Authentic Pitcairn, Gambier & Tuamotu Islands Cruise

Authentic Pitcairn, Gambier & Tuamotu Islands Cruise

Prices From £3,929pp
July to September | 11 nights

Authentic Pitcairn, Gambier & Tuamotu Islands Cruise

Aboard: Aranoa

This unique and adventurous voyage travels far across the South Pacific to the remote Tuamotu, Gambier and Pitcairn Islands, revealing some of the most isolated and fascinating communities in the region. Sailing round-trip from Tahiti, this inimitable passenger-freighter journey combines Polynesian hospitality, ocean crossings, historic island landings and the relaxed rhythm of life at sea.

From the jade lagoon of Anaa and the village traditions of Amanu to the black pearl waters of Mangareva and the legendary shores of Pitcairn, each stop offers a rare glimpse into a different side of Pacific island life. Along the way, discover stories of the Bounty mutineers, visit remote churches and villages, enjoy local music and feasts, meet island artisans, and return through the far-flung atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Highlights

  • Sail to remote Pitcairn Island, one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, to meet descendants of the Bounty mutineers and explore this legendary setting
  • Discover Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, with its black pearl lagoon and mother-of-pearl decorated cathedral
  • Explore rarely visited Tuamotu atolls including Anaa, Amanu and Hikueru, each with its own history and traditions
  • Enjoy warm Polynesian welcomes, local music, village visits and shared island meals
  • Experience the unique atmosphere of a passenger-freighter voyage
  • Relax on beaches, swim in clear lagoons and enjoy optional activities such as biking, hiking and fly-fishing
  • Enjoy the warmth of the Polynesian crew as they share their knowledge, music, traditions, stories and island hospitality throughout the voyage

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 voyage begins at the Papeete Cruise Terminal, where a warm Polynesian welcome of flower garlands, ukuleles and smiling crew sets the tone for the journey ahead. Once on board your vessel, there is time to settle in and begin adjusting to the relaxed rhythm of life at sea.

As the ship departs Tahiti, the island’s mountains slowly fade into the distance and the vast Pacific opens ahead. This marks the start of an adventurous voyage to some of the ocean’s most remote and intriguing islands, including Pitcairn, the Gambier Islands and the far-flung atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Anaa (Tuamotu islands)
2Day

Anaa (Tuamotu islands)

Your first stop brings you to Anaa, a beautiful Tuamotu atoll known for its jade-coloured lagoon, white sand motu and striking coral feo formations. Once a stronghold of the Pomare family, the island has a rich history and a peaceful way of life shaped by fishing, copra production and a close relationship with the surrounding lagoon.

In Tukuhora, explore the village on foot or by bus, meeting the local community and discovering the quiet charm of this rarely visited atoll. A beach picnic offers time to relax by the water, while optional activities may include fly-fishing in the shallow lagoon, swimming at the Ogoogo pito, excursions to Temarie and Putuahara, or a gentle bike ride through the island landscapes.

Amanu (Tuamotu islands)
3Day

Amanu (Tuamotu islands)

Today you visit Amanu, a peaceful Tuamotu atoll of clear lagoon waters, coconut palms and warm village hospitality. Coming ashore at Ikitake, you will be greeted with flower garlands and traditional dances performed by local children, offering a joyful introduction to island life.

During your visit, discover shell crafts, the old lighthouse, Saint-Paul church, traditional fish parks and a 19th-century coral building that reflects the atoll’s history and resourceful architecture. Later, enjoy a local buffet beneath the shade of a century-old tou tree, accompanied by traditional music and the easy rhythm of this remote lagoon community.

At Sea
4Day

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as your vessel continues across the South Pacific towards remote Pitcairn Island. Spend time on the Pool Deck, unwind in the air-conditioned lounge, or simply take in the ocean views as the voyage carries you deeper into one of the Pacific’s most storied regions.

On board, lectures introduce the remarkable history and culture of Pitcairn, home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. In the evening, gather with fellow passengers in the bar for a convivial night at sea, while the Polynesian crew share their music, warmth and traditions through ukulele, guitar, drums and song.

Mangareva (Rikitea - Gambier islands)
5Day

Mangareva (Rikitea - Gambier islands)

Today you arrive in the Gambier Islands, where Rikitea, the capital of the archipelago, sits beside a beautiful blue-green lagoon renowned for its black pearls. Coming ashore at Karorua Quay, you will receive a warm floral welcome and have the chance to taste local specialities while discovering the gentle rhythm of life in this remote island community.

