Authentic Marquesas Discovery Cruise

Authentic Marquesas Discovery Cruise

Prices From £2,999pp
Year round | 11 nights

Authentic Marquesas Discovery Cruise

Aboard: Aranui 5

This authentic and truly remarkable voyage offers a rare and immersive journey into the heart and soul of Polynesia, sailing from Tahiti to the remote Marquesas Islands aboard a unique passenger-freighter ship that continues to serve as a vital lifeline for isolated communities. For more than 40 years, the operator has carried supplies, cargo and connection between Papeete and the far-flung Marquesas, offering travellers the chance to experience these mythical islands in a way few ever do.

Combining casual adventure, cultural immersion and spectacular South Pacific scenery, this 12-day cruise explores dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, ancient archaeological sites, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and welcoming island villages. Along the way, discover Polynesian music, dance, crafts and cuisine, meet skilled local artisans, learn about Marquesan history and traditions, and witness the daily rhythm of a working cargo vessel as it unloads supplies and returns laden with island produce.

Multiple departures available. 2027 trips will feature an extra day of exploration. Please enquire for full dates, rates and details.

Highlights

  • Discover the remote Marquesas Islands aboard a unique and wonderfully comfortable passenger-freighter and vital supply ship
  • Explore all six inhabited Marquesas Islands, each with its own landscapes, traditions and warm island welcome
  • Experience rich Polynesian culture through the ship’s Polynesian crew, local music, dance, crafts, cuisine and fascinating onboard talks
  • Visit ancient archaeological sites, dramatic volcanic bays, historic churches and villages shaped by Marquesan history
  • Enjoy the turquoise lagoons and beaches of Fakarava, Rangiroa and Bora Bora, with optional snorkelling and diving
  • Watch the Aranui at work as it delivers supplies to remote communities and takes on cargo for the return to Tahiti
  • See places connected to Paul Gauguin, Jacques Brel and Herman Melville, all drawn to the mystique of these islands

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation with 3 meals per day, and a bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals
  • Lunches in local restaurants
  • Planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites
  • Cultural dance shows, lecturers onsite and onboard
  • Taxes and port fees

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)
1Day

Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)

Your journey begins in Papeete, the vibrant capital of Tahiti, where you will board the Aranui 5 and settle into life aboard this distinctive passenger-freighter vessel. As the crew welcomes you on board, the ship prepares to leave the bustle of port behind and set sail into the vast blue expanse of the South Pacific.

This first stretch of navigation carries you towards the remote Tuamotu Archipelago, offering time to relax, explore the ship and ease into the rhythm of the voyage. As Tahiti fades into the distance, anticipation builds for the far-flung islands, dramatic landscapes and rich Polynesian culture that awaits.

Fakarava
2Day

Fakarava

Your first stop takes you to Fakarava, the second largest atoll in French Polynesia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its rare and carefully protected marine life. After a relaxed buffet breakfast on board, you will disembark at the dock in Rotoava, a peaceful village where island life unfolds at an unhurried pace.

Spend time exploring the coral-built church, browsing local handicrafts and learning about the many traditional uses of coconut. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the natural beauty of the atoll, whether relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm lagoon or snorkelling among colourful tropical fish in the clear turquoise waters.

At Sea
3Day

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we continue our crossing of the South Pacific towards the remote and fascinating Marquesas Islands. Spend time on the Pool Deck, unwind in the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge, or simply watch the endless ocean views as you settle fully into the pace of life on board.

Throughout the day, engaging lectures introduce the culture, history and ancient traditions of the Marquesas, offering valuable insight before your arrival in the islands. There will also be opportunities to join in with Polynesian dance, music and storytelling, as the crew share their way of life through ukulele, guitar, drums and song. Before retiring for the night, set your watch forward by 30 minutes as the ship changes to Marquesas time!

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)
4Day

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)

Today we in Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, where the Aranui 5 docks in Taiohae Bay to carry out cargo operations. This dramatic harbour, framed by steep volcanic cliffs, is also steeped in literary history as the place where Herman Melville, then a young sailor, famously jumped ship in 1842. After breakfast, set off by 4x4 for a full-day exploration of the island, beginning with Taiohae Cathedral and time to browse the local market for Marquesan handicrafts.

Continue to the archaeological site of Tohua Kamuihei, where giant banyan trees, ancient stone platforms and petroglyphs offer a powerful introduction to the island’s deep cultural heritage. A traditional Marquesan lunch is served with local music, before your route continues through spectacular landscapes of valleys, waterfalls and volcanic ridges. Returning to Taiohae, there may be time to visit the village’s shops before heading back to the ship, where the evening brings a lively Polynesian celebration with a buffet around the pool or in the restaurant, depending on the weather.

Ua Pou (Hakahau)
5Day

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

This morning brings you to Ua Pou, one of the most visually striking islands in the Marquesas, where extraordinary basalt pinnacles rise sharply above the landscape. As the Aranui 5 unloads supplies and takes on cargo such as copra and fruit, you can step ashore in the village of Hakahau to explore its peaceful streets, visit the church with its hand-carved wooden platform and meet some of the island’s gifted sculptors and artisans.

Those who wish can walk up to the Croix viewpoint for beautiful panoramas across the mountains, valleys and village below. Later, enjoy another memorable Marquesan lunch featuring local specialities such as breadfruit, goat curry, taro, red bananas and raw fish marinated in lemon and coconut milk. The day is further enriched by a traditional dance performance, including Ua Pou’s graceful and distinctive bird dance.

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)
6Day

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

Early this morning, the Aranui 5 arrives at Ua Huka, a rugged and largely arid island known for its wild horses, goats and pigs. In the beautiful “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee, the ship performs an impressive 180-degree manoeuvre, a remarkable display of skill from the captain and crew and a memorable moment to watch from deck.

