The Aranui Experience: A Special Cruise Voyage

Embark from Papeete aboard the Aranui for a voyage through the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.
Swim and snorkel in Fakarava’s UNESCO-protected lagoon, alive with tropical fish and coral gardens.
Explore the remote Marquesas—ancient marae, towering cliffs, and villages rich in Polynesian tradition.
Encounter artisans, lush valleys, and sacred sites across Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva.
Conclude your journey amid Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon and Mount Otemanu’s iconic silhouette before returning to Tahiti.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Arts & Culture

Showcasing local cultural traditions and artistic masterworks.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Off the Beaten Path

Includes lesser-known stops revealing authentic local life and surprises.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Boutique Cruises

Curated experiences by water on small vessels.

Arts & Culture

Showcasing local cultural traditions and artistic masterworks.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Depart From Papeete

DAY

Fakarava (January-June) or Kauehi (August-Dec)

DAY

At Sea

DAY

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

DAY

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

DAY

Ua Huka (Vaipe'e/Hane/Hokatu)

DAY

Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

DAY

Fatu Hiva (Omoa- Hanavave)

DAY

At Sea

DAY

Rangiroa(Jan-Jun) or Makatae(Aug - Dec)

DAY

Bora Bora

DAY

Return to Tahiti

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Depart From Papeete

Depart from Papeete in the late afternoon, receive a warm welcome onboard from the crew and sail to the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Multi Day Tour

Depart from Papeete (Tahiti)

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

The Aranui 5 offers a truly unique way to explore French Polynesia, combining the comforts of a small cruise ship with the character of a working supply vessel. Custom-built to carry both passengers and cargo, this intimate ship accommodates approximately 230 guests in 103 cabins, creating a relaxed and welcoming onboard atmosphere. Across its eight guest decks, the décor reflects the rich Polynesian heritage of the owners and crew. Guests can enjoy casual onboard dining, comfortable lounges, informative talks from guest lecturers, three bars including the panoramic Sky Bar, an outdoor swimming pool, boutique, spa, gym, and even the first tattoo studio at sea.

Show on Map

DAY

Fakarava (January-June) or Kauehi (August-Dec)

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. The Aranui will disembark at the "Rotoava" pier. Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built out of coral, the local handicraft with a demonstration of the many uses of the coconut. Enjoy a day of relaxation, sun and beach, swimming or snorkeling among multicolored tropical fish. Possibility of scuba diving for certified divers only. Optional activities: bike rentals, E-Bike, Quad, certified diving (sign-up at the reception). 12:00 pm Lunch on board and departure for the Marquesas Islands.

Multi Day Tour

Fakarava

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

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DAY

At Sea

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean as we sail to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas Islands will take you back in time and give you a complete overview of this ancient civilization. During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to move your hips like a true Tahitian! You’ll likely spend many evenings socializing at the bar with your fellow adventurers from around the world. The spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukuleles, guitars and drums. Before you go to bed, set your watch 30 minutes ahead as we switch to Marquesas time.

Multi Day Tour

At Sea

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

While the Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Cove is the place where writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, and a friend jumped off a whaler in 1842. After breakfast, the passengers will disembark to pick up the waiting 4WDs for the day’s excursion. Our first stop will be a visit to Taiohae Cathedral. You can visit the cathedral or go to the market to buy handicrafts. Then we will visit the archaeological site of “Tohua Kamuihei” with its giant banyans and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. The specialty here is the “umu”, an underground oven where food is cooked for hours. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere. In the small village of Hatiheu, you can visit a museum that displays copies of petroglyphs from unexplored valleys. Your tour will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Return to the village of Taiohae, where you will also find banks and stores. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.

Multi Day Tour

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatieu-Taipivai)

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

From the decks, you’ll see the unique mountain spires of Ua Pou. As the crew unloads supplies, cement, sugar, and loads bags of copra (dried coconuts) and fruit, explore the picturesque village of Hakahau and its church with a hand-carved wooden platform. Meet the island's talented carvers and artists, climb to the Cross for a breathtaking view of the mountains, lush valleys and main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a Marquesan staple with curried goat (a specialty of the Marquesas Islands), raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, taro and red bananas. Enjoy an excellent dance performance, including the traditional UA POU "bird dance".

Multi Day Tour

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Ua Huka (Vaipe'e/Hane/Hokatu)

This island, which saw the construction of the first airstrip in the Marquesas in 1972, is largely arid and home to many wild horses, goats and pigs. In the early morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive maneuver, a 180 degree turn in the magnificent "Invisible Bay" of Vaipaee. A maneuver that requires all the dexterity of the captain and crew is not to be missed. On the dry land of Ua Huka, visit the small museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art where our guides will immerse you in this ancient civilization. Continue in your 4×4 to explore the island, stopping for breathtaking views, visit the arboretum born of the passion of the island’s former mayor, before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served at a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island’s specialties, handicrafts, wood carvings, and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return to the boat by 4×4. For the more spirited, a 2 mile walk back from the tree house awaits you. Be sure to be on deck as the Aranui will sail all along the coast of Ua Huka for more great views.

