Tropical island with rocky peaks & palm trees, seen during a pink sunset on the Pearls of The Pacific Society & Tuamotu Cruise
School of black & orange tropical fish swim above a green coral reef in blue-green water, seen on a Society Islands cruise.
Sharks swim just below the surface in clear turquoise water with tropical islands behind on a Society & Tuamotu Islands cruise.
Aerial view of Zodiac zooming past tropical islands & bright coral reefs on a Society & Tuamotu Islands small ship cruise.
Woman dives below the surface in dark blue water under a sunny sky during a Society & Tuamotu Islands small ship cruise.
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Asia / Pacific Pacific Islands Cruise

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands

On this Tuamotu and Society Islands cruise aboard the 138-guest National Geographic Resolution, experience the renowned biodiversity and untouched beauty of bucket-list island destinations. From snorkeling with sea turtles and sharks to swimming into a hidden grotto and dining on a private motu, this Bora Bora cruise is an adventure in paradise.

Highlights of this Tuamotu and Society Islands cruise include diving and snorkeling among whales, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles; learning about Polynesian history and culture at Ra’iatea’s Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a private beach BBQ with live music in Bora Bora; and exploring a grotto with stalagmites and stalactites. Topping the list are Fakarava, whose flora and fauna are so diverse that its breathtaking reefs and other habitats are protected by UNESCO; Makatea’s sheer volcanic cliffs; Bora Bora’s jagged Mount Otemanu; and the tall green peaks of Mo’orea that complement the underwater Gardens of Eden that surround these remarkable remote tropical islands.

The 138-guest National Geographic Resolution expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time. Additionally, select cabins offer private balconies for special moments taking in the awe-inspiring wilderness and the bar tab is included for all passengers. Theis expedition ship is small enough to access remote locations yet large enough to provide a taste of luxury.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Island cruises and Tahiti, Fiji & Bora Bora Small Ship Cruises



Itinerary

Pearls of The Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands Itinerary

The Pearls of The Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands itinerary cruises round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti, focusing on the Tuamotu Archipelago and uniquely visiting the Society Islands, including Bora Bora.

Small ship cruise route through the turamotu islands showing the route in blue
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Day 1
Embark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Arrive in Papeete, the vibrant and multicultural capital of French Polynesia. Transfer from the
airport to the meeting point, and check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Bora Bora

Awake this morning as the iconic crags of Mount Otemanu come into focus. Today choose to explore Bora Bora either on land or in the water, and enjoy a barbecue dinner and music on a private motu this evening.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Taha’a & Ra’iatea

Arrive in Taha’a and spend the morning snorkeling, where you may encounter black-tipped reef sharks. Or choose to go ashore and visit a family-run vanilla farm. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to nearby Rai’atea. This afternoon, visit Ra’iatea and one of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae Taputapuātea. This large complex was once a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. As you explore, you’ll learn about its significance in Polynesian history.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Makatea

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A makatea is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics and appears much different than the   other islands in the region, containing spectacular, vertical cliffs. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day in search of endemic fruit doves and a myriad of seabirds with your expedition team and local guides, explore the island’s limestone caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of its stalactite and stalagmite-filled grotto.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Rangiroa

The atoll of Rangiroa is a ring of slender islands known for some of the best diving and snorkeling in French Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon at its center is the second largest in the world. Kayak, snorkel and scuba dive in the rich waters here, home to large schools of reef fish and dolphins.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 6 - 7
Fakarava

Arrive at Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This coral atoll is home to many rare species of birds, plants and crustaceans, and you will have the opportunity to snorkel its protected reefs. Spend time exploring Rotoava, the main village on Fakarava. Take a leisurely bike ride, visit a pearl shop or stroll along the turquoise waterfront with a fresh coconut. Dive or snorkel through Fakrarava’s Tumakohua Pass, one of the most famous drift dives in the world.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 10
Tuamotu Archipelago

Spend three days exploring some of the nearly 80 islands and atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a corner of Polynesia that is as rich with marine life as it is vast. With crystalline lagoons fringed by white beaches and lush coconut groves, the Tuamotus are a tropical dream, both in the water and ashore. Meet the locals on sparsely inhabited Anaa and learn about their unique traditions. Discover the abundant marine life on a snorkel or dive, or learn to stand-up paddleboard in the calm lagoon of one of the many pristine atolls in the archipelago.

Accommodations

National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Disembark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Disembark in Papeete and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations, including a day room following disembarkation; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of Lindblad Expeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

Diving (advance reservations, certification and experience required-contact your Adventure Specialist); immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation 

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking. 

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Pearls of The Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands cruise begins and ends in Papeete, Tahiti (PPT)We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Papeete by 11:00am. Plan flights to depart Papeete after 12:00pm on Day 11. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include swimming, snorkeling, diving (excluded), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, horseback riding, cultural and plantation visits, land treks, birding and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Apr 10 - Apr 20, 2027
National Geographic Resolution • 11 days
From $21989USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Resolution

The 138-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

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