Linblad Expeditions

Lautoka, Papeete, Tahiti to Rarotonga, Cook Islands

For those with a limited amount of time, this expedition is designed to give you the best of the South Pacific you’ve heard and dreamt about, combined with stops at off-the-beaten-path islands. And for those with more time, this is a perfect voyage to combine with either the previous or next expedition, for a more comprehensive adventure. From classic French Polynesia — Papeete and Bora Bora — we’ll then set course for the small atoll of Mopelia, where we’ll spend our time snorkeling, diving, kayaking and relaxing on untouched beaches. You’ll wonder where the rest of the world has gone, and not care! “Another swim, or another drink?” Sure, both. Our visit to the Cook Islands, heralded by traditional dancing and drummers, lei-greeting locals and a welcoming ceremony from the local preacher, is not an event you’ll soon forget. Our remaining time in the Cooks is divided between barely inhabited and uninhabited atolls — for more watersports and beach activities — and time spent with locals, at their villages, learning of their customs, culture and way of life.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 - Expedition Stop & Bora Bora
We’ll ease into island time with a morning expedition stop at a small motu, a coral island in the lagoon of an atoll — good for refresher snorkel lessons, scuba diving, kayaking or just hanging out on the beach or taking a leisurely swim. In the afternoon, we’ll go ashore at Bora Bora where we can take a guided exploration of the island, join a hike with our naturalists, go bicycling, shopping, or for those still game, take another snorkel or dive.

Day 3 - Mopelia
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.

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 with a bent for birding will be able to join the ship’s naturalists in their search for the endemic Atiuan Swiftlet. Diving is also an option.

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.

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. This island group has an amazing history, which we’ll learn all about during our visit. Snorkelers and divers will get a chance to explore this enticing underwater world in the afternoon.

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.

Day 8 - Rarotonga/Disembark/Los Angeles
After breakfast, we disembark in Rarotonga and proceed to the airport for homeward-bound flights.

Day 9 - Arrive Los Angeles/Home

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$556 per person per night

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$924 per person per night