The Aranui 5 is the only ship to take you to the heart of the mysterious Islands of the Marquesas to discover all the hidden secrets of this archipelago.
Live a unique and authentic experience in a friendly atmosphere among a Polynesian staff & crew alongside immersive excursions!
The Aranui 5 is both a cruise ship and a cargo ship. Inaugurated in 2015, the Aranui 5 sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, passing through the Society Islands and the Atolls of the Tuamotu archipelago. With a length of 126 meters and 103 cabins, the Aranui 5 can carry up to 254 passengers for an all-inclusive cruise – with meals, drinks and excursions included.
The interior is well decorated in the colors of Polynesian islands and all services offer the comfort of a Prestigious hotel.
Choosing the Aranui 5 means embarking on a one-of-a-kind journey! Join the themed evenings or take part in workshops and activities provided by crew members. Dedicated and passionate – they will teach you how to tie a pareo, make straw hats or dance the “tamure”.
Before each shore excursion, documentary screenings and lectures on Polynesian history, art & culture are held.
During some stop-overs, locals of the archipelago will welcomed you with a traditional dance or singing show.
1 Dining room / 2 spacious lounges & 2 conference rooms / 4 bars including 1 panoramic bar (Skybar) / 1 fitness room / 1 outside swimming pool / 1 shop / 1 massage room / 2 lifts
Length: 126 m / Breadth: 22 m / Draught: 5,20 m / Dead weight: 3 200 tons / Cruising speed: 15 knots / Propellers: 2 / Capacity: 254 passengers / 103 cabins / 8 Decks
Boarding at Papeete dock from noon and departing at 4 PM and sail to the Tuamotu archipelago.
Arrival at the dock of the main village of Rotoava at 8:00 am. Visit Fakarava, one of the most beautiful and largest atolls (ring-shaped coral reef) of the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Kauehi, 40 km north-east of Fakarava, will seduce you by its authenticity as well as by the surrealist hues of its lagoon, which you can enjoy as if you were alone in the world!
Daytime program: Beach, swimming, diving and snorkeling on coral reefs and discovery of local crafts.
Let’s carry on with our journey to the mythical Marquesas Archipelago! On this occasion, relax on one of the ship’s decks to let yourself be lulled by the sea waves of the Pacific Ocean on a Polynesian voyage under the sun!
Arrival in Nuku Hiva into Taiohae’s spectacular Bay. Nuku Hiva is the largest island of the Marquesas and the second largest of French Polynesia after Tahiti.
Disembarkation at 08:00 am at the Taiohae wharf.
Daytime program : Walk along the beach to the village ; visit the craft center and the Cathedral ; depart to Hatiheu for a visit to the “Mea’e Kamuihei” site – famous for its giant banyans and petroglyphs. Along the way, scheduled halts are planned to enjoy the panorama offered by the Taipivai Valley.
At noon, lunch at Yvonne’s : Opening of the traditional earth oven (“Umu”) ; Marquesan meals served with some live music entertainment in a local atmosphere!
Afterwards, visit the small museum which gathers copies of the petroglyphs still present in the unexplored valley, then return to the Village of Taiohae.
Arrival in Ua Pou, at the Village of Hakahau.
Daytime program : Visit of the town hall – which includes antiques and former dance costumes used for the Festival of Arts ; tasting of local products at the Artisanal and Cultural Center followed by a performance of Marquesan dances and songs ; Marquesan lunch at “Tata Rosalie’s”. Return on board after lunch or enjoy free time in the village.
In the late afternoon, the ship goes to Vaiehu Bay and will stay at anchor for the “Plancha Evening” around the pool, followed by the “Beach Evening” (dance evening)
Mooring in Vaipaee Bay early in the morning – the cargo ship rotates on itself in the narrow Bay, an impressive manoeuvre that you absolutely need to see!
Daytime program : Visit the three inhabited valleys of Ua Huka ; stop at the arboretum to admire the unique variety of species and the large citrus farm ; visit the local museum and its unique collection of Marquesan Arts and Crafts, located on the “TE TUMU” site where the Marquesas Festival took place.
Head to Hane and Hokatu and their well-stocked craft markets specializing in carved wood. Lunch at the restaurant “Chez Fournier” in Hane then back on Vaipaee.
Morning arrival in on the island of Tahuata and visit the village of Vaitahu and discover local crafts including bone carving.
In the afternoon departure to Atuona, main village of Hiva Oa and the second largest in the Marquesas. Visit the communal cemetery and discover the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel as well as their museums.
This place remains the only one in the Marquesas where the inhabitants still make the traditional “tapa”, made from bark.
At the artisanal market, you will find out how “the tapa” is being made alongside the fragrant bouquet of flowers “Umu Hei”. You will also meet craftsmen selling painted tapas, wood carvings and colorful pareos.
Near the market is the Grelet family museum, dedicated to art works and Marquesan handicrafts (with a supplement). Optional : A ten-mile hike to Hanavave Bay. The other passengers can enjoy free time in the village and join Hanavave with the ship later in the day.
An artisanal market welcomes you in Hanavave with wood carvings. The women of the village will welcome you with homemade cakes and show how their traditional oil of the Marquesas is made – the “monoi”. Musical entertainment and the opportunity to learn how to make flower leis.
Back on board, Happy Hour at sunset in the beautiful Bay of Virgins followed by the Polynesian evening with a hearty buffet then go for a dance around the pool.
Free day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship while slowly returning to the Tuamotu archipelago for a final moment in the heart of Polynesian waters.
Swimming or relaxation on the beach and visit of a pearl farm in Rangiroa.
Makatea, 210 km northeast of Tahiti, is an elevated atoll, like a fortress standing on the ocean with its 70 m high cliffs.
At the end of the day, depart for Bora Bora.
The ship docks in the mythical lagoon of Bora Bora near the Village of Vaitape. It is possible to disembark on the private beach of Motu Tapu for swimming and for lunch.
Many optional excursions are available (with a supplement): Tour of the lagoon in canoe, swimming with rays and sharks, Island tour by truck, diving sessions, helicopter ride, jet-ski ride, quad bike, 4X4 safari …
Arrival in Tahiti and disembarking from 7 AM.
The itinerary is subject to change due to technical constraints or weather conditions and freight requirements.
