As with all expeditions, things do not always go according to plan. Luckily, for National Geographic Orion, this meant exploring new territory. Veering from our original itinerary, our fearless expedition leader chose for us to visit Pukarua Atoll in the eastern most region of the Tuamotu Islands. Braving the breaking waves entering the narrow channel, our guests ventured to shore to be greeted by the boisterous locals. Though small and remote, the people living aboard the island showed great pride when showing our guests their church, the cleanliness of their streets, and most of all their hospitality.

Serving bread, fruit, and freshly cooked octopus upon the hot coals, our guests dined while witnessing the dance and song performed by the locals. Of course, those wishing to brave the waters took to scuba diving to examine the fringing reef around the atoll, where large table corals and dozens of reef fish species awaited. Heading back aboard for an afternoon at sea, we were treated to two lectures by our natural history staff. The first was about the more exotic creatures that live within our ocean, exampling their oddities, mating habits, and delightfully obscure behaviors. The second told of the coconut – its legend and usefulness to establish the lives and vessels of the people living in such remote paradise.