Embark on an extraordinary South Pacific journey from the island of Tahiti to the unspoiled beauty and rich heritage of the Pitcairn and Gambier Islands. Cruise aboard the custom-built Aranoa, as it delivers essential supplies to these isolated communities.
Venture far off the beaten path to isolated Pitcairn, where rugged cliffs rise dramatically from the sea and the legacy of the Bounty mutineers lives on.
Across the cobalt-blue waters, the Gambier Islands form one of the South Pacific’s most beautiful archipelagos. Discover emerald forests, scalloped bays, warm welcomes and unique traditions.
Life aboard the Aranoa blends comfort with discovery. Relax in spacious, Polynesian-inspired suites and bright cabins. Take in sweeping lagoon views from the wide decks, cool off in the outdoor pool, and savour fine French and Polynesian cuisine. Gather in the lounge to deepen your connection with the region through expert-led talks on local culture and history.
Itinerary
All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes will be dependent on weather and sea conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential!
Board the Aranoa today and settle into your cabin before setting sail from Papeete.
Once a stronghold of the Pomare family, Anaa charms with its jade lagoon, white sand motus and striking coral formations. Life here moves at a gentle pace, with locals living sustainably through fishing and copra. In Tukuhora, you can stroll through the village or hop on a bus, try fly-fishing in the clear shallows, then enjoy a picnic on the beach.
Framed by crystal-clear lagoons and swaying coconut palms, the friendly village of Ikitake greets you with dancing and fragrant flower garlands. Discover intricate shell crafts, the old lighthouse, Saint-Paul churches, a traditional fish park, and 19th-century coral buildings. Relax under the shade of the century-old “Tou,” enjoying a local buffet with the lively beat of traditional music.
Soak up sweeping views of the South Pacific from the Pool Deck or relax in the comfort of the Lounge. Learn the fascinating story of Pitcairn Island and the descendants of the Bounty mutineers during lectures. After sunset, enjoy a lively evening in the bar, where your Polynesian crew bring their heritage to life with joyful music on ukuleles, guitars, and drums.
Rikitea, the charming capital of the Gambier Islands, welcomes you with the sparkling blue-green lagoon known for its black pearls. Enjoy a colourful flower greeting and taste local specialities at Karorua Quay. Don’t miss the renovated Saint-Michel Cathedral, a Polynesian Catholic landmark decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl.
Drop anchor in Bounty Bay, the heart of one of the world’s most remote islands, two centuries after the Bounty’s famous arrival. Explore Adamstown, meet the mutineers’ descendants at the local market, check out the Bounty Museum, and visit John Adams’ final resting place. Finish with a picnic lunch in the village, swapping stories and enjoying the warm hospitality of the islanders.
Spend the second day at your own pace. Wander through the village or take a hike to the “Highest Point,” the tallest spot in the territory.
Arrive in Karorua and be greeted with a lively “PE’I” dance. Explore the island on foot or by truck, visiting spots like Collège Saint-Raphaël, where young artisans craft intricate mother-of-pearl pieces. Hike up to the belvedere and the kings’ tomb if you’re feeling adventurous. Head back to the ship for lunch, then spend a relaxed afternoon swimming at Teauopapa.
Enrich your journey with a series of lectures and activities that bring Hikueru’s culture and history to life.
A former Tuamotu pearl reserve, Hikueru still shows the scars of the 1903 cyclone, famously described by Jack London in South Sea Tales. Today it’s a copra-growing island, and you’ll be greeted at the marina with music and flower wreaths. Discover the village and the abandoned Saint-Michel Church on foot or by truck, or rent a bike to wander at your own pace. Along the way, listen to local storytellers bring the island’s legends to life.
As you sail back to Papeete, enjoy lectures and activities on board. Or simply relax and reflect on your incredible adventure.
Your voyage comes to an end in Papeete. Say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow passengers, the Polynesian staff, and the Aranoa guides.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in cabins with private bathroom
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All meals, wine with on board meals (1 bottle per 4 passengers)
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Excursions as per itinerary
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Cruise transportation
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £5996 Excluding Flights
11 Nights
Jul & Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Jo
Arctic cruises
Continents visited
Departure & price guide
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

































