Micronesia's Atolls & Islands Odyssey

Micronesia's Atolls & Islands Odyssey 18 Days

Prices From £11,250pp
March Only | 17 nights
Enquire Now

Up To 10% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

Micronesia's Atolls & Islands Odyssey 18 Days

Aboard: Heritage Adventurer

Set out on a remarkable expedition cruise through the Solomon Islands and Micronesia, travelling from Fiji to Palau via a chain of remote atolls and reef-fringed islands rarely reached except by expedition ship. After an overnight stay in Nadi and a flight to Honiara, you’ll board your ship and begin a journey built for travellers who want genuine off-the-map discovery. Imagine warm-water snorkelling, soft white-sand beaches, and days shaped by the ocean and the elements.

Along the way, pristine lagoons and coral gardens set the stage for extraordinary marine encounters, while island communities share living traditions that have endured for centuries. Explore places where history is written into the landscape, from ancient stone cities and megaliths on Pohnpei to powerful World War II relics in Chuuk Lagoon and Woleai’s jungle. With opportunities to search for endemic wildlife, learn about local conservation efforts, and experience rarely visited atolls like Ontong Java and Sorol, this is a true Pacific adventure that is wild, immersive, and unforgettable.

Highlights

  • Experience a unique expedition voyage from Fiji to Palau via the Solomon Islands and Micronesia’s most remote atolls
  • Enjoy outstanding snorkelling on vibrant coral reefs, clear lagoons and dramatic outer reef walls
  • Discover conservation success stories and important wildlife sanctuaries, including hawksbill and green turtle nesting sites
  • Explore off-the-map island cultures, from traditional carving communities to master Pacific navigators
  • Uncover powerful World War II history, from jungle aircraft wrecks to the shipwreck-strewn waters of Chuuk Lagoon
  • Visit ancient wonders in the Pacific, including Pohnpei’s legendary Nan Madol and other megalithic sites
  • Relax on postcard-perfect beaches and uninhabited islands rarely open to travellers
  • Spot endemic island wildlife and birdlife across some of the region’s least-visited frontiers
  • Kayaking opportunities available
  • Expert guiding throughout

What's Included

  • Transfers to and from ship for arrival and departure
  • One night's hotel stay on Denarau Island pre-voyage
  • Flight from Nadi to Honiara pre-voyage
  • All meals on board ship, with wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner
  • All excursions shown in itinerary
  • Programme of expert lectures and talks


Up To 10% Discount!

Book select departures by 31st August and receive a 10% discount off select cabins! Rates shown include discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 1st September 2026

Full terms & conditions apply. New bookings only, subject to availability. Discount applies to voyage cost only and does not apply to landing fees that are included in the trip cost. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji
1Day

Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji

Arrive independently to Nadi International Airport and transfer to Denarau Island, Fiji’s polished resort enclave fringed with palm-lined shores and calm, turquoise water. Once you’ve checked in at the hotel, you’ll have time to settle in and unwind after your journey.

This evening, the group comes together for the first time. Meet your expedition leaders and fellow travellers over dinner at the hotel, where you’ll be briefed on the adventure ahead and ease into island life before the expedition begins.

Nadi to Honiara, Solomon Islands
2Day

Nadi to Honiara, Solomon Islands

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Honiara, the vibrant capital of the Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal. A lively gateway to the region’s far-flung islands, Honiara pairs a contemporary waterfront with powerful reminders of its World War II past.

This afternoon, step aboard your ship, where the captain and expedition crew will welcome you onboard and escort you to your cabin. With time to unpack and get your bearings, you’ll also be introduced to the expedition team and the journey ahead. Later, head to the Observation Lounge or up onto the Observation Deck as we cast off and begin our voyage towards the remote Arnavon Islands.

Arnavon Islands
3Day

Arnavon Islands

Our first adventure takes us to the remote and palm-fringed Arnavon Islands which sit off the north-west coast of Santa Isabel and feel a world away from modern life. This small chain of four islands is internationally significant for conservation, protecting the South Pacific’s largest nesting site for critically endangered hawksbill turtles, with around 1,200 nests laid here each year.

Beyond the beaches, the Arnavons are packed with life. Enjoy a remarkable mix of birdlife, bats and reptiles on land, and thriving marine ecosystems just offshore. The surrounding lagoon and reef, covering a vast protected area, are safeguarded within the Arnavon Community Marine Park, managed through a locally led committee that helps preserve these waters for future generations. Today is all about exploration, with time for adventurous shore visits and standout snorkelling in clear, turquoise seas, including around beautiful Kerehikapa Island.

