Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands
11 days
Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands is a 11-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through Australia and the Pacific. 1 departure is open on Apr 10, 2027. The lowest current price is $22,500 per person (twin share), for the Apr 10, 2027 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, Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, Meals as indicated in the itinerary and 4 more.
Discover the South Pacific by sea & land with a vacation package from National Geographic: reef snorkeling in Bora Bora, tours of Tahiti, hiking in Moorea, & more.
- Length
- 11 days
- Route
- Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship to Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark Ship
- Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 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 Resolution
Watch this price
Highlights
- Discover an extraordinary undersea world, including cetaceans, as you snorke, dive, kayak, paddleboard, swim or cruise the waters on a glass-bottom boat.
- Swim into an otherworldly grotto on Makatea and float in a hidden cave surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites.
- Learn about Polynesian history and culture at Ra'iatea’s Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes like Bora Bora’s verdant Mount Otemanu, jutting above the turquoise waters, and Makatea’s steep cliffs that drop straight to deserted beaches.
Itinerary
- Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipDay 1
- Bora BoraDay 2
- Taha’a / Ra’iateaDay 3
- MakateaDay 4
- RangiroaDay 5
- FakaravaDay 6
- Tuamotu ArchipelagoDay 8
- Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark ShipDay 11
Day 1Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark ShipPapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship
Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the airport to the meeting point, and check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship. Arrival Time: Arrive by 11:00 a.m. Arrival City: Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2Bora BoraBora Bora
Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this afternoon.
Day 3Taha’a / Ra’iateaTaha’a / Ra’iatea
Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Rai’atea. This afternoon, visit Ra’iatea and one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. As you explore, you’ll learn about its significance in Polynesian history.
Day 4MakateaMakatea
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 and appears much different than the other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.
Day 5RangiroaRangiroa
The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the most pristine reefs in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Swim in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.
Day 6FakaravaFakarava
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 swim 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. Swim through Fakrarava's Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous current drifts in the world.
Day 8Tuamotu ArchipelagoTuamotu Archipelago
Spend three days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn about their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a swim, or enjoy the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.
Day 11Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark ShipPapeete, Tahiti / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Papeete and transfer to the airport for flights home. Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. Departure City: Papeete, Tahiti
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
- Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Basic Wi-Fi with the option to upgrade
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 able to get in and out of expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include Zodiac cruises, easy hikes, walking tours and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options each day for more physical activities such as longer hikes, kayaking and paddleboarding. All departures are family friendly.
- Expedition Team
- A National Geographic Expert or Photographer joins the expedition team on select departures.
Questions about Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands
How much does Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands cost?
The lowest current price is $22,500 per person (Apr 10, 2027 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
When does Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands depart?
1 departure is open in April 2027. 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, Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, Meals as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, Alcoholic beverages, Gratuities and Basic Wi-Fi with the option to upgrade. 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 Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands go?
The 11-day itinerary visits Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia / Embark Ship, Bora Bora, Taha’a / Ra’iatea, Makatea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago and Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark Ship.
How do I book Pearls of the Pacific: A Voyage to The Society and Tuamotu Islands?
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.