Aranui 5: Marquesas Islands – The Journey of a Lifetime 12-Day Cruise 2026

Depart from Papeete in the afternoon, with a warm welcome from our crew as you begin your journey through the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second-largest atoll in French Polynesia. After breakfast onboard, the Aranui will arrive at the dock of Rotoava, where passengers will have time to discover the small village, the coral-built church, local handicrafts, and a demonstration showcasing the many uses of the coconut.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, or exploring the lagoon among colourful tropical fish.

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or enjoy the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge. Alternatively, simply admire the breathtaking views of the South Pacific Ocean during your crossing to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas Islands will take you back in time and provide insight into this ancient civilisation. During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn traditional Tahitian dance movements. The vibrant Polynesian crew proudly shares their way of life, entertaining guests with Polynesian songs and rhythms played on ukuleles, guitars, and drums.

Before going to bed, set your watch 30 minutes forward as we switch to Marquesas Time.

While the Aranui is unloading cargo, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas Islands. Taiohae Bay is where writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, and his companion jumped ship from a whaler in 1842.

After breakfast, passengers will disembark and board the waiting 4WD vehicles for the day’s excursion. The first stop is Taiohae Cathedral, where you can visit the church or explore the local market to purchase handicrafts.

Continue to the archaeological site of Tohua Kamuihei, featuring giant banyan trees and ancient petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch, accompanied by local music to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

The excursion continues south towards Taiohae, offering spectacular views of the bay, a giant volcanic amphitheatre, and towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls.

Upon returning to Taiohae village, you will have time to visit local shops and facilities. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by vehicle.

7:00 pm: Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool on Deck 7 or in the Restaurant on Deck 4, depending on weather conditions.

From the decks, you will admire the unique mountain peaks of Ua Pou. While the crew unloads supplies such as cement and sugar, and loads bags of copra (dried coconut) and fresh fruit, explore the picturesque village of Hakahau and its church featuring a beautifully hand-carved wooden platform.

Meet the island’s talented sculptors and artists, or climb to the Croix viewpoint for stunning views over the mountains, lush valleys, and the main village.

Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served, featuring local specialities such as breadfruit, a staple ingredient of the Marquesas Islands, goat curry, raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, taro, and red bananas.

Enjoy an excellent cultural performance, including the traditional “bird dance” of Ua Pou.

This island, which saw the construction of the first airstrip in the Marquesas Islands in 1972, is largely arid and home to many wild horses, goats, and pigs.

Early in the morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive 180-degree turn in the beautiful “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee. This manoeuvre, requiring the skill and precision of the captain and crew, is a sight not to be missed.

Return to your 4WD vehicle to explore the island, stopping at scenic viewpoints and visiting the arboretum created through the passion and dedication of the island’s former mayor. Continue to the beautiful village of Hane, where lunch will be served at a local family restaurant.

Discover local specialities, handicrafts, wooden carvings, and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return onboard by 4WD vehicle.

For more adventurous guests, a 3-kilometre walk from the arboretum is available. Be sure to remain on deck as the Aranui sails along the coast of Ua Huka, offering more spectacular views.

The Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Tahuata. The island is only accessible by sea, as there is no airport on Tahuata.

On this leaf-shaped island, the air is filled with the scent of the Tiare Tahiti flower, frangipani, and history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed in the village of Vaitahu and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing approximately 200 people. Tahuata was also the site of the first French settlement in the Marquesas Islands in 1842.

The large church built by the Vatican is decorated with beautiful Marquesan sculptures and magnificent stained-glass windows symbolising the Virgin Mary.

Tahuata is famous for its exquisite bone and helmet shell carvings, with plenty of unique handicrafts available to purchase in the village.

After lunch onboard, the Aranui arrives at Hiva Oa, where you will have time to explore Atuona, the second-largest village in the Marquesas Islands.

This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created part of his artwork. By 4WD vehicle, visit the largest archaeological site in the Marquesas Islands, Tohua Ta’oa.

You may also visit the colonial store where Gauguin purchased his bread, a replica of his famous “House of Pleasure”, and the museum dedicated to his life and work.

A walk up the hill to the cemetery rewards you with breathtaking views over Hanakee Motu. Beneath a large frangipani tree is the simple tombstone of Paul Gauguin (1903). Nearby is the tomb of another famous European artist who was captivated by Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who passed away in 1978.

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote island of the Marquesas Islands, is also a centre for traditional Marquesan crafts.

In the village of Omoa, local women will demonstrate the traditional art of making tapa cloth by beating the bark of paper mulberry, banyan, or breadfruit trees. You will also discover the preparation of ‘Umuhei, an island herbal blend traditionally used to perfume hair.

After visiting the village, more active passengers can choose a challenging 15-kilometre hike from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs and valleys. Lunch will be served along the way.

Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui from Omoa to Hanavave, passing through Virgin Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Visit the village and welcome the hikers upon their arrival.

A day to relax and recover from the unforgettable experiences of the Marquesas Islands.

During the crossing back towards the beautiful islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago, lectures and activities will be offered throughout the day.

Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes as we return to Tahiti Time.

Rangiroa:
From the decks, observe your arrival at the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second-largest atoll in the world. As the Aranui enters Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa’s famous channels, you may be greeted by playful dolphins.

Glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (registration required at reception). The diving in Rangiroa is considered among the best in the world (for certified divers only).

Alternatively, relax on the white-sand beach and enjoy the crystal-clear lagoon. Local “mamas” will offer beautiful shell necklaces, chains, keyrings, and other handmade souvenirs for purchase.

The Aranui will depart around lunchtime and continue sailing towards the legendary island of Bora Bora.

Makatea (V11, V12, V22):
The Aranui offers the opportunity to explore the remains of Makatea’s historic phosphate mining industry, including caves and former mining sites. Discover this raised coral island on foot or by vehicle, and enjoy a picnic beneath the cliffs or on the beach. A raised atoll or exogenous atoll, Makatea is a type of atoll or coral island whose whole or part of the earth is composed of an ancient coral reef that has emerged.

The term Makatea refers to a type of raised atoll with in its center, the remains of the ancient volcanic island. This term is also used to refer specifically to escarpments of coral origin encountered in all types of raised atolls. Makatea is also the name of a coral island located in the Tuamotu archipelago (French Polynesia), where a phosphate deposit was mined from 1917.

After a picnic on land, the Aranui will sail along the coast of Makatea before continuing its journey to the islands of the Society.

Arriving in the world-famous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its breathtaking shades of blue and emerald green, you will be welcomed by the majestic Mount Otemanu, the island’s highest peak.

In this tropical paradise, enjoy a relaxing day at the beach and a barbecue lunch on a private motu surrounded by crystal-clear waters, Motu Tapu.

You can also choose from a range of optional activities at an additional cost, including scuba diving, lagoon cruises by boat or canoe, and swimming with sharks and rays.

Bora Bora was once an American military outpost during World War II, and remnants of this history, including cannons and bunkers, can still be seen around the island.

Depart in the evening for Papeete.

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