industry and see the glorious green, blue, purple, silver and gold hues that make the famous black pearls shine.We may also visit the islets of Tauhuno and Tukao to see the locals showcase their titaevae and rito hat-making skills. Penrhyn, Cook IslandsAt just nine degrees below the equator, Penrhyn Atoll is the most northern of the Cook Islands. The large lagoon is ringed by uninhabited islets, with the inhabitants living in just two villages. Here, everyone grows up fishing, and the lagoon is the source of livelihood.The lagoon is filled with abundant marine life and is known to have the highest amount of reef sharks in the Cook Islands.Here we will learn about the local lifestyle, enjoy dancing and singing welcomes, and snorkel among the abundance of harmless black-tip reef sharks in the lagoon. There will also be an opportunity to purchase the exquisite handicrafts that are produced here, including woven hats, fans and necklaces. Millennium Atoll, KiribatiOne of the most remote points on the planet, Millennium Atoll is one of the Line Islands of Kiribati. Relatively untouched, it is one of the world’s most pristine islands, and has been considered as a World Heritage Site. A large population of coconut crabs thrive here, and it is also a breeding site for seabirds, while giant clams thickly cover the lagoon. Millennium Atoll is best known for being the first place on Earth to receive sunlight each day during much of the year, and for its role in the millennium celebrations. Spend the day kayaking over the giant clams in the clear lagoon or birdwatching on the island. Raiatea, Society IslandsThe second largest of the Society Islands, Raiatea means ‘bright sky’ in Tahitian. Regarded as the centre of ancient Polynesia, it is likely that the organised migrations to Hawai’i and New Zealand started here. Raiatea is home to rare flora and fauna species such as the Tiare ‘apetahi’ flower, which is found nowhere else in the world.Here we will have the privilege of visiting the sacred site of Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the world of the living intersected with the world of the gods. Considered the religious and central temple of Eastern Polynesia, the Marae was established over a thousand years ago as a place of learning where knowledge of navigation and the origins of the universe were shared.We will explore the site and learn about the ancient knowledge and religious practices of the Tahitian people, and how they voyaged from Raiatea to the far corners of the Polynesian islands. Huahine, Society IslandsHuahine, one of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, offers the slower pace of old Polynesia. Only eight villages are scattered across the island, but Huahine was once the home of Tahitian royalty and has the highest density of ancient marae, hidden in the lush forests. Surrounded by a deep and clear lagoon, Huahine also boasts stunning white-sand beaches. Here we will explore the lush shoreline of the lagoon by snorkelling or kayaking, visit the archeological site at Maeva Village with local guides, or take a nature walk into the forest to encounter sacred blue-eyed eels. Mo’orea, Society IslandsMoorea, one of the high islands of French Polynesia, is also one of the most scenic. Jagged green pinnacles are bounded by a translucent lagoon and coral reef, and waterfalls flow through forested gorges. Simple villages circle the island, and we will explore to get a taste of the French-influenced lifestyle of Tahiti. Enjoy local cuisine, explore the quiet waters of the lagoon, or watch fishermen on their outrigger canoes. Snorkellers or divers might spot stingrays, sharks and turtles in the turquoise lagoon. Hear the stories of the artists who, over the centuries, have been inspired by the beauty of Mo’orea, and see the work of contemporary artists who live there today.

Disembark the Coral Geographer at 8:00 am. Complimentary transfers to central hotels or the airport are included.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.