Aranoa Austral Islands Cruise

Aranoa: Discover the Austral Islands

Aranoa Cruise - 13 Days / 12 Nights On Board

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Image Copyright Aranui Cruises + Lionel Gouverneur

Explore the remote Austral Islands aboard the new Aranoa passenger and cargo vessel.
Visit Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuai, Rapa and Raivavae, alongside Moorea, Raiatea and Bora Bora.
Experience Rapa, one of French Polynesia’s most isolated and beautifully preserved islands.
Discover dramatic volcanic landscapes, deep bays, pristine lagoons and white-sand beaches.
Receive traditional island welcomes accompanied by flower garlands, music, dancing and Polynesian hospitality.
Learn about local crafts, including pandanus weaving, reed basket-making and traditional shell necklaces.
Sample regional dishes and enjoy traditional island feasts prepared by local communities.
Look for Rimatara’s colourful and endemic ‘Ura’ lorikeet.
Visit archaeological sites, ancient marae and the Smiling Tiki of Raivavae.
Explore UNESCO-listed Taputapuatea, the spiritual heart of the Polynesian Triangle.
Enjoy guided walks, island tours and optional snorkelling, diving and lagoon excursions.
Spend a memorable beach day on a private motu in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon.

The Aranoa voyage begins and ends in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. There are no direct flights from the UK to French Polynesia, so the journey requires at least one connection.

Because of the distance, connections and time-zone change, we recommend arriving in Tahiti at least one or two nights before embarkation. This provides time to recover from the journey and offers some protection against delays or missed connections. An additional stay in Tahiti, Moorea or another Society Island can also be added before or after the cruise.

Ask us for competitive fares.

Vessel particulars:

Length: 116 m. Breadth: 21 m.
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Propellers: 2
Capacity: 198 passengers – 91 cabins

Equipment:

2 restaurants & 2 bars
1 fitness room
2 outside whirlpools
1 shop
1 massage room
1 tatoo area
2 lifts

Post Disembarkation

Group transfer from ship to airport, hotel, or central location (please note we cannot drop at Airbnbs or private homes, which are often inaccessible for our transfer vehicles)

LENGTH: 13 days and 12 nights

Prices from: £4,730 pp in a standard stateroom (no balcony). Price based on two people sharing.

Contact us for departure dates and alternative cabin rates.

Price Includes: 3 meals per day, scheduled Aranoa shore excursions with French, English and German speaking guides. A bottle of wine between 4 passengers during onboard lunches and dinners, water/coffee/tea, cultural performances, WiFi available during specific hours and 2 laundry services.

13-Day Voyage

Sail from Tahiti to the remote Austral Islands before returning through the beautiful Society Islands, with calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora. Please see below for the detailed itinerary

Unique Working Vessel

Travel aboard Aranoa, a comfortable passenger and cargo ship providing an essential connection between Tahiti and the isolated communities of the Austral Islands.

Remote Islands

Explore Rurutu, Rimatara, Tubuai, Rapa and Raivavae—little-visited islands known for their wild landscapes, traditional communities and distinctive Polynesian culture.

Authentic Encounters

Meet islanders, enjoy traditional welcomes and discover local food, music, dancing, weaving, handicrafts and customs passed down through generations.

Overview

Launching in 2027, the Aranoa will bring the same distinctive passenger-and-cargo concept to the Austral Islands, around 600 kilometres south of Tahiti.

Among the least visited islands in French Polynesia, the Australs are known for their intense blue lagoons, white-sand beaches, dramatic mountains, caves, traditional craftsmanship and deeply rooted Polynesian culture. The itinerary introduces islands including Rimatara, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rurutu. Selected sailings also travel to exceptionally remote Rapa, while other departures include an additional call at Huahine or Maupiti.

Designed with contemporary comforts and technology intended to limit its environmental impact, the Aranoa will operate 13-day, 12-night voyages from 2027. It will also deliver essential goods and support trade between the islands, allowing passengers to witness a living connection between communities across this remote part of the Pacific.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | PAPEETE & MOOREA

PAPEETE - DEPARTURE 12:00

Embarkation: 07:00-09:00

MOOREA - ARRIVAL 14:00

Close to Tahiti, and therefore known as Tahiti's sister island, Moorea forms part of the Society Islands. This distinctive destination is shaped by Cook

Bay and Opunohu Bay, separated by Mount Rotui, giving the island its characteristic trident outline. Formerly known as 'Eimeo', Moorea is often

described as an ideal place to pause and escape, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation and exceptionally rich lagoons.

Days 2 & 3 | RURUTU

On the second day, a flower-filled welcome accompanied by Polynesian songs and rhythms played on ukuleles, guitars and drums awaits.

Climb aboard the island trucks to discover Rurutu's wonders: basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves once inhabited by islanders, lush tropical

jungle, white-sand beaches and magnificent bays. The fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing coffee and taro.

A traditional Rurutu meal will be served at the mayor's residence, including the ceremonial opening of the 'umu'ai'. There will also be time to enjoy Vitaria's white-sand beach.

Rurutu is renowned throughout Polynesia for its exceptional weaving, including beautiful hats, bags, baskets and mats made from pandanus leaves and other natural materials.

