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Experience the best of the South Pacific from Papeete and Bora-Bora to the small atoll of Mopelia on a nine-day voyage aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. Enjoy snorkeling and kayaking, nature hikes, visits to untouched beaches, traditional welcome ceremonies, and excursions to off-the-beaten-path islands.
Day 1 Los Angeles/Papeete, Tahiti
Depart for Papeete and transfer directly to the National Geographic Endeavour.
(D)
Day 2 Bora Bora
Explore this lush island’s sandy, palm-fringed shores by 4x4 vehicle or bicycle or on foot. Bora-Bora also features superb snorkeling, diving, and stunning beaches surrounding a lagoon.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 Maupihaa
Our Zodiacs will take us into the lagoon to explore the beach or get some exercise in the kayaks. There is also some very good snorkeling inside the atoll, as well as on the outside, where the scuba divers will remain. Our afternoon will be spent at sea, en route to the Cook Islands, enjoying life on deck or taking advantage of our onboard expertise by attending one of many preparatory presentations about the natural and cultural history of the South Pacific.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 Atiu, Cook Islands
After a morning at sea, preparing for our active days ahead in the Cook Islands, we’ll get ready to go ashore at Atiu. Our island welcome is anything but perfunctory. The locals will arrange, with great relish, a ceremony that illustrates Cook Island customs and welcomes us into their home. After the ceremony, we’ll be able to explore the island via local trucks, seeing their coffee factory and arts and crafts displays. Those interested in birding will be able to join the ship’s naturalists in their search for the endemic Atiuan Swiftlet. Diving is also an option.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 Takutea
The tiny uninhabited sand cay of Takutea, one of the most important breeding sites for seabirds and turtles in the Central Pacific (like so many of the Cook Islands), will beckon us early with a Zodiac cruise. In the afternoon we plan to explore another of this island group’s extremely important sites for South Pacific wildlife.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Palmerston
After we’ve weaved our way via Zodiac through the maze of coral heads surrounding their island, the proud inhabitants of Palmerston Motu welcome us and share their history during our visit. Snorkelers and divers will get a chance to explore this enticing underwater world in the afternoon.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 Aitutaki
Aitutaki, the largest lagoon in the Cook Islands, will provide the perfect final day of this journey. A trident shell greeting and dancers armed with spears offer a spectacular and photogenic welcome ashore. We’ll visit some of the local sites, as well as offer nature hikes and kayaking with the ship’s staff. Of course, the snorkeling is excellent and the divers will enjoy a phenomenal wall dive on the outside of the atoll.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 and 9 Rarotonga/Los Angeles
After breakfast, disembark in Rarotonga and proceed to the airport for the flight home.
(B,L)
| ABOUT THE M.S. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDEAVOUR |
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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