Multi Day Tour

Ua Huka (Vaipe'e-Hane-Hokatu)

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

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DAY

Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

The Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Tahuata. The only access is by sea, as there is no airport on Tahuata. On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with the scent of Tahitian tiare, frangipani and history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed in the village of Vaitahu and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing about 200 people. Tahuata is also the site of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church built by the Vatican, is decorated with beautiful Marquesan sculptures and stained-glass windows representing the Virgin Mary. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite bone and helmet shell carvings. There will be much to choose from in the village. The Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa after lunch on board, where you will have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his works. You can also visit the colonial store where he bought his bread, as well as a replica of his infamous "house of pleasure" and the museum. By 4X4, you will visit the largest archaeological site in the Marquesas Islands, "Tohua Taa'oa". Walking up the hill to the cemetery, you will have a breathtaking view of the motu Hanakee. Under a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also fell in love with Hiva Oa: the Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

Multi Day Tour

Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

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DAY

Fatu Hiva (Omoa- Hanavave)

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft center. In the village of Omoa, the women will demonstrate how to make tapa by crushing the bark from mulberry, banyan or breadfruit trees, as well as how to make a floral bouquet, "Umuhei", a mixture made from the island's plants used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, the more athletic passengers can opt for a 10-mile hike that will take them from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the high cliffs. A picnic lunch will be served at the mountain top. Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui from Omoa to Hanavave to the Bay of Virgins, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Meet in the village for a demonstration of the making of coconut oil, "pani" and the scented towel, "aeu pipi". During our departure, partake in the farewell ceremony on deck 7.

Multi Day Tour

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

At Sea

A day to recover from the emotions experienced in the Marquesas archipelago. During our crossing to the magnificent Tuamotu Islands, conferences and activities will be offered throughout the day. Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes, back to Tahiti time.

Multi Day Tour

At sea

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Rangiroa(Jan-Jun) or Makatae(Aug - Dec)

RANGIROA: From the open decks, watch our approach and arrival into the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. We enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes. Glass bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (sign-up at the reception). Scuba diving here is rated as one of the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy Rangiroa's white sand beach and translucent lagoon. The "mamas" stands will have an excellent display of shell necklaces, chains and key chains and other small souvenirs for sale on the beach. The Aranui will depart at lunchtime and sail to the magical island of Bora Bora. MAKATEA: Surrounded by sheer cliffs rising nearly 240 feet above sea level, Makatea is the only atoll in the Tuamotu Islands with potable water, which comes from its underground caves. Once a prosperous atoll due to phosphate mining from 1917 until 1964, it has become almost completely deserted, with only a few families left. Today, the inhabitants live from copra cultivation, fishing and the trade of coconut crab, the "Kaveu". The Aranui offers the opportunity to visit the remains of Makatea’s past and the phosphate exploitation. Passengers will disembark by tender at the Temao pier and begin the journey across the atoll on foot or by car. Visit the sacred caves of Makatea and picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.

Multi Day Tour

Rangiroa or Makatea

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Bora Bora

Upon arriving in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic "Mount Otemanu", the highest peak on the island. In this perfect island paradise, you can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters, the "Motu Tapu". You can also choose from a variety of optional excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and motorized canoe, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on a 4X4 tour. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

Multi Day Tour

Bora Bora

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Return to Tahiti

This is the end of our journey. It's time to say Nana! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.

Multi Day Tour

Return to Tahiti

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Bay of Virgins, Fatu Hiva

Magnificent view on Pacific Atoll Rangiroa

The Aranui 5

Superior Deluxe Room

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

PapeeteOccasional Showers

17°C / 62°F

64mm / 2.5"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

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The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

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Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

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Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

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A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

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I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

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Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

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We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

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I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

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We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

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Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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What do the experts say?

Lori Mezzomo

Destination Specialist

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The iconic Poisson Cru must be tried while in French Polynesia - it is raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk - so good!

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Vincent Tong

Destination Specialist

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The Food - Polynesian cuisine is based upon using top quality fresh local produce and both savory and sweet dishes often flavored with vanilla or coconut milk. It's surprising to hear many of the perishable ingredients that go into your meals are flown in from various other international countries, and yet, can still taste so fresh and exquisite.

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Lori Mezzomo

Destination Specialist

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I love the stunning natural beauty, the wonderful people and the opportunity to experience this unique Polynesian culture

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Insider Benefits

The Aranui Experience: A Special Cruise Voyage

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Depart From Papeete

Fakarava (January-June) or Kauehi (August-Dec)

At Sea

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Ua Huka (Vaipe'e/Hane/Hokatu)

Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Fatu Hiva (Omoa- Hanavave)

At Sea

Rangiroa(Jan-Jun) or Makatae(Aug - Dec)

Bora Bora

Return to Tahiti

Detailed Itinerary

Depart From Papeete

Fakarava (January-June) or Kauehi (August-Dec)

At Sea

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Ua Huka (Vaipe'e/Hane/Hokatu)

Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Fatu Hiva (Omoa- Hanavave)

At Sea

Rangiroa(Jan-Jun) or Makatae(Aug - Dec)

Bora Bora

Return to Tahiti

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Lori Mezzomo

Vincent Tong

Lori Mezzomo

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.