There’s so much more to the South Pacific than cruise ships and resorts.
These remote islands – and there’s a lot of them – are bursting with ancient cultures, fascinating festivals and wallpaper-worthy scenery. But our South Pacific tours aren’t your typical beach holiday. While there’ll be plenty of time to kick back on the sand and swim in bright blue lagoons, we’ll also get you trekking up volcanoes in Vanuatu, splashing around in Fiji’s dreamiest waterfalls, experiencing traditional village life in New Caledonia or hiking the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. These are Intrepid adventures, so you’ll discover the real South Pacific while supporting local communities along the way. Isn’t that what travelling’s all about?
Our tours in the South Pacific
8 Days
From
2710
Swim in waterfalls, snorkel over coral reefs, relax on white sandy beaches and immerse...
9 Days
From
3805
Uncover the real Fiji on an expedition to the highlands of Naga and Nubutautau,...
6 Days
From
2665
Admire the crystal-clear waters, local cultures and natural beauty of New Caledonia in...
6 Days
From
2502
Spend six days soaking up the sun and sand with Intrepid on an unforgettable tropical...
8 Days
From
3085
Embark on an eight-day expedition to the beautiful islands of Vanuatu where you can...
9 Days
From
3730
Travel deep into Papua New Guinea on a 9-day adventure to experience local culture and...
5 Days
From
1935
Take a five-day expedition to the islands of Vanuatu, explore the origins of land...
10 Days
From
4735
Challenge mind, body and soul on this 10-day trekking adventure through Papua New...
11 Days
From
3850
This 11-day adventure starting and finishing in Tahiti, visits the Society Islands and...
8 Days
From
2765
Visit French Polynesia on this 8-day small ship Adventure Cruise, starting and...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Browse tours by destination
Highlights of the South Pacific
Visit Poutasi Village
You might come for the pristine waterholes and vibrant coral reefs, but you’ll stay for Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way) – the rich culture and traditions that influence daily life for Samoans. Immerse yourself in Samoan culture during a tour of Poutasi Village where you’ll be welcomed by the High Chief, take part in coconut tossing and spear-throwing games and enjoy a night of feasting, singing and dancing at a traditional fiafia celebration.
Explore Nananu-i-Ra
Meaning ‘Daydream of the West’ in Fijian, Nananu-i-Ra is the quintessential paradise island. Think palm-fringed shores, blazing sunsets, water of the deepest blue, no roads and no stress. After hiking through Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park and riding the rapids of Upper Navua Gorge, put your feet up and enjoy the laidback beach vibes followed by a welcome ceremony and yummy communal dinner with the lovely locals of Naga village.
Experience Naghol Festival
They might be tiny, but the islands of Vanuatu are home to some of the world's most unique festivals – including the legendary Naghol Festival on Pentecost island (the inspiration behind bungee jumping). Watch the jumpers launch themselves off platforms as part of a ritual that functions as a coming-of-age custom for young men and a blessing for upcoming harvests, followed by a wholesome lunch made by the village mamas.
Hike the Kokoda Track
Conquer this iconic trek and discover the raw beauty and history of Papua New Guinea. Listen to a local historian share heroic wartime tales of those who fought and lost their lives here in 1942 as you traverse narrow mountain spines and lush river valleys. You'll also stay in remote communities to connect with local villagers and learn about their ancient traditions. Reaching the end of the Kokoda Track is an achievement like no other.
Learn about Kanak culture
It’d be hard to find a warmer and more welcoming bunch of people than the New Caledonians, and luckily for you, you’ll get the chance to experience the Kanak way of life firsthand during a once-in-a-lifetime village stay. Visit a remote tribal community in the New Caledonia foothills and learn about various sacred Kanak customs before spending the night in a traditional faré (village house) with your group.
Swim in the dreamy Aitutaki lagoon
The Cook Islands' Aitutaki lagoon is the stuff of dreams – a 'pinch me' kind of place that has to be seen to be believed. Spend your days relaxing in the turquoise shallows, soaking up the sun's warm rays with a coconut in hand. Or jump in to snorkel with giant fish and clams. Wrap up a day in paradise with a delicious beachside barbeque off Maina Island.
Reviews
South Pacific FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).Â
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
The South Pacific islands have a tropical climate with only two seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The weather is hot all year round, though it's hotter and sticker in the wet season and tropical cyclones and typhoons can occur. The dry season sees clearer skies and cooler temperatures, though daytime highs rarely dip below the low 20s (℃). The water temperatures don't fluctuate much, with average temperatures lingering between a pleasant 27°C and 29°C.
The most popular time to visit the South Pacific is in the dry season from May to October when skies are clear and humidity is low. However, these months also see the biggest influx of tourists so expect busier beaches and higher prices for things like accommodation. The wet season is the quietest time in the South Pacific and if you don't mind hotter, stickier and wetter weather, it can be a great time to enjoy the islands in their most idyllic state.
Absolutely. All people travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please visit our Travel Insurance hub.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Read more about the South Pacific
Apr 26, 2023
Fiji vs Vanuatu: great beaches and...
Sun, sand and surf? Say less! Well, if you’re deciding where to lay your beach...
Jan 02, 2023
8 offbeat trips to escape the crowds...
There’s a big wide world out there. And while the classic spots are popular for a...
Nov 16, 2017
9 alternative travel spots for 2018
Here at Intrepid we’re all about tackling the negative impact of over-tourism. And...
Nov 14, 2022
8 unique experiences in Papua New Guinea
There’s nowhere else quite like Papua New Guinea...
May 12, 2019
Choosing the perfect island for your...
A visit to the Solomon Islands, Fiji or Papua New Guinea isn't your typical beach...