Overview

The Aranui 5’s signature voyage travels from Tahiti through the Tuamotu Islands to the remote Marquesas, visiting all six inhabited islands in the archipelago before returning via the Society Islands.

The Marquesas are wild, mountainous and steeped in Polynesian culture. Towering cliffs rise directly from the ocean, valleys conceal ancient ceremonial sites and small settlements preserve their own distinctive traditions, language and crafts.

Aranui 5 is a small mixed passenger and cargo vessel accommodating approximately 230 passengers across 103 cabins. The principal Marquesas itinerary is currently offered as a 12 day voyage, with guided shore excursions, meals and onboard activities forming part of the experience.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | TAHITI (PAPEETE) DEPARTURE NOON

Boarding: 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Day 2 | FAKARAVA (Tuamotu Archipelago)

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia.

The Aranui will disembark at the "Rotoava" pier. Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built out of coral, the local handicraft with a demonstration of the many uses of the coconut. Enjoy a day of relaxation, sun and beach, swimming or snorkeling among multicoloured tropical fish.

Optional activities: bike rentals, E-Bike.

12:00 pm Lunch on board and departure for the Marquesas Islands.

Day 3 | At Sea

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean as we sail to the fascinating Marquesas Islands.

Lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas Islands will take you 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! You'll likely spend many evenings socializing at the bar with your fellow adventurers from around the world. The spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukuleles, guitars and drums.

Before you go to bed, set your watch 30 minutes ahead as we switch to Marquesas time.

Day 4 | NUKU HIVA (Marquesas Archipelago)

While the Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas.

Taiohae Cove is the place where writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, and a friend jumped off a whaler in 1842.

After breakfast, the passengers will disembark to pick up the waiting 4WDs 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 banyans and petroglyphs.

Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere.

In the small village of Hatiheu, you can visit a museum that displays copies of petroglyphs from unexplored valleys. Your tour will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Return to the village of Taiohae, where you will also find banks and stores. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.

Optional activities: Exploration diving - certified (register at reception).

7pm: Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool or in the Restaurant, weather permitting.

Day 5 | UA POU (Marquesas Archipelago)

From the decks, you'll see the unique mountain spires of 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 carvers and artists, climb to the Cross for a breathtaking view of the mountains, lush valleys and main village.

Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a Marquesan staple with curried goat (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 UA POU "bird

dance".

Day 6 | HIVA OA (Marquesas Archipelago)

Arriving in Hiva Oa, explore Atuona, the second largest village 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 sad and famous “house of pleasure” and the Museum.

As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you will have stunning views of the Hanakee motu.  Under a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who was also seduced by Hiva Oa: the Belgian singer–

songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

Day 7 | PUAMAU - TAHUATA

The next day, the Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Puamau.

Puamau is a village on the northeast coast of the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas archipelago. Nestled between the sea and green mountains, it stands out for its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. The site is best known for being home to one of the largest and most impressive marae in the Marquesas: Tohua Me'ae lipona, a sacred place adorned with magnificent stone tikis, some of which are among the largest in all of Polynesia.

In the afternoon, we will head to the small island of Tahuata. Canoes will take you ashore. Disembarking on the small jetty at Vaitahu can be slippery. A visit to the church of Notre-Dame de l'Enfant Jésus, Captain Halley's tomb, and a small museum exhibiting archaeological finds is well worth your time. The path leading to the church takes you past a recent vanilla plantation.  Interesting bone carvings are on display in Vaitahu. A small local

market sells dried bananas, monoi oil, sandalwood, and vanilla.

Day 8 | FATU HIVA (Marquesas Archipelago)

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft center.

In the village of Omoa, the women will demonstrate how to make tapa by crushing the bark from mulberry, banyan or breadfruit trees, as well as how to make a floral bouquet, "Umuhei", a mixture made from the island's plants used to perfume their hair.

After visiting the village, the more athletic passengers can opt for a 10-mile hike that will take them from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the high cliffs. A picnic lunch will be served at the mountain top.

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

in the village for a demonstration of the making of coconut oil, "pani" and the scented towel, "aeu pipi". During our departure, partake in a farewell ceremony.

Day 9 | UA HUKA (Marquesas Archipelago)

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

In the early morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive maneuver, a 180 degree turn in the magnificent "Invisible Bay" of Vaipaee. A maneuver

that requires all the dexterity of the captain and crew is not to be missed.

On the dry of Ua Huka, visit the small museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art where our guides will immerse you in this ancient civilization. Continue in your 4x4 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 at a local family restaurant.

Discover some of the island's specialties, handicrafts, wood carvings, and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return to the boat by 4x4. For the

more spirited, a 2 mile walk back from the tree house awaits you. Be sure to be on deck as the Aranui will sail all along the coast of Ua Huka for more great views.

Day 10 | At Sea

A day to recover from the emotions experienced in 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, back to Tahiti time.

Day 11 | RANGIROA (Tuamotu Archipelago)

From the open decks, watch our approach and arrival into the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. We enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes.

Glass bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available. Scuba diving here is rated as one of the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy Rangiroa's white sand beach and translucent lagoon. The "mamas" stands 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 magical island of Bora Bora.

Day 12 | BORA BORA (Society Archipelago)

Upon arriving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic "Mount Otemanu", the highest peak on the island.

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 an additional cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and motorized canoe, swimming with sharks and rays!

Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on a 4X4 tour.

Departure in the evening for Papeete.

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

Start your onward journey home or extend your stay.

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