Join us for an unforgettable adventure in a South Seas paradise, a corner of the world that has lured adventurers and romantics ever since Magellan first sailed these waters in 1521. Our voyage aboard the 114-guest MS Caledonian Sky brings us from Easter Island, home to the famed moais of mysterious origin and visited by Captain Cook in 1774 on his second voyage of exploration, to the Pitcairn Islands, renowned as the final destination of the mutineers of the Bounty, to the enchanting isles of French Polynesia, including the remote and culturally-rich Marquesas Islands, beloved by the artist Paul Gauguin. All along the way we experience the traditional hospitality of friendly islanders in villages set amid the shade of breadfruit and coconut palms, snorkel the rich coral reefs and crystal-clear lagoons that shelter astounding marine life, from brilliantly-hued parrotfish to giant clams, and enjoy the expertise of our handpicked expedition team of naturalists, marine biologists, and ecologists who share their enthusiasm and knowledge during our shore excursions and while aboard the ship.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Easter Island / At Sea

Arriving on Easter Island, our explorations include the volcano of Rano Raraku, where nearly all the mysterious moais were carved (today almost 400 remain in various stages of completion), and the ceremonial sites of Ahu Tongariki, Orongo, and Ahu Tahai, dating back to the 6th century. Embark on the Caledonian Sky on Day 2, with Days 3 and 4 at sea en route to the Pitcairn Islands.

Days 5-8
Ducie and Henderson Islands, Pitcairn Islands

A coral atoll offering superb snorkeling and birding, Ducie Island is so remote that no threats to its native wildlife exist. On a snorkeling excursion, we view bright-hued parrotfish feeding off the coral beds, while giant tridacna clams display mantles of purple, green, and blue colorations. Henderson Island, an upraised former coral atoll, has fascinating eroded rock formations, with giant blowholes flinging up tremendous sea-spray. Very rare birds inhabit the island, including the Henderson Island rail and Stephen’s lori, and numerous underwater ravines and crevices support a great diversity of fish such as soldier fish, butterfly fish, and goatfish. On Day 7 we arrive on Pitcairn Island, where we meet the Anglo-Tahitian descendants of the mutineers who arrived here 200 years ago.

Days 9-12
Mangareva, Gambier Islands / Tuamotus

On mountainous Mangareva, we enjoy nature walks, a hike up Mount Duff, or simply strolling around the village of Rikitea. In the Tuamotus, an archipelago of islands and atolls in French Polynesia, we meet friendly islanders who subsist largely on coconuts and the bounty of the sea, snorkel on coral reefs teeming with iridescent fish, and investigate the inter-tidal beach zone with our naturalists.

Days 13-16
Marquesas Islands

Heading to the Marquesas Islands, far removed from the rest of the South Pacific in terms of language, culture, and geology, we explore the isle of Fatu Hiva, with its landscape of spectacular pinnacles towering over the cobalt Bay of Virgins. We also visit Hiva Oa, haunt of the artist Paul Gauguin, where the largest stone tiki in French Polynesia is found, and Nuku Hiva, where traditional Marquesan villagers welcome us to their village and we learn about their way of life. Day 16 is at sea as we head to Rangiroa.

Days 17-18
Rangiroa, Tuamotus / Papeete

On our way to Papeete, Tahiti, we stop at Rangiroa, one of the world’s largest coral atolls, whose magnificent lagoon is surrounded by small islets or motus stretching as far as the eye can see down its length of nearly 45 miles. Here we can tour a black pearl farm, enjoy free time in the enchanting local village of Avatoru, or have a last chance to snorkel or swim from the local beaches. Disembark in Papeete on Day 17 and depart.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks and village visits, and ample snorkeling opportunities. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels