Aranoa

Example of itinerary - Austral islands 

DAY 1 : Departure from Tahiti (Papeete), Moorea

Check-in will start at 09:00 at the Papeete Cruise Terminal.  At 12:00, the Aranoa will cast off, ready to take you to the sister island of Tahiti: Moorea before the Austral Islands. A journey between culture, tradition and unforgettable landscapes awaits you.

The Aranoa will arrive in Moorea around 14:00, passengers can visit and do some optional activities.

At 22:00 the ship will leave the Society’s islands towards the Austral Islands.

DAY 2 : At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day on the pool deck, in the comfort of the air-conditioned lounge, or admiring the vastness of the South Pacific. Lectures on the culture of the Australes will enrich your crossing, punctuated by the warmth of the Polynesian crew and their musical performances to the sounds of ukuleles, guitars and drums.

DAY 3 : Rimatara, Austral Islands

The Aranoa lands at the 'Taanini' dock. Small circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island of the archipelago to have been 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 astonishing and colorful Kuhl’s Lori, the "Ura", also found in the Cook Islands. After having passed through a smoke of purification, an old tradition of welcome, go to discover the main villages, Amaru, Anapoto and Motuaura by mini-bus or truck. In the ancient cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, rests all the lineage of the kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An ancient legend states that one should never make faces in front of the royal tomb, otherwise they will remain disfigured for the rest of their lives. A barbecue will be served on the beach of Motuaura. Its crystalline waters invite diving and discovery with a mask and snorkel. Covered with tarodieres and fruit trees, Rimatara is a flowering garden also possessing a freshwater well. The discovery of the red parakeet 'Ura' is proposed as an optional activity (registration at reception).

DAY 4 & 5 : Rurutu, Austral Islands

Rurutu, one of the two largest elevated atolls in French Polynesia, is unique due to its geological structure which surprises because we do not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basaltic and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where the islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sandy beaches and magnificent bays offer breathtaking panoramas. Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basket goods, such as magnificent hats, bags and baskets or carpets made from pandanus leaves and other natural materials. The Aranoa at anchor, off the coast of Rurutu, passengers will disembark, after a lunch on board, in barges on the dock of "Moerai" where they will be welcomed with a performance of local songs. Enjoy some free time in the peaceful village of Moerai.

The second day in Rurutu begins with a musical welcome, between ukulele, drums and flower necklaces. Board the trucks to explore the island: troglodyte caves, lush jungle, impressive cliffs and pristine beaches. A traditional feast with the opening of "umu'ai" awaits you at the mayor’s, before a relaxing break on the beach of Vitaria. From August to September, attend the majestic dance of humpback whales, a magical option offered with the horse ride.

DAY 6 : Tubuai, Austral Islands

Arrival in barges at the landing stage of the Bloody Bay, passengers are welcomed at the town hall, crown of flowers around the neck, to the sound of local music. You will be able to attend demonstrations of art and crafts of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making, specific to the island. The fertile soil and cooler climate of the island are perfectly suited for growing cabbage, lettuce, potatoes. Among the activities of the day: the visit of the cultural sites of the island by truck, the marae of "PO TUI TUI", the Fort George, first refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty from July to September 1789 and the bloody bay, witness of the fights between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch on board. The beach of the bloody bay invites you to dive and discover with a mask and snorkel. Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (registration at the reception).

DAY 7 & 8 : Raivavae, Austral Islands

aivavae, nicknamed the 'Bora Bora of yesteryear', is seduced by its motu, preserved traditions and authentic charm. From the dock of Rairua, the passengers of the Aranoa are greeted with music, adorned with wreaths. The tour of the island reveals the 'smiling Tiki', hidden marae and a tasting of bénitier. A traditional buffet is served in Rairua, followed by a stroll in the village. The next day, walkers will explore the tip of Heirani, while others will discover the 'Pupu', shell necklaces. Optional: the idyllic motu Vaiamanu and the coral garden.

Enjoy the time you have left to walk in the village or to discover its lush lagoon with a mask and snorkel. The discovery of Mount Hiro will be offered as an option (registration at the reception)

DAY 9 : Tubuai, Austral Islands

Tubuai, the most populous island in the Austral Islands, captivates with its splendid lagoon and rich heritage. Welcomed at the Bloody Bay with music and wreaths of flowers, the passengers leave by truck to discover the marae of Vaitauarii, the Fort George—refuge of the mutineers of the Bounty — and the places of their battles. Barbecue, swimming and optional diving punctuate this day between history and nature.

DAY 10 : At sea

A day to relax at the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not just enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean during our return to the Society Archipelago. Lectures on the culture and history of the company will give you a complete overview of the values defended by the company. Faithful to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment also remains traditional: initiation to Polynesian songs, to Tahitian dance, without forgetting our shows and dances under the stars.

DAY 11: Raiatea, Society Archipelago

Cradle of the Polynesian civilization, Raiatea—formerly Havai'i — is the starting point of the great migrations towards Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island. At the dock, the reception is made to the sound of the to'ere, tiare in the ear. By bus, go explore the marae Taputapuatea, a sacred place classified by UNESCO. Optional: canoe trip on the river Faaroa or certified diving. In the afternoon, stroll through the shops of Uturoa after lunch on board.

DAY 12: Bora Bora, Society Archipelago

Arriving in the opalescent blue and green lagoon, known worldwide of Bora Bora, you will be welcomed by the majestic "Mount Otemanu", the highest peak of 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 optional activities: scuba diving, tour of the lagoon by boat and canoe, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during the second world war and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the circuit. Evening departure for Papeete.

DAY 13: Tahiti, Arrival at Papeete

After