Ontong Java Atoll & At Sea
4 - 5Days

Ontong Java Atoll & At Sea

Day 4 will feel like expedition travel in its purest form as we journey to Ontong Java, one of the Pacific’s most isolated inhabited places and among the largest atolls on Earth. Ringed by more than 100 low-lying islets, a network of channels links the vast lagoon to the open ocean, creating a striking mosaic of calm turquoise waters and reef-fringed shallows. This far-flung atoll is also a haven for unique wildlife, including the endemic Ontong Java flying fox and Ontong Java white-eye.

Beneath the surface lies an extraordinary geological story. The Ontong Java Plateau, a colossal undersea platform that covers around 1% of the planet’s surface and is thought to have formed through immense volcanic activity around 125 million years ago. Life here remains closely tied to the sea, with around 2,000 residents living in two villages and depending on small-scale fishing and traditional free-diving to gather prized resources such as beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) and trochus (sea snails). Our time ashore and on the water offers a rare chance to explore the lagoon’s clear shallows and gain insight into the culture and rhythms that shape daily life on this remarkable atoll.

The following day offers the chance to slow the pace and enjoy life on board. Settle in with an expert talk from the expedition team, sort through photos, or take time to write up the memories in your travel journal as the ocean stretches out in every direction.

There are plenty of vantage points to watch the journey unfold. Chat with the captain on the Bridge, relax in the Observation Lounge, or soak up the views from the deck and pool area. As we cross the Equator, we continue north towards the Federated States of Micronesia, with Kapingamarangi Atoll on the horizon.

Kapingamarangi & Nukuoro Atolls
6 - 7Days

Kapingamarangi & Nukuoro Atolls

On day 6, you’ll see why Kapingamarangi is often described as a “gift from heaven” as we explore this seldom-visited southern atoll of the Federated States of Micronesia. A necklace of 33 lush islets and reefs encircles a mid-ocean lagoon roughly five kilometres across, so perfectly formed it looks like a teardrop when viewed from above.

Only four islands are home to a small community of around 500 people, who maintain deep-rooted traditions and a strong cultural identity. You may encounter renowned local wood-carving skills and hear the distinctive Pukapukan dialect that has been passed down through generations. Expect a warm, celebratory welcome, plus standout snorkelling in clear waters, where remnants of World War II, including Japanese wrecks, add an intriguing layer to the underwater world.

Day 7 delivers another off-the-radar highlight in Micronesia as we arrive at Nukuoro Atoll. Perfectly atoll-shaped, it reveals a pale ring of sand at low tide, encircling tranquil lagoon waters. With only occasional ship visits, life here has remained wonderfully traditional, with around 370 residents living on just 1.7 square kilometres, sustaining a largely subsistence lifestyle alongside a small black pearl farm.

Nukuoro is celebrated for its distinctive wooden figurines and a cultural story shaped by both Polynesian and Micronesian influences. Archaeological evidence suggests settlement dating back at least to the 8th century, and many creative traditions continue today, from sculpture to tattooing. The atoll is also renowned for its navigators, who still read stars and wave patterns to guide them across open ocean.

Underwater, the reefs deliver a true sense of blue-water wilderness. Expect thriving coral gardens and busy reef communities. Watch schools of surgeonfish grazing across shallow flats, pause over coral bommies alive with colourful damselfish, and snorkel through clear water teeming with marine life.

Ant Atoll & Pohnpei
8 - 9Days

Ant Atoll & Pohnpei

On day 8 we drop anchor in an idyllic, privately owned island sanctuary where dazzling lagoon waters, silky white beaches and sprawling coral gardens set the scene for a full day of exploration. Part of the Senyavin Islands group, Ant Atoll is rich in local legend and widely recognised as a conservation success, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and carefully managed to keep its ecosystems thriving.

Wildlife is abundant both above and below the waterline. The atoll supports a variety of reptiles (including hawksbill and green turtles), a vibrant array of birdlife and several mammal species, while the surrounding reefs shelter countless marine creatures. Resident biosphere rangers help protect this remarkable environment, and snorkellers are often rewarded with exceptional encounters including grey reef sharks cruising the drop-offs, plus barracuda, jacks, Napoleon wrasse and more. If sea conditions allow, we may also head beyond the lagoon to the outer reef walls, where visibility can be truly breathtaking.

On day 9 we then head a short distance east to arrive at Pohnpei, Micronesia’s largest and highest island which rises dramatically from the sea. This is a place of dense rainforest, cloud-draped peaks and thundering waterfalls fed by the island’s famously high rainfall. Mangrove swamps fringe the coastline, while inland trails reveal some of the Pacific’s most striking tropical flora. Pohnpei is extraordinarily rich in biodiversity, with hundreds of plant species (many found nowhere else), abundant birdlife including endemics such as the vivid Pohnpei lorikeet, plus lizards, deer, wild pigs and the impressive Pohnpei flying fox.