With Aranoa anchored offshore, passengers go ashore by barge at Moerai quay after lunch on board, with free time to explore the peaceful village.

Day 4 | RIMATARA - Austral Islands

Aranoa docks at Taanini quay. A small, circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara was the last island in the archipelago to be encountered by Europeans,

when Captain Samuel Pinder Henry arrived in the 19th century. It has retained its old traditions and its own dialect. It is also home to the endemic and strikingly colourful Kuhl's lorikeet, known locally as the 'Ura', which is also found in the Cook Islands.

After passing through purifying smoke as part of an ancient welcome tradition, set off by bus to discover the main villages. In Amaru's old seaside cemetery lie generations of Rimatara's kings and queens. An old legend warns visitors never to pull faces at the royal tomb, or risk remaining disfigured for the rest of their lives.

The crystal-clear waters of Motuaura Beach invite swimming and snorkelling. Covered with taro fields and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flourishing garden with its own freshwater well.

An optional excursion offers the chance to look for the red 'Ura' lorikeet and visit the 'navel of Rimatara'.

Day 5 | TUBUAI - Austral Islands

Tubuai is the most populated of the Austral Islands, and its lagoon is said to be among the most beautiful in The Islands of Tahiti.

Arriving by barge at Bloody Bay landing, passengers are greeted with flower garlands and the sound of ukuleles. The island's fertile soil and cooler climate are particularly suited to growing cabbages, lettuce and potatoes.

The day's activities include a truck tour of the island's cultural sites and the Hari Ta'ata marae. Lunch is served beneath the large marquee at the

town hall, where local handicrafts can also be enjoyed.

Optional activities include a 4x4 island tour and a boat excursion to discover eight motu.

Day 6 | AT SEA

Spend the day relaxing on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge. Alternatively, simply admire the South Pacific as the ship continues its voyage. Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands provide a fuller understanding of this civilisation.

Throughout the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew proudly share their way of life and entertain guests with songs and rhythms played on ukuleles, guitars and drums.

Day 7 | RAPA - Austral Islands

Rapa is the most unspoilt and isolated island in the Austral archipelago. Crescent-shaped, its coastline is cut by 12 deep bays. The climate is temperate; there is no coral and there are no coconut palms, but apples, peaches, nectarines and other non-tropical produce thrive here.

Aranoa docks at the village of Ahurei, where passengers are welcomed with flower garlands and the distinctive songs and rhythms of Rapa. A truck takes you to the cultural centre to see how the 'mamas' create local handicrafts, including hats and baskets woven from mountain reeds - a rich and difficult material called 'kakae' in the local language.

Visit the island's small historical museum and learn about methods used to cultivate the local taro known as 'roki'. Cultural workshops include making

taro-based 'popoi' and weaving reed baskets. A local meal is served at the Temotouri quay cultural centre. A 2.5-hour walk to Fort Morongo Uta is

also offered.

Days 8 & 9 | RAIVAVAE - Austral Islands

Raivavae is sometimes described as 'the Bora Bora of former times', with numerous motu surrounding the island. Lovingly protected by its inhabitants, this island is a true Garden of Eden.

Aranoa anchors offshore and passengers go ashore by barge at Rairua quay, welcomed with flower garlands, songs and Raivavae rhythms. A bus tour visits the Smiling Tiki and marae scattered around the island. Local people offer a taste of giant clam, an island speciality, followed by a typical Raivavae buffet in Rairua village.

The remaining time is free to explore the village.

On the second day, walkers set off for Heirani Point while non-walkers enjoy free time in the village and can discover island handicrafts, particularly 'Pupu' shell necklaces.

Optional excursions visit Vaiamanu motu, better known as the 'Swimming Pool Motu', and the coral garden.

Day 10 | AT SEA

Relax on the Pool Deck or in the air-conditioned lounge, or simply enjoy views across the South Pacific as Aranoa returns towards the Society Islands.

Day 11 | RAIATEA - Society Islands

Within the Polynesian Triangle, Raiatea - formerly known as Havai'i - is regarded as the cradle of Polynesian civilisation. As the first Polynesian island settled by seafarers and navigators, it was the starting point for migrations towards the triangle's three corners: New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island.

Aranoa docks alongside and passengers are welcomed with a tiare flower behind the ear to the sound of to'ere drums. Buses depart for Taputapuatea, the Polynesian Triangle's most impressive marae. This 1,000-year-old open-air temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the religious and spiritual centre of Polynesia.

Optional activities include a canoe trip on the Faaroa River to discover endemic plants, fruit trees and palms, certified diving, and a tour of Tahaa.

After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to explore Uturoa, its shops and handicraft stalls on the quay.

Day 12 | BORA BORA - Society Islands

Entering Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon, with its opalescent blues and greens, you are greeted by majestic Mount Otemanu, the island's highest

peak.

Enjoy a beach day and barbecue on private Motu Tevairoa, surrounded by crystal-clear water.

Optional excursions, available at additional cost, include scuba diving, a lagoon boat tour and swimming with sharks and rays. Bora Bora served as a US military outpost during the Second World War, and remains including guns and bunkers can be seen on a tour. Evening departure for Papeete.

Day 13 | TAHITI (PAPEETE) - ARRIVAL 7A.M

Start your onward journey home or extend your stay.