Cruise the Marquesas Islands

Cruise the Marquesas Islands
from £4,006 excluding flights
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Highlights

Marvel at Nuku Hiva's bay, dominated by towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls

Watch the spectacle of a traditional Marquesan Pig Dance

Listen to stories surrounding the ancient tiki sculptures

Visit Rangiroa with its stunning coral reef and tropical fish

See where Paul Gaugin lived and visit his tomb

Visit one of the world's most beautiful lagoons at Bora Bora
Why this trip...

Style of vessel
This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions

Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

Culture
Experience local culture and heritage as part of this holiday
Overview
On this remarkable South Pacific adventure, discover the intoxicating beauty of the remote, luxuriant and untouched Marquesas Islands. Cruise aboard the custom-built vessel, the Aranui V, which operates as a "freighter to paradise" delivering essential supplies to these remote islands.
Set sail aboard through the little-visited outer islands of the Marquesas. One of the most beautiful archipelagos in the South Pacific, the islands jut from the cobalt-blue ocean, waterfalls plunging through rainforest to scalloped bays.
The Aranui V features spacious Polynesian themed suites and all cabins have windows. On the sweeping decks you can read, relax or take in the views of pristine lagoons and soaring mountains. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy fine French and Polynesian cuisine in the dining room with your fellow adventurers. Socialise in the lounge or learn about the rich Marquesan culture and history from on board experts.

Accommodation



Aranui V
The Aranui V has been carefully designed with added space for passenger comfort. The vessel is capable of carrying 254 passengers with a total of 103 cabins including 32 Suites, 31 Superior Deluxe staterooms and 40 standard staterooms. The Suites have a king size bed and a sofa bed. All guest rooms have private bathrooms with showers. There are berths for 24 passengers in the Class C dormitory, and these five rooms each have a bathroom and shower.
Read moreItinerary
Day 1 depart Papeete
In the morning depart from Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, at 10:00 hours, boarding from 7am. Sail east from the Society Islands towards Fakarava atoll, a tiny speck in the South Pacific Ocean.
In the morning depart from Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, at 10:00 hours, boarding from 7am. Sail east from the Society Islands towards Fakarava atoll, a tiny speck in the South Pacific Ocean.
Day 2 Fakarava - Tuamotu Islands
Morning arrival in Fakarava. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, you will have time to discover the small village of Rotoava, the church, built of coral and the local arts and crafts. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon among the colourful ballet of tropical fish. Optional excursions, such as snorkelling or diving in the various passes or an outing to an islet for bird watching, are available at an additional cost. Return to vessel by 12:00pm.
Morning arrival in Fakarava. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, you will have time to discover the small village of Rotoava, the church, built of coral and the local arts and crafts. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon among the colourful ballet of tropical fish. Optional excursions, such as snorkelling or diving in the various passes or an outing to an islet for bird watching, are available at an additional cost. Return to vessel by 12:00pm.

Day 3 at sea
Relax on the sun decks and in the small pool. Soak up the immense beauty of the South Pacific. On warm tropical evenings perhaps read in the lounge/library or chat with one of the experts on Marquesan culture or archaeology.
Relax on the sun decks and in the small pool. Soak up the immense beauty of the South Pacific. On warm tropical evenings perhaps read in the lounge/library or chat with one of the experts on Marquesan culture or archaeology.
Day 4 Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatiheu-Taipivai)
Sail into Taiohae's spectacular bay, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas. Visit the archaeological site of Mea'e Kamuihei, with it's giant banyans and petroglyphs, before hiking to the nearby Paeke site where you will see a performance of the Marquesan Pig Dance. After enjoying a traditional Marquesan lunch, you will wind up dirt mountain roads to the village of Hatiheu to visit an archaeological site. You will have the chance to explore Taiohae before returning to the Aranui, anchored in the bay.
Sail into Taiohae's spectacular bay, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas. Visit the archaeological site of Mea'e Kamuihei, with it's giant banyans and petroglyphs, before hiking to the nearby Paeke site where you will see a performance of the Marquesan Pig Dance. After enjoying a traditional Marquesan lunch, you will wind up dirt mountain roads to the village of Hatiheu to visit an archaeological site. You will have the chance to explore Taiohae before returning to the Aranui, anchored in the bay.

Day 5 Ua Pou (Hakahau – Hakahetau)
Whenever the Aranui stops, local villagers warmly greet it. As the crew unloads supplies, explore the tiny town of Hakahau with its church and hand-carved wooden dais. Walk up a hill for a breathtaking view of the distant cloud-covered mountains. Enjoy another delicious Marquesan lunch comprised of breadfruit, curried goat and more.
Whenever the Aranui stops, local villagers warmly greet it. As the crew unloads supplies, explore the tiny town of Hakahau with its church and hand-carved wooden dais. Walk up a hill for a breathtaking view of the distant cloud-covered mountains. Enjoy another delicious Marquesan lunch comprised of breadfruit, curried goat and more.

Prices and Departures
Price from £4,006 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in cabins with private bathroom
- All meals, wine with on board meals (1 bottle per 4 passengers)
- Excursions as per itinerary
- Cruise transportation
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2021 Departures
From prices per person, based on 2 sharing a standard cabin with private bathroom
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Twin Cabin Price (pp) |
---|---|---|---|
19 Jan 2021 * | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £3,767 |
06 Feb 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
06 Mar 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
20 Mar 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
08 Apr 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
24 Apr 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
22 May 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
10 Jun 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
26 Jun 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
15 Jul 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
05 Aug 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
21 Aug 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
18 Sep 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
07 Oct 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
23 Oct 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
06 Nov 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
27 Nov 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
16 Dec 2021 | 12 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
* this departure is for senior citizens aged 60+
2022 Departures
From prices per person, based on 2 sharing a standard cabin with private bathroom
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Twin Cabin Price (pp) |
---|---|---|---|
22 Jan 2022 * | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £3,767 |
05, 19 Feb 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
19 Mar 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
02, 23 Apr 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
21 May 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
04, 18 Jun 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
02, 16, 30 Jul 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
13, 27 Aug 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
24 Sep 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
08 Oct 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
05, 19 Nov 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
03, 17 Dec 2022 | 11 nights | Aranui 5 | £4,164 |
* this departure is for senior citizens aged 60+
These prices are a guideline and are subject to change depending on exchange rates. Please contact us for details of cabin upgrades and single occupancy.
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