Marquesas Islands

  • CAD $TBA

  • 13 Days / 12 Nights

See the people and landscapes that captivated Paul Gaugin on this cruise to the Marquesas Islands. You’ll sail to storied tropical locales, meeting the warm and welcoming locals and learning about their culture and customs on the way. Take in breathtaking scenery, and hike, snorkel, and swim to explore some of the world’s most remote islands.

Itinerary

Day Destination Activities
1 Papeete, Tahiti EMBARKATION
2 Fakarava
Tuamotu Archipelago
Explore the small village of Rotoava
Enjoy snorkelling, diving, or bird watching
3 At Sea Unwind on deck and take in stunning views
On board lectures and activities
4 Nuku Niva
(Taipivai – Hatiheu – Taiohae)
Visit the archaeological site and hiking, include a traditional performance of Marquesan Pig Dance
5 Ua Pou (Hakahau) Meet local artisans and hike up the nearby hill
Sample Marquesan staples and specialties
6 Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Tahuata (Vaitahu)
Learn about Tahuata’s fascinating history
See the village where Paul Gaugin lived
7 Hiva Oa (Paumau)
Tahuata (Kokuu)
Visit Mea’e Iipona to see incredible “tikis” and learn about the stories
8 Fatu Hiva
(Omoa – Hanavave)
Discover Omoa’s traditional way of life
See awe-inspiring Hanavave Bay
9 Ua Huka
(Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)
Explore the island visiting to local museum and villages
10 At Sea Unwind on deck and take in stunning views
On board lectures and activities
11 Rangiroa (Ohutu)
Tuamotu Archipelago
Go scuba diving or visit a pearl farm
Or, spend a lazy day on the white sand beach
12 Society Island
Bora Bora
Beach time and picnic
Choose from a variety of optional excursions
13 Papeete, Tahiti DISEMBARKATION

Papeete, Tahiti

Departure from Papeete dock.

Fakarava / Tuamotu Archipelago

Morning arrival in Fakarava. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, you will have time to discover the small village of Rotoava, the church, built of coral and the local arts and crafts. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon among the colorful ballet of tropical fish. Optional excursions, such as snorkeling or diving in the various passes or an outing to an islet for bird watching, are available at an additional cost.

At Sea

A day to unwind and relax on one of the sun decks or in the comfort of our air-conditioned lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the endless South Pacific Ocean as we make our way to the captivating Marquesas Islands.

Nuku Niva (Taipivai – Hatiheu – Taiohae)

The Aranui will anchor in Taipivai Bay in the morning. Following breakfast, passengers will disembark to meet the awaiting 4X4’s that will take them on the day’s excursion. Be aware, this will be a wet landing at the beach.

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

From the decks, you’ll see the soaring mountain spires unique to Ua Pou.

Hiva Oa (Atuona) / Tahuata (Vaitahu)

Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa in the morning, where you will have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his best work. You can visit the colonial store where he shopped, as well as a replica of his infamous “House of Pleasure” and the adjoining museum. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you’ll have sweeping views of the harbor. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also was seduced by Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

Hiva Oa (Paumau) / Tahuata (Kokuu)

In Puamau, travel by 4WD to the most incredible archaeological site for “tikis” (ancient, human-like religious stone sculptures) outside of Easter Island. Once you reach Mea’e Iipona, our knowledgeable guides will tell you the stories of these haunting statues of ancient times. Surrounded by beautifully lush grounds, the site is overwhelming and has a lot of what Polynesians call “mana” (spiritual power). Only a small part of the site has been restored and most of it is still buried under massive trees and rocks. After lunch on board, Aranui will set sail for Tahuata, where you can enjoy a lazy afternoon relaxing at the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)

This is the most lush and remote island of the Marquesas. The only access is by sea, since there is no airport on Fatu Hiva. It is also the island of “tapa” and you will discover all about this traditional cloth.

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

In the early morning light, the Aranui will arrive in Ua Huka. This is one arrival not-to-be-missed! The maneuver entering the small bay and positioning the vessel for departure is truly impressive.

At Sea

After an enchanting, enriching journey to the heart of Polynesian civilization, unwind or enjoy the various activities and lectures offered.

Rangiroa (Ohutu) / Tuamotu Archipelago

From the decks, watch our approach and arrival into French Polynesia’s largest atoll and the second largest in the world. You may spot playful dolphins greeting the ship as we enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa’s two channels.

Society Island / Bora Bora

Arriving in Bora Bora’s world famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by majestic Mount Otemanu, the island’s highest peak.

Papeete, Tahiti

Morning arrival in Papeete. Safe trip home with these memories.

Dates & Prices

Start/EndNightsSailing ScheduleStarting From
Papeete / Papeete12Scheduled Thursdays and Saturdays in January - December 2019$6,720
Papeete / Papeete12 Scheduled Thursdays and Saturdays in February - December 2020 $7,060

* Price per person based on double occupancy. Due to the dynamic nature of availability and pricing, please click here to contact us directly for sailing schedule and full pricing.

Ship Information

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Aranui 5

The Aranui 5 is a passenger and freighter cruise with unique trips from Tahiti to the Marquesas islands and Bora Bora. The ship was designed to deliver supplies and carry visitors to the most remote islands of the South Pacific.

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