zUnspoiled Pacific Islands

Embark Silver Discoverer and depart on your exciting 19-day Silversea Expedition. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and participate in a mandatory safety drill. Tonight we invite you to familiarize yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travelers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Today we arrive in Asau, which is situated on the northwest coast of Savai'i island in Samoa, is the capital village of the Vaisigano political district and serves as the island’s main business centre. Asau was integral to the Samoan timber industry in Samoa. But in September 2008, bush fired inland from Asau and Aopo village destroyed more than two thousand acres of trees. The breakwater protecting the bay is an old American airstrip from World War II. The port was well used in the past as it was well protected on the east and south by the main land and on the north and west by coral reefs.

Mata'utu, known for its stunning coral reefs, is a protectorate of France and lies between beautiful Tahiti and Noumea. It’s the largest urban center of Wallis Island or Uvea. The downtown area is recognized for its Mata-Utu Cathedral, a French national monument that’s surrounded by markets, hotels and the “Simple Palace of the King of Uvea.”

Become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board Silver Discoverer. Gather in the Lounge to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars, preparing you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the possible unscheduled adventures that may lie ahead.

Funafuti, with close to a population of 5,000 is the most populated atoll in Tuvalu. It’s also home to coconut crabs, nesting seabirds and turtles. The area encompasses several distinct villages and is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to its offshore bommies and crystal clear blue lagoon waters.

Nanumea is made up of a nine coral atolls and islands spread over 400 miles of Pacific Ocean. It’s one of Tuvalu's most beautiful atolls with its very own fresh water pond, which is not typical of the area and a large church. Nanumea suffered several Japanese attacks during WWII. A wrecked cargo ship is still visible as well as the remains of a Navy Bomber and other aircraft and military machines are spread throughout the island.

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields.

This central Pacific Ocean atoll is best known as the site of the Battle of Tarawa during World War II where the United Sates Marines secured the island within 76 hours. Its large lagoon and wide reef is home to all kinds of tropical fish and shellfish. The local favorites include papaya, bananas, coconut and breadfruit.

Butaritari, the “Scent of the Sea,” was discovered by Spanish explorer, Pedro Fernandez Quiros, in 1606. During World War II, this atoll where the Battle of Makin took place, where Americans, Koreans and Japanese fought. Butaritariis truly an underwater playground thanks to its mesmerizing lagoon and is well-known for its banana crops. Kiribati's greenest island also boasts sweet tropical fruits such as with breadfruit, coconut, pandanus and thanks to the island’s rich soils.

Majuro is made up of 64 islands in the Marshall Islands, the world’s largest shark sanctuary. This part of the Pacific Ocean has beautiful weather year-round with a temperature that never drops lower than the 70s. About 25,000 people call the oval-shaped Majuro home. The charming island has been called the “Pearl of the Pacific” has a port, shopping district, hotels and even an international airport.

"Ailinglaplap," or "greatest atoll," is named after the greatest legends of the Marshallese people. Think crystal blue waters, pictures landscape, warm weather and friendly locals. There are four major settlements on the island of Ailinglaplap including Woja at the westernmost end of the atoll, Jeh in the northeast, and Airok and Bouj both in the south.

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship. Did you know? All expedition lectures are broadcast from The Theater so that should you prefer, you can enjoy from the comfort of your suite or stateroom.

The high island of Kosrae іs virtually unspoiled, because it’s off the traditional tourist paths. It’s quickly becoming а dream destination fоr scuba divers and hikers alike. The coral reefs surrounding the island are kept іn excellent condition through аn extensive mooring buoy system maintained by concerned expat dive operators wіth the help оf the government's Marine Resources office. The reefs аre seldom visited, аnd contain miles оf hard corals, and sоme said tо be thousands years old. Dense vegetation аnd steep mountains keep the island largely undeveloped. The island's distinct shape resembles а female body, which is why it’s known as "The Island оf the Sleeping Lady."

The beautiful island of Pingelap is 2.6 miles long and 1.6 miles at its widest point. Only the largest island is inhabited with roughly 250 residents living mostly near the airfield on the western side. The Pingelap Atoll consists of three islands that are connected through a reef system. Have a cumulative land area of 1.1 square miles. Locals speak Pingelapese, though English is also spoken. Pingelap is well known in medical circles, especially among geneticists thanks to the local’s high occurrence of achromatopsia, (a type of color-blindness). Neurologist Oliver Sacks states in his book “The Island of the Colorblind” that early 10% of the current population suffers from the condition. 

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Begin perhaps with a late breakfast and another cup of coffee or tea during the first of the day’s lectures. Join the lectures and hear fascinating tales of adventure and learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields.

You’re truly in for a treat when you visit Kapingamarangi, the most southerly atoll of the country and of the Caroline Islands. Using our Zodiacs we will cross the five-nautical-mile lagoon to visit the small community of islanders. Kapingamaringi consists of over 33 wooded islets on the east and mostly submerged underwater on the west side of the lagoon. We’ll have the chance to visit locals’ homes, try fresh coconut milk and munch on the orange pandanus fruit. The islanders are renowned for their woodcarving skills and today you have the opportunity to pick up a rare souvenir that will remind you of our explorations of this very remote part of the world.

The crystal-clear waters are all yours to enjoy, so swim and snorkel away as you watch the handmade sailing canoes carrying dried pandanus leaves used for mat weaving.

Today is a day to relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library. As we sail towards the Solomon Islands, guests can participate in watching for birds, whales and dolphins on deck, or head to The Theater to learn more about “French” Polynesia and the various artists that tried to make Tahiti their home.

Choiseul, a rather large island that lies between Bougainville and Santa Isabel is an adventurer’s haven. But the province’s main attraction is its virgin, abundant and untouched natural wonders. Think serene nesting beaches for endangered Hawksbill turtles, majestic whales, lush mangroves and juicy coconuts. Choiseul is also a breeding ground of the Loggerhead sea turtle and home to rare pottery and weaving techniques.

To add to its beauty, this Solomon Islands province boasts the highest number of marine-protected sites, with plants and wildlife typically found of Australia and New Guinea. The endangered Dugong, a sea cow living in the waters near Rob Roy, is the biggest mammal found in Taro Island. Bird lovers rejoice in Choiseul with common sightings of the Sanford's Fish Eagle, the Pacific Black Duck and the Eastern Reef Egret. 

We will arrive in port in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.