Often called the “garden island” and the “land of mystery”, Pohnpei is also home to one of the region’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Explore the remarkable ruins of Nan Madol, an ancient ceremonial city of stone-built islets, canals and monumental structures constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries by the Saudeleur Dynasty. Spread across 92 artificial islets and laced with waterways, it later declined after the dynasty’s overthrow in 1628, leaving an atmospheric, half-reclaimed landscape at the ocean’s edge. Beyond the cultural history, Pohnpei’s surrounding reefs add another layer of discovery, with varied reef formations and flourishing coral communities.

Oroluk Atoll
10Day

Oroluk Atoll

Today we visit extraordinarily remote Oroluk, an atoll and tiny island outpost that punches well above its size for natural diversity. Its unusual position creates a kind of ecological “bridge” between the Indo-Malay region and the central Pacific, helping to shape the rich mix of life found here. With a resident population of only around ten people, Oroluk offers an intimate glimpse of island traditions and customs that have endured far from the usual travel routes.

Exploration focuses on the atoll’s broad lagoon and surrounding reefs. Expect barrier and fringing reefs, reef passes and seagrass beds that support a thriving marine community. Protected as a marine sanctuary and valued as a turtle nesting site, these waters are a dream for snorkelling. Keep an eye out for green turtles, butterflyfish, coral trout and batfish. Ashore, the birdlife adds another highlight, with chances to spot atoll starlings, ruddy turnstones, black noddies, white terns and white-tailed tropicbirds.

Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon
11Day

Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon

Make time on deck or in the Observation Lounge this morning as we glide into the sheltered waters of Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon. This vast, coral-edged lagoon spans around 2,129 square kilometres and is cradled by 15 dramatic volcanic islands, creating a striking landscape of rainforest-covered slopes, hidden waterfalls and quiet beaches. As we explore, look out for island birdlife such as the Chuuk monarch, yellow bittern, blue-faced parrotfinch and teardrop white-eye, and get a feel for the everyday rhythms of tiny villages scattered across the lagoon.

Chuuk is also one of the most hauntingly significant sites in the Pacific. In 1944, American air raids sank dozens of Japanese Imperial Navy ships and hundreds of aircraft, with thousands of lives lost, leaving what is often described as the world’s largest shipwreck graveyard. Beneath the surface, the lagoon holds an eerie “ghost fleet” of wrecks that has gradually been reclaimed by the sea. Today these relics form living reefs alive with fish and corals, offering snorkelling that blends vivid marine colour with a powerful sense of history. Explore remote islets, walk brilliant white-sand beaches, and swim through this extraordinary underwater time capsule.

Poluwat & Satawal Atolls
12 - 13Days

Poluwat & Satawal Atolls

Our journey continues to two wonderfully remote Micronesian outposts. First is Poluwat Atoll, a stunning coral chain of four islands shaped by a layered history and once occupied by the Japanese and later influenced by Catholic missionaries. We explore the little-known lagoon of Lugav, one of the westernmost outliers of Chuuk State, where traditional customs and a slower pace of life have endured across generations. Spend time discovering the lagoon and surrounding forests, and visit the abandoned Japanese lighthouse, built in 1940 and offering an atmospheric reminder of the atoll’s WWII-era story.

Next we venture to Satawal, the easternmost island in Yap State and a tiny speck in the vast Pacific. Its crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs promise outstanding snorkelling, while powdery beaches and lush forests invite unhurried exploration. Satawal is famed for its master navigators, whose expertise in reading stars, waves and natural cues while travelling in hand-hewn canoes has been preserved through centuries. With visitors a rarity, you can expect a warm community welcome and a fascinating insight into the skills, observation and deep connection to nature that continue to guide life on this remarkable atoll.

Elato & Olimarao Atoll
14Day

Elato & Olimarao Atoll

Today is a classic expedition-style day as we aim to visit two contrasting atolls, with Elato this morning, followed by uninhabited Olimarao in the afternoon. The waters around Elato are regarded as some of the deepest on the planet, and its rarely explored reefs thrive in nutrient-rich seas. Here we hope to experience a true coral showcase, where plate and mound corals spill down the reef slope in dense layers. Keep watch for the reef’s constant motion, with parrotfish, wrasse, fusiliers, snapper and more bringing colour and energy to the shallows. Ashore on Elato, you’ll gain a glimpse into daily life on a remote atoll, where around 100 residents maintain a close-knit community and practise traditional subsistence living. Ancient customs and navigation knowledge remain central to the island’s identity.

