Discovering the Marquesas Islands

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 "Rotoava" dock. Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built of coral, the 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 on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our 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 comprehensive 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 spirited Polynesian crew will 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 are moving on 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 a buddy jumped off a whaling ship in 1842. After breakfast, passengers will disembark and take the 4×4 that will be waiting for them for the day's excursion. Our first stop will be a visit to the 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 tour will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Back in Taiohae village, you will also find banks and shops. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.
7 p.m.: Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or in the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.

From the bridges, you will see the mountain spires unique to Ua Pou. As the crew unloads supplies, cement, sugar, and loads sacks 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 up to the Cross for stunning views of the mountains, lush valleys, and the main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a Marquesan staple with curried goat cheese (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 "Bird Dance," traditional at UA POU.

The Aranui will anchor very early at the Tahauku wharf of Atuona, where you will have time to explore the village, 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 infamous "house of pleasure" and the Museum. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you'll get a great view 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.

The next day the Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Puamau. Puamau is a village on the north-east coast of the island of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas archipelago. Nestled between the sea and the green mountains, it stands out for its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere. The site is especially famous for being home to one of the largest and most impressive marae in the Marquesas: the Tohua Me'ae lipona, a sacred place adorned with magnificent stone tikis, some of which are among the largest in all of Polynesia.

This village, still preserved from mass tourism, reflects the Marquesan soul through its wild landscapes, its traditions and the warm welcome of its inhabitants. Puamau is therefore a must-see place to discover the history, culture and spirituality of the 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 tapas by crushing the bark of paper mulberry, banyan trees or breadfruit, as well as how to make 'Umuhei, a mixture based on the island's plants used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, the more athletic 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 summit. 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. Go ashore for a tour of the village and to welcome hikers.

This island, which saw the construction of the first airstrip in the Marquesas Islands in 1972, is largely arid and is 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 beautiful "Invisible Bay" of Vaipaee. A manoeuvre that requires all the dexterity of the captain and crew is not to be missed. Return to your 4×4 to explore the island, stopping for stunning views, visit the arboretum born from the passion of the island's former mayor, before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served in a local family restaurant. See some of the island's specialties, handicrafts, wood carvings, as well as engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return on board in a 4×4. For the more spirited, a 3km walk back from the arboretum awaits you. Be sure to be on deck as the Aranui will sail all the way along the coast of Ua Huka for more magnificent views.

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

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

From the bridges, watch as we approach and arrive in the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. You can spot playful dolphins greeting the Ship as we enter the Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes. The glass-bottom boat and scuba diving trips are available (registration at the reception). Scuba diving here is ranked as one of the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy the white sand beach of Rangiroa and the translucent lagoon. The local "mamas" will have an excellent display of shell necklaces, chains and key chains, 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 the world-famous lagoon of Bora Bora 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 optional activities, a variety of excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, lagoon tour by boat and 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 the circuit. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

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

Itineraries and activities are indicative and may be subject to change depending on weather conditions, cargo activity or availability.