Linblad Expeditions

Easter Island to Papeete, Tahiti

We begin our voyage at one of the most isolated landfalls of Polynesia: Easter Island. On this isolated Pacific island hundreds of giant, prehistoric carved stones, called moai, dot the landscape; while archaeologists understand much concerning the island’s prehistory and lost culture, many theories and questions about the mysterious moai remain to this day.

From Easter Island we sail west for the Pitcairn Island group, where we explore a series of unique, uninhabited atolls. We also call at Pitcairn Island itself, where we’ll meet some of the descendants of the mutinous crew of HMS Bounty, now subjects of the last British colony in the South Pacific.

As we journey on through the Gambier Islands, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, beachcombing, nature walks and other tropical pleasures. Entering the Society Islands, we explore the spectacular flowering slopes of Bora Bora and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific. We conclude our expedition in Tahiti, the celebrated paradise of soaring basalt peaks and tranquil multi-colored lagoons.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 - Santiago, Chile
We arrive in Santiago in the early morning, and then take a short drive to the Santiago Hyatt. Today, guests are free to relax at the hotel or spend the afternoon seeing the sights of Santiago on a guided outing. This evening we gather for a festive welcome cocktail party and dinner.

Day 3 - Easter Island
Depart Santiago for Easter Island, where we spend the afternoon visiting the rich archaeological sites of the island including the famous moai statues, which abound in several areas of the island, and numerous ahu stone platforms that surround the coast. Ahu are thought to be burial sites and ceremonial icons derived from the intricately crafted altars of French Polynesia, and the ahu moai most likely supported giant carved statues which represented ancestors who stood with their backs to the Pacific Ocean as they kept watch over the villages. Today, many of these valuable structures have been taken by museums, many used for building modern piers and other functional structures on the island, and still others remain lying on the ground. Of those remaining, some have been meticulously restored while others lie untouched, weathered and eroded over centuries. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 - Easter Island/Embark Ship
Today will be devoted to exploring the island. With its sweeping grasslands replanted with eucalyptus trees and interspersed with craggy lava fields, Easter Island boasts a highly distinct geology. This fascinating volcanic island is composed of numerous extinct volcanoes and calderas, including the famous Rano Raraku volcano whose slopes are dotted with giant moai. After an afternoon immersing ourselves in the island’s unique landscape and history, we embark National Geographic Endeavour and set sail for the Pitcairn Island group.

Days 5 & 6 - At Sea
These next two days are spent at sea, en route to the Pitcairn Islands. Along the way, our staff of expert historians and naturalists prepares us for our upcoming adventures as they keep watch for marine mammals and sea birds. Observe, question, contemplate, converse, or just relax on board as the ship clips on towards its next destination.

Day 7 - Ducie Atoll
At Ducie Atoll, we enjoy nature walks ashore, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. A coral atoll, Ducie consists of one main island, Acadia Island, stretching around a spectacular lagoon, and three smaller islands. This fringing coral reef around an ancient volcano provides an exceptional breeding ground for Murphy’s petrels, frigates and boobies.

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 including the flightless Henderson rail, the vibrant-hued Stephen’s lorikeet, the territorial Henderson fruit dove and the Henderson warbler. We explore the island via Zodiac cruises and hikes ashore where we’ll view the island’s rare birdlife and see why the island was granted UNESCO protection in 1988.

Day 9 - Pitcairn Island
With its 45 inhabitants, Pitcairn Island is most famous as home to descendants of the mutineers from the legendary Bounty expedition. We explore this last remnant of the British Empire and learn about its place in 18th century exploration. In addition to meeting the locals (and possibly hearing a few of them lapse into the dialect Pitkern, a sort of “sailor speak” peppered with a few words of Polynesian), we’ll see Bounty’s and explore the island that was mutiny leader and master’s mate Fletcher Christian’s final resting place. Those interested also have the opportunity to pursue day hikes with our knowledgeable team of naturalists.

Day 10 - At Sea
Enjoy the view from on deck. Or, explore the undersea by viewing footage in the lounge taken by our Undersea Specialist, your ticket to learning about anything and everything in the underwater world.

Day 11 - Mangareva, Gambier Islands
Famous for its black pearls, we explore Mangareva’s undersea with options to snorkel or dive. Those preferring to go ashore will be greeted by locals and shown around their island with its beautiful cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Michael, built in the 1840s on the slopes of Mt. Duff by a Catholic mission. The story of missionary zeal here is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Our naturalists also lead hikes ashore.

Day 12 - Pukurua
With a morning at sea, we’re ready to go ashore at Pukurua. One of the least-visited and perhaps friendliest settlements in the South Pacific, this Tuamotu atoll rarely sees people from the outside world. Traditional and colorful dancers perform for us here as we relax and absorb the local culture.

Day 13 - At Sea
As we proceed to our next island destination, take some time to reflect on what we’ve seen thus far, and prepare for what has yet to come!

Day 14 - Raroia
Raroia is known for its pearl farming and we will see the strings of oysters all around the local “farms.” Raroia is also famous among seafarers and world explorers, for it is from Raroia that Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki balsa raft came ashore after his historic voyage from Peru in 1947. We ramble along the island for a variety of walks, and observe the entertaining and beautiful black noddies. Of course, there is always pearl shopping for those with other delights in mind.

Day 15 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago
Today we explore the spectacular island of Fakarava. There are opportunities for Zodiac cruising, snorkeling and diving on this beautiful atoll. Those interested can also visit with the locals in Rotoava, a small village at the northeastern end of the island set in a large rectangular lagoon. Rotoava has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its diversity of tropical flora and fauna.

Day 16 - Makatea
One of the most northwesterly islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago, we learn about Makatea’s significant place in the historically important phosphate trade. We’ll also search for the endemic fruit dove, snorkel or dive or enjoy a swim in a lovely blue grotto.

Day 17 - Bora Bora, Society Islands
One of the most stunning islands on the planet, Bora Bora also offers no shortage of activities. We explore via 4x4 or on our own two feet here on this superb island paradise. If you choose to explore solo, hop on a bicycle and peddle forth! Or, you may enjoy the companionship of our naturalists on walks through the island’s sandy, palm-fringed shores. Here on Bora Bora, there is superb snorkeling and diving, and fantastic beaches surrounding a deep blue lagoon.

Day 18 - Papeete/Disembark/Los Angeles
Before our homeward-bound flights, we’ll have an opportunity to shop at the bustling Papeete Market or wander along the waterfront and watch the boats glide into port. Those interested can also visit the James Norman Hall house, the Gauguin Museum or the Museum of Tahiti and its islands.

Day 19 - Arrive Los Angeles/Home

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$552 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$833 per person per night