JON BOWERMASTER

Writer and adventurer Jon Bowermaster’s sea kayak expedition in the South Pacific took him 1,000 miles through the remote Tuamotu Archipelago north of Tahiti. The account of the trip appeared in National Geographic Adventure in August 2003. His prize-winning documentary, A Slowboat to Somewhere, chronicles life on board the cargo ships that service the remote islands of the South Pacific, including Easter Island. Jon plans to sea kayak in each of the seven continents, plus Oceania, for his Oceans 8 project—supported by a National Geographic grant.

Days 1 and 2 Los Angeles/Santiago, Chile
Depart for Santiago, Chile on an overnight flight. Transfer to our hotel and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Santiago. Gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Santiago Hyatt (D)

Day 3 Easter Island
Fly to Easter Island, one of the most isolated landfalls in the Pacific and renowned for its giant stone moai statues, remnants of a prehistoric civilization.
Hanga Roa Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 Easter Island
Today, explore the island’s rich archaeological sites and meet with resident archaeologist Edmundo Edwards, who has been active in excavating and restoring many of the monuments. Later, embark the National Geographic Endeavour.
(B,L,D)

Days 5 and 6 At Sea
Enjoy talks with expert historians and naturalists on board. Keep a lookout for sea birds and other marine life while sailing to the Pitcairn Islands.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 Ducie Island
Take nature walks ashore and snorkel or scuba dive at this coral atoll. This fringing coral reef around an ancient volcano provides a superb breeding ground for frigates, boobies, and Murphy’s petrels.
(B,L,D)

Day 8 Henderson Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest island in the Pitcairn group, Henderson Island is home to four species of endemic land birds. Board Zodiacs or hike ashore and discover this island’s rare birdlife.
(B,L,D)

Day 9 Pitcairn Island
Pitcairn Island is known as the home of descendants of the mutineers from the legendary H.M.S. Bounty expedition. Meet a few of the 45 local inhabitants and see the final resting place of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian and the salvaged Bounty's anchor.
(B,L,D)

Days 10 and 11 At Sea/Mangareva, Gambier Islands
Relax on deck or explore the undersea by viewing footage taken by our onboard undersea specialist. The next day, snorkel or dive in Mangareva’s emerald green waters, famous for its black pearls. Or go ashore and visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Michael, built in the 1840s on the slopes of Mount Duff, and enjoy a leisurely hike.
(B,L,D)

Day 12 Pukarua
Pukarua is one of the least visited and perhaps friendliest settlements in the South Pacific. Enjoy this true tropical paradise and a performance of traditional local music and dancing. Later, visit a vanilla plantation.
(B,L,D)

Days 13 and 14 At Sea/Raroia
Today, we sail to the island of Raroia, known for its pearl farming and among seafarers and explorers as the docking port for Thor Heyerdahl’s historic voyage from Peru in 1947 aboard the balsa raft Kon Tiki. The next day, discover the island on foot and observe the beautiful black noddy birds.
(B,L,D)

Day 15 Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago
Set in a large rectangular lagoon, the village of Rotoava on the island of Fakarava is surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. Meet with local people and explore the island by Zodiac.
(B,L,D)

Day 16 Makatea
Makatea is one of the most northwesterly islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Search for Makatea’s endemic fruit dove or enjoy a swim in a lovely blue grotto.
(B,L,D)

Day 17 Bora-Bora, Society Islands
A stunning lush island, Bora-Bora offers no shortage of activities. Explore the island’s sandy, palm fringed shores by 4x4 vehicle, on bicycle, or on foot. There is also superb snorkeling and diving and beautiful beaches surrounding a deep-blue lagoon.
(B,L,D)

Days 18 and 19 Papeete/Los Angeles
Before flying home, take a stroll through the colorful and bustling Papeete Market or visit the house of James Norman Hall, co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty. You may also visit the Gauguin Museum or the Museum of Tahiti and Its Islands. Depart this evening on your flight to Los Angeles, arriving the next day.
(B,L)

The National Geographic Endeavour is a one-class ship with 62 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate constricted waterways while providing comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac motorized landing craft. An undersea specialist operates sophisticated underwater video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas include a lounge and bar, library, fitness center, and sauna. Services include a full-time doctor and massage therapist, guest e-mail, and laundry.

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