Aranui 5: Discover the Marquesas –13-Day Cruise 2027

Departure from Papeete at 12:00 pm, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. After a buffet on board, the Aranui will disembark at the dock of “Rotoava”. Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built of coral, local crafts and a demonstration of the virtues of coconut. Enjoy a day of relaxation, sun and beach, swimming or snorkeling among multicolored tropical fish.

A day to relax at the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned lounge. Or why not just enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the Culture and History of the Marquesas Islands will make you go back in time and give you a complete overview of this ancient civilization. During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to move your hips like a true Tahitian! The fiery Polynesian crew, proudly present their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukulele, guitars and drums. Before going to bed, set your watch 30 minutes in advance, we switch to Marquesas time.

While the Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where writer Herman Melville then a 23-year-old sailor and buddy jumped off a whaler in 1842. After breakfast, passengers will disembark and will take the 4×4 that will be waiting for them for the day’s excursion. Our first stop will be a visit to Taiohae Cathedral. You can visit the Cathedral or go to the market to buy handicrafts. Then, we will visit the archaeological site of “Tohua Kamuihei” with its giant banyan trees and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere. Your excursion will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Back to Taiohae village, you will also find banks and shops. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.
7pm: Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or at the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.

From the bridges, you will see the mountain spits unique to Ua Pou. As the crew unloads supplies, cement, sugar, and loads bags of copra (dried coconuts) and fruit, explore the picturesque village of Hakahau and its church with a hand-carved wooden platform. Meet the island’s talented sculptors and artists, climb to the Croix for stunning views of the mountains, lush valleys and the main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a staple of the Marquesan with goat curry (a specialty of the Marquesas Islands), raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, taro and red bananas. Enjoy an excellent dance performance, including the traditional “bird dance”, at UA POU.

The Aranui will anchor early at the Tahauku dock in Atuona, where you’ll have time to explore the village, the second largest in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his work. You can also visit the colonial store where he bought his bread, as well as a replica of his infamous “House of Pleasure” and the Museum. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the motu Hanakee. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a gravestone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also fell in love with Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

While the names Gauguin and Brel are inseparable from Hiva Oa, the soul of the island is to be found in the Puamau valley. At the archaeological site of I’ipona (also known as Lipona), every nook and cranny is an enchantment. Located at the foot of the Toea peak at the island’s northeastern tip, the site is home to several tiki. Among them is the largest tiki in Tahiti Et Ses Îles: Takaii, standing 2.57 metres high. You’ll also come across Makii Taua te Pepe, a recumbent tiki measuring 1.75 metres long and 1.20 metres high.

In the afternoon, the Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Tahuata. The only access is by sea, as there is no airport on Tahuata. On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with the scent of Tahitian tiare, frangipani and history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed in the village of Vaitahu and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing around 200. Tahuata was also the site of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church, built by the Vatican, is decorated with fine Marquesan sculptures and magnificent stained-glass windows symbolizing the Virgin Mary. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite helmet shell and bone carvings. There’s plenty to choose from in the village.

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft centre. In the village of Omoa, the women will show you how to make tapas by crushing the bark of paper mulberry, banyan or bread tree but also the making of ‘Umuhei, an island herbal blend used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, the most sporty passengers can opt for a 15km hike that will take them from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the high cliffs. Lunch will be served at the top. Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui, from Omoa to Hanavave to Virgin Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Meet ashore for a tour of the village and to welcome hikers.

This island, which saw the construction of the Marquesas’ first airstrip in 1972, is largely arid and home to numerous wild horses, goats and pigs. In the early hours of the morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive maneuver, a 180-degree turn in the magnificent “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee. A maneuver requiring the full dexterity of captain and crew, it’s not to be missed. Back in your 4×4 to explore the island, stopping for breathtaking views, visit the arboretum born of the passion of the island’s former mayor, before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served in a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island’s specialties, including handicrafts, wood carvings and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return on board by 4×4. For the more adventurous, a 3km walk back from the arboretum awaits. Make sure you’re on deck, as the Aranui will sail all along the Ua Huka coast for more magnificent views.

A day to recover from the emotions of the Marquesas archipelago. During our crossing to the magnificent Tuamotu islands, conferences and activities will be offered throughout the day.

Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes to Tahitian time.

Watch from the decks as we approach and arrive at the largest atoll in French Polynesia, and the second largest in the world. You may spot playful dolphins greeting the ship as we enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa’s passes. Glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (registration at reception). Scuba diving here is rated among the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy Rangiroa’s white sandy beach and translucent lagoon. The local “mamas” will have an excellent display of shell necklaces, chains and key chains, and other small souvenirs for sale on the beach. The Aranui will depart at lunchtime and sail to the mystical island of Bora Bora.

Arriving in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you’ll be greeted by the majestic “Mont Otemanu”, the island’s highest peak. In this perfect island paradise, you can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the “Motu Tapu”. You can also choose from a variety of optional excursions at extra cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and pirogue, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during the Second World War, and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the tour. Evening departure for Papeete.

This is the end of our journey. It is time to say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff and the Aranui guides.