French Polynesia Adventure Cruise
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14 days | French Polynesia | Expedition Cruise
Explore French Polynesia’s enchanting Marquesas Islands aboard the custom-built Aranui 5. Beginning and ending in Tahiti, you will sail over 1200 kilometres to the most spectacular and remote islands in French Polynesia. The Marquesas’ six inhabited islands are so remote that the Aranui 5 is their lifeline to the outside world, bringing supplies and picking up copra, dried coconut and noni fruit. The vessel makes 14 stops, so there is plenty of time to explore. Visitors are very rare and very welcome in these untouched islands, which have few roads or cars.
The first view of the Marquesas is the mountain spires of Ua Pou, “volcanic needles like the pinnacles of some ornate church,” as Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in 1880. Whenever the Aranui 5 docks, villagers gather on the pier to greet us. As the crew unloads supplies —from cement to sugar—and loads sacks of copra (dried coconut meat), local guides bring you to meet traditional artists and take you on breathtaking hikes to hidden jungle ruins. You’ll never forget sailing into Nuku Hiva’s spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheatre dominated by towering cliffs streaked with majestic waterfalls. Hiva Oa is where Paul Gauguin’s search for an unspoiled island ended.
This artist with a lust for life painted his final masterpieces here. Even though Fatu Hiva is a centre of Marquesan culture, Aranui passengers usually are the only visitors to this remote, verdant island. You’ll see artists painting ancient designs on Tapa cloth, making pareos (sarongs) and monoi, coconut oil scented with tiare blossoms. On Ua Huka, the wild horses outnumber the 300 residents. These are just some of the amazing experiences that await you on this freighter to paradise.
Tour Cost (per person):
From US$4680 per person (based on 2 travellers)
Group Size:
On board a 254 passenger ship
What’s included: Accommodation based on double occupancy, transportation, all meals while cruising on Aranui 5, sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guide, entrance fees to sites visited with your guide, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board, house wine served during dinner, activities on board.
"The islands are lush and absolutely stunning!"
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Activity |
| 1 | Arrive Papeete, Tahiti |
| 2 | Embark the Aranui 5 and set sail to the Marquesas Islands |
| 3 | Tuamotu Archipelago - Fakarava (Rotoava) |
| 4 | At Sea |
| 5 | Hiva OA (Puamau) & Tahuata (Vaitahu) |
| 6 | Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) |
| 7 | Ua Pou (Hakahau) |
| 8 | Hiva Oa (Atuona) & Tahuata (Koku’u) |
| 9 | Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave) |
| 10 | Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu) |
| 11 | At Sea |
| 12 | Tuamotu Archipelago - Rangiroa |
| 13 | Society Islands - Bora Bora |
| 14 | Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti |
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Ship Information
Aranui 5 is a new custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 14 day all-inclusive cruise. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.
With 8 different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting.
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