Discover the pristine beaches, coral coves, and extensive reef systems of the South Pacific on this 14-day small ship cruise. Sailing to and from Tahiti and the port city of Papeete, this cruise circles the Tuamotu Islands and French Polynesia, disembarking to discover small villages and snorkeling in some of the world's most pristine waters. Fall in love with the island nations of the South Pacific as you stop at Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Fatu Hiva, and more.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Papeete and transfer to the Aranui. Settle in to your cabin as the ship sets sail.
Day 2: Takapoto, Tuamotu Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Takapoto is a small, oval shaped atoll which offers a white sand beach and pristine snorkeling opportunities. Enjoy arts and crafts at the beach before returning to the ship in the afternoon.
Day 3: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Relax on board as the ship sails the South Pacific.
Day 4: Nuku Hiva
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail into Taiohae's spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Spend the morning exploring, the tiny Administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where a 23-year-old sailor, Herman Melville, jumped a whaling ship in 1842 and began an escape route around the area. Follow the route in a jeep along a steep, winding dirt mountain road. Enjoy lunch at Yvonne's Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the Marquesas, where the specialty is pig baked in an underground oven. Meet the owner-chef, Yvonne, who also happens to be the town's energetic mayor, then travel to the valley of Taipivai. The area is dotted with stone tiki gods and sacred ritual sites (me'ae) and immense stone platforms (paepae), where the Taipi built their houses. Enigmatic petroglyphs of birds, sacred turtles and fish are carved on huge boulders.
Day 5: Ua Pou
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From the deck, admire the soaring mountain spires of Ua Pou. Greet the locals of the village and set out to explore while the ship unloads supplies. Visit the church, which features a hand-carved wooden dais, and meet with some of the village's woodcarvers. Enjoy lunch at Rosalie's Restaurant before re-joining the ship.
Day 6: Tahuata / Hiva Oa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drop anchor in front of the island of Tahuata. Spanish explorers landed in 1595 and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing about 200. Tahuata is also the site of the first French settlement in the Marquesas in 1842. The huge church, which was ordered built by the Vatican, is decorated with beautiful Marquesan carvings and a stunning stained glass window.
In the afternoon, sail for Hiva Oa, the second largest village in the Marquesas. Visit the colonial store where Paul Gauguin shopped and a replica of the Impressionist’s infamous “House of Pleasure.” As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European, Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, who died in 1978. You will enjoy another lavish Marquesan lunch at Hoa Nui Restaurant.
Day 7: Fatu Hiva
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fatu Hiva is the most remote island of the Marquesan, and is a center of Marquesan crafts. Explore the village of Omoa to see some of the traditional foods and crafts of the region. Fatu Hiva is also well-known for its hand-painted pareus (sarongs) and monoi, a perfumed coconut oil scented with tiare blossoms and sandalwood.
Day 8: Hiva Oa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel by foot or by jeep to the most important archeological sites for tikis (ancient, human-like religious sculptures). Similar the those of Easter Island, follow your guides to the mysterious jungle ruins of Puamau.
Day 9: Ua Huka
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit a museum on Ua Huka which features exquisite replicas of Marquesan art. Choose to explore the island by either four-wheel drive or Marquesan horses.
Day 10: Nuku Hiva
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dock in Nuku Hiva at Taiohae in the morning and spend a free morning exploring on your own.
Day 11: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 12: Rangiroa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
On lovely Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the world, enjoy a picnic on a coral beach. Swim and snorkel in a translucent lagoon, "Rangi," an underwater jewel box with stunning colors of corals and clouds of tropical fishes.
Day 13: Bora Bora
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Anchor in the magnificent blue lagoon of Bora Bora in the morning and spend the day on the white sand beach of a private islet. Enjoy several optional excursions (for an additional cost): circle the island by boat or by bus, swim with rays and small sharks, or take a helicopter tour.
Day 14: Papeete
1 Breakfast
Return to Pateete and disembark the ship after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner