French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas
7 daysFrench Polynesia
French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas is a 7-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through French Polynesia. 9 departures are open from Apr 29, 2028 to Sep 16, 2028. The lowest current price is $9,200 per person (twin share), for the Apr 29, 2028 departure. Included: Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary and 3 more.
Explore the remote Tuamotu Archipelago on a 7-day expedition. Snorkel Fakarava's reefs, kayak Rangiroa's vast lagoon, and discover the cliffs of Makatea.
- Length
- 7 days
- Route
- Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship to Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship
- Meals
- 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
- Price basis
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Trip type
- Expedition Cruise
- Activity level
- Light-Moderate
- Service level
- Premium
- Operated by
- Lindblad
- Ship
- National Geographic Orion
Watch this price
Highlights
- Discover Makatea, a rare uplifted coral atoll with dramatic cliffs, limestone caves and crystal-clear grottoes found nowhere else in French Polynesia.
- Explore the vast lagoon of Rangiroa, home to dolphins, reef fish and some of the region’s richest marine ecosystems.
- Experience Fakarava's Tumakohua Pass—a UNESCO-designated coral haven teeming with rare marine life and extraordinary biodiversity.
- Witness the contrast between the low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotus and the emerald volcanic peaks and bays of Mo’orea.
Itinerary
- Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipDay 1
- MakateaDay 2
- RangiroaDay 3
- FakaravaDay 4
- At Sea / Mo’oreaDay 6
- Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark ShipDay 7
Day 1Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meetup hotel for breakfast before embarking the ship.
Day 2MakateaMakatea
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.
Day 3RangiroaRangiroa
The atoll of Rangiroa is a necklace of slender islands surrounding one of the world’s largest lagoons, renowned for its turquoise waters and rich marine ecosystems. Beneath the surface lies large schools of reef fish, dolphins and other marine life. Take in the lagoon's extraordinary beauty, with opportunities to swim in the warm waters of this South Pacific paradise.
Day 4FakaravaFakarava
Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its extraordinary marine life and biodiversity. Go ashore in the village of Rotoava, where opportunities to explore by bicycle, browse local pearl shops or stroll the waterfront offer a glimpse into daily life on this remote island.
Day 6At Sea / Mo’oreaAt Sea / Mo’orea
Arrive at the lush volcanic island of Mo'orea, where towering emerald peaks, deep bays and vibrant lagoons create a breathtaking backdrop for your final day of exploration. Venture inland through tropical forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, or explore calm turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Back on board this evening, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through French Polynesia.
Day 7Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark ShipMo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship
Begin the day with one final opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and crystalline waters of Mo'orea. In the afternoon, disembark in Papeete and enjoy a dinner ashore before transferring to the airport for flights home.
What’s included
Included
- Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights
- Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Basic Wi-Fi (5GB per person)
Not included
- Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
- Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
Dates and prices
Per person, twin share
Good to know
- What to Expect: In keeping with the nature of an expedition, your schedule is kept flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting your course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose—whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Guests should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and over uneven surfaces, and able to get in and out of unstable expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, easy hikes, walking tours and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options for more physical activities, such as longer hikes, biking or kayaking, depending on the conditions. All departures are family friendly.
- Expedition Team
- A National Geographic Expert or Photographer joins the expedition team on all departures.
Questions about French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas
How much does French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas cost?
The lowest current price is $9,200 per person (Apr 29, 2028 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When is French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas cheapest?
April 2028 has the lowest current price, from $9,200 per person, among 6 months with priced departures.
When does French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas depart?
9 departures are open in April 2028, May 2028, June 2028, July 2028, August 2028 and September 2028. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
What is included?
Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights, Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, Alcoholic beverages, Gratuities and Basic Wi-Fi (5GB per person). Not included: Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable, Trip cancelation insurance or any other travel insurance and Visas.
Where does French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas go?
The 7-day itinerary visits Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship, Makatea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, At Sea / Mo’orea and Mo'orea / Papeete / Disembark Ship.
How do I book French Polynesia’s Tuamotus: Hidden Atolls and Coral Seas?
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.