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Depart Los Angeles for Papeete, Tahiti in the Society Islands and transfer directly to National Geographic Endeavour.
On Moorea, we'll have the opportunity for a scenic drive around the island as well as free time for shopping if you choose. The island is worth a drive along its coastal roads if only for a glimpse of the gorgeous scenery - towering mountains emanating gracefully from the lagoon, scattered settlements of pineapple farms, isolated bays and dense forests. Or you can enjoy a snorkel, scuba dive or Zodiac cruise. In the afternoon, we'll relax on a beach and spend our afternoon in pleasantly unhurried South Pacific fashion.
Perhaps the most beautiful island in the South Pacific - if not the world - Bora Bora offers no shortage of delights and diversions. We explore via 4x4, bicycles and our own two feet here on this superb island paradise. Or, you may enjoy the companionship of our naturalists on walks through the islands sandy, palm-fringed shores. Here on Bora Bora, there is superb snorkeling and diving, and stunning beaches surrounding a deep blue lagoon.
One of the most northwesterly islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago, Makatea was for years mined by the British and the French for the valuable phosphate that made up the core of the island. We learn about Makatea's significant place in the historically important phosphate trade. We'll also search for the endemic fruit dove, snorkel or dive or enjoy a swim in a lovely blue grotto.
With a lei reception and energetic dancing and drumming, we are welcomed into Fakarava's well-kept town of Rotoava, a small village at the northeastern end of the island set in a large rectangular lagoon. In addition to being a very festive, friendly village, Rotoava has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its diversity of tropical flora and fauna. We enjoy our time here with the locals until the afternoon, when we'll reposition the ship to the outside of the atoll for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. |
Overview
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DATES
Sept 30 - Oct 14, 2006
TRIP LENGTH
15 days/13 nights
PRICING
From $7690 USD/person |
Famous as the place where the Kon Tiki ran on the reef at the end of her voyage, Raroia provides us with an opportunity to learn about the history of the Kon Tiki voyage. There is also snorkeling and diving, and an opportunity to visit the village and shop for artifacts made from shells and coconuts. In the afternoon, we do a drift snorkel or dive through a stunning coral reef channel.
Enjoy a drink on deck or crack open a copy of Herman Melville's Typee, the book that made famous the town of Taipivai on Nuku Hiva, our next island stop.
Here on Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands and the island group's economic capital, we immerse ourselves in local culture and geography. Traditional Marquesan dancers welcome us to their village, and we'll learn about their native way of life by visiting the Piki Vehine Pae Pae, an open-air museum in the shape of a house. For those hankering for a bit of a workout, the Bay of Hatiheu offers a beautiful backdrop for kayaking. In the afternoon, we explore other parts of the island.
This morning is dedicated to Gauguin, iconic artist of the South Pacific. We'll visit his museum and make a pilgrimage to his final resting place, soaking up the landscape that inspired him to leave it all behind and go native. In the afternoon we'll reposition the Puamau Bay, visiting the Polynesian site of Iiloni, the tallest Tiki figure on the island. Keen scuba divers will also have an option to explore the underwater realm.
With a landscape of spectacular pinnacles towering over the cobalt Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva, one of the most floral islands, beckons us to explore. Our naturalists lead us to a waterfall and pool for a refreshing swim. There are also swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving options to a cave near our anchorage. Fatu Hiva, the most remote island in the Marquesas, is also the lushest and most pristine. It is the only island in French Polynesia, in fact, where bark cloth is made using traditional ancestral methods. We stay into the evening in this peaceful sanctuary to enjoy a barbeque and bonfire ashore.
Our day at sea en route to the Tuamotu Archipelago offers opportunities for mingling with other guests and your Expedition Team.
Today we visit a couple of small islands in the King George Group, where we're shown around a small village, and learn about a staple of the local economy: pearl farming. There is also superb snorkeling and scuba diving here, and perhaps an opportunity for an exploring in the afternoon.
Our last full exploration day is on the stunning atoll of Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world. The lagoon here is colossal and captivating. For those wishing to take the plunge, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving will be offered, and for those who prefer to stay dry, the village of Tiputa at the northern end of the atoll offers plenty of distractions.
After breakfast, we'll have an opportunity to explore Papeete. Those interested can also visit the James Norman Hall house, Gauguin Museum and the Museum of Tahiti and its islands before we head to the airport for our overnight flight to Los Angeles.
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