Close to the Equator and far from regular trade routes, this itinerary includes some of the most remote and unspoiled islands in the world. You will see man-made wonders such as the mysterious moai statues of Easter Island, home to powerful remnants of civilizations lost. On the Gambiers, you will visit a magnificent religious complex with a stunning mother-of-pearl encrusted altar. You will visit Pitcairn Islands of legendary Mutiny on the Bounty fame. And throughout this voyage, see hundreds of different life forms on land and under the water. You will even explore the ruins of a shipwrecked copra vessel. From the coral atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago to the startling beauty of the lush Marquesas, you will enjoy the history, culture, and scenic splendor of these remarkable islands.
As a special bonus you will be priviledged to be among the few who will witness the only total solar eclipse to occur in 2005, several miles off the coast of Oeno Island.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Easter Island, Chile
This morning you are transferred to the pier and the World Discoverer. Settle in and meet your lecturers and expedition team before enjoying the first of many gourmet meals on board.
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Day 2:
At Sea
Today we will be at sea en route to Ducie Island. Visit the ship’s bridge, relax on deck or in one of the World Discoverer’s comfortable lounges. A full program of lectures will be offered throughout the day.
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Day 3:
At Sea
A full program of lectures will be offered throughout the day. Today is also a good day to catch up on your journals and postcards, browse the World Discoverer’s reference library, or relax with your fellow passengers.
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Day 4:
Ducie Atoll, Pitcairn Islands
Alone on the edge of a virtually endless expanse of sea, uninhabited Ducie is the first outpost from Easter Island. Thanks to its isolation, Ducie has become a crucial habitat for seabirds and they can be found here in abundance. Today may be our first chance to snorkel and dive, where you can enjoy exploring the underwater world from the protected lagoon.
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Day 5:
Henderson, Pitcairn Islands
Uninhabited Henderson exists as a snapshot of the South Pacific before human colonization. Its four endemic species of birds include the Henderson Flightless Rail, one of a family of increasingly rare flightless bird species. Our ornithologists and other naturalists will lead us on a nature tour of this uncommon isle.
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Day 6:
Pitcairn, Pitcairn Islands
Pitcairn! Far-flung and intriguingly notorious, this tiny island towers high in the history and imagination of the South Pacific. The mutiny on the Bounty is a tale that needs no introduction. Today we will meet descendents of the infamous mutineers and tour their history-studded isle. Bounty artifacts will be on display in the village. You may choose to take part in a jungle hike to Fletcher Christian’s cave, or mingle with the 48 remaining residents. Our historians will be on hand throughout our time on this fascinating and seldom-visited island.
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Day 7:
Oeno Island
Several miles off the coast of Oeno Island we will be privileged to be among the few who will witness the only total solar eclipse to occur in 2005. This total eclipse is a rare and spectacular edition to this years voyage.
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Day 8:
Mangareva, Gambier Islands
Mountainous Mangareva is home to a remarkable cathedral with a stunning mother-of-pearl alter. Built under the malevolent order of a tyrannical priest, the building of this church cost the lives of many islanders. Today Mangareva is much more peaceful, as you will see during our island tour.
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Day 9:
Mangareva, Gambier Islands
We spend a second day on this magical paradise. Activities may include nature walks, or snorkeling and diving in the surrounding reef with its dramatic coral formations.
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Day 10:
Puka Rua, Tuamotus Islands
Located on the outer fringes of French Polynesia, Puka Rua faces thousands of miles of open ocean. Onshore, its small population lives in a spirit of cooperation and friendship, living largely on coconuts and the bounty of the sea. As we visit this small community, we will be enthusiastically greeted with genuine friendliness and lively music. We may also have a chance to swim or snorkel off the lovely beaches.
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Day 11:
Puka Puka, Tuamotu Islands
First sighted during Magellan’s 1521 voyage, Puka Puka was the first South Pacific island to be spotted by Europeans. Though it was uninhabited at the time, it is now home to 112 people who utilize the arable land for copra production. Today we will be guests of the villagers, who will entertain us with traditional songs and dances. Snorkeling and diving excursions may be offered as well.
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Day 12:
Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Soaring volcanic spires and verdant slopes give Fatu Hiva an unmistakable and dramatic appearance. Birders will seek endemic White-capped Fruit-doves, Marquesas Reed-warblers, and Fatu Hiva Monarchs. Underwater, divers may have the opportunity to explore Fatu Hiva’s volcanic caverns. The people of Fatu Hiva are renowned for their fine tapa or bark cloth. Look for beautiful examples as we call on the village.
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Day 13:
Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands
Hiva Oa was once home to a substantial population of people who left behind a rich archaeological record of their way of life. Accompanied by our expert, we will tour the ruins of several marae (sacred sites) and other points of interest amid the verdant growth of this tropical island. Hiva Oa is also the final resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and folksinger Jacques Brel.
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Day 14:
Motu Oa and Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands
Ua Pou should have something for everyone, with possible activities including island tours, birding walks, Zodiac cruises, and archaeological site visits. Birders will seek the Marquesas’ three endemics, along with a host of other tropical birds. Uninhabited Motu Oa is a haven for seabirds. Located just off the larger island of Ua Pou, it boasts several species of boobies, noddies, terns, shearwaters, and petrels. We will pay an ecologically controlled visit to the islet today following our visit to Ua Pou.
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Day 15:
At Sea
Today we sail through the waters of French Polynesia on our way to the Tuamotu Islands. A full program of lectures will be offered, along with leisure time.
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Day 16:
Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands
Takapoto is an island of spectacular color. From the endemic Atoll Fruit-dove, to exotic black pearls and the magnificent lagoon, it seems as though no creature on Takapoto has been overlooked by Nature’s paintbrush. Diving and snorkeling excursions will showcase the vast profusion of marine life and living labyrinth of corals found beneath the surface.
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Day 17:
Mataiva, Tuamotu Islands
Mataiva is the quintessential South Pacific atoll, with sun drenched beaches, palm trees, and affable islanders. Mataiva’s 200 residents will warmly greet us and take us on a tour of their island, including stops at copra or vanilla plantations. The islanders will also treat us to a wonderful traditional feast for lunch. Snorkeling and diving excursions may be offered as well.
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Day 18:
Bora Bora, Society Islands
Of all the idyllic isles of the South Pacific, perhaps none have inspired so many writers, poets, sailors, and dreamers as Bora Bora. With its verdant double peaks and encircling lagoon, Bora Bora is unsurpassed in its scenic beauty. The surrounding barrier reef provides superb snorkeling and diving, which is sure to be one of the underwater highpoints of the voyage. Guests may opt to take part in optional shark feeding excursions or helicopter tours.
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Day 19:
Papeete, Tahiti, Society IslandsDisembark the ship after breakfast and enjoy a tour of this Polynesian hub. Our tour will include a visit to the Museum of Tahiti and the Gauguin Museum and conclude at our deluxe resort hotel for an optional overnight.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departure date:
April 2 - 20, 2005
Call us for prices for optional pre/post cruise program and international group airfare from Miami/Los Angeles.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Pacific Is.
Boating and Sailing
Ecotourism
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