Marquesas Arts Festival 2027

Marquesas Arts Festival 2027

Prices From £3,524pp
14 DEC, 2027 | Up to 12 nights

Marquesas Arts Festival 2027

Aboard: Aranoa Aranui 5

This special Marquesas Arts Festival voyage offers a rare opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Polynesia at one of the region’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. Sailing aboard either the Aranui 5 or Aranoa, this authentic passenger-freighter journey travels from Tahiti through the Tuamotu and Society Islands to the remote Marquesas, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient traditions and warm island communities create an unforgettable South Pacific adventure.

Timed to coincide with the famous Marquesas Arts Festival, the voyage places culture firmly at the centre of the experience. In Hiva Oa, enjoy traditional dance performances, artisan demonstrations, museum visits and the Kaikai Katahi communal feast, before continuing to remote villages, archaeological sites, sacred marae, turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches. Throughout the journey, the Polynesian crew help bring the islands to life through music, storytelling, hospitality and a deep connection to this extraordinary part of the Pacific.

This itinerary shows the route taken aboard the Aranoa departing on 14th December 2027. The Aranui 5 departure will chart a similar course but will be a 13 night trip which will depart one day earlier, on 13th December 2027.

Highlights

  • Experience the famous Marquesas Arts Festival, with traditional dance, artisan demonstrations and island celebrations 
  • Join the Kaikai Katahi feast and enjoy a memorable celebration of Marquesan food, music and community
  • Sail aboard a unique passenger-freighter ship linking remote communities with the outside world
  • Discover the mythical Marquesas Islands, where dramatic cliffs, lush valleys and ancient archaeological sites await
  • Explore Hiva Oa, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva and Nuku Hiva, each rich in history, crafts and Polynesian tradition 
  • Enjoy the turquoise lagoons and beaches of Fakarava, Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Raiatea, with optional snorkelling and diving
  • Visit sacred Taputapuatea, a UNESCO-listed marae and one of Polynesia’s most important spiritual sites 
  • Travel with a Polynesian crew who share their culture through music, dance, stories and warm island hospitality

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 either the Aranui 5 or the Aranoa and settle into life aboard a 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!

Hiva Oa - Marquesas Festival
4Day

Hiva Oa - Marquesas Festival

Today your voyage reaches Hiva Oa, where the Marquesas Arts Festival offers a vivid, unique and memorable immersion into the culture of the islands. In Atuona, the morning is filled with the energy of traditional dance performances by young islanders, alongside craft stands, artisan demonstrations and opportunities to visit the island’s museums.

At midday, the Kaikai Katahi brings everyone together for a grand communal feast, showcasing culinary specialities from across the Marquesas. As evening falls, the festival atmosphere continues with powerful adult dance performances, offering a deeper connection to the rhythm, identity and living traditions of the Marquesan people before your ship departs by night.

Hiva Oa (Atuona)
5Day

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Enjoy more time on Hiva Oa today as you explore Atuona, the second largest village in the Marquesas and a place forever associated with French artist Paul Gauguin. Travelling by 4x4, visit Tohua Taa'oa, the largest archaeological site in the Marquesas, where ancient stone platforms offer a powerful insight into the island’s deep cultural heritage.

You may also visit places linked to Gauguin’s final years, including the colonial store where he bought his bread, the museum, and a replica of his famous “House of Pleasure”. A walk up to the hillside cemetery rewards you with sweeping views towards Hanakee motu, as well as the simple graves of Gauguin and Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, both of whom were captivated by the beauty and spirit of Hiva Oa.

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Kokuu Beach)
6Day

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Kokuu Beach)

This morning you discover another side of Hiva Oa with a visit to the Puamau Valley, often considered one of the island’s most culturally significant places. At the atmospheric archaeological site of I'ipona, set beneath the slopes of Toea Peak, ancient tiki figures stand among the stones, including Takaii, the largest tiki in French Polynesia, and the striking recumbent figure of Makii Taua te Pepe.

In the afternoon, your ship anchors off Tahuata, a small leaf-shaped island accessible only by sea. Fragrant with tiare and frangipani, the island holds a complex history, from the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1595 to the establishment of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. Visit the richly decorated church, admire Marquesan carvings and stained glass, and browse the village’s beautiful bone and helmet shell sculptures before returning to the ship.

Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)
7Day

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.

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)
8Day

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)

Today we arrive in Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, where the ship 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.

At Sea
9Day

At Sea

After several richly rewarding days in the Marquesas, today is a chance to relax and reflect as we begin our 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 go back to Tahiti time.

Rangiroa
10Day

Rangiroa

This morning, watch from deck as the ship 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.

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.

Raiatea
12Day

Raiatea

Your last stop takes you to Raiatea, once known as Havai'i and considered the cradle of Polynesian civilisation. Deeply significant within the Polynesian Triangle, this sacred island is believed to be the starting point for migrations towards Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. As your ship docks, you will be welcomed ashore with the sounds of the to'ere and the warmth of local tradition.

Your visit includes Taputapuatea, a remarkable 1,000-year-old marae and UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as one of the most important spiritual and ceremonial centres in Polynesia. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Uturoa, Raiatea’s main town, with time to browse handicrafts along the quayside before returning to the ship for your final night on board.

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)
13Day

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

As your remarkable voyage through the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands comes to a close, this morning the ship 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

Aranoa
Luxury vessel

Aranoa

Set to launch in 2027, the Aranoa is the latest evolution of Aranui Cruises’ unique passenger-freighter concept, blending decades of experience with a fresh, contemporary approach to small-ship travel. Carrying up to 198 guests across 91 cabins, this custom-built vessel offers an intimate and immersive way to explore the lesser-known islands of French Polynesia. Combining modern design with authentic Polynesian hospitality, Aranoa continues the brand’s tradition of warm, community-focused cruising while introducing enhanced comfort and a strong commitment to sustainability through advanced, eco-efficient technology.

On board, guests will find a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with thoughtfully designed spaces including two restaurants, bars, a lounge, spa, fitness room, and outdoor whirlpools. Accommodation ranges from comfortable staterooms to spacious suites with private balconies, offering bright, well-appointed retreats after each day ashore. Sailing primarily to the unspoiled Austral Islands, as well as select voyages to remote atolls and Pitcairn, the Aranoa invites guests to experience a more authentic side of Polynesia, where rich traditions, dramatic landscapes, and genuine local connections take centre stage.

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.

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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.

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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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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

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