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Peregrine Travel Centre

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific Cruise

Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific Cruise

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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
16
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 and transfer directly to the hospitality room before embarking the ship in the afternoon. This evening, set sail as you acclimate to island time.
Day 2 - Day 2 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 your expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds, then snorkel among colorful fish on the nearby reef. 
Day 3 - Day 3-6 Tuamotu Archipelago / At Sea
Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. Snorkel through Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift snorkels in the world.   Experience the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book.  
Day 4 - Day 7 Mangareva
Visit 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. 
Day 5 - Day 8-11 Pitcairn Islands, British Overseas Territory / At Sea
Explore the famed Pitcairn Islands. 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.  
Day 6 - Day 12-13 At Sea
As you journey east toward 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 in the library. Each day, naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience. 
Day 7 - Day 14-15 Easter Island, Chile (Rapa Nui)
Over the next two days, explore Easter Island’s 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. 
Day 8 - Day 16 Easter Island / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago, Chile. Arrive in Santiago and connect to late-night homebound flights.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom 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

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