The Cook Islands take their name from the illustrious explorer of the South Pacific, Captain James Cook, who first discovered the islands in 1773. However, we now know that the island of Rarotanga was first sighted in the 7th and 8th centuries during the great migratory voyages of the Polynesians. Rarotanga’s first real claim to fame was its re-discovery in 1789 by the HMS Bounty mutineers before they settled at Pitcairn.
There are fifteen islands in the group and they are scattered over an area of more than two million square kilometers between Tahiti to the east and Tonga to the west. Rarotanga lies just within the tropics, which places it almost in the same relative position below the equator that Hawaii is above. The main island of Rarotanga is almost completely surrounded by reef. The interior is mountainous and rises to 2,00ft.
The Galapagos Archipelago is one of the last great natural places on earth. A voyage to this spectacular destination is an opportunity to experience firsthand some of the most unique and accessible wildlife found anywhere.
When naturalist Charles Darwin arrived at the Galapagos in 1835 he was inspired by the unique animal populations he found – giant tortoise, seal lions, penguin, marine iguana, land iguana, and the most famous group of creatures – finches. Each island in the Galapagos has finches with slightly different beaks or other slight variations in size that have adapted to its unique environment. This species of tiny birds, aptly named Darwin’s Finches, became the lynchpin for his work on natural selection. Little has changed among the wildlife found in the Galapagos since Darwin first observed them.
The water around the islands is crystal clear and offers many wonderful wildlife encounters. Imagine snorkeling among a colony of playful sea lions, or encountering an iguana swimming in a rocky tide pool. The animals are amazingly tame, and their remarkable trust establishes an instant bond with visitors. Sea Lions play hide and seek with you in the tide pools. Marine Iguanas– shining jet-black in the ocean spray- look menacing but are harmless and complacent. Scarlet-faced lizards climb in and out of lava crevices, while yellow-crowned Night Herons and Galapagos Green Herons stalk armies of Sally Light-foot crabs, that scurry across the lava formations. Tropical Flamingos are reflected in still pools and shy penguins peer from rock outcrops. Nowhere else on earth provides such intimacy with nature.
The islands are skirted by peaceful coves, sparkling beaches, and jagged cliffs. There are beaches of black and brown sand and others of pounded shell fragments. The raw beauty of the volcanic craters look as though they have been crafted by a mad yet inspired sculptor. Within this odd scene are great sinkholes filled with azure water and blowholes that the sea blasts through in geyser-like fountains.
Each island offers something different. Visit the fur seals on Santiago Island. Walk among the masked boobies and blue-footed boobies on Tower Island. Encounter the ‘Galapagos’ tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, or visit the Darwin Research Station and meet top researchers.
Hike the summit on Bartholomé Island and take in some of the most spectacular views of the volcanic landscape and nearby islands. The area is considered to be one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Scenic anchorages, beaches, and winding paths all offer countless opportunities to experience the magic of this archipelago and its amazing inhabitants.
Mary Crowley, director of Ocean Voyages, has visited Galapagos ten times and has twice led month-long expeditions. Our knowledge of this area, and the best expert guides, allow us to create an unforgettable Galapagos adventure.
The Grenadines are a chain of some thirty-two islands between St. Vincent and Grenada, often referred to as the Gems of the Caribbean. They are some of the last unspoiled islands in the world, for the only way to reach most of them is by boat. In one week of sailing, you may visit many of the islands, and two weeks allows you to visit many more.
Trips begin and end in St. Vincent or Grenada. Some of our Ocean Voyages yachts are based at the charming little island of Bequia, which has a nautical heritage in whaling and boat building. You may also sail to Carriacou, Mayero, primitive Petite Martinique, and Petite St. Vincent (an entire island resort ringed by perfect white sand beaches) and of course, the Tobago Cays, a group of uninhabited coral atolls surrounded by reefs that offer some of the finest snorkeling in the entire Caribbean.
The Grenadines offer superb sailing conditions- among the best found anywhere. Walk along unspoiled beaches, snorkel in incredibly clear waters, explore tropical hillsides, shop for exotic fruits and vegetables in open markets, enjoy West Indian specialties (fresh fish, lobster, and French wines), dance under the stars to the music of a live steel band- all part of the Ocean Voyages experience.
Our Grenadine yachts offer a perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s finest sailing areas. We have a wonderful selection of yachts that have chosen to call this area home. Our captains know the islands extremely well, and are alos expert sailing teachers for those who are interested in really becoming involved. Our Grenadine sailing programs can offer you fine sailing experiences whether you choose to simply relax (working on your tan, reading, enjoying beautiful beaches), or to fine-tune sailing skills such as navigation, anchoring, and sail handling.
The Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is one of the most striking and culturally rich coastlines in the world. It ranges from the southernmost part of France along the west coast of Italy and the long, narrow stretch of coast nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. Sophisticated and experienced travelers have enjoyed the beauty of these world-famous cruising grounds for years. There is no better way to ‘arrive’ in the port cities of Antibes, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, or Cannes than on your own personal yacht.
Once aboard, let your professional crew pamper cater to your every need. You can enjoy a continental breakfast in Cannes and dine on oysters and champagne for lunch at the Hotel du Cap on St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Many of the desired ports and anchorages on the Côte d’Azur are just a few hours apart. There are many harbors and marinas along the coast, but Antibes seems an all time favorite of many travelers with its authentic seaside markets and great traditional shops. We can set up day trips to small villages, such as Grasse and visit the French perfumeries, or discover hidden antique treasures, or local hand painted ceramics while shopping in the Provençal countryside.
Tahiti and French Polynesia
Sail among the spectacular tropical islands of the Iles Sous le Vent and discover the real French Polynesia with its lush foliage, opalescent seas, native villages, deserted beaches, and colorful reefs. Here you’ll find that the South Seas atmosphere still exists today- small dockside markets, inter-island schooners, local bars, and the easy tempo of island life.
These outer islands of Tahiti compromise one of the best cruising areas of the South Pacific. Our charters sail here regularly in the area of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora and can also include the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. The islands of the Tuamotous and Marquesas can also be visited.
As you sail among the islands you will experience great natural beauty and a explore a fascinating cultural mix of Polynesian and French Colonial. You will enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, shelling, beach-combing, reef walking, and surfing.
Thailand and Malaysia
Thailand and Malaysia, located east of Burma and South of China and Laos provide extraordinary sights for visitors and exceptional experiences for divers. For nature lovers there are remote jungles, pristine beaches and tropical islands to explore. If you like spending your time underwater, the coral reefs provide a fantastic view into the marine world. Puttaya, Phuket and Similan Islands are just some of the places in Thailand which draw divers from all regions of the globe.