South Sea Odyssey: Tahiti to Fiji

If there is a standard for paradise, then surely Polynesia—with its idyllic palm-fanned islands ringed in waters of indescribable hues—sets it.

This South Sea Odyssey is a revelation of this fabled sun-kissed region, from Gauguin’s beloved Tahiti to remote Cook Island atolls, from the traditional kingdom of Tonga to the culturally rich islands of Fiji.

Follow the wake of both Polynesian and European explorers as we traverse this magical corner of the South Pacific aboard the superb Clipper Odyssey. Book-ended by the classic isles of Tahiti and Fiji, this unique expedition, which can be taken in two directions, offers a full spectrum of Polynesia’s charms, from its diverse physical attributes — volcanoes, atolls, azure lagoons, elaborate cave systems, pink sands, and black lava shorelines—to its distinct cultures and traditions. During your exploration of Captain James Cook’s namesake archipelago, the Cook Islands, you'll spend idyllic days snorkeling, diving, birding, photographing, and meeting the local villagers who welcome us with some of the finest dances in Polynesia. Niue Island, one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets, is a geological wonderland of limestone caves, chasms, and cliffs that define its coastline. The island’s stunning forests, orchids, frangipani, and bougainvillea provide a backdrop for Niue’s birdlife, while offshore, its crystal clear waters are perfect for undersea adventures. Stops in the dazzling emerald maze of Tonga’s outer islands, as well as in remote Wallis and Futuna, are special highlights that few travelers ever experience. The warm welcomes of dancers in elaborate headdresses make an unforgettable impression while powder-sugar-sand beaches and lanky palms invite a leisurely repose or a picture-perfect stroll. From volcanically rich soils harboring the eggs of the elusive megapode to archaeological sites and kava rituals, these islands bring unique surprises at every turn.

Discover the wonders of the South Pacific— sunlit by day and illuminated by a billion twinkling stars in the soft velvet of night. In the company of our expert naturalists and historians we explore some of the world’s most remote islands, snorkel and dive in warm clear waters, hike rain-forest-carpeted volcanoes in search of bromeliads and brilliant birds, and enjoy the hospitable traditions of the Polynesian people. Few places on the map live up to the ultimate expectations of our imagination: the South Pacific is one of them.

Itinerary:

Day 1 — USA / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Depart on your independent flight to Papeete. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 — Papeete / Embark Clipper Odyssey
Enjoy the morning at leisure in this lively, fascinating capital. After lunch we tour the renowned Gauguin Museum before embarking the Clipper Odyssey.

Day 3 — Bora Bora, Society Islands
Be sure to be on deck early this morning as our ship enters the dazzling sapphire-hued lagoon of Bora Bora surrounded by soaring cloud-wreathed peaks. In open-air vehicles we circle the lush island, driving along roads lined with hibiscus and fragrant frangipani. We then venture underwater, snorkeling or diving to watch for graceful manta rays and colorful fishes such as fairy basslets and teardrop butterflyfish, or explore the island interior on a four-wheel-drive excursion.

Day 4 — Sailing The South Pacific Ocean
Relax on board today as we cruise toward the Cook Islands. Our lecturers introduce us to the natural and cultural highlights that await.

Day 5 — Atiu, Cook Islands
The Cook Archipelago includes 15 islands and atolls ranging from high fertile islands to low-lying coral atolls where nothing rises higher than a palm tree. Pilot whales inhabit the waters surrounding the islands year-round and in 2001, the waters were declared a whale sanctuary. This morning we arrive at Atiu, an uplifted coral island whose shoreline is perforated with wave-sculpted caves. Its ancient name, Enuamanu, means “land of birds,” and we search the forests for native species. Enjoy a stroll through the village and marketplace; this afternoon discover the underwater marvels of the Cook Islands.

Day 6 — Aitutaki
Like a miniature Bora Bora, Aitutaki’s central peak rises above a reef-surrounded lagoon. Villagers welcome us with some of the Pacific’s finest dances. We snorkel and dive in a superb coral wonderland known for its giant clams, or enjoy the view from our glass-bottom boat. Hikers tackle the island’s peak—a modest 400 feet above sea level—while tide-pool investigators search for invertebrates.

Day 7 — Palmerston
We spend the day in and around this remote island whose eight motus (islets) total one-square-mile in land mass. Ringed by a continuous coral reef—making it the only true atoll in the southern Cook Islands—Palmerston’s lagoon stretches seven miles across at the widest and its one “mountain,” as it is affectionately called, soars to 20 feet above sea level. About 50 people reside in Palmerston, all descendants of the eccentric William Marsters, who managed the island’s coconut plantations in the 1860s. The friendly islanders open their homes to us. Each islet is endowed with thick stands of native trees, coconut palms, and pandanus and we enjoy birding in the shade and snorkeling in the translucent waters noted for giant clams.

Day 8 — Sailing The South Pacific Ocean
Savor a leisurely day on deck, watch for regional birds and marine life, and enjoy the continuing lecture series.

