Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands

Day 1

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship

Arrive in Papeete and transfer directly to the National Geographic Orion for embarkation. While in port this morning, take time to freshen up and settle into your cabin as you prepare to depart. Alternatively, choose to walk around downtown Papeete and visit the central market where vendors sell fresh fruit, pareos, artwork and coveted black pearls. Enjoy lunch aboard and be on deck as the ship sets sail from Tahiti toward the Tuamotu Archipelago. This afternoon, meet the staff and fellow travelers and settle into island time.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 6:00 a.m.
Arrival City: Papeete, Tahiti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Rangiroa, Tuamotus

Over the next two days, you'll visit the Tuamotu Archipelago. The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Kayak, snorkel and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Takaroa Atoll

Visit Takaroa Atoll, a remote island nearly 350 miles from Tahiti. Explore the main village and snorkel or dive stunning healthy reefs, kayak and stand-up paddleboard in its turquoise lagoons and walk pristine beaches beneath coconut palms.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

At Sea

Spend the day at sea relaxing en route to the Marquesas. Enjoy talks by your expedition staff; a large open foredeck with room to move about, dine and view wildlife up-close from outside vantage points; the Observation Lounge, providing panoramic vistas of the scenery; and the fitness center, spa and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-8

Exploring the Marquesas

Spend the next four days exploring the Marquesan Islands of Tahuata, Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva.

Accompanied by your team of knowledgeable local guides, visit remote island villages to learn about religious rites, see ancient petroglyphs, witness spectacular dance performances at a Marquesan ma'ae, sample local foods in the villages and peruse unique arts and crafts.

Choose to attend a local church service with stunningly beautiful music or hike up a valley with naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and spectacular views. Marvel at the rugged silhouettes of these legendary islands from Zodiacs and kayaks or dive below the surface of the nutrient-rich waters to see the colorful and spectacular undersea world.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10

Hiva Oa, Marquesas / Disembark Ship / Papeete, Tahiti

This morning, let nature guide you as you set out exploring one of the Marquesas’ remote, uninhabited islands. In the afternoon, arrive at Hiva Oa, where you’ll visit the village of Puamau to explore a well-maintained Marquesan sacred site, a me’ae I’ipona. Accompanied by your team and knowledgeable local guides, learn about religious rites and photograph one of the largest, most arresting ancient tikis in Polynesia. On your last morning, visit the village of Atuona before disembarking the ship and flying by either charter aircraft or commercial flight back to Papeete. This evening, transfer to the airport for flights home. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on Day 9; breakfast is served on Day 10.

Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m.
Departure City: Papeete, Tahiti

Meals Included: Breakfast