Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific Cruise

Description

Explore lost civilizations amid idyllic, seldom-seen isles while sailing from the remote and enigmatic Easter Island, one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia, to Tahiti through the “low islands” of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the historically significant Pitcairn Islands. See the legendary moai statues up close, walk the length of untouched tropical beaches, meet the descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers, and drift dive or snorkel through an atoll pass.

Trip Name

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 One of two next-generation ships purpose-built for polar exploration, National Geographic Resolution is named in tribute to Captain James Cook’s legendary second voyage aboard HMS Resolution. With a Polar Code Category A ice-class hull and a pioneering X-Bow® design, she offers unmatched comfort, stability, and quiet passage through even the most challenging polar waters—opening access to remote corners of the Arctic, Antarctica, and beyond. Designed for immersive exploration, the ship’s interior is warm, modern, and elegantly Scandinavian, with expansive windows throughout that keep the wild, ice-bound world always within view. Her six decks house 76 spacious cabins, inviting public spaces, and a full complement of expedition tools. Guests can relax in the observation lounge, library, or spa; enjoy flexible dining across three venues; or gear up in the Expedition Base before heading out in Zodiacs or kayaks. From polar bear sightings in Svalbard to navigating ice-choked channels in the Southern Ocean, Resolution is a state-of-the-art platform for discovering the planet’s most astonishing frontiers.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Days 1-4 Santiago, Chile / Easter Island / Embark Ship

Arrive in Santiago, Chile, and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) located in central Santiago. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception.Early the next morning, board a flight to Easter Island where you will check into the Nayara Hangaroa (or similar) for two nights. Over the next two days, explore 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. Visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. On Day 4, embark National Geographic Resolution. Dinner is served on Day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on Days 2-4.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Days 5-6 At Sea

As you set sail and journey west from Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as the skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse through the library. Each day the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Days 7-9 Pitcairn Islands, British Overseas Territory

Begin your exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary HMS Bounty made their home here in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect–a combination of English "sailor speak" and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the Bounty's anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. Discover the island's four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna and fascinating geology. At Ducie Atoll, spend time looking for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkel among spectacular reefs.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Days 10-11 At Sea / Mangareva

Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. Then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here or go on a hike with naturalists.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Days 12-16 At Sea / Tuamotu Archipelago

A day at sea brings you to the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, you'll visit some of the Tuamotus' most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as you make your way west and explore one of French Polynesia's many uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Continue to Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Day 17 Makatea

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day exploring the island's limestone caves and grottos with our expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds.Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Day 18 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Disembark Ship

Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti and transfer to the airport for flights home.Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Dive or snorkel the stunning reefs of Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the Pitcairn Islands, one of the world's most unspoiled reef systems
Delve into the intriguing lost culture of Easter Island and examine ancient burial sites and towering moai with an archaeologist
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
Look for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkel among spectacular reefs at Ducie Atoll