Authentic Austral Islands with Rapa Cruise

Authentic Austral Islands with Rapa Cruise

Prices From £2,940pp
March, May to June, August, October to November | 12 nights

Authentic Austral Islands with Rapa Cruise

Aboard: Aranoa Aranui 5

Step aboard for a remarkable voyage exploring the remote Austral Islands, including rarely visited Rapa, alongside the celebrated beauty of the Society Islands. Travelling round-trip from Tahiti, this passenger-freighter journey combines Polynesian culture, relaxed adventure and dramatic South Pacific scenery, reaching communities and landscapes that remain far removed from the usual tourist routes.

From the traditional welcomes of Rimatara and the raised atoll landscapes of Rurutu to Raivavae’s turquoise lagoon, Tubuai’s Bounty history and isolated Rapa, each island reveals a distinct and deeply authentic side of French Polynesia. Along the way, discover ancient marae, local craft traditions, shared island feasts, optional hikes, snorkelling opportunities and the warm hospitality of the Polynesian crew, before returning via sacred Raiatea and the iconic lagoon of Bora Bora.

Highlights

  • Discover the remote Austral Islands, including isolated Rapa, the southernmost island in one of French Polynesia’s least-visited and most authentic archipelagos
  • Sail aboard a unique passenger-freighter ship combining comfort, culture and adventure
  • Experience warm Polynesian welcomes, traditional music, local crafts and shared island feasts
  • Explore Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai and Raivavae, each with its own landscapes, legends and living traditions
  • Visit caves, marae, archaeological sites and historic locations linked to the famous Bounty mutineers
  • Enjoy beautiful lagoons, beaches and optional snorkelling or diving in the Austral and Society Islands
  • Discover Raiatea’s UNESCO-listed Taputapuatea marae, one of Polynesia’s most sacred spiritual sites
  • End the journey with famous Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, Mount Otemanu and a barbecue on private Motu Tapu

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

Tahiti (Papeete) - Moorea
1Day

Tahiti (Papeete) - Moorea

Your remarkable French Polynesia voyage begins at the Papeete Cruise Terminal, where you will board your vessel and settle into life on board before departure at midday. As the ship casts off from Tahiti, the journey begins with a short crossing to Moorea, Tahiti’s beautiful sister island and a fitting introduction to the landscapes, culture and traditions of French Polynesia.

Arriving in Moorea in the afternoon, there will be time to step ashore and enjoy the island independently, or take part in optional activities. With its lush mountains, peaceful bays and relaxed island atmosphere, Moorea offers a gentle start to the adventure before the ship departs late in the evening, leaving the Society Islands behind and sailing onwards towards the remote Austral Islands.

At Sea
2Day

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your vessel continues its journey across the South Pacific towards the Austral Islands. Spend time on the Pool Deck, unwind in the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge, or simply watch the ocean views unfold as you settle into the rhythm of life on board.

Throughout the day, onboard lectures introduce the history, culture and values of Aranui cruises, adding context to the unique passenger-freighter experience. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warmth of Polynesian hospitality, with traditional song, Tahitian dance, lively performances and evening entertainment beneath the stars.

Rimatara, Austral Islands
3Day

Rimatara, Austral Islands

Today you arrive at Rimatara, a small circular island in the Austral archipelago known for its strong traditions, distinctive dialect and peaceful village life. After coming ashore at Taanini Quay, you will be welcomed through an ancient purification smoke ceremony before setting out by minibus or truck to explore the villages of Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura.

In Amaru, visit the old seaside cemetery where generations of Rimatara’s kings and queens are laid to rest, a place surrounded by local legend and island history. Later, enjoy a barbecue on Motuaura Beach, with time to swim or snorkel in the clear waters. Lush with taro fields, fruit trees and flowers, Rimatara is also home to the colourful endemic red parakeet, known locally as the Ura, which may be seen on an optional birdwatching excursion.

Rurutu, Austral Islands
4Day

Rurutu, Austral Islands

Today is spent discovering Rurutu, one of French Polynesia’s largest raised atolls and a strikingly beautiful island of limestone cliffs, basalt formations, hidden caves, jungle-covered interiors and sweeping coastal views. After lunch on board, your ship anchors off Rurutu and you will travel by barge to Moerai Quay, where a welcome of local song introduces you to the island’s warm and deeply traditional character. Enjoy free time in the peaceful village of Moerai, also known for its exceptional basketry, with hats, bags, baskets and mats skilfully woven from pandanus leaves and other natural materials.

Tubuai, Austral Islands
5Day

Tubuai, Austral Islands

Arrive by barge at Baie Sanglante, or Bloody Bay, where a warm welcome of flower garlands and local music awaits at the town hall. Tubuai’s fertile soils and cooler climate make it an important agricultural island, while its craft traditions are equally distinctive, with demonstrations of pandanus weaving and shell necklace making offering insight into local skills and island life.

A truck tour will introduce some of Tubuai’s key cultural and historical sites, including the Po Tui Tui marae, Fort George and Bloody Bay, where clashes took place between islanders and the Bounty mutineers after they sought refuge here in 1789. After lunch back on board, enjoy time at the beach, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the bay’s clear waters. Optional certified diving may also be available.

