A sanctuary is a nature reserve and an oasis, often hidden and hard to reach: the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands are all sanctuaries, rich in both wildlife and culture. Sailing on a small luxury vessel you will explore the dramatic volcanic islands, fjordlike bays and tiny coral atolls that make these islands a naturalist’s paradise, and meet many of the locals whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the fascinating archaeological ruins found here. Emerald mountains, white sand beaches and sheltered turquoise lagoons define perfection on Bora Bora in the Society Islands. You will tour the island’s colourful villages, visit the archaeological sites and Second World War relics, and swim with gentle sting rays. The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa offers some of the best swimming, snorkelling and diving in the South Pacific. You should take some time out to stroll through one of the local villages and soak up the slow, tropical pace of life. As you approach Ua Huka in the Marquesas, look out for the thousands of seabirds that inhabit the surrounding islets and breathe in the smell of fresh herbs and wild cotton that blanket the island’s southern coast. As you bounce along dirt roads on a 4-wheel drive tour of the lush interior, the ancient petroglyphs and red rock tikis, or carved talisman, will reveal life on the island dating back as far as 300 AD. Hiva Oa, the largest and most fertile island in the southern Marquesas, is chiselled with deep valleys, fertile plateaux and lush forests. In Paumau, you visit the Oipona me’ae temple, home of Takaii and three metre tall stone tiki, the largest in French Polynesia. Hiva Oa was where the artist Gauguin spent the last years of his life and you will have a chance to visit his grave. Fita Huva is wildly beautiful: jungle greenery plunges straight down into splashing surf and rock curtains enclose Hanavave Bay. You will watch the locals as they perform traditional dances, demonstrate handicrafts and explain their tattoos, once a mode of expressing social status and protecting against evil spirits. The protected atoll of Fakarava and its six neighbouring islands make up a UNESCOclassified nature reserve. Home to the rare hunting Kingfisher and Tuamotu palm, Fakarava is also the haunt of countless dolphins, rays and sea cicadas. Snorkellers will enjoy the Tumakohua Pass and there will be local village cultural and handicraft demonstrations. Your voyage starts and ends in Papeete, Tahiti. Island Sanctuaries of the South Pacific Sail from the romantic and spectacularly beautiful Society Islands through pristine cobalt blue waters to the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. F O R R E S E R V A T I O N S C A L L U S O N 0845 130 6982 Itinerary Day 1. Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti Day 2. Embark in Papeete, Tahiti Day 3. Bora Bora Days 4 & 5. Tuamotu Islands Day 6. At sea Days 7 to 9. Marquesas Islands Day 10. At sea Day 11. Tuamotu Islands Day 12. Papeete, Tahiti and disembark Vessel Spirit of Oceanus (see Vessel pages for more details). Things you need to know Embark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Disembark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Voyage nights 10 nights Departure dates 2 to 13 February, 12 to 23 February Price From £2,495 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller. What’s included Pre-cruise hotel night in Papeete, voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers. Guide price for flight package Around £1,050 including return flights from the UK. 204

The South Pacific is dappled with some of the world’s most remote and spectacular islands and atolls, accessible only by small ship. Join this voyage and visit the gems of Polynesia and Melanesia, where the culture is as warm, colourful and enchanting as the surrounding natural world. Your voyage begins in Fiji where you will find world-class snorkelling and diving in Bequa’s beautiful waters. As you dive into the warm water, watch quietly as schools of Angel Clownfish meander through a maze of thriving, colourful coral. You will watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 650°C in a fire-walking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline of Taveunie, a beautiful island and home to Bouma National Park, Fiji’s most pristine mistenshrouded rainforest. While on Savai’i, the largest and yet one of the most unspoiled of the Polynesian islands, you explore ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and witness traditional Samoan life. Believe it or not, all 50 inhabitants of the island of Palmerston are descendants of the English ships carpenter and barrel maker, William Marsters. Marsters arrived on the island in 1863 with two Polynesian wives. He quickly added a third wife and propagated a large family of 21 children before he died at 78. Old English (with a distinct Gloucestershire accent!) is still spoken on Palmerston today. Your small ship will take you to the lesservisited outer island of Atiu, also known as Enuamanu or ‘the Land of the Birds’. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Kakerori or Rarotongan Flycatcher. The Atiuans were once fierce warriors, known to attack, slaughter and eat their neighbours. Today their cuisine is a more traditional mix of bananas, citrus fruit, paw paws, breadfruit, coconut and fish. Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation on Huahine dating from over 1,300 years ago, and the island is home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples just waiting to be explored. Huahine is also known as ‘the garden island’ for its lush, green tropical foliage. Small villages and groves of almond and acacia trees dot the coast. You will also have a chance to snorkel in the island’s beautiful lagoon. Your journey ends in Papeete, a place once immortalised by the artist Gaugin, with its 150 year-old market – a cacophony of colours, smells and sounds. Pearls of Polynesia Sailing aboard a luxurious small ship you explore the distinct cultures, timeless traditions, crystal-clear lagoons, secluded inlets and stunning white sand beaches of the South Pacific. S E E U S O N T H E W E B AT wildlifeworldwide.com Itinerary Day 1. Embark in Viti Levu, Fiji Day 2. Beqa Day 3. Taveuni & Kioa Day 4. At sea Day 5. Niuatoputapu, Tonga/cross the international date line Days 6 & 7. Samoa Day 8. At sea Days 9 & 10. Cook Islands Day 11. At sea Day 12. Huahine, French Polynesia Day 13. Papeete, Tahiti and disembark Vessel Spirit of Oceanus (see Vessel pages for more details). Things you need to know Embark Viti Levu, Fiji Disembark Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia Voyage nights 12 nights Departure dates 23 Jan to 3 Feb 26 Feb to 9 Mar (itinerary operates in reverse) Price From £3,350 in a twin share cabin Single supplement On request. If you are travelling alone ask about our request share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller. What’s included Voyage including guided shore & zodiac excursions, all meals onboard & transfers. Guide price for flights & accommodation package Around £1,250 including return flights from the UK & 1-night in Fiji & 1-night in Papeete. 205