The Great Barrier Reef to Fiji Nick LeVos World Regional Geography ARCC Cambridge 5/6/2013 Traveling aboard the National Geographic Orion, embark on a voyage to the islands of Melanesia, home to palm-fringed beaches, azure lagoons, and some of the richest marine habitats in the world. Explore the dazzling wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and then sail east through the Coral Sea. In New Caledonia, soak up the local French-infused culture, hike through tropical forests, and encounter a kaleidoscopic swirl of fish at the worlds second- longest barrier reef. Explore Fijis stunning islands and coral reefs, and encounter colorful Melanesian traditions. Expedition Details Trip Highlights Snorkel and dive from a private pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, and explore via a semi-submersible vessel. Encounter hundreds of fish, coral, and marine species at New Caledonias barrier reefa UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend two days exploring Fijis idyllic lagoons, beaches, and sun-drenched villages. Witness a traditional kava ceremony in Fiji, and get to know the indigenous Kanak culture of New Caledonia. national geographic Orion Days 1, 2, & 3 U.S./Cairns, Australia Depart for Australia, crossing the international date line, and embark the National Geographic Orion upon arrival. Day 4 The Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is one the worlds great natural wonders and the first stop on our voyage. Anchor at one of the most vibrant spots, Hardy Reef, and discover a spectacular array of tropical fish and exotic corals. Well have exclusive use of a floating pontoon that includes an underwater viewing chamber and offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploration via a semi-submersible vessel. Day 4 Cont. Snorkeling Day 5 Northumberland Islands Head south to the Northumberland Islands, named by Captain James Cook during his first Pacific voyage in At Middle Percy, visit an eclectic A- frame hut decorated with memorabilia from sailors and visitors spanning many decades. Explore the islands coast and estuaries by kayak or on foot, go swimming, and unwind with a beach barbeque. Day 6 Great Barrier Reef At a seldom-visited part of the reef, launch zodiacs to snorkel and dive at coral walls teeming with marine life, or find a secluded cay from which to swim. Then sail through Hydrographers Passage, which leads us into the Coral Sea. Days 7 & 8 The Coral Sea The reefs and islands of the Coral Sea are rich in birds and aquatic life. Join our naturalists on deck with your binoculars, attend talks by our team of experts, and enjoy the ships amenities as we sail east toward New Caledonia. Day 9 Grande Terre, New Caledonia Arrive in New Caledonia, infused with an inviting mix of French and Melanesian cultures and home to the worlds second-longest barrier reef. Spanning nearly 10,000 square miles, the reefs lagoons shelter an incredible diversity of marine species, including the endangered dugong, and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the remote northern coast of Grande Terre, go hiking or bird watching along scenic trails, and learn about the culture of the indigenous Kanak people. Later, don your snorkel and fins. Grande Terre Kanak people New Caledonia Days 10, 11, & 12 Loyalty Islands/le des Pins Spend the next three days exploring New Caledonias natural wonders, from waterfalls and striking rock formations to tranquil bays embraced by pearl-white beaches. Off the eastern coast of Grande Terre lie the Loyalty Islands, where dramatic coastal cliffs overlook secluded coves and lagoons shimmer with colorful fish and corals. Go hiking with our naturalists to discover native flora and fauna, and snorkel or dive at the islands reefs. Then visit the tropical paradise of le des Pins, named by Captain Cook for its distinctive pine trees. Loyalty Islands Captain Cook and his discovery. Days 13, 14, & 15 At Sea/Fiji In 1789, Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crew members sailed past the Fiji islands following the infamous mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty. Today, these islands are known for their pristine coral reefs and sun- drenched villages steeped in a tranquil tropical atmosphere. Our travel in the archipelago is exploratory by design, allowing us to choose the best landing spots for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. We may anchor off the volcanic Yasawa chain, home of the famed Blue Lagoon, where the eponymous 1980 movie was filmed. Or we may explore the remote islands to the south, where intricate coral formations harbor diverse marine life, including angel fish, parrot fish, rays, and turtles. Visits ashore provide opportunities to meet with locals and learn about their customs. Captain William Bligh HMS bounty In addition to the behavior of the crew, several of the senior warrant officers, such as the boatswain and sailmaker were negligent in their duties. On April 4, 1789, Bounty departed Tahiti, much to the displeasure of many of the crew. On the night of April 28, Fletcher Christian and 18 of the crew surprised and bound Bligh in his cabin. Dragging him on deck, Christian bloodlessly took control of the ship despite the fact that the most of the crew (22) sided with the captain. Bligh and 18 loyalists were forced over the side into Bounty's cutter and given a sextant, four cutlasses, and several days food and water. Fiji Fijis Sea Life Day 16 Lautoka, Fiji/U.S. Disembark in Lautoka, and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Leaving Fiji FLYING HOME Category 1$12,940 Category 2$14,990 Category 3$17,840 Category 4$19,530 Category 5$23,310 Category 6$27,080 Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in Category 1, add $6,470, and for a single cabin in Category 3, add $8,920. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Please call for airfare estimates. 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