Raivavae, Austral islands
6 - 7Days

Raivavae, Austral islands

Today you arrive in Raivavae, an exceptionally beautiful island often nicknamed the “Bora Bora of yesteryear” for its turquoise lagoon, idyllic motu and peaceful, traditional way of life. As you come ashore at Rairua, you will be welcomed with music and flower garlands before setting out to discover some of the island’s cultural highlights, including hidden marae, the famous “Smiling Tiki” and a tasting of local specialities.

A traditional buffet lunch is served in Rairua, followed by time to stroll through the village and absorb the quiet charm of this remote Austral island. Depending on the programme, you may have the chance to hike towards Heirani Point, learn about the delicate “Pupu” shell necklaces for which Raivavae is known, or join optional excursions to the idyllic motu of Vaiamanu and its beautiful coral garden.

The following day will offer even more chances to appreciate the island’s gentle pace, traditional village life and remarkable natural beauty. You may choose to stroll through the village, meet local people and browse for crafts, or simply take in the views of the lagoon, motu and green mountain slopes. There will be time to enjoy a snorkel through Raivavae’s clear lagoon, or for a more active option, a visit to Mount Hiro may be available, offering a different perspective on this remote and enchanting corner of the Austral Islands.

Rapa, Austral Islands
8Day

Rapa, Austral Islands

Today brings one of the highlights of the voyage as you reach Rapa, the southernmost and most isolated of the Austral Islands, accessible only by sea. Often described as Easter Island’s little sister, this remote crescent-shaped island feels like a true frontier of French Polynesia, with deep bays, a cooler temperate climate and landscapes unlike the tropical islands further north.

Docking at Ahurei, you will be welcomed with flower garlands and the distinctive rhythms of Rapa before continuing by truck towards the cultural centre. Here, local mamas demonstrate traditional crafts using reed and bamboo, including hats, baskets and other handmade items. Your visit may also include time in Ahurei village, ancient fortress sites, an agricultural production centre, encounters with local residents and a shared wood-fired ma’a, with the option of a 2.5-hour hike to Fort Morongo Uta for memorable views over this extraordinary island.

Tubuai, Austral Islands
9Day

Tubuai, Austral Islands

We now return to Tubuai, the most populated island in the Austral archipelago, where the beautiful lagoon, fertile landscapes and a rich historical heritage await. Coming ashore at Bloody Bay, you will be welcomed once again with music and flower garlands before setting off by truck to explore more of the island’s important sites.

Your route includes the Vaitauarii marae and Fort George, the short-lived refuge of the Bounty mutineers, as well as places connected to their encounters and conflicts with the islanders. Later, enjoy a relaxed island barbecue and time by the water, with opportunities for swimming or snorkelling in the lagoon, and optional certified diving available for those who wish to explore beneath the surface.

At Sea
10Day

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your vessel begins the journey back towards the Society Islands. After the rare experience of visiting remote Rapa and the rich cultural encounters of the Austral Islands, today offers time to unwind on the Pool Deck, rest in the air-conditioned lounge, or simply watch the vast South Pacific stretch to the horizon.

Onboard lectures and activities continue throughout the day, offering further insight into the operator’s history, values and unique role in connecting far-flung island communities. As evening falls, the Polynesian spirit comes to life once more with traditional songs, Tahitian dance, lively shows and entertainment beneath the stars.

Raiatea, Society islands
11Day

Raiatea, Society islands

This morning you arrive in Raiatea, formerly known as Havai'i and revered as the cradle of Polynesian civilisation. From this sacred island, great ocean migrations are said to have set out towards Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. As you come ashore, you will be welcomed on the quayside with the traditional sounds of the to'ere and the warmth of local island hospitality.

You will then travel by bus to Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO-listed sacred site and one of the most important spiritual centres in Polynesia. Optional activities today may include a pirogue journey along the Faaroa River or certified diving, while the afternoon offers time to stroll through the shops and boutiques of Uturoa after lunch on board.

Bora Bora, Society islands
12Day

Bora Bora, Society islands

A fitting conclusion to your incredible voyage, today you arrive into Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon, where brilliant shades of blue and green surround the island and Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above the water. This iconic South Pacific setting provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed day on the beach, including a barbecue on the private motu of Motu Tapu, encircled by crystal-clear lagoon waters.

Optional excursions may also be available, including scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat or motorised canoe, and the chance to swim with sharks and rays. Bora Bora also holds traces of its Second World War history, with old cannons and bunkers still visible on some 4x4 island tours. In the evening, your ship departs for the return journey to Papeete.

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)
13Day

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

This morning your ship returns to Papeete, bringing your voyage through the Austral and Society Islands to a close. After days of remote island visits, warm welcomes, traditional music, colourful crafts, turquoise lagoons and dramatic South Pacific scenery, you will disembark with a deeper appreciation of French Polynesia’s lesser-known island worlds.

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.

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 lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

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.

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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

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Consultation

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