This expedition will discover these pearls of the Tuamotu: Makatea, unique with its immense cliffs, Mataiva and its colorful lagoon and Anaa's intense blue will be forever etched into our memories.
- Makatea: Explore the historical remains of the phosphate mining era, visit sacred caves, and enjoy a scenic picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.
- Mataiva: Experience the unique lagoon and pristine white sand beaches, visit local landmarks, and partake in a beach picnic with optional excursions to Turtle Rock and the Paure marae.
- Anaa: Discover the sparkling green jade lagoon, engage in fly fishing, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with optional activities like swimming at the pito "Ogoogo".
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Departure from Papeete in the afternoon, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.
Surrounded by sheer cliffs rising nearly 240 feet above sea level, Makatea is the only atoll in the Tuamotu Islands with potable water, which comes from its underground caves. Once a prosperous atoll due to the exploitation of phosphates from 1917 until 1964, it has become almost completely deserted, with only a few families left. Today, the inhabitants live from copra cultivation, fishing and the trade of the coconut crab, the "Kaveu".Aranui offers the opportunity to visit the remains of Makatea's past and its phosphate mining.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Temao wharf and begin the journey across the island on foot or by car. Visit the sacred caves of Makatea and picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.
Mataiva has everything to dazzle travelers. Its unique lagoon and white sand beaches make it one of the most sumptuous atolls in French Polynesia. Mataiva, which is easily accessible from Tahiti, has preserved its authenticity and tranquility. Here, there is little tourism, and the inhabitants are welcoming, kind and warm.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Pahua wharf and will be greeted by a performance of "Orero". The village is a 5-minute walk from the dock, and you can visit it at your own leisure.
Optional excursions will be offered such as the visit of the "Turtle Rock", the "Paure" marae, the phosphate pond, the bird motu and the "pito" of Mataiva (sign-up at the reception). 4x4 vehicles will take you to a private beach for a picnic and to enjoy the lagoon.
Anaa, the birthplace of Tahiti's royal family, the Pomare dynasty, has entered the history books.
Today, Anaa is best known for its sparkling green jade lagoon and the picturesque white sand motus surrounding it. Most of the population is engaged in copra oil production or fishing, which has led to the development of the island's sustainable fishing program. Look out for the "feo", the gigantic, fossilized coral blocks that are characteristic of the atoll.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Tukuhora pier. By bus or on foot, they will be able to visit the village and its specificities. The shallow, translucent lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an activity offered at Anaa. A picnic lunch is offered on the beach in Tukuhora village.
Optional activities: discovery and swimming at the pito "Ogoogo".
Tautira means "the mast of a double hull canoe laid on the ground". Commune located on the isthmus of the island of Tahiti. It is part of the Commune of East Taiarapu, which includes Tautira, Faaone, Afaahiti (Taravao) and Pueu. It was for a long time one of the most important districts of Tahiti with Vehiatua as its chief, who proclaimed the independence of East Taiarapu in 1768 and who led his commune to gain supremacy over the whole island in 1773.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Vereiti site where the band Pepena will perform for a local atmosphere. They will be able to snorkel at the beach, visit a taro factory located at a 5-minute walking distance and enjoy going to the river. Departure of the excursions to the "Te Pari" at the Vereiti pontoon (sign-up at the reception). The "maa Tahiti" will be served following the return of the
excursions.
This is the end of our journey. It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Aranui 5
Aranui 5 is a new custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 14 day all-inclusive cruise. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.
With 8 different guest decks, the interior decor reflects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. The ship features a restaurant where all the meals onboard are served in a casual setting; 2 lounges; 2 conference rooms, where guest lecturers will offer presentations on various topics related to the Marquesas; 4 bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views; an outdoor pool; a boutique; a massage room and a gym.
Passenger accommodations range from Premium exterior staterooms, more than 90 percent with a private balcony; to Standard exterior staterooms with a picture window or porthole; to Class C, shared dormitory style cabins with occupancy for 4 or 8. Aranui 5’s registry is France and thus sails under French pavilion. As such, she operates under the strictest building and safety guidelines, including the requirements of international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations and the French Coast Guard (CCS).
