30 September

Fiji: Taveuni

Taveuni is known as Fiji’s ‘Garden Isle’, dense with pristine rainforest where rare flora and colourful endemic birds thrive. Off the west coast is the Somosomo Strait, one of Fiji’s most spectacular diving and snorkelling sites, home to manta rays, spinner dolphins, humpback whales and more.

1 October

Fiji: Ringgold Isles

1 October

Fiji: Cobia

2 October

Fiji: Fulaga

3 October

Tonga: Neiafu

Neiafu is the second largest city in Tonga and the capital of the Vava’u group of islands, situated next to the deep water Port of Refuge. Humpback whales pass through here between June and November, while on land the ‘Ene’io Botanical Garden is well worth a visit.

3 October

Tonga: Eueiki Island

4 October

Tonga: Uoleva

Close your eyes, imagine a South Pacific island, and you’re probably picturing somewhere like Uoleva. This quintessential desert island has no roads and no shops, just dazzling white sands, gently swaying coconut palms and shallow turquoise waters where you can snorkel amongst the thriving reefs.

5 October - At sea

6 October

Cook Islands: Rarotonga

Surrounded by kaleidoscopic reefs, white sand beaches and beautifully blue waters, Rarotonga is exactly what most of us picture when we think of the South Pacific. The lagoon is ideally suited to snorkelling and scuba diving, while the island itself is home to ancient sacred sites and pretty coral churches.

7 October

Cook Islands: Aitutaki

The sleepy island of Aitutaki is big on natural beauty, thanks to its stunning reef-enclosed lagoon. It’s also a deeply spiritual place: in the village of Arutanga you’ll find the oldest church in the Cook Islands, dating back to 1829, and services here are a spellbinding spectacle, with hymns featuring unaccompanied four-part harmonies.

8 October - At sea

9 October

French Polynesia: Bora Bora

Bora Bora is the very definition of idyllic, a diminutive Polynesian island dominated by rainforest-clad volcanic peaks, overlooking an electric blue lagoon ringed by coral reefs. The beaches and over-water bungalows are particularly popular with honeymooners, and the clear waters of the lagoon are perfect for snorkelling.

10 October

French Polynesia: Tikehau Atoll

11 October

French Polynesia: Rangiroa

The Rangiroa atoll is one of the biggest in the world, a ring of over 400 motu (islets) surrounding a vast lagoon. This stunning area is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers, and the waters are home to marine life including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

12 October

French Polynesia: Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, situated on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The port is not the most magical spot, so we advise venturing forth to luxuriate in the turquoise lagoons, relax on the white sand beaches fringed with palm trees, and explore the rugged mountain peaks.

Before you return

One night in Papeete

Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. The following day, join a flight back to the UK.