Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic has announced they’ll be taking National Geographic Orion to French Polynesia & the South Pacific in 2018. The five new itineraries will offer one week and two week voyages from March through August in 2018.
From stunning coral reefs to jubilant welcome ceremonies, guests will discover secluded atolls with some of the world’s most unspoiled undersea, outstanding wildlife, and a wealth of culture with unmatched access to spectacular landscapes, towering waterfalls and shore landings – only accessible by expedition ship and Zodiac. Lindblad’s history in the region and network of friends ensures peak experiences in remote locations, a rich encounter with the geography, and the opportunity to truly “get lost” in paradise.
These are going to be remarkable expeditions to extraordinary locations and guests will have ample opportunity to dive and snorkel some of the world’s most pristine seas and renowned scuba sites. Part research vessel, part grand hotel, the 102-guest National Geographic Orion is outfitted with a roster of exploration tools which includes snorkeling gear, a SCUBA program that can accommodate up to 24 divers at a time, a glass bottom boat, kayaks, paddleboards, a state of the art remote operated vehicle (ROV) that reaches depths of up to 1,000 feet and a fleet of Zodiacs.
Some of the incredible expeditions include an 18-day Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific (departs March 27 and August 31, 2018), a voyage that explores the farthest reaches of Oceania to islands that are virtually inaccessible and untouched; and the 15_-day Azure Seas from Tahiti to the Marquesas (departs June 22and August 17, 2018), an in-depth exploration of the Marquesas, one of the most remote and culturally unique island groups on Earth. The 15-day Epic Polynesia: Cook Islands to Fiji expedition (departs May 11 and May 26, 2018) will see guests exploring the western reaches of Polynesia, being immersed in Aitutaki’s warm turquoise waters, whereas the 8-day French Polynesia: Beyond the Postcard voyage (departs April 13, April 27, June 8, July 6, July 20, and August 3, 2018) takes guests to the heart of Polynesian culture and wildness on this highly immersive expedition where options abound. The final itinerary, the 8-day Isles, Atolls, and Pristine Corals: Southern Line Islands (departs April 20, May 4, June 15, July 13, July 27, and August 10, 2018), allows guests to discover the idealized notion of the tropical paradise for themselves on an expedition from Rangiroa’s sparkling lagoon to the verdant peaks of Tahiti’s neighbor, Moorea, considered the world’s best dive and snorkel sites.
Expeditions on the National Geographic Orion to French Polynesia and the South Pacific begin in March 2018 with rates starting from AU $9,620.
For more information visit au.expeditions.com
SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic