MOANA - The whales
Moorea
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
Embrace the Tuamotu lifestyle guided by locals and listen to the legends of our Matahiapo
Become a steward of Ocean conservation with Paruru project from Oceania NGO.
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.
Throughout the expedition, you’ll be participating in Paruru, a program that aims at identifying the many humpback whales that travel across French Polynesia every year from May to October. Guided by Charlotte Esposito, an experienced marine biologist and founder of environmental NGO Oceania, you’ll be playing a key part in the program. Expect to be coming close to these marine giants and to be learning lots about them during casual conferences and workshops led by Charlotte.
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.
In the early morning, you'll have breakfast earlier than usual, as the PARURU program begins.
Charlotte needs you on deck by 8:00.
PARURU 1:
3 hours of observation, data taking, photos,...
After several hours' sailing, you'll arrive at the SOUTH pass of Toau atoll. Here you can descend to the motu and plan a snorkeling session.
After stretching your legs, return on board for your morning debriefing with Charlotte.
The evening ends with dinner on board.
3 hours of observation, data taking, photos,...
end of sailing scheduled for 12:00, after lunch you'll descend to the atoll alongside our guide nani, who will introduce you to the life of a child of the ocean.
After stretching your legs, return on board for your morning debriefing with Charlotte.
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.
Welcome to the south of the atoll of Rangiroa. Once your breakfast is finished, Charlotte awaits you for your last day PARURU.PARURU 4:3 hours of observation, data taking, photos,... Navigation will be done on along the western coast of Rangiroa to reach the northern pass of the atoll at noon. Lunch will be on board before you discover the lagoon and its colors. Charlotte will be waiting for you, ashore, to start the early evening around a small cocktail and take stock of the PARURU 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 :)"
Charlotte
FR/ENG
Marine biologist, I have been studying cetaceans around the world for almost 10 years. My previous work focuses on the ecology and behavior of cetaceans. Rich in my experience as coordinator in many projects, the science-society interface is the approach that I favor through my study programs.
Included
- 9 nights accommodation on the catamaran
- Half days of participatory science
- Inter-island flight
- 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
- Transfer between the catamaran and the organized activities
- A Nani guide
- Ketologist specialist
- The captain and a hostess
Not Included
- International airfare
- alcoholic beverage
- Travel insurance
The price of this expedition is 877523 FCFP or 7353.64 euros.
In order to confirm your place we require a deposit of 50% of the total.
Balance to be paid no later than 40 days before the departure date. (Paypal or bank transfer)
Cancellation more than 40 days before departure date = 50% charge.
Cancellation between 39 days and original departure date = 100% charge (no refund)
Insurance recommended
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.
Wild animals are not on request, we may not encounter any cetaceans on our cruise.
OUR IMPACT
2% of the amount of the stay is donated to the Oceania association for the Paruru program
