Boy in red swim trunks & girl in tan shorts each paddle a yellow stand-up paddleboard above turquoise water in Fiji.
Aerial view of small, lush islands with white-sand beaches beside sapphire-colored seas, seen on cruises from Fiji to Tahiti.
Volcano erupts, shooting hot magma & clouds skyward, seen on the Tahiti to Fiji: Reefs, Lagoons & Volcanic Isles cruise.
South Pacific Islanders play drums & guitar while singing on the Tahiti to Fiji: Reefs, Lagoons & Volcanic Isles Cruise.
2 divers swim beside a large manta ray in clear blue water, experienced during cruises from Fiji to Tahiti with Nat Geo.
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Asia / Pacific Pacific Islands Cruise

Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History

On these comprehensive cruises from Fiji to Tahiti on 102-guest Nat Geo Orion, uncover the tropical beauty and important cultural history of the South Seas. The archipelagos of the South Pacific have defined our notion of “island paradise” since Robert Louis Stevenson told his tales and Paul Gauguin captured Polynesia in paint. While sailing from Tahiti’s lush volcanic crags to the sparkling white shores of Fiji, discover a fascinating geology and a stunning wealth of bird species and marine life. Dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava. Meet island communities. And explore the far-flung reef systems of the extraordinary archipelagos of the South Pacific.

These cruises to Samoa offer many highlights. Visit the marae complex of Marae Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important cultural sites in Polynesia. Snorkel, swim, or stand-up paddleboard in the clear aqua lagoons and reefs of French Polynesia. Spot rare and colorful birds and flowers on Fiji’s spectacular Garden Island, Taveuni, and in the rainforests of Samoa. And visit remote island villages to discover rich cultural histories, including the tradition of fire-walking in Fiji.

Come aboard the 102-guest National Geographic Orion for attentive service with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio. This small expedition ship is also educational with advanced technology and a full set of exploration tools, including an ROV and enough kayaks, stand-up paddleboards 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 paradise featured on cruises from Fiji to Tahiti.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Pacific Island cruises and Pacific Island vacations.



Itinerary

2025 Reverse Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History Itinerary

The reverse, eastbound Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History cruise sails from Lautoka, Fiji, through Samon and the Cook Islands, disembarking in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Route map of Tahiti to Fiji: Reefs, Lagoons & Volcanic Isles cruise between Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia & Laukota, Fiji, with visits to The Cook Islands & Samoa.
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Day 1
Embark Lautoka, Fiji

Arrive in Lautoka and transfer to a tour of western Viti Levu Island before embarking the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

lunch, dinner

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Days 2 - 4
Exploring Fiji

Explore Kadvadu’s stunning beauty. Witness a dramatic fire-walking ceremony at Beqa Island. Explore Taveuni—Fiji’s third largest island—known as The Garden Island for its rich vegetation which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Experience warm Fijian welcomes at the village of Waitabu and snorkel in one of the Pacific’s most successful community marine parks. Explore the waterfalls of nearby Bouma National Heritage Park and dive nearby reefs.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 6
Wallis & Futuna

One of France’s South Pacific territories, the tiny island nation of Wallis and Futuna lies between Samoa and Fiji. In Futuna, stop at a historic “cannibal oven” and learn of the history of these fascinating people, before a warrior dance performance in front of the Cathedral of Poi. In Wallis, be greeted with local dancing and singing. Visit the beautiful crater lake Lalolalo and a cathedral built of blue volcanic stone, chiseled by hand.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 10
Samoa & At Sea

With its spectacular beaches and dense green foliage, hidden waterfalls and lava-sculpted landscapes, Samoa captures the essence of the South Pacific. During the time on these islands, hike through rain forests vibrant with flowers and birds, take a dip in a swimming hole, go snorkeling or diving and soak up the languid rhythms of island life that drew Robert Louis Stevenson to these shores.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 11 - 12
Cook Islands & At Sea

Today, let nature be your guide while discovering the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel or dive among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystal waters. Then enjoy life aboard the ship for 2 days sailing east toward French Polynesia.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 13 - 14
At Sea, Ra'iatea & Taha'a

Spend the morning on deck while at sea, mesmerized by deep, sea-blue water while scanning the horizon for marine mammals and seabirds. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, Marae Taputapuatea was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii and New Zealand. Spend time exploring this site on Ra’iatea, then refresh with a swim in the island’s lagoon. The ship transits to the nearby island of Taha’a overnight. Surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon, Taha’a waters beckon: choose to snorkel, swim, kayak or just enjoy the surroundings from the white sandy beach.

Accommodations

National Geographic Orion

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
Disembark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Arrive in Papeete and take a tour of Tahiti. Then join the guides for lunch at the Intercontinental Tahiti. Check into a day room to relax before transfers to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; 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. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.) 

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 reverse Fiji & Tahiti cruise begins in Lautoka, Fiji, via Nadi International Airport (NAN), 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. Consult your Adventure Specialist for arrival and departure flight recommendations. Note: This expedition may be traveling over the International Date Line, so please confirm departure and arrival dates with an AdventureSmith Specialist before booking flights. 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, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, cultural visits, land treks 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. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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.

Note: January 15, 2025 departure ends January 29, following the 15-day eastbound 2025 reverse itinerary.

Jan 15 - Jan 28, 2025
National Geographic Orion • 14 days
arrows going opposite directions
From $16570USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Orion

102-guest National Geographic Orion is one of the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Small ship cruises aboard the Orion offer a luxurious exploration of Chile, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Kids Save $500 On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions Worldwide

Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

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Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

In conjunction with these Tuamotu Islands cruises, the following pre- and post-cruise option is available for a seamless land-and-sea group travel experience with National Geographic guides and fellow passengers. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing.

The Brando, Tetiaroa Extension is a pre- or post-cruise stay (minimum 2 nights) at a luxurious, private beachfront villa. Enjoy one excursion daily per person (kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, kite surfing, natural history walks, etc.), plus access to two restaurants that are under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef. Take advantage of a spa offering holistic treatments during this private island experience on land purchased by Marlon Brando.

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10 - 10 Day Cruise
Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands

On this Tuamotu and Society Islands cruise aboard 102-guest National Geographic Orion, swim, snorkel, dive, paddle, hike and connect with locals alongside expert National Geographic guides.

Special Offer
From $10910USD
Feb Mar Jun
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Rapa Nui

Experience the mysterious draw of the moai statues of Easter Island on foot, by sea or bike at Explora Rapa Nui. This 5-, 6- or 7-day adventure blends the island's unique history, vibrant Polynesian culture and stunning scenery into over 30 possible tailored activities.

From $3268USD
Year Round
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