trip specifics

price

Superior	$6199
Majestic	$6449
Premium	$6949
Classic	$7599
Explorer	$8799
Gr. Titan	$9799
Owners	$13949

 Prices per person

 

Fuel Supplement $15 per night 

Islands, Atolls and Motus. This comprehensive voyage explores the vastly different cultures of the South Pacific, crossing the International Date Line, and sailing from the legendary islands of Polynesia into the mysteries of Melanesia. From the Polynesian paradises of Tahiti and Bora Bora to the seldom-visited islands of Western Samoa and Tonga, we experience a wide range of unique flora, fauna, and cultural interaction.

With the help of a local archeologist take a tour of the ancient maraes where rituals were once performed. Learn about Polynesian Culture - at the Museum of Tahiti, by getting to know local villagers, through live cultural performances, and by visiting ancient archeological sites. In our inflatable excursion craft get an up-close view of nesting birds. Visit and Island where all the residents are descended from a single man. Search Atiu for an up close view of the very rare Kakerori.

Day 1 - Arrive in Fiji / Viti Levu, Fiji

A day room awaits you at the elegant Westin Resort Denarau. Freshen up before an afternoon tour of Lautoka, the sugar city, surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean on one side and green-gold sugar cane on the other. Take part in a traditional Kava ceremoy and tour the beautiful orchids of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant before boarding the Spirit of Oceanus.

Accommodations: InterContinental Resort Tahiti
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Beqa, Fiji

Watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a firewalking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. For two weeks before the event, chosen participants eliminate coconut from their diet and segregate themselves from females in order to “purify” themselves before practicing the ancient art. There is world-class snorkeling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 3 - Taveuni / Kioa, Fiji

A breathtakingly beautiful island, Taveuni has a rich natural history including plentiful bird life and a coral reef nourished by strong currents. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline. Visit Bouma National Park, Fiji's most pristine, mist-enshrouded rainforest. This afternoon, travel to Kioa Island to visit with the 300 inhabitants of this unique, isolated Polynesian community. Settled in the mid-20th century by residents of Tuvalu, today's residents are fiercely protective and proud of their culture, and will entertain us with incredible singing and dancing.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - At Sea

Bask in the amenities of the Spirit of Oceanus as we cruise between islands. Your Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Niuatoputapu,Tonga/Cross International Date Line

Captain Cook deemed the island of Tonga the "friendly islands," for the warm reception he received. The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. Visit with the local villagers, watch a Kava ceremony, or if you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. Watch horses haul wet pandanus leaves from the lagoon where they are soaked in preparation for weaving.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Apia, Samoa

The capital and only city of Samoa. In Apia, you’ll have time to visit Vailima, the home built by Robert Louis Stevenson, where he lived his last years, high above the seat. Take time to wander through the charming house and gardens. Shop for treasures in the delightful market, and explore the downtown area.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Savai'i Western Samoa

Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rainforests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes where you can toss a coconut and watch as an explosive jet of water propels it skyward. Explore ancient ruins, virgin rainforest, white-sand beaches, black-lava fields, massive volcanoes and traditional Samoan life.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - At Sea

Embrace the warm, salty air of the vast, blue Pacific. Let it fill your lungs and soothe your skin.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Palmerston, Cook Islands

This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. Visit with island residents enjoying a barbeque, weather permitting.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Atiu, Cook Islands

Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why. Participate in a birding excursion. You’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck, you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished. Explore the island by local truck, and meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - At Sea

Mingle with friends or kick your feet up and enjoy some down time.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Huahine, French Polynesia

Archeologists have found that human habitation goes back over 1,300 years on Huahine, and the island is the home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples, 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 its coast. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel the island’s beautiful lagoon.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 - Tahiti, french Polynesia

Disembark and enjoy a tour of Tahiti. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in individual dayrooms at your luxury hotel. Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Accommodations: na
Included Meals: breakfast

Reverse Itinerary - Southbound

Day 1 - Depart for Tahiti, French Polynesia
Day 2 - Tahiti, French Plynesia
Day 3 - Huanine, French Polynesia
Day 4 - At Sea
Day 5 - Atiu, Cook Islands
Day 6 - Palmerston, Cook Islands
Day 7 - At Sea
Day 8 - Apia, Samoa
Day 9 - Savai'i, Western Samoa
Day 10 - Cross International Date Line/Niuatoputapu, Tonga
Day 11 - At Sea
Day 12 - Teveuni/Kioa, Fiji
Day 13 - Beqa, Fiji
Day 14 - Viti Levu, Fiji

Ports and Places

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Immortalized by Gauguin’s paintings and James Michener’s words, Papeete is a place of romance and seduction. You may be charmed by the Tahitian aita pea pea (no problem) attitude. Or fall in love with the colorful 150-year-old municipal market.

Huahine, French Polynesia
Archaeologists have found that human habitation goes back 1,300 years on Huahine, and the island is home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples.

Atiu, Cook Islands
The Atiuans were a fierce cannibals and before the arrival of the missionaries they frequently attacked their neighbors. Today the cuisine is more traditional – bananas, citrus fruits, pawpaws, breadfruit, coconuts, and fish.

Palmerston, Cook Islands
In 1863, an English ship’s carpenter and barrelmaker named William Marsters arrived from Manuae with two Polynesian wives. He then added a third wife and from this harem he propagated a large family, remaining a virtual king and autocrat of the community.

Apia, Samoa
The capital and only city of Samoa is where writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last few years of his life. Fish and copra are their major exports.

Savai’i, Western Samoa
Savai’i is the largest Polynesian island outside of Hawai’i or New Zealand. Here you can view volcanic craters and lava tubes, go on rainforest canopy walks, witness dramatic blowholes, and enjoy traditional Polynesian villages.

Niuatoputapu, Tonga
Watch horses haul wet pandanus leaves from the lagoon, where they are soaked in preparation for making tapa cloth. Listen to the gorgeous singing for which Tonga is famous.

Taveuni, Fiji
Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline, their waters so clean it is said that in the days of the sailing ships, they would back up to the falls to refill their water tanks.

Kioa, Fiji
This privately owned island was purchased by the people of Vaitupu for around $5,000 in 1947. The 300 Polynesian inhabitants have a unique culture all their own.

Beqa, Fiji
Without coming to any apparent harm, members of the Sawau tribe have been walking across searing hot boulders for generations. Visit with islanders who still practice this ancient art.

Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Lautoka is the sugar city, surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green-gold sugar cane and pine trees on the others. Centuries-old banyan trees and colonial residences line Mill View Road.


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single and triple rates are available upon request where applicable.

Land Cost Includes: Two nights hotel accommodations with breakfast included, $440 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected; all airport/ hotel transfers; South Pacific cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare from US to South Pacific; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of US$1000 per person is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to cancellation penalties per person. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

We highly recommend our travelers
protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout the South Pacific is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in zodiacs. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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