Heading ashore by 4x4, you will explore the island’s dramatic scenery, stopping for sweeping viewpoints before visiting the arboretum, created through the passion of a former island mayor. Continue to the attractive village of Hane, where lunch is served in a local family restaurant, with time to discover Ua Huka’s specialities, handicrafts, wood carvings and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return to the ship by 4x4, or take the more active option of a scenic 3km walk from the arboretum, before the Aranui cruises along the coast for further magnificent views.

Tahuata (Vaitahu) – Hiva Oa (Atuona)
7Day

Tahuata (Vaitahu) – Hiva Oa (Atuona)

This morning the Aranui 5 anchors off Tahuata, a small, leaf-shaped island accessible only by sea. In the village of Vaitahu, fragrant with tiare, frangipani and history, you will discover a village shaped by both Polynesian tradition and European contact, from the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1595 to the establishment of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. Visit the striking church, richly decorated with Marquesan carvings and beautiful stained glass, and browse the village’s renowned bone and helmet shell sculptures.

After lunch on board, continue to Hiva Oa and the village of Atuona, forever associated with Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel. Travelling by 4x4, visit Tohua Ta'oa, one of the largest archaeological sites in the Marquesas, before exploring places linked to Gauguin’s final years, including the museum and a replica of his famous “House of Pleasure”. A walk up to the hillside cemetery offers sweeping views towards Hanakee motu, as well as the simple graves of Gauguin and Brel, both drawn to the powerful beauty of Hiva Oa.

Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)
8Day

Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)

Today you discover Fatu Hiva, the most remote and lush of the Marquesas Islands, celebrated for its dramatic scenery and rich craft traditions. In the village of Omoa, local women demonstrate the making of tapa cloth, created by beating the bark of paper mulberry, banyan or breadfruit trees, as well as ‘umuhei, a fragrant herbal blend traditionally used to perfume the hair.

After exploring the village, active guests can choose a challenging 15km hike from Omoa to Hanavave, rewarded with breathtaking views of towering cliffs and wild island landscapes, with lunch served en-route. Those not joining the hike will continue by ship to Hanavave and the spectacular Bay of Virgins, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, before going ashore to visit the village and welcome the hikers at the end of their walk.

At Sea
9Day

At Sea

After several richly rewarding days in the Marquesas, today is a chance to relax and reflect as the Aranui 5 begins her crossing back towards the beautiful Tuamotu Archipelago. Spend time at leisure on board, whether enjoying the ocean views, resting after your island explorations or simply soaking up the easy rhythm of life at sea.

Throughout the day, a programme of talks and activities offers further insight into the culture, nature and traditions of French Polynesia. As evening falls, settle in for another night on the South Pacific and remember to set your watch back by 30 minutes as we return to Tahiti time.

Rangiroa
10Day

Rangiroa

This morning, watch from deck as the Aranui 5 approaches Rangiroa, the largest atoll in French Polynesia and one of the largest in the world. As the ship enters Tiputa Pass, keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the channel before stepping ashore to enjoy the atoll’s white sand beach, clear lagoon and relaxed island atmosphere. Optional glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions may also be available here, with Rangiroa regarded as one of the world’s outstanding dive destinations for certified divers.

Local craft stalls on the beach offer shell jewellery, key chains and small souvenirs before the Aranui departs around lunchtime and continues towards Bora Bora.

Please note: On selected departures, the ship may instead visit Makatea, a raised coral atoll with a fascinating phosphate mining history, where you can explore the island on foot or by vehicle, discover caves and old mining remains, and enjoy a picnic beneath the cliffs or by the beach before sailing on towards the Society Islands.

Bora Bora
11Day

Bora Bora

Arrive into the world-famous lagoon of Bora Bora, where vivid shades of blue and green surround the island and Mount Otemanu rises majestically above the water. This is one of the South Pacific’s most iconic settings, and today is yours to enjoy its classic island beauty, with time on the beach and a barbecue on the private motu of Motu Tapu, encircled by crystal-clear lagoon waters.

For those wishing to explore further, optional activities may include scuba diving, boat or canoe excursions across the lagoon, or the chance to swim with sharks and rays. Bora Bora also holds traces of its World War II history, with old cannons and bunkers still visible on some island circuits. In the evening, the Aranui 5 departs for the return journey to Papeete.

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)
12Day

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

As your remarkable voyage through the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands comes to a close, this morning the Aranui 5 returns to Papeete. After days of remote island landings, dramatic volcanic scenery, rich Polynesian culture and warm encounters with local communities, you will disembark in Tahiti and bid “Nānā” (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian crew and the local guides who have shared their knowledge, music, traditions and hospitality throughout the journey.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Aranui 5
Mid range vessel

Aranui 5

Blending the spirit of adventure with authentic Polynesian charm, the Aranui 5 is a unique passenger-freighter designed to explore the remote islands of French Polynesia. Carrying up to 230 guests, this custom-built vessel combines the comfort of a small cruise ship with the working purpose of a supply ship, delivering goods to the far-flung Marquesas Islands. With eight decks and interiors inspired by Polynesian heritage, Aranui 5 offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests can experience both the culture and daily life of the region in a truly immersive way.

On board, a range of inviting spaces includes a restaurant serving relaxed, communal meals, multiple lounges and bars, including a panoramic Sky Bar, alongside a pool, spa, fitness room, and even a tattoo studio. Accommodation spans from simple shared cabins to spacious suites with private balconies, providing options for every style of traveller. Lectures and cultural presentations enrich the journey, while the ship’s dual role ensures a deeper connection with the islands visited. The Aranui 5 delivers a one-of-a-kind voyage, where exploration, culture, and community come together in the heart of the South Pacific.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Polynesian Islands adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

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Outside the uk
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Call us
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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