At Sea en route to the Samoa Islands, 4/18/2024, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
We spent the day at sea on our way to the Samoa Islands. Today’s voyage was graced with smooth seas and a blue sky while guests enjoyed the amenities of the lovely National Geographic Orion.
Our team of naturalists gave presentations throughout the day, preparing us for the adventures that await us in the Samoa Islands. The hotel team made sure no one went hungry, as we enjoyed meals outside in the fresh air.
The day ended with a spectacular sunset with everyone in attendance on the bow of the ship.
Born and raised in Alabama, Alex's connection to nature took shape as a child living in a state park and then in his formative years spent in Gulf Shores, AL. Where white sandy beaches meet the pine forest of the Southeast.
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Malo and greetings! Welcome to beautiful Futuna and Alofi Islands in the Wallis and Futuna Islands group. Today, National Geographic Orion anchored in the lagoon between Futuna and Alofi Islands. The excursions to begin our day were to visit the cathedral of St. Peter, a patron saint of these islands, then proceed to a scenic outlook to admire the view the island. This was followed by a pristine lagoon snorkel off the shore of Alofi Island where guests were given the opportunity to frolic in the lagoon and snorkel the reef’s edge. It was another fantastic day exploring this special region. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is about creating opportunities for these unique moments and today was one of them.
This morning aboard National Geographic Orion , our adventure began with a visit to the coastal village of Waitabu where we were warmly welcomed into the heart of Fijian culture. The villagers hosted a traditional kava ceremony, a profound and respectful ritual that brought us together in celebration and community. Following the ceremony, we were treated to a series of captivating dance performances, each movement telling stories of Fijian heritage, connection, and joy. Our next stop was a stunning hidden gem—a picturesque waterfall tucked within the lush tropical Bouma National Heritage Park. The cool, cascading waters provided the perfect spot to swim and soak in the beauty of nature. It was an unforgettable moment of tranquility and awe. After lunch aboard the ship, we headed out to a nearby marine reserve renowned for its vibrant coral life. Equipped with snorkels, we explored the vivid underwater world where colorful corals thrived alongside an array of marine species. The visibility was extraordinary, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of this thriving ecosystem.
As the ship slowed to its anchoring point, we were visited by many curious red-footed boobies flying across the bow. We had an early morning departure in Zodiacs as we found our way to a nearby snorkeling site. The waters around the island had a pleasant variety of corals and fish. After the relaxing snorkel, some of us chilled on the beach and enjoyed the island’s serenity. After lunch, we had some time to head out in Zodiacs to explore the islands and get an introduction to island ecology from our knowledgeable naturalist guides.
