French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands and Tuamotus
Journey across French Polynesia from coral atolls of the Tuamotus to the remote Marquesas Islands, one of the most isolated and culturally rich archipelagos in the Pacific. Snorkel the turquoise waters of Rangiroa and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fakarava before venturing north to a world of towering volcanic cliffs, ancient me'ae ceremonial sites and deeply rooted Polynesian traditions. Explore dramatic valleys, sacred tiki sites and remote island communities where carving, dance, music and storytelling remain central to daily life. Along the way, encounter rare birdlife, kayak rugged coastlines and discover wild tropical landscapes on an expedition that reveals the extraordinary diversity of French Polynesia.
Highlights
Experience the striking diversity of French Polynesia, from uplifted coral atolls like Makatea to the rugged cliffs, open grasslands, and remote villages of Ua Huka
Discover the remote Marquesas Islands, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient me’ae ceremonial sites and centuries-old Polynesian traditions remain deeply preserved
Visit Hiva Oa’s extraordinary me’ae lipona and document some of the largest and most important tiki sculptures in Polynesia alongside a National Geographic Photographer
Explore Fatu Hiva’s spectacular Hanavave Bay, surrounded by towering volcanic spires and lush valleys rich in Marquesan birdlife
Snorkel the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fakarava and kayak Rangiroa’s immense lagoon, home to dolphins, reef fish and thriving coral ecosystems
Itinerary
Expedition
Starts atPapeete, Tahiti, French PolynesiaEnds atPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to a hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1
Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipArrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to a hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Rangiroa
The atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for some of the finest snorkeling in French Polynesia. Beneath the turquoise waters, marine ecosystems harbor large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Opportunities to kayak and snorkel offer an immersive way to experience this extraordinary South Pacific paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
RangiroaThe atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for some of the finest snorkeling in French Polynesia. Beneath the turquoise waters, marine ecosystems harbor large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Opportunities to kayak and snorkel offer an immersive way to experience this extraordinary South Pacific paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Fakarava
Arrive at Fakarava (North), one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Home to an exceptional diversity of marine life as well as rare birds and plants, this remote coral atoll offers opportunities to snorkel protected reefs and explore the village of Rotoava, the island's main settlement.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
FakaravaArrive at Fakarava (North), one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Home to an exceptional diversity of marine life as well as rare birds and plants, this remote coral atoll offers opportunities to snorkel protected reefs and explore the village of Rotoava, the island's main settlement.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
At Sea
Enjoy time at sea enroute to the Marquesas Islands, attending expert presentations, connecting with fellow travelers and taking advantage of the ship’s exceptional amenities. Relax in the sauna or infinity hot tubs, visit the Bridge for wildlife sightings and take in the vast expanse of the Pacific as your expedition team shares insights into the islands and cultures ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
At SeaEnjoy time at sea enroute to the Marquesas Islands, attending expert presentations, connecting with fellow travelers and taking advantage of the ship’s exceptional amenities. Relax in the sauna or infinity hot tubs, visit the Bridge for wildlife sightings and take in the vast expanse of the Pacific as your expedition team shares insights into the islands and cultures ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-10
Marquesas Islands
Accompanied knowledgeable local guides, visit remote island villages to learn about Marquesan traditions and religious rites, discover ancient petroglyphs, witness powerful dance performances at a traditional ma'ae, sample local foods and browse distinctive arts and crafts.
Choose to attend a local church service renowned for its soaring Polynesian harmonies or hike through verdant valleys with naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and sweeping island vistas. Explore dramatic coastlines by Zodiac and kayak, marveling at the rugged silhouettes of these legendary islands, or slip beneath the surface to discover the vibrant marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters of the Marquesas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-10
Marquesas IslandsAccompanied knowledgeable local guides, visit remote island villages to learn about Marquesan traditions and religious rites, discover ancient petroglyphs, witness powerful dance performances at a traditional ma'ae, sample local foods and browse distinctive arts and crafts.
Choose to attend a local church service renowned for its soaring Polynesian harmonies or hike through verdant valleys with naturalists and local guides in search of rare birds and sweeping island vistas. Explore dramatic coastlines by Zodiac and kayak, marveling at the rugged silhouettes of these legendary islands, or slip beneath the surface to discover the vibrant marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich waters of the Marquesas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12
At Sea
Enjoy two relaxing days at sea as you sail across the South Pacific en route to Makatea. Take in ocean views from the lounge, cozy up with a book on Polynesian culture in the library or edit your favorite images at the photo kiosk with help from your certified photo instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12
At SeaEnjoy two relaxing days at sea as you sail across the South Pacific en route to Makatea. Take in ocean views from the lounge, cozy up with a book on Polynesian culture in the library or edit your favorite images at the photo kiosk with help from your certified photo instructor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Makatea
An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is among the Pacific’s most unusual and geologically fascinating landforms. Raised dramatically from the sea by tectonic forces, Makatea stands in striking contrast to the region’s low-lying atolls, with towering limestone cliffs and rugged elevated terrain. So distinctive is this rare formation that the island’s name has become the term used for uplifted coral atolls around the world. Spend the day with your naturalists and local guides, in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds. Explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
MakateaAn uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is among the Pacific’s most unusual and geologically fascinating landforms. Raised dramatically from the sea by tectonic forces, Makatea stands in striking contrast to the region’s low-lying atolls, with towering limestone cliffs and rugged elevated terrain. So distinctive is this rare formation that the island’s name has become the term used for uplifted coral atolls around the world. Spend the day with your naturalists and local guides, in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds. Explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Papeete / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Papeete this afternoon and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers ashore. After dinner transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Papeete / Disembark ShipDisembark in Papeete this afternoon and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers ashore. After dinner transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
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