The islands of Polynesia are among the most idyllic places on Earth. Strewn like emeralds across the sapphire ocean, these palm-studded atolls and volcanic outposts draped in lush greenery are like a primeval Eden. In the beguiling Society Islands and remote Tuamotus, step ashore to walk on white sand beaches fine as powder. In azure lagoons ringed by coral reefs, a dazzling undersea world awaits as we swim among sea turtles, rays and schools of technicolor fish. Local islanders in flower leis greet us with traditional drumming and dancing. Those who experience this rare odyssey will surely concur with French painter Paul Gauguin that they have come to Polynesia to escape "everything that is artificial and conventional." Come discover Polynesia's warm hospitality, ancient culture, tropical nature, and one of the planet's purest underwater realms.
Trip Highlights
Discover a Dazzling Undersea World
Dive and snorkel over healthy coral reefs with profuse and colorful marine life, swim in volcanic grottoes and float in a hidden cave
Encounter a Rich Ancient Culture
Learn about Polynesian history at Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Raiatea, and meet local fishermen and artisans on Anaa
Admire Stunning Tropical Landscapes
View Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu, jutting 2,400 feet above the turquoise sea, and Makatea's vertical cliffs plunging down to deserted beaches
Sail with the World Leader in Conservation-Focused Small-Ship Cruising
We’re proud to offer a worldwide slate of Adventure Cruises through our partner, Lindblad Expeditions. Nat Hab joined forces with Lindblad in 2016 to expand our mutual collection of nature adventures. Founded in 1958 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company pioneered eco-conscious expeditions for “citizen explorers" and today is the world leader in conservation-focused small-ship cruises. Our Adventure Specialists are intimately familiar with the ships and itineraries and are on call to answer any questions you might have.
An Immersive Encounter with the South Pacific
The small scale of our expedition ship means we can reach places larger vessels can't, offering more in-depth access, remote nature experiences and authentic cultural encounters. The ship's naturalists know the shores, reefs, birds and uninhabited atolls intimately, and their expertise offers our guests the richest possible experience of this fabled region of the world.Experience Makes a Difference
Lindblad has been exploring the South Pacific since the 1980s. This deep experience is the key to helping you truly "get lost" in this tropical paradise—including all those dreamy islands and uninhabited atolls that are only accessible by sea. The world's leader in small-ship expedition cruising, Lindblad owns and operates the National Geographic Orion, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel used on all departures of this voyage. The result is matchless knowledge and attention to detail, along with a suite of amenities, which most other tour operators in the region simply cannot offer.A Premier Expedition Team
The ship is your base camp for exploring the idyllic isles of the South Pacific, and your Expedition Team are the consummate hosts. Every voyage sails with a veteran Lindblad Expedition Leader and a hand-picked team of naturalists and specialist guides with a deep expertise in the region's natural and cultural history. You won't find a more impressive interpretive experience as you explore alongside the ship's stellar staff.Gear Up to Explore the Region's Beauty & Biodiversity
The ship has a full complement of tools to help you be an active and engaged explorer. Expedition landing craft, kayaks and standup paddleboards provide access to intricate shorelines and crystalline lagoons. Snorkel gear is available for every guest, so you’ll never miss a chance to swim with schools of colorful fish and other tropical marine life—and you'll keep your set-up for the entire voyage. The ship also provides scuba gear for certified divers, and a divemaster accompanies every excursion. If you'd rather stay dry, a glass-bottom Zodiac lets you look underwater without ever getting your face wet. And we travel with an undersea specialist and an ROV, which takes video images up to 1,000 feet below the surface, far beyond the range of divers—meaning you get incomparable, up-close access to the dazzling marine environment and its inhabitants. Video microscopes, high-definition screens, hydrophones, a crow's nest camera and other tools provide added opportunities for in-depth understanding.Get the Finest Possible Photos
Clear turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, and green-cloaked mountain spires offer enticing opportunities for photographers. A Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor is on board to provide assistance with your camera and instruction in elements of composition and technique to help you take your best photos ever.We’re Committed to the Planet
Natural Habitat Adventures is a standard-setter in eco-conscious travel. We have been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007. And we continue to break innovative ground in adopting practices that help to protect our global environment. Because of our concern for the environment, we are pleased to partner with Lindblad Expeditions for our Adventure Cruises, a company that shares our values and commitment to the planet.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our environmental commitment and the outstanding quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund has chosen Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation we’re very proud of! When you book your Lindblad Expeditions cruise with us, a portion of your trip fee supports WWF.
