Travel Type
Cruise
Duration
13 Days/12 Nights
Country
French Polynesia
Discovered by Europeans in the 18th Century, the Austral islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti. Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons. Breathtaking landscapes, from sheer mountains to valleys, these islands are famous for their farming activities. The Austral islands will certainly offer a memorable and unique experience.
Inclusions
12 nights in the selected cabin
Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
Group transfers during the cruise
36 meals: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners with complimentary wine (1 bottle for every 4 guests) onboard, guided excursions
Shore excursions, these include meals, a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant will be provided
English-speaking guide
Landing fees and port taxes
Exclusions
International or domestic airfare – Tourist taxes in Papeete – Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding, fishing and helicopter tours – Beverages not mentioned in the incllusiosn – Gratuities to hotel personnel and guides – Travel insurance
1
DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM PAPEETE (Tahiti)
You will embark on the Aranui 5 between 7:00 and 9:00 am in the morning. Departure around 12:00 pm. You will be warmly welcomed by our Polynesian crew and begin the big journey to the Austral Islands.
Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation : Selected cabin for 12 nights
2
DAY 2 RURUTU (Austral Islands)
Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure which is surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basketry, such as beautiful hats, bags and baskets or rugs made of pandanus leaves and other natural materials. The Aranui at anchor, off Rurutu, passengers will disembark, after lunch on board, by tender on the “Moerai” dock where they will be welcomed with a performance of local songs. Enjoy some free time in the peaceful village of Moerai.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
DAY 3 RURUTU (Austral Islands)
On the second day, a flower welcome accompanied by Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars and drums will captivate you. Board the trucks, it’s time to visit the wonders of the island. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are suitable for growing coffee and taro. A traditional and typical Rurutu meal will be served at the mayor’s house with the opening of the “umu’ai”. Enjoy the white sandy beach of Vitaria and its lagoon. Every year, from August to September, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu where they come to mate and give birth. The Aranui 5 being there in September, it should be a delight for your eyes and ears. This activity is offered as an option with the visit of the Mole’e cave, nicknamed “the mouth of the monster” for experienced hikers (registration at the reception).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
DAY 4 RIMATARA (Austral Islands)
The Aranui disembarks at the “Taanini” dock. A small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island of the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, has preserved its old traditions, including its own dialect. It is home to an endemic bird, the amazing and colorful Kuhl’s Lori, the “Ura”, which is also found in the Cook Islands.After passing through a purification smoke ceremony, an ancient tradition of welcome, discover the main villages, Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the old cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, lies the entire lineage of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An old legend says that you should never make faces in front of the royal tomb, otherwise you will remain disfigured for the rest of your life. A barbecue will be served on the beach of Motuaura. Its crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel. Covered with taro plants and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flower garden with a fresh water well. A bird watching excursion to discover the red parakeet “Ura” is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
DAY 5 TUBUAI (Austral Islands)
Tubuai is the most populated island of the Austral Islands. Arriving by tender at the landing stage of Bloody Bay, passengers are welcomed at the town hall with a wreath of flowers, to the sound of local music. You will be able to attend art and craft demonstrations of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, specific to the island. The island’s fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Among the day’s activities: the visit of the cultural sites of the island by truck, the marae of “PO TUI TUI”, Fort George, the first refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty from July to September 1789 and Bloody Bay, witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch will be served on board. The beach of Bloody Bay invites you to dive in and discover it with a mask and snorkel.
Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).
Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (sign-up at the reception).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
DAY 6 AT SEA
A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to Rimatara. Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands will give you a complete overview of this civilization. During the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their “ukulele”, guitars and drums.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
DAY 7 RAPA (Austral islands)
As you approach Rapa, only accessible by sea, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica”. As the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia, this crescent shaped land mass — with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays —is as remote as it gets. Rapa is Easter Island’s little sister. It has a temperate climate, no coral or coconut trees, but fruits and vegetables other than tropical ones are plentiful here: apples, peaches, nectarines… The Aranui will disembark at the dock in Ahurei. Passengers will be greeted with flower wreaths, to the typical sounds and rhythms of Rapa. Trucks will be waiting for you, heading to the cultural center. You will discover how the “mamas” make local crafts: hats and baskets made of reed (a fragile material) and bamboo crafts. A local meal will be served on land. On Rapa, we propose a two and a half hour walk to Fort Morango Uta. Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or in the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on the weather conditions.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
DAY 8 RAPA (Austral islands)
Among the other activities on offer during our one-and-a-half-day stopover in Rapa, you will visit Ahurei, the main village of the island, explore ancient fortresses, visit an agricultural production centre, discover local arts and crafts, meet the inhabitants of this isolated island, and share a ma’a over a wood fire in the village.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
DAY 9 RAIVAVAE (Austral Islands)
It is said that Raivavae is the “Bora Bora of yesteryear” and that its lagoon is the most beautiful in Tahiti & her islands. A jewel preserved by its inhabitants; the island is a veritable garden of Eden where visitors fall under her spell. When the Aranui is at anchor, passengers disembark by tender onto Mahanatoa beach where they will be welcomed with wreaths of flowers, to the sound of Raivavae songs and rhythms. Departure by bus for a tour of the island. Do not miss the visit of the “Smiling Tiki” and the marae scattered around the island. Of course, its inhabitants will serve you a typical Raivavae buffet on Mahanatoa beach. Take advantage of the remaining time to walk around the village or to discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel. The discovery of Mount Hiro will be offered as an option (sign-up at the reception).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
DAY 10 AT SEA
A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the views of the South Pacific Ocean on our return to the Society Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the passenger-freighter Aranui 5 will give you a complete overview of the philosophy and valuable contributions made by the company. Faithful to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains traditional: initiation to Polynesian songs, Tahitian dance, without forgetting our shows and dances under the stars.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11
DAY 11 RAIATEA (Society islands)
In the Polynesian triangle, Raiatea, formerly known as Havai’i, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first Polynesian island to be populated by sailors and navigators, it is here that all migrations to the three points of the triangle, New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island, began. The Aranui will disembark at the dock, and passengers will be greeted, with a tiare flower, to the sounds of the “to’ere”. Buses will be waiting for you to visit the most spectacular marae in the Polynesian triangle, Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old open-air temple now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the religious and spiritual center of all Polynesia. After lunch, you will enjoy your afternoon visiting the town of Uturoa, its stores and crafts on the waterfront.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12
DAY 12 BORA BORA (Society islands)
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, the “Motu Tapu”. 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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13
DAY 13 PAPEETE (Tahiti) - DEPARTURE
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.
Meals : Breakfast
Early bird discount of 15% for any of the 2026 sailings if booked before December 31st, 2024
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy | Cruise only |
| Departure dates for 2026: February 14, March 28, September 12, October 24 | |
| Class C (Dorm) | |
| Standard Stateroom | |
| Deluxe | |
| Superior Deluxe | |
| Junior Suite | |
| Premium Suite | |
| Royal Suite | |
| Presidential Suite | |
| Single supplement | On request |
Rates for other itineraries are available.
The Aranui will not be transporting freight during this voyage.
Deposit of 25% is required at time of confirmation to secure the cabin.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
ARANUI 5
Aranui 5 is a custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship designed to offer all of comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship. Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
With eight 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; one lounge; two conference rooms, where guest lecturers will offer presentations on various topics related to Marquesas three bars, including the Sky Bar with sweeping panoramic views, an outdoor swimming-pool, a boutique, a spa, a gym and the first tattoo studio at sea.
Passenger accommodations range from Premium exterior staterooms, of which more than 90% have a private balcony; to standard exterior staterooms with a picture window or porthole; and Class C, shared dormitory style cabins with occupancy for four or eight people. 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).
Ship Stats
Vessel particulars:
Flag: France
Length: 126 m. Breadth: 22 m. Draught: 5.2 m.
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Propellers: 2
Freight: 3000 tons
Capacity: 230 passengers – 103 cabins
Facilities:
1 dining room
1 spacious lounge and 2 conference rooms
3 bars including 1 panoramic bar (Skybar)
1 fitness room/gym
1 outdoor swimming-pool
1 shop, 1 library, 1 spa, 1 tattoo studio
2 elevators
Cabins and Suites:
38 Staterooms with porthole including 30 Double Staterooms of 11 sqm, 2 Single Staterooms and 6 Quadruple Staterooms.
28 Deluxe and Superior Deluxe from 13 to 14.5 sqm with a 4 sqm balcony. Capacity of two adults.
31 Suites from 18 to 22 sqm + balcony from 4 to 12 sqm (including 2 Junior Suites without balcony and 1 Junior Suite with balcony). Capacity for up to three adults.
1 Presidential Suite of 41 sqm with a 12 sqm balcony. Capacity for two to three adults.
Dormitories:
4 dormitories of 4 persons with porthole
1 dormitory of 8 persons with porthole
Double stateroom
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5, Lower Deck 2, Main Deck 3.
Area : 11 m²
Capacity : 2 people
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a porthole or a picture window, this exterior cabin offers, either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
Quadruple stateroom
Cabin located on Lower Deck 2.
Area : 180 sq.ft (17 sq.m)
Capacity : 4 people
The four-passenger staterooms, with approximately 180 sq. ft. (17 sq.m), are equipped with a queen size bed and two single bunk beds. The published rate applies to the first two occupants of the cabin. The third and fourth occupants receive a 25% discount.
Single stateroom
Cabin located on Lower Deck 2.
Area : 100 sq.ft (9 sq.m)
Capacity : 1 person
The Single Stateroom has 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
Deluxe
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Sky Deck 9, Sun Deck 8.
Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 m²) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 m²) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Junior suite with balcony
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7.
With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a balcony of 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m), this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 adults
Superior deluxe
Cabin located Sky Deck 9, Sun Deck 8.
Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Junior suite without balcony
Cabin located on Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
With 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space, without balcony but with picture windows, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Premium suite
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
With approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
Royal suite
Cabin located on Pool Deck 7, Sun Deck 8, Veranda Deck 6.
Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Royal suite with obstructed view
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5.
With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe. In this category, the view of the windows is obstructed.Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Presidential suite
Cabin located on Sky Deck 9.
Area : 440 sq.ft (41 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Consisting of 3 individual rooms, approximately 440 sq. ft. (41 sq.m) of interior space and a 130 sq. ft. (12 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, refrigerator and safe.
Double stateroom with obstructed view
Cabin located on Boat Deck 5.
Area : 120 sq.ft (11 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 adults
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a picture window with an obstructed view, this exterior cabin offers either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
Aranui Austral Islands Cruise 2026 – Detailed itinerary
Aranui Austral Islands Cruise 2026 – Detailed itinerary
Aranui Austral Islands Cruise 2026 – Promotional flyer
Aranui Austral Islands Cruise 2026 – Promotional flyer