Later, we turn to neighbouring Olimarao, part of the Olimarao Conservation Area and a vital protected breeding ground for sea turtles, coconut crabs and seabirds. Depending on conditions, you may explore the island’s lush interior for wildlife, wander coconut-fringed beaches, or snorkel pristine reefs in clear, inviting water.

Woleai & Sorol Atolls
15 - 16Days

Woleai & Sorol Atolls

Over the next two days we explore two very different corners of Yap State. First is Woleai, a coral atoll of 22 islands forming a loose figure-eight in the heart of the Pacific. Once heavily bombed during World War II, it’s now a place where nature has reclaimed the landscape, with lush jungle, bright lagoons and wide beaches restoring its castaway-island beauty. History still lies hidden here. Wrecked aircraft, including Mitsubishi “Betty” bombers and “Zero” fighters, are tucked away in the forest, while a submerged Kawanishi “Emily” flying boat with an impressive 38-metre wingspan rests beneath the lagoon. More recently, outside investment has brought efforts to rebuild an 80-year-old Japanese-constructed airstrip, but for us the focus is on Woleai’s natural splendour, coral gardens and the chance for warm cultural exchanges.

Next we head to Sorol Atoll, a scatter of nine coral islands so remote that its nearest neighbour lies more than 120 nautical miles away. Uninhabited since the early 1980s and rarely visited, Sorol feels truly untouched. Expect an afternoon of pure exploration across a remote inner lagoon and pristine reefs with abundant fish life and healthy coral cover. Ashore, brilliant white beaches serve as important sea turtle breeding grounds, while beyond the coconut palms, dense greenery shelters geckos, skinks, monitor lizards and seabirds. Expect a rewarding dose of uncharted adventure in one of Micronesia’s most secluded sanctuaries.

Ngulu Atoll
17Day

Ngulu Atoll

For our final expedition day, we venture to Ngulu, Micronesia’s far western frontier and one of its least visited atolls. Remote and rarely explored, Ngulu offers a compelling blend of culture, archaeology and wild island landscapes. Relics dating back to around 800 AD suggest this atoll once sat within important Micronesian trade routes, adding real depth to today’s discoveries.

One of Ngulu’s most striking sights is its oversized rai stones. These are monumental limestone discs once quarried on Palau and transported here by canoe and outrigger. Once used as a form of currency, many now sit quietly in villages as garden features and are extraordinary reminders of ocean-going skill and historic exchange. Beyond the cultural treasures, there’s plenty of adventure. Wander tangled jungle and explore sections of the atoll’s extensive reef system. Keep an eye out for wartime history too, including the wreck of a Japanese WWII Nakajima B5N “Kate” torpedo bomber. With a trio of main islands and several smaller islets encircling a deep central lagoon of roughly 382 square kilometres, Ngulu is raw, atmospheric and unforgettable, and offers a fitting finale to our adventures.

Palau - Disembark
18Day

Palau - Disembark

Rise early this morning to enjoy the approach into Palau from the deck or the Observation Lounge. This spectacular island nation, made up of more than 300 islands, is celebrated for its crystal-clear lagoons, thriving marine life, jungle-clad landscapes and powder-white beaches, as well as the warm welcome you’ll receive from locals. Palau is also widely known as a filming location for the long-running TV series Survivor.

After arrival, it’s time to say farewell to your shipmates and the expedition team. A complimentary coach transfer will be provided to Palau International Airport for onward travel.

See All Itinerary

A view from Above

All Aboard

Heritage Adventurer
Mid range vessel

Heritage Adventurer

Previously known as the MS Hanseatic, the Heritage Adventurer is a renowned authentic expedition ship. Purpose-built with ice-strengthened hull, the vessel combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of Polar exploration. Designed to match Heritage’s signature experiential expedition travel, the ship accommodates up to 140 guests in welcoming and spacious cabins that feature outside views, separate lounge areas, TVs, en-suite bathrooms and double or twin beds.

Communal areas include a lounge, two restaurant areas including an al-fresco bistro, gym and spa, lecture theatre, library, passenger lifts and outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.

More

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Polynesian Islands adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text

close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43 + 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Start your adventure here

From first ideas to final itinerary, we'll guide you every step of the way. Tell us where you'd love to go and a specialist will be in touch.

We take your privacy seriously. See our privacy policy for how we handle your data

Call Us
0161 568 2004
From outside UK:+44 1625 58 11 43

Lines are open from 9am -5.30pm Monday - Friday