Shore Excursions

Join American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant, for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free-ranging dolphins. Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough-tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event. While viewing Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea, you will also learn about French Polynesia's geology. Following your tour and time permitting, you may have an opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling at a coral garden directly from the boat before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not a swim with the dolphins program, Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability.

Get to see Vava'u with its natural and beautiful adornments in the west side of the island.

You will travel through township to Tailulu College which is a scenic spot to view Mount Talau, some of the scattered islands, Port of Refuge. The Island Feast with Cultural Floorshow consists of avariety of local foods, international cuisines, local desserts and seasonal fruits highlighted by a group of locals performing traditional songs and dances. The lunch menu offers simple island foods, such as roast suckling pig, chicken, fish, lu pulu (corned beef cooked with young taro leaves and coconut cream), taro, kumara (Tongan sweet potatoes), and seasonal tropical fruits: papaya, watermelon, pineapple, and bananas. Transportation is by non-air-conditioned island bus and minivan which are not equipped with PA systems. Some roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride may be bumpy.

Please note: Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable flat-soled shoes and swimming/beach attire with a cover-up, along with clothing suited to the weather. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water. Due to the coral reef's proximity to the beach, guests are encouraged to swim with footwear (washable shoes or aqua socks). Swimming is ideal during high tide only.

Experience the abundant marine life for which Fakarava is famous during this memorable snorkeling adventure.

Board your Zodiac® (or similar boat) for a 30-minute ride (each way) to the north pass in the lagoon. Your guide will give you safety instructions and information about the site before you enter the water from the boat.

You will then start your snorkeling experience around the coral head, where you will discover a wide variety of species. Fish common to the area include sharks and tropical fish, including groupers, parrot fish, triggerfish, and others.

Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the ship.

Please note: This deepwater activity is recommended only for experienced, strong swimmers in good physical condition who are comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment. Lifevests will be available on the boat if needed. Although marine life is widely present in this region, sightings cannot be guaranteed, and tickets are non-refundable should sightings not occur. For your own safety and to help us preserve the environment, do not touch or step on the coral reef while snorkeling.

Visit Fiji's capital city, Suva - center of commerce and the seat of government. This guided drive tour will take you to see various iconic sites such as the President's Residence and nearby Albert Park (where Kingsford Smith landed his small aircraft on his epic flight from the United States to Australia in 1928) as well as Thurston Botanical Gardens. During the tour you will also see The Borron House (home of Fiji's greatest statesman Ratu Sukuna and for use only by foreign dignitaries). You will also have the opportunity to visit the Fiji Museum. Bilo Battery Historical Site and World War II Heritage Site is also included in the tour on the 19 September only. During World War II, the guns at Bilopeninsula lent a degree of comfort to the people in a time of uncertainty and fears of news of the Japanese invasion flashed across the Pacific. The guns once pointed out from the side of Bilopeninsula like twin fingers of death, down to the Bay of islands in Lamiand across Suva harbour to the capital. They were placed there to guard the passage in the reef leading to Suva harbor.

Please note: Tour involves moderate walking. Recommended dress code is shorts/skirts and a Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your camera for photos and some change for a stop at the Fiji Museum handicraft shop. There is one restroom stop during the tour.