MOANA - The corals
Moorea
Expedition for Ocean lovers
Fakarava, Rangiroa, Apataki and Toau — Approx. 10 days
Te Moana Nui a Hiva is the spiritual entity associated with the Ocean, the very Ocean that is so much a part of the Polynesian identity. Expedition Moana is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the South Pacific Ocean, under the benevolent guidance of local experts in the fields of marine science and Polynesian culture.
Sail throughout the Tuamotu archipelago, in the wake of the cetaceans in its pristine waters and preserved islands.
The Tuamotu are famous for their spectacular coral reefs.
Contribute to the preservation of these magnificent reefs by participating in the participatory science program: CoralCare
During this 10-day expedition, you’ll be sailing across the Tuamotu archipelago, a vast region of French Polynesia comprised of 76 low-lying coral atolls. Expect endless turquoise lagoons, coconut tree lined beaches that seem too gorgeous to be true, an underwater world teeming with marine wildlife and memories for a lifetime.
In Fakarava, start the adventure by a traditional opening ceremony led by a tahu’a (wiseman) and invite all the blessings in for the journey ahead. You’ll discover Fakarava’s awe-inspiring seascape alongside the oh-so-charismatic Frederic Teikiotiu, a passionate story-teller and official guardian of Fakarava’s ecological sanctuary. Go on a snorkeling or diving session and get the chance to come face-to-face with dolphins, manta rays and reef sharks. Explore deserted islets, swim in picture-perfect lagoons and discover the Tuamotu’s infamous pink sand beaches.
When it’s time for the ship to sail away from Fakarava, you’ll be introduced to the life of an ocean child by talented Polynesian photographer and environmental activist Temoana Poole. During the trip, hopping by the remote atolls of Apataki and Toau, expect chatty lunch breaks with Polynesian families and festive evening filled with the smell of tropical flowers and the rhythm of Polynesian drums. Fancy some seafood ? Try yourself at some of our traditional fishing techniques and, when the sun goes down, don’t miss out on watching the red-painted sky turn into a thousand stars.
As you reach Rangiroa, you’ll get to meet RLE members, a small team of dedicated volunteers that provide first-aid interventions whenever emblematic species such as turtles, whales or sharks are in danger. Hanging out with them, you might just find yourself helping out on an impromptu beach clean-up or sharing an unforgettable snorkeling or diving session amongst Tuamotu’s Ocean creatures.
Expedition Moana revolves around one common thread : participatory science.
You’ll be joining forces with the environmental association Reva Atea and the Putnam Lab for CoralCare, a program dedicated to monitoring coral reefs in the Tuamotu archipelago. With them, you’ll be helping to collect data to better understand the phenomenon of coral bleaching in this vast region of the Pacific. Guided by Hollie PUTNAM, an experienced marine biologist and scientific director of the Reva Atea environmental association, you’ll play a key role in the program. Discover Polynesia’s reefs and understand their importance to our islands!
Welcome to Fakarava. A driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the Catamaran. A short lunch break will be served on board before the afternoon is free.
We meet for a traditional ceremony led by a tahu'a (wise man), a unique way to bless this wonderful adventure.
After breakfast, we're off to discover the Fakarava Atoll.
An excursion guided by the charismatic Fréderic Teikiotiu, passionate storyteller and official guardian of the atoll's ecological sanctuary.
The day ends with a Nani aperitif on board the catamaran, where you can meet the cruise's scientific expert.
The evening ends with dinner on board."
After breakfast, set off to discover the Fakarava Atoll. You'll have the day free to organize land or water excursions (at your own expense).
At the end of the day, we look forward to your lecture on the scientific program you'll be taking part in during the cruise. The expert will present the missions, requirements and "expected results".
The evening ends with dinner on board.
During your breakfast, we'll start sailing in the Fakarava lagoon, to reach the atoll's southern pass. Arrival is scheduled for 12:00. After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Optional (at own expense) diving, snorkeling, pink sand,....) The evening ends with dinner on board.
You will wake up south of the Toau atoll. Still sailing, you can enjoy your breakfast, before reaching the SOUTH pass of the Toau atoll. It's time to put on your diving gear, fins, mask and snorkel, the first day of the CoralCare program begins. In the afternoon, you can descend on the motu and enjoy the sandy beaches. After you've stretched your legs, return on board for your morning debrief with Hollie. The evening ends with dinner on board.
In the early morning, you will wake up on the north face of the Toau atoll. You are expected on deck at 8:00 a.m. for the second day of the CoralCare 2 program, launching, data collection, taking photos,... At 12:00 p.m. you will have lunch on board, before descending to the atoll alongside our guide nani, who will introduce you to the life of a child of the ocean. After you've stretched your legs, return on board for your morning debrief with Hollie. The evening ends with dinner on board.
The northern pass of Apataki Atoll awaits you. Day 3 of the CoralCare program begins. At 12:00, you are expected ashore where you will share lunch with locals from the atoll. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the atoll and cultural activities. The end of the day ends with the debriefing of the day with Hollie, followed by dinner on board.
When you wake up, you will be driving along the atoll of Rangiroa, the time to have your breakfast, it will be time to prepare for your last day of the CoralCare program. Lunch will be on board before you discover the lagoon and its colors. In the evening, Hollie will be waiting for you, on land, to start the evening around a small cocktail and take stock of the CoralCare program. The evening will continue with dinner to the sound of Polynesian notes, feet in the sand.
This morning you will meet one of the members of the RLE program, in order to participate in a community program. You will return on board for a light refreshment and your lunch. The afternoon will be devoted to the various land and sea activities offered on the atoll ( at your expense). The evening will take place on board with dinner.
This morning take the time to wake up, enjoy your breakfast and start packing your bags. We will all end together with lunch on board before saying goodbye, until the next expedition :)
Hollie
ENG
As a versatile biologist in a time of climate change, my work draws on major anthropogenic factors as well as local environmental disturbances. I have been studying the Moorea lagoon since 2005. I use a hypothesis-based approach with strong laboratory and field elements to provide a deeper mechanistic understanding of the biological adaptations that support the ecological and physiological persistence of organisms in a changing environment.
Included
- 9 nights accommodation on the catamaran
- Half days of participatory science
- The meals mentioned in the concept of travel
- Drinks and snacks mentioned in the concept of travel
- The activities mentioned in the concept of travel
- Flight Tahiti Fakarava A/R Transfer between the catamaran and the organized activities
- An expert (versatile biologist)
- A Nani guide
- The captain
- The hostess
Not included
- International airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
The price of this expedition is 674 136.04 CPF or 5 649.26 euros.
Deposit of 50% of the total to confirm the reservation.
Balance to be paid no later than 40 days before the departure date. (Paypal or bank transfer)
Family (min.12 yo)
- Couple
- Friends
- Group
- Alone
The itinerary may be modified according to weather conditions.
You'll visit atolls that are seldom visited
Wildlife is not on request, and we may not encounter any cetaceans during our cruise.
Cancellation more than 40 days before departure date = 50% charge.
Cancellation between 39 days and original departure date = 100% charge (no refund)
Insurance recommended
Our impact
2% of the amount of the stay is donated to the Reva Atea association for the CoralCare program
