Discover the pristine beaches, coral coves, and extensive reef systems of the South Pacific on this 11-day small ship cruise. This voyage 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 Nuku Hiva and transfer to the Aranui. Settle in to your cabin and attend a welcome dinner as the ship sets sail.
Day 2: 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 3: 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.
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: At Sea
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.