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 5,276 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,276 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 & River 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 & River 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

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

DAY

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)

DAY

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

DAY

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

DAY

At sea

DAY

Rangiroa

DAY

Bora Bora

DAY

Return to Papeete

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Depart From Papeete

Multi Day Tour

Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)

Departure from Papeete at 12:00 pm, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.

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)

Multi Day Tour

Fakarava

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. After a buffet on board, the Aranui will disembark at the dock of "Rotoava". Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built of coral, local crafts and a demonstration of the virtues of coconut. Enjoy a day of relaxation, sun and beach, swimming or snorkeling among multicolored tropical fish.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

At Sea

Multi Day Tour

At Sea

A day to relax at the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned lounge. Or why not just enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the Culture and History of the Marquesas Islands will make you go 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! The fiery Polynesian crew, proudly present their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukulele, guitars and drums. Before going to bed, set your watch 30 minutes in advance, we switch to Marquesas time.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

Multi Day Tour

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatieu-Taipivai)

While the Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where writer Herman Melville then a 23-year-old sailor and buddy jumped off a whaler in 1842. After breakfast, passengers will disembark and will take the 4×4 that will be waiting for them 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 banyan trees and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere. Your excursion will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Back to Taiohae village, you will also find banks and shops. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car. 7pm: Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or at the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Multi Day Tour

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

From the bridges, you will see the mountain spits unique to 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 sculptors and artists, climb to the Croix for stunning views of the mountains, lush valleys and the main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a staple of the Marquesan with goat curry (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 "bird dance", at UA POU.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Multi Day Tour

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

The Aranui will anchor early at the Tahauku dock in Atuona, where you'll have time to explore the village, the second largest in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his work. 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. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you'll have a breathtaking view of the motu Hanakee. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a gravestone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also fell in love with Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)

Multi Day Tour

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)

While the names Gauguin and Brel are inseparable from Hiva Oa, the soul of the island is to be found in the Puamau valley. At the archaeological site of I'ipona (also known as Lipona), every nook and cranny is an enchantment. Located at the foot of the Toea peak at the island's northeastern tip, the site is home to several tiki. Among them is the largest tiki in Tahiti Et Ses Îles: Takaii, standing 2.57 metres high. You'll also come across Makii Taua te Pepe, a recumbent tiki measuring 1.75 metres long and 1.20 metres high. In the afternoon, 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 around 200. Tahuata was also the site of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church, built by the Vatican, is decorated with fine Marquesan sculptures and magnificent stained-glass windows symbolizing the Virgin Mary. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite helmet shell and bone carvings. There's plenty to choose from in the village.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

Multi Day Tour

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft centre. In the village of Omoa, the women will show you how to make tapas by crushing the bark of paper mulberry, banyan or bread tree but also the making of ‘Umuhei, an island herbal blend used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, the most sporty passengers can opt for a 15km hike that will take them from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the high cliffs. Lunch will be served at the top. Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui, from Omoa to Hanavave to Virgin Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Meet ashore for a tour of the village and to welcome hikers.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

Multi Day Tour

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

This island, which saw the construction of the Marquesas' first airstrip in 1972, is largely arid and home to numerous wild horses, goats and pigs. In the early hours of the morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive maneuver, a 180-degree turn in the magnificent “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee. A maneuver requiring the full dexterity of captain and crew, it's not to be missed. Back 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 in a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island's specialties, including handicrafts, wood carvings and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return on board by 4×4. For the more adventurous, a 3km walk back from the arboretum awaits. Make sure you're on deck, as the Aranui will sail all along the Ua Huka coast for more magnificent views.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

At sea

Multi Day Tour

At sea

A day to recover from the emotions of 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 to Tahitian time.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Rangiroa

Multi Day Tour

Rangiroa

Watch from the decks as we approach and arrive at the largest atoll in French Polynesia, and the second largest in the world. You may spot playful dolphins greeting the ship as we enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes. Glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (registration at reception). Scuba diving here is rated among the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy Rangiroa's white sandy beach and translucent lagoon. The local “mamas” 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 mystical island of Bora Bora.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Bora Bora

Multi Day Tour

Bora Bora

Arriving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you'll be greeted by the majestic “Mont Otemanu”, the island's highest peak. 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 extra cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and pirogue, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during the Second World War, and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the tour. Evening departure for Papeete.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Aranui Cruise

Show on Map

DAY

Return to Papeete

Multi Day Tour

Papeete (TAHITI)

This is the end of our journey. It is time to say Nana! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff and the Aranui guides.

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

PapeetePartly Cloudy

21°C / 71°F

40mm / 1.6"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,276 Reviews

Verified

Michael at Goway Travel was great to work with. We were planning a pre-trip with him prior to a group tour. He worked with us to hit the special places we wanted to visit and things we wanted to do. The accommodations arranged exceeded our expectations. Local guides were all amazing. This was the third trip we booked through Goway, and we will definitely book with them again in the future David Picka

Verified

Goway Travel has South Pacific travel Consultant and they are all very experienced. ALICE was the agent who took care of my travel to Australia and she suggested best hotel accommodations excursions and worked within my budget. I had wonderful trip without any problems. Alice was very helpful and we are planning another trip will contact her.Saral

Verified

Alice Teramoto Put together a perfect trip to Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The tours she included added to the experience. She was the glue to combine the complete package and would highly recommend her services.Valued Customer

Verified

We just came back from a wonderful trip to Portugal. From the time I contacted Goway until now, I have been more than satisfied with our experience. Our agent Michael put together a 8 day package with all the requirements we had asked for. The 8 day trip went so seamless & took all the stress off us travelling in Portugal. Michael not only listened to what we wanted, but he was so quick to respond to all of our calls, emails & concerns. The transfers, hotels & tours he arranged were the best. We would highly recommend Goway. I can hardly wait to book our next adventure with Goway. Cathy

Verified

Michael Keon from Goway Travel made our family trip to Greece memorable. Michael was a call or email away when planning our Greece trip and worked with us on our tight budget. Every detail was worked out for us before we got on the plane. Shout out to Nico, one of our drivers in Mykonos and all the great expeditions we went on. I highly recommend Goway Travel to plan your next vacation adventures. Jacqueline G. Jacqueline Garrett

Verified

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Sweden and Norway. I had the good fortune of working with Michael Keon who helped me plan and customize an interesting and balanced itinerary. All of the logistics went well, flights, transfers, hotels in great locations, travel between destinations, fjord safaris, cruises and guided tours with knowledgeable guides to inform and make the experience even more memorable. Michael was responsive to all of my questions and made it so easy to both prepare for and ultimately enjoy the trip. Looking forward to planning the next one!Gail

Verified

Just got back from a fabulous safari holiday in Tanzania. The trip was amazing! Exceeded my expectations. The people, the local team at Sense of Africa, the food, the accommodations (Karibu camps: Elephant Springs+Lion’s Paw and Sametu), the safari from the sky (hot air balloon)… I can keep going. Perfect way to celebrate my 50th bday. Thanks again to Alice Teramoto and Goway for making this happen! Truly a trip of a lifetimeKARISSA CARRASQUILLO

Verified

I have had Melissa Moses plan our trips for us for quite a few years. She always finds interesting sights for us to see, the hotels are always beautiful and everything runs perfectly. Can't wait to get started on the next adventure. Andrea Jones

Verified

Just returned from a two week trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest booked by Michael Keon at Goway This was our second trip booked with Michael Hotels were all excellent, in great locations, transfers to and from airports went without a hitch and train travel was exactly as planned. As we worked through all the details of planning the trip, he responded to lib questions promptly, making finalizing the trip very easy I would highly recommend him as a travel agent, and we will be using him again Kevin Bourke

Verified

Katie's knowledge and support were the primary reason the trip worked so well. Everything went smoothly, and the vacation could not have been any better. The hotels were wonderful, the two tours we took went well, and there were no issues with flights or transfers. GERAR

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

Personalized Trips

Every vacation with Goway is tailored to your exact travel needs. Our vacations are as unique as you are.

Elevated Experiences

Travel experiences with up to 5-star accommodations and private guided tours that offers an intimate and exclusive way to see the world.

Authentic Experts

Work with our Destination Specialists who are true experts, having lived, worked, or traveled extensively in the destinations we offer.

Global Adventures

Enjoy great value on vacations to over 115 destinations on all seven continents. Explore the whole world in the way and style you choose.

What do the experts say?

Lori Mezzomo

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

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

Learn More About This Expert

Vincent Tong

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

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.

Learn More About This Expert

Lori Mezzomo

Destination Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

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

Learn More About This Expert

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.

Exclusive Savings

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)

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

At sea

Rangiroa

Bora Bora

Return to Papeete

Detailed Itinerary

Depart From Papeete

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

At Sea

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai)

Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)

Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave)

Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

At sea

Rangiroa

Bora Bora

Return to Papeete

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.