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Pearls of Polynesia
Sailing aboard a luxurious small ship you explore the distinct cultures, timeless traditions, crystal-clear lagoons, secluded inlets and stunning white sand beaches of the South Pacific.
The South Pacific is dappled with some of the worlds most remote and spectacular islands and atolls, accessible only by small ship. Join this voyage and visit the gems of Polynesia and Melanesia, where the culture is as warm, colourful and enchanting as the surrounding natural world. Your voyage begins in Fiji where you will find world-class snorkelling and diving in Bequas beautiful waters. As you dive into the warm water, watch quietly as schools of Angel Clownfish meander through a maze of thriving, colourful coral. You will watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 650°C in a fire-walking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline of Taveunie, a beautiful island and home to Bouma National Park, Fijis most pristine mistenshrouded rainforest. While on Savaii, the largest and yet one of the most unspoiled of the Polynesian islands, you explore ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and witness traditional Samoan life. Believe it or not, all 50 inhabitants of the island of Palmerston are descendants of the English ships carpenter and barrel maker, William Marsters. Marsters arrived on the island in 1863 with two Polynesian wives. He quickly added a third wife and propagated a large family of 21 children before he died at 78. Old English (with a distinct Gloucestershire accent!) is still spoken on Palmerston today. Your small ship will take you to the lesservisited outer island of Atiu, also known as Enuamanu or the Land of the Birds. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Kakerori or Rarotongan Flycatcher. The Atiuans were once fierce warriors, known to attack, slaughter and eat their neighbours. Today their cuisine is a more traditional mix of bananas, citrus fruit, paw paws, breadfruit, coconut and fish. Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation on Huahine dating from over 1,300 years ago, and the island is home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples just waiting to be explored. Huahine is also known as the garden island for its lush, green tropical foliage. Small villages and groves of almond and acacia trees dot the coast. You will also have a chance to snorkel in the islands beautiful lagoon. Your journey ends in Papeete, a place once immortalised by the artist Gaugin, with its 150 year-old market a cacophony of colours, smells and sounds.
Itinerary
Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Days 6 & 7. Day 8. Days 9 & 10. Day 11. Day 12. Day 13. Embark in Viti Levu, Fiji Beqa Taveuni & Kioa At sea Niuatoputapu, Tonga/cross the international date line Samoa At sea Cook Islands At sea Huahine, French Polynesia Papeete, Tahiti and disembark
Things you need to know
Embark Disembark Voyage nights Departure dates Viti Levu, Fiji Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia 12 nights 23 Jan to 3 Feb 26 Feb to 9 Mar (itinerary operates in reverse) Price From £3,350 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
Whats included
Voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers.
Guide price for flights & accommodation package
Around £1,250 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Fiji & 1-night in Papeete.
Vessel
Spirit of Oceanus (see Vessel pages for more details).
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