Austral Islands "Rapa"

On Day 1, you check in at the Papeete Cruise Terminal at 9:00 am. At 12:00 pm, the Aranoa departs Papeete and begins the trip to the Austral Islands.

You explore Rurutu, known for its traditional handicrafts and finely woven items made from pandanus leaves and other natural materials. After lunch on board, you travel by barge to Moerai, the island’s main village, where you stroll through the streets and discover local crafts, including hats, bags, baskets, and rugs.

The Aranoa docks at Taanini Wharf on Rimatara, a small volcanic island that has preserved its traditions, dialect, and unique identity. After a traditional purification smoke ceremony, take a bus to explore the main villages. In Amaru, discover the ancient royal cemetery overlooking the sea, where the island’s former kings and queens are buried. Legend has it that you mustn’t make faces in front of the royal tombs… or you’ll be left disfigured! In Motuaura, enjoy the crystal-clear waters for a swim or to explore the seabed with a mask and snorkel. With its Taro fields, fruit trees, and lush gardens, Rimatara offers a true natural paradise. The island is also home to the magnificent Kuhl’s lory “Ura,” an iconic red parakeet. Optional excursions to see the Ura and the “navel of Rimatara” are available upon registration at the front desk.

Tubuai is the most populous island in the Austral Islands and is said to have one of the most beautiful lagoons in Polynesia. You’ll disembark by barge at Baie Sanglante, where you’ll be welcomed with music and a flower lei around your neck. Thanks to its cooler climate and fertile soil, Tubuai is renowned for its vegetable crops, particularly cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Set out to explore the island by truck and discover its cultural sites, including the Vaitauarii marae. Lunch will be served under the large tent at City Hall, accompanied by a showcase of local crafts. Optional: island tour by 4x4 or a boat tour of the 8 motu. Sign up at the front desk.

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).

Rapa is one of the most unspoiled and isolated islands in the Austral Islands. Shaped like a crescent, it is distinguished by its 12 deep bays, its temperate climate, and its unique natural environment, which lacks coral reefs and coconut palms. Among other things, fruits and vegetables that are surprising for these latitudes—such as apples, peaches, and nectarines—are grown there. The Aranoa docks at Ahurei, where you’ll be welcomed with music and a flower garland around your neck. Take a truck to the cultural center to discover the crafts of the “mamas,” including hats and baskets made from mountain reeds, called “kakae.” You’ll also explore the small historical museum, learn about agricultural traditions centered on “roki” taro, and participate in cultural workshops on making popoi and reed baskets. A local meal will be served at the Cultural Center on the Temotouri pier. For the more adventurous, a 2.5-hour hike to Fort Morongo Uta offers the chance to explore Rapa’s wild and unspoiled landscapes.

Nicknamed the “Bora Bora of yesteryear,” Raivavae is an unspoiled island in the Austral Islands, surrounded by a magnificent turquoise lagoon and numerous motus. During your stopover on the Aranoa, explore the village of Rairua, its traditions, its ancient marae, and the famous “Smiling Tiki.” You can also enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors and explore traditional crafts, including “Pupu” shell necklaces. For nature lovers, a hike or excursion to Motu Vaiamanu and its crystal-clear waters will round out this wonderful experience.

Back in Rurutu, rediscover the traditional villages, ancient marae, and local crafts, particularly basket weaving. Rurutu is also renowned for its humpback whale season, which runs from July through October; you can spot them in its waters during this time. With its unspoiled natural beauty, Polynesian traditions, and encounters with the locals, Rurutu offers a stopover full of charm and authenticity.

Take this opportunity to slow down and enjoy a drink or a cup of coffee while gazing out at the ocean, and simply let yourself be swept away by the boat’s atmosphere. It’s also a great time to chat with the other passengers or the crew, or to jot down a few impressions and take some photos of this unique crossing before you head back to the Society Islands.

In the heart of the Polynesian Triangle, Raiatea—formerly known as Havai‘i—is recognized as the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first island settled by navigators, it served as the starting point for the great migrations to New Zealand, Hawaii, and Rapa Nui. Upon the Aranoa’s arrival, passengers are welcomed with a tiare flower in their ear, to the rhythm of the to‘ere. Buses will then take you to the spectacular Taputapuatea marae, over 1,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the religious and spiritual center of all of Polynesia. As an optional activity, explore the Faaroa River by canoe, surrounded by endemic plants and fruit trees, or enjoy a certified scuba diving excursion (sign up at the front desk). After lunch on board, spend the afternoon in Uturoa, browsing shops, admiring local crafts, and soaking up the warm atmosphere of the pier.

As you approach the legendary lagoon of Bora Bora, the landscape unfolds like a living painting: a mosaic of blues and greens reflecting the majestic Mount Otemanu, an icon of Polynesia. The island also reveals a little-known history: during World War II, it served as a strategic U.S. base, and cannons and bunkers from that era still remain. Your day continues on Motu Tevairoa, a private islet surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon. Between relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the white sand, savor a Polynesian barbecue in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Optionally, explore the lagoon by boat or canoe, enjoy a scuba diving excursion, or have a fascinating encounter with rays and sharks in their natural habitat (sign up at the front desk).

Upon arrival in Moorea, discover an island with spectacular scenery, featuring lush green mountains, a turquoise lagoon, and white-sand beaches. Admire the famous Cook and Opunohu bays, as well as the majestic Mount Rotui. Take advantage of this stopover to explore the pineapple plantations, discover the island’s scenic viewpoints, and immerse yourself in Polynesian culture. A boat or canoe trip will also allow you to explore the lagoon and its rich marine life.

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.