Aranui cruise holiday to the Marquesas Islands

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Moorea 
• 11 nights Aranui cruise 
• 2 nights Bora Bora

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Tahiti

On arrival in Tahiti, you’ll be met and driven to the port for the short ferry journey to the neighbouring island of Moorea, where you’ll check in for two nights. Here, you can relax and get some sleep, so that you’re well-rested and ready to set off your exciting Marquesas Islands cruise in a few days time.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Moorea 

Spend a day relaxing on the paradise island of Moorea, before heading off on your cruise adventure tomorrow. However, if you're feeling up for it, Moorea a green wonderland is a just waiting to be explored. Take long hikes along jagged cliffs and swim in the clear blue waters of the lagoon where colourful fish and rays dart around.

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Depart on cruise

Early this morning, you’ll be met in the lobby and driven to the dock for your Aranui cruise.  

Please note that the exact itinerary of the cruise is different depending on whether you leave on a Sunday or Thursday. Whenever you depart, you will still visit the same islands, just in a different order.

Included: Transfers, cruise         

Day 5: Aranui Cruise - Fakarava

This morning, you’ll arrive in Fakarava. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, you’ll have time to discover the small village of Rotoava. You’ll visit the church, built entirely of coral, and learn about the local handicrafts. 

Afterwards, you can take a refreshing swim and go snorkelling in the translucent lagoon amongst the tropical fish. There are optional excursions available at an additional cost, such as snorkelling, diving in the various passes or bird-watching on a tiny islet. You’ll return to the Aranui by midday and continue with your cruise.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 6: Aranui Cruise – At Sea

Today, you can unwind on one of the sundecks or enjoy the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge. Sit back, relax and soak up the views of the endless South Pacific Ocean as you make your way towards the captivating Marquesas Islands.

Onboard, you can listen to lectures on Marquesan culture and history that will give you full insight into this ancient civilisation. During the cruise, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn how to move your hips like a true Tahitian!

You can spend your evenings socialising at the bar with your fellow adventurers from all 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 tonight, be sure to set your watch 30 minutes ahead for Marquesan time.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 7: Aranui Cruise – Nuku Hiva

This morning, the Aranui will anchor in Taipivai Bay. After breakfast, you’ll disembark the ship, where a fleet of 4X4s will be waiting to take you on an exciting excursion. You'll have a wet landing at the beach, so please bear this in mind!

First, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Mea’e Kamuihei, with its giant banyans and petroglyphs. Next, you’ll hike to the nearby Paeke site, which features paepae and large stone platforms where the Taipi built their houses. You’ll also watch a performance of the traditional Marquesan Pig Dance.

At lunchtime, you’ll get your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine. Here, the local specialities are cooked in an “Umu” - an underground oven where food simmers away for hours. There will be local musicians playing throughout the meal, provide a great ambience.

After lunch, you’ll visit a museum in the small village of Hatiheu that displays copies of petroglyphs from unexplored valleys. Your excursion will continue south to Taiohae, with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheatre dominated by towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls.

As the Aranui unloads its cargo, you can explore Taiohae, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, jumped a whaling ship in 1842. You can visit the cathedral or go the market to shop for handicrafts. You’ll also find banks, boutiques and an internet café here, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.

You can choose to return to the ship from the village on foot or by car – it’s entirely up to you.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 8: Aranui Cruise – Ua Pou

From the decks of the Aranui this morning, you’ll see the soaring mountain spires of Ua Pou. While the crew unloads supplies ranging from cement to sugar and sacks of copra (dried coconut meat), you can explore the quaint village of Hakahau.

While on Uo Pou, you’ll meet the island’s talented woodcarvers and artists and hike uphill to the Cross for breath-taking views over the mountains, lush valleys and main village. After a busy morning, you’ll stop for delicious Marquesan lunch of breadfruit with curried goat (one of the local specialities), Poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk), taro, and sweet red bananas. The excursion ends with an excellent dance performance that includes the Bird Dance, traditional to Ua Pou.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 9: Aranui Cruise – Hiva Oa

The Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa this morning, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in Marquesas. The impressionist Paul Gauguin lived here and created some of his best work. You can visit the colonial store where he shopped, see a replica of his infamous “House of Pleasure” and explore the adjoining museum.

As you walk uphill, you’ll have sweeping views of the harbour. In the cemetery at the top of the hill, beneath a large frangipani tree, you’ll find a tombstone with these simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby, you’ll also see the grave of Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, another famous European who also was seduced by Hiva Oa and died in 1978.

In the afternoon, the Aranui will anchor off Tahuata, a small leaf-shaped island, where the air is thick with the fragrant scent of frangipani and rich with history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed on Tahuata and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders in the village of Vaitahu, killing about 200 people. Tahuata is also the site of the first French settlement in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church built by the Vatican is decorated with beautiful Marquesan carvings and a stunning stained glass window.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 10: Aranui Cruise – Hiva Oa & Tahuata

Today, you’ll travel by 4WD to see the most incredible archaeological site for “tikis” (ancient, human-like religious stone sculptures) outside of Easter Island. Once you reach Mea’e Iipona, your expert guide will tell you the stories of these haunting statues.

Surrounded by beautifully lush grounds, the site is packed with atmosphere, so you’ll feel a lot of what Polynesians call “mana” (spiritual power). Only a small part of the site has been restored - most of it is still buried.

