Marquesas Arts Festival 2027
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
So much to experience
Our popularitinerary Suggestions
All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable
Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)
Fakarava
At Sea
Hiva Oa - Marquesas Festival
Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Kokuu Beach)
Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)
Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)
At Sea
Rangiroa
Bora Bora
Raiatea
Back to Tahiti (Papeete)
A view from Above
All Aboard
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
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.
Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.
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’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.
Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?
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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation
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
Chat Now
Fill in our
Enquiry form
Book a
Consultation