Day 9 — Niue Island, Niue
A saucer-shaped uplifted atoll that rises vertically from the sea about 250 feet, Niue is endowed with intriguing geological formations—including some of the most extensive and dramatic limestone cave systems in the entire South Pacific. The name Niue literally translates into “behold the coconut!” since its abundant coconut palms meant early Polynesian explorers could set up a viable permanent settlement. Niue is one of the world’s small-est self-governing states; approximately 1,500 inhabitants live in 14 villages scattered about the island. On guided walks we explore the landscape, photograph the twisted rocks, and admire the diverse and prolific flora. Snorkelers and divers may want to take in the underwater wonders while birders choose a walk through the bush, accompanied by a local Niuean guide. An additional option highlights the island’s caves with their fantastic stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Day 10 — Cross The International Date Line

Day 11 — Neiafu, Vava’u Islands, Kingdom Of Tonga
We cruise through waters of almost impossible clarity, with depth visibility at nearly 150 feet, and wind our way through Tonga’s maze of emerald islands, the only remaining monarchy in the South Pacific. A brass band greets us as we meet the islanders of Neiafu, a small community set in the Vava’u archipelago. We visit an agricultural school and watch demonstrations of tapa-cloth making and basketry, specialties of the region. Zodiacs whisk us to a cavern hollowed out by wave action.

Day 12 — Niuatoputapu
This remote and traditional island is a rarely visited destination. Stretch your legs on a hike or view dancers in elaborate headdresses at Hihifo Village, whose residents are known for their pandanus-mat-weaving skills. Gorgeous soft sandy beaches fringe the island, offering an idyllic backdrop for an afternoon snorkel and dive. If we’re lucky, we may even spot a few of the humpback whales that come here to breed each year during this season.

Day 13 — Niuafo’ou
Tonga’s northernmost island Niuafo’ou is the tip of an underwater volcano, and century-old eruptions have left part of Niuafo’ou covered with black lava. We step ashore on a lava beach to visit the island’s interior caldera lake. The Niuafo’ou megapode incubates its eggs in warm volcanic ash near the lake until the chicks emerge fully fledged. Underwater, silvery fish sparkle like diamonds against a dramatic backdrop of extrusive lava turned into black basalt. We sail on, toward the westward edges of Polynesia.

Day 14 — Wallis Island, Territory Of Wallis & Futuna
A self-governing French territory, Wallis’s combination of Polynesian culture and Gallic charm is revealed as village leaders greet us. We tour Mata Utu, the capital city of the region, and visit its distinctive stone cathedral. We also drive to one of the island’s beautiful crater lakes. Our archaeologist guides us through a recently excavated 14th-century fort, and we have the chance to study the local handicrafts. Bananas, breadfruit, papayas, lemons, and yams are among the crops that grow well in the fertile soil of the hillsides.

Day 15 — Futuna
Futuna’s slopes ascend into the clouds, making for a beautiful sight as we approach. Beautiful beaches fringe the east coast and Mt. Puke, the island’s largest volcano presides from a height of nearly 2,500 feet. In the traditional village, we visit the impressive shrine to the South Pacific’s only saint, Pierre Chanel; the interior is covered in elaborate brown and white tapa. Birders keep an eye out for white-collared kingfishers, Polynesian trillers, and Fiji shrikebills which are endemic to the island. Enjoy a barbecue lunch ashore with our local hosts, followed by water sports.

Day 16 — Taveuni, Fiji
The Fiji Islands, considered part of Melanesia, cover an area of 386,000 square miles and comprise hundreds of islands, both large and minute. Of the 325 large enough for habitation, only 106 have permanent residents. The third largest island, Taveuni is a dazzling emerald, known as “the garden island.” Hikers may enjoy a visit to a waterfall in Bouma National Park, while birders explore the lush forests keeping a lookout for parrots and flycatchers. Snorkelers and divers investigate the submerged wonders of the sea including Fiji’s famed soft corals.

Day 17 — Lautoka / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Nadi, Viti Levu / USA
This morning we disembark the Clipper Odyssey in the city of Lautoka on the western, “sunshine coast,” of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. From here we set out for island exploration, including a visit to The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, started by the late actor Raymond Burr in 1977, and showcasing more than 2,000 varieties of orchids. We also visit the Vei Sei Sei village, and enjoy a traditional kava ceremony, then stop for magnificent island views at Vudu Lookout.

We drive to our hotel for lunch and a chance to relax in our day rooms. After dinner transfer to the airport for your late evening independent flight to the USA arriving the same day due to crossing the International Date Line.

What's Included:

• Accommodations in hotels and on board Clipper Odyssey as outlined in the itinerary
• All onboard meals
• All group meals on land
• Group transfers
• Services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows
• All group activities and excursions
• Landing and port fees
• All gratuities.

What's Not Included:

• All air transportation
• Excess baggage charges
• Airport arrival and departure taxes
• Transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/fax/telephone charges
• Scuba diving fees and equipment where required

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