After lunch on board, the 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.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 11: Aranui Cruise – Fatu Hiva

Today, you’ll reach Fatu Hiva, the lushest and most remote island in the Marquesas. You can only access Fatu Hiva by sea, as there is no airport, and this means that little tourism reaches the island. It is also the island of “tapa”, and you’ll learn all about this traditional cloth during your visit. You’ll also meet local woodcarvers in the village craft centre.

In the tranquil village of Omoa, you’ll see women pounding mulberry, banyan or breadfruit tree bark on logs. The bark is then dried and used as a canvas for locals to paint ancient Marquesan designs. Fatu Hiva is also known for its hand-painted pareos (sarongs) and monoi, coconut oil infused with “Tiare Tahiti” blossoms, vanilla or sandalwood. It’s another excellent opportunity to purchase Marquesan art and souvenirs.

Before lunch, the Aranui will sail to jaw-dropping Hanavave Bay on the other side of the island, also known as the Bay of Virgins. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk across to Hanavave Bay, instead of sailing aboard the ship. It’s an unforgettable ten-mile hike from one side of the island to other, with breathtaking views of towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls. If you decide to hike, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch will be served at the top of a mountain (scale of difficulty 8/10).

Sunset in Hanavave Bay is a moment of pure bliss, so grab your favourite tipple and enjoy the gorgeous view.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 12: Aranui Cruise – Ua Huka

In the early morning, the Aranui will arrive in Ua Huka, and this is one arrival that you can't miss! The act of manoeuvring into the small bay is awe-inspiring. On the dry landscape of Ua Huka, you’ll visit the small museum of Vaiapee, located in the island’s city hall gardens. Here, you’ll see exquisite replicas of Marquesan art and the guides will tell you stories to bring this ancient civilisation alive.

Back in your 4WD, you’ll explore the island, stopping for stunning views of the Pacific on the way. You’ll spend time in the arboretum and botanical gardens, a passion project of the island’s former mayor.

Before long, you’ll reach the beautiful village of Hane, where lunch will be served at a local family restaurant. On Ua Huka, the wild horses brought from Chile in 1856 outnumber the inhabitants, so horseback riding is available (sign-up is required, and an additional cost applies). If you choose to go horseback riding, you’ll meet the rest of the group at the restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll continue discovering the island. You can visit the fishing village of Hokatu or hike up to one of Hane’s viewpoints, escorted by the ship’s guides. Alternatively, you can relax on the beach.

Be sure to get out on deck as the Aranui departs. As you sail along the coast of Ua Huka, you’ll see more and more gorgeous views unfold. You’ll end the brilliant day with a sumptuous buffet dinner served on deck, enjoying a Polynesian evening under the stars.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 13: Aranui Cruise – At Sea    

After an enchanting, enriching journey into the heart of Polynesian civilisation, you can spend today relaxing or enjoying the various activities and lectures available on board.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 14: Aranui Cruise - Rangiroa

From the decks of the Aranui, you can watch your arrival into French Polynesia’s largest atoll and the second largest in the world. You might even spot playful dolphins swimming alongside the ship as you enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa’s two channels. Snorkelling and scuba diving excursions are available here (sign-up is required, and an additional cost applies). Rangiroa is rated as one of the best places in the world for scuba diving, so you're in for a treat.

With their pristine natural environment and pure waters, the Tuamotu Atolls offer the ideal conditions for pearl farming. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a working pearl farm and learn all about how Tahiti’s famed ‘Jewel of the Sea’ is produced. If your dream is to bring home a Tahitian pearl, this is your chance.

If you would prefer not to book a tour here, you can enjoy Rangiroa’s white sand beach and translucent lagoon. The local “mamas” will have an excellent display of necklaces, key chains and other small souvenirs for sale on the beach.

In the afternoon, the Aranui will depart and sail to the iconic island of Bora Bora.

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 15: Aranui Cruise – Bora Bora         

Today, you’ll arrive in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon. Here, you’ll be greeted by iridescent blue and green waters, as well as sweeping views of majestic Mount Otemanu, the island’s highest peak. In this picture-perfect island paradise, you can enjoy an unbeatable day at the beach. At lunchtime, you’ll have a delicious picnic on a private “motu” islet surrounded by crystalline waters.

You can also choose from a variety of excursions at an additional cost. Set off on an island tour by boat or bus, try a helicopter flight or book a 4WD off-road trip. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try shark and ray feeding!

In the evening, the Aranui will leave and return to Tahiti overnight. You, however, will be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for two nights, to extend your time in the paradise of Bora Bora. 

Included: All meals, accommodation and touring as per cruise   

Day 16: Bora Bora

Spend the day relaxing at your luxurious hotel or head out to enjoy what this magical island has to offer. Explore Mount Otemanu on a guided hike or head to the main village of Vaitape and check out the local boutiques. There are many waters-based activities available including snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding and surfing. Or, why not take advantage of the facilities on offer and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, a real treat on your holiday in paradise.

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel    

Day 17: Depart French Polynesia

After breakfast, you’ll take the ferry back to Tahiti, where you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight home. On the way home, you’ll cross the International Date Line, so you’ll land in the UK two days later.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flight

Day 21: Arrive UK