Un/Mapped Polynesia: The life-giving coconut palm, a joyous musical performance & an explorer's guide to the islands

Visions of French Polynesia are almost always silhouetted by swaying coconut palms, but there is more than meets the eye with this emblem of tropical paradise. It has long provided food, shelter and fuel to vast communities in the region. Discover the myriad uses and transformative history of the beloved "tree of life." The diverse musical expressions of the South Pacific showcase the many cultures who call this region home. Enjoy an exuberant performance by singer-songwriter Yoyo Tuki—a joyous moment of cross-cultural connection and a special reminder of the melodies that await on your travels. French Polynesia's vibrant undersea is host to a world of wondrous aquatic wildlife, from dolphins and whales to rays and eels. Slip below the surface and let the sights and sounds of this marine paradise connect you with nature. For the past 40 years, veteran Lindblad naturalist Tom Ritchie has led expeditions to the most remote reaches of the globe. A frequent visitor to the South Pacific, Ritchie provides an in-depth preview of what one can expect when exploring this storied region—from the steep cliffs of rugged and isolated Pitcairn Island to the idyllic splendors of the Tuamotus and the fascinating mysteries of Easter Island. © 2022 Lindblad Expeditions. All Rights Reserved. Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions, LLC.   © 2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are trademarks of National Geographic Society and used with permission.   ENEWS.FRENCH.POLY-022322_TA