Austral Islands

You complete check-in at the Papeete Cruise Terminal from 9:00 am. At noon, you board Aranoa and depart Papeete, beginning your cruise toward the Austral Islands.

You arrive at Rurutu and disembark by barge at the Moerai quay after lunch on board. You are welcomed with local songs before enjoying free time in the peaceful village of Moerai. You can discover Rurutu’s basalt and limestone cliffs, caves, white sand beaches, bays, and traditional basketry made from pandanus leaves and other natural materials.

The Aranoa disembarks at the “Taanini” quay. A small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island in the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, has preserved its ancient traditions, including its own dialect. It is home to an endemic bird, the stunning and colorful Lori de Kuhl, the “Ura”, also found in the Cook Islands. After passing through a purification smoke, an ancient welcoming tradition, explore the main villages of Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the ancient Amaru cemetery, facing the sea, lies the entire lineage of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. Legend has it that if you make a face in front of the royal tomb, you'll be disfigured for the rest of your life. A barbecue will be served on Motuaura beach. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving. Covered with tarodera and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flowering garden with a freshwater well. The discovery of the red parakeet “Ura” is offered as an optional activity (registration at reception).

The second day on Rurutu begins with a musical welcome, featuring ukuleles, drums and flower necklaces. Board the trucks to explore the island: troglodyte caves, lush jungle, impressive cliffs and pristine beaches. A traditional feast with the opening of the “umu'ai” awaits you at the mayor's house, before a relaxing break on Vitaria beach. From August to September, witness the majestic dance of the humpback whales, a magical option offered with the horseback ride.

Raivavae, nicknamed the “Bora Bora of yesteryear”, seduces with its motu, preserved traditions and authentic charm. From the quay at Rairua, passengers aboard the Aranoa are greeted with music and wreaths of flowers. A tour of the island reveals the “Smiling Tiki”, hidden marae and a stoup tasting. A traditional buffet is served in Rairua, followed by a stroll through the village. Optional: the idyllic motu Vaiamanu and the coral garden.

Arriving by barge at the Baie Sanglante landing stage, passengers are greeted at the town hall, wreaths of flowers around their necks, to the sound of local music. You can watch demonstrations of the arts and crafts of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, both unique to the island. The island's fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing cabbage, lettuce and potatoes. The day's activities include a truck tour of the island's cultural sites, the ‘PO TUI TUI’ marae, Fort George, the first refuge of the Bounty mutineers from July to September 1789, and Bloody Bay, witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch on board. The beach at Bloody Bay invites you to dive and explore with a mask and snorkel. Certified diving is available as an optional activity (register at reception).

A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned Salon. Or why not simply enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean as you return to the Society Islands. Lectures on the company's culture and history will give you a complete overview of the values upheld by the company. True to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains as traditional as ever: initiation to Polynesian songs and Tahitian dance, not forgetting the shows and dances under the stars.

As you arrive in Bora Bora’s world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic “Mount Otemannu”, the highest peak on the island. You can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal clear waters. You can also choose from a veriety of option excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, boat and motorized canoe tours of the lagoon, 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.

The cradle of Polynesian civilization, Raiatea - formerly Havai'i - was the starting point for the great migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. On the quayside, you'll be greeted by the sound of to'ere, the tiara in your ear. By bus, explore the Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO-listed sacred site. Optional: pirogue trip down the Faaroa River or certified diving. In the afternoon, stroll through Uturoa's boutiques after lunch on board.

Huahine, nicknamed the secret island of French Polynesia, is a true unspoilt gem of the Leeward Islands. Still wild and authentic, it appeals to travellers in search of nature and tranquillity. You can explore its turquoise lagoons, dive among rays and blacktip reef sharks, or set off to discover its marae (sacred Polynesian temples) hidden in the vegetation. The more curious can explore its colorful villages and fragrant vanilla plantations, visit the sacred site of Marae MAEVA, or contemplate the blue-eyed eels, legendary guardians of the area.

Just a few kilometers from Tahiti, Moorea reveals itself as a garden island, shaped by lush green mountains that plunge into a lagoon shimmering with shades of turquoise and opal. Its legendary bays, Cook and Opunohu, offer some of the most iconic panoramas in Polynesia. Moorea is a land of endless discovery: diving and snorkeling in a lagoon teeming with life, hiking through lush valleys, or watching dolphins in their natural habitat. Nestled among mountains, white-sand beaches, and tropical gardens, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to slow down.

After days rich in encounters, grandiose landscapes and shared traditions, the Aranoa returns to the port of Papeete. Between engraved memories and faded necklaces, hearts remain full of emotions and stories to tell.