A highlight of the visit is Saint-Michel Cathedral, a remarkable symbol of Polynesian Catholicism, recently restored and richly decorated with mother-of-pearl. After time to explore Rikitea and its surroundings, lunch is served back on board before your ship departs Mangareva for legendary Pitcairn Island.

Pitcairn
6Day

Pitcairn

Today your voyage reaches legendary Pitcairn Island, one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world and forever linked to the story of the Bounty mutineers. More than two centuries after their arrival, your ship anchors in Bounty Bay, offering a rare opportunity to step ashore in this remote and historic Pacific community.

Explore Adamstown, meet islanders descended from the mutineers at the local market, and visit the Bounty Museum for a deeper understanding of Pitcairn’s extraordinary past. You will also see the grave of John Adams, one of the island’s most significant early settlers, before sharing a picnic lunch in the village and experiencing the warmth and resilience of this remarkable community.

Pitcairn
7Day

Pitcairn

Enjoy a second day on Pitcairn, with more time to absorb the atmosphere of this tiny, isolated island community and its extraordinary history. You may choose to spend time independently in Adamstown, return to the village market, speak with local residents, or simply take in the rare experience of being in one of the most remote settlements on earth.

For those wishing to explore further, there may be the option of walking to the Highest Point, the island’s elevated viewpoint, for sweeping views across Pitcairn and the surrounding Pacific. Lunch is served back on board before your ship departs, setting course once again for Rikitea on Mangareva in the Gambier Islands.

Mangareva (Rikitea - Gambier islands)
8Day

Mangareva (Rikitea - Gambier islands)

Return to Mangareva today, where a lively Pe'i dance performance welcomes you back to Karorua. From here, explore more of Rikitea and its surroundings either by truck or on foot, visiting key island sites and gaining further insight into the culture and history of the Gambier Islands.

Highlights may include Collège Saint-Raphaël, where young people learn the delicate craft of mother-of-pearl engraving, and, for those seeking a more active option, a hike to a scenic belvedere and the tomb of the kings. After lunch on board, the afternoon is yours to relax and swim at Teauopapa.

At Sea
9Day

At Sea

Enjoy a peaceful day at sea as your vessel sails onwards through the South Pacific towards Hikueru in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Spend time relaxing on the Pool Deck, unwinding in the air-conditioned lounge, or simply watching the vast ocean views as the ship continues between these remote island worlds.

Hikueru
10Day

Hikueru

Your final stop brings you to Hikueru, a remote Tuamotu atoll with a rich and poignant history. Once an important pearl reserve, the island was devastated by the cyclone of 1903, an event later recounted by Jack London in South Sea Tales. Today, Hikueru is a quiet copra-growing island where visitors are welcomed at the marina with music, flower garlands and warm island hospitality.

Explore the village by truck or on foot, including the abandoned Saint-Michel church, the tallest in the Tuamotu Archipelago. There may also be the chance to rent a bike and discover the island at your own pace, or to listen to local legends shared by residents. After lunch on board, your ship begins the journey back towards the Society Islands.

At Sea
11Day

At Sea

After the rare encounters and remote island landings of the past days, today offers time to relax and reflect as your vessel sails back towards Tahiti. Spend the day at leisure on board, enjoying the ocean views, resting in the lounge or simply savouring the final stretch of this far-reaching Pacific voyage.

As always, a programme of talks and activities will be offered throughout the day, adding further depth to your understanding of the islands, cultures and histories explored along the way. It is also a chance to share memories with fellow travellers and enjoy the warm atmosphere on board before your return to Papeete.

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)
12Day

Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

This morning your ship returns to Papeete, bringing your remarkable voyage to Pitcairn, the Gambier Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago to a close. After days of remote island visits, historic landings, turquoise lagoons, local welcomes and far-reaching Pacific crossings, you will disembark in Tahiti with memories of a truly remarkable South Pacific adventure.

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.

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 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.

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

With countless travel experiences and an enduring hunger for adventure, Sheena knows exactly what’s needed to craft a holiday of a lifetime. Her experience and generosity of spirit are legendary and she’ll help you build an itinerary that will make all your dreams come true.

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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

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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