Cruise aboard the Aranui 5 From the Marquesas to Bora Bora: a different side of Polynesia

Day 1 Flight to Tahiti

Upon arrival in Papeete, you will be greeted and given assistance at the airport, then transferred privately to your hotel. Accommodation for two nights just a short walk from the beach and close to the city centre.  Simple and comfortable, this small guesthouse is split between a main house with kitchen, lounge and terraces - where all guests are welcome - and three bungalows scattered in the garden. The latter, colourful and exotic, offer a pleasant setting for sipping guava juice at any time. The swimming pool, meanwhile, is perfect for cooling off after a long flight and getting used to the local climate.

Day 2 Tahiti

Museums, markets bursting with vibrant colours and scents, cultural entertainment, traditional cuisine and nightlife: a stay in Papeete is full of charming and temptation. Make the most of it before boarding the next day.
Things to see and do: Browse for handmade crafts; attend a show on To'ata Square or Vaiete Square; sample dishes sold at the food trucks along the seafront; relax under Gauguin's Banyan tree; visit the Pearl Museum; stroll through the botanical gardens; get lost while meandering through the market.

Day 3 Cruise departure

Private transfer to the port. Board and settle into your comfortable cabin aboard the Aranui 5, with an unimpeded view through the portholes. Introduction to the crew and the captain, who sets course for the Tuamotu Islands. Crystal-clear sea, breathtaking lagoons, deserted islets and sensational diving: this new archipelago embodies the dreams of Polynesia. Imagine a narrow strip of sparkling sand edged by emerald waters, dotted with a few hectares of coconut groves and rare villages with woven palm roofs - you are there. The journey is off to a good start.

Day 4 Fakarava

The boat weaves its way through the Fakarava lagoon, the second largest atoll in the Tuamotu Islands. Before disembarking, you can fully enjoy the pleasures of the water: with its colourful fish and coral reefs, the lagoon invites you to go diving or, more simply, snorkelling. In fact, it is considered one of the world’s renowned spots.
You dock in the small village of Rotoava. As the boat anchors in the harbour, we hop shore for a welcome first stop-off. From the quay, the full beauty of local arts and crafts unfolds before your eyes. There is plenty to do here in the morning: bike or quad hire, certified diving, etc. The only requirement is to be back on board for lunch.

Day 5 Day spent at sea

Day 6 Nuku Hiva

Arrival in the Marquesas. The Aranui docks in the impressive Taioha'e Bay, a giant volcanic theatre dominated by towering cliffs, where a myriad of waterfalls cascade down. The exploration of Nuku Hiva begins at Notre-Dame Cathedral, known for its two tower-like bell towers. In the village of Hatihe'u, inspection of the archaeological site of the Kamuihei “tohua” - these ancient spaces that once hosted public festivities.  Not to be missed: the vast stone platforms where the houses once stood, and further on, rocks carved with petroglyphs. Seated under a giant banyan tree, you enjoy a performance of traditional dances and songs, including the  Maha'u (or “pig dance”), which comes from Nuku Hiva. Finally, a traditional “Umu” - a Marquesan speciality where the ingredients are cooked in an earth oven - is served for lunch. Return to the village of Taioha'e, then walk to the boat.

Day 7 'Ua Pou

In the early morning, the stone citadels sink into a deep blue, offering a striking sight from the ship’s deck. Set course for 'Ua Pou Island, with its distinctive landscape. Its dozen or so basalt peaks, the highest reaching 1,142 metres (3747 feet), have fired the imagination. According to legend, they are the pillars of the archipelago. For others, they justified 'Ua Pou being called the “cathedral island”. The Aranui docks at the Hakahau pier on this land steeped in mystery and magic. Set off on foot for the village. While the wood sculptors and other artists are busy at the craft centre, they are happy to pause and discuss. Another option: make a pilgrimage to “the cross” at the top of the hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains, the lush valley and the village below. Back in the village, the atmosphere is all the warmer because many crew members are from the island and use the stopover to greet friends and acquaintances. Before lunch, there will be another demonstration of local dance - this time, the “bird dance”.

Day 8 'Ua Huka

In the early hours, the Aranui docks at 'Ua Huka, the least populated island in the Marquesas. The manoeuvre in the stunning “invisible bay” of Vaipae'e is not to be missed: the 180-degree turn, with only a few inches on each side, calls for all the skill of the captain and crew. The island’s arid lands are home to many wild horses, as well as two endemic bird species:   the pati’oti’o and the pihiti. Stop at the small Vaiape'e museum, set within the town hall gardens, which features stunning displays of Marquesan art - guides skilfully immerse visitors in the history of this ancient civilisation.  Then set of in a 4x4 to  the charming hamlet of Hane. Between the botanical garden, cultural centre, petroglyph museum and woodcarving workshops, there is no shortage of cultural opportunities. After lunch, visit a new museum and take in a panoramic view of the village and the bay.

Day 9 Tahuata - Hiva Oa

Disembark at Tahuata, part of the southern group of the Marquesas Islands.  Although it is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, Tahuata has one of the richest histories. It was the first to be “discovered” by Spanish explorers in 1595 and welcomed the original French colony in 1842. Here, men carve beautiful tikis and craft incredible sea creatures, bracelets and necklaces from horse and cow bone. Also not to be missed: the church of Tahuata, built by the Vatican, with sculptures and a stained-glass window that are true treasures.
Not far away, Hiva Oa, the former capital of the archipelago,  stands as the great rival of  Nuku Hiva. The island’s rugged terrain blends sharp ridges, peaks, and valleys scattered with archaeological sites - including Lipona, where gigantic tikis stand over 2 metres (6.5 feet) tall. The Aranui docks at the Atuona quay. The second largest village in the Marquesas, it is where Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel lived. A walk in the footsteps of the two artists begins at Calvaire Cemetery, where they are buried facing Ta'a'Oa Bay, and traces their journey, via the reconstruction of the “House of Pleasure” and the small museums dedicated to them.

Day 10 Fatu-Hiva

Here is the most lush and remote island in the Marquesas. With no airport, Fatu-Hiva is only accessible by sea. Comfortably settled on board the Aranui, we approach it at a gentle pace. It is the main centre for “tapa”, the traditional plant-based fabric. In the hamlets, women are busy crushing the mulberry, banyan and breadfruit tree bark. The dried bark will then be covered with Marquesan patterns. At the main market, scarves sit alongside two other local favourites: tiare flowers and vanilla.
Before lunch, the Aranui docks on the other side of the island, in Hana Vave Bay. The more active visitors can reach it on foot. Along the roughly 13-km (8-mile) route, views of high cliffs and waterfalls follow one another: a delight for the eyes. At the top of the mountain, a hearty lunch awaits the walkers. The sunset over Hana Vave Bay, accessible to all, is a pure moment of bliss.

Day 11 Day spent at sea

Day 12 Rangiroa

Return to the Tuamotu Archipelago. This time, the Aranui stops at Rangiroa. “Rangi” (as it’s known to locals) boasts the second largest lagoon in the world: nearly 1,500 km² (580 square miles). This gigantic natural aquarium is home to “big” fish, including the famous hammerhead shark. While it is particularly popular with divers, this island also has plenty to offer non-divers: stunning deserted beaches, vast lagoons with coral gardens, wild motus where you can picnic, observe untouched nature, or simply unwind.

Day 13 Bora Bora

The Aranui glides across the legendary Bora Bora lagoon, a name that carries a thousand promises. As the ship enters the lagoon - famous worldwide for its opalescent shades of blue and green - it is greeted by the majestic Mount Otemanu, the island’s highest point. To fully enjoy what  many consider one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, you disembark at this stop while the Aranui returns with its passengers to Papeete.
Transfer and check-in for two nights near Matira Point and its beach, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the territory. Rooms and bungalows are built in the traditional Polynesian style using natural materials such as pandanus, woven bamboo and exotic wood. Inside, the decor is a blend of light shades, seashells and pearls. Your private accommodation opens onto the lagoon.
Optional extra: Swap your lagoon-view room for an overwater bungalow.

Day 14 Bora Bora

Bora Bora - who has never dreamed about it? The jewel of the southern seas, the pearl of the Pacific, the island created by the gods: the superlatives abound. This is the ultimate legendary journey: an island and its lagoon with sublime shades of blue, a coral reef teeming with life, and a string of motus and immaculate sandy beaches. Between relaxing in overwater bungalows, dugout canoe trips, diving, or following in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin or Paul-Emile Victor, it’s hard to choose… Around a cove, a dream, a sail on the horizon; is it Jack London’s Snark or Alain Gerbault’s Firecrest?
Things to do and experience: Book an outdoors Polynesian massage on the beach, with nothing but the sound of the trade winds as music; admire the scenery from a parasail; set off on a kayak or outrigger canoe adventure; rent a bike or scooter to explore the island independently.

Day 15 to 17 Bora Bora - Tahiti - Return flight

Transfer to the airport and flight to Tahiti. Through the porthole, the unfolding panorama is worthy of a postcard, so you take care not to doze off. In Papeete, a lounge is available in the city centre with a shower, kitchenette, living area, and Wi-Fi, so you can freshen up before your return.
Already planned - Your restaurant booking for dinner. This is the last chance to enjoy the local flavours, so don’t let it pass you by. To ensure your trip ends on a high note and to avoid any unnecessary stress from waiting, we have made sure to notify this establishment - one of our favourites - of your arrival.
International flight in the evening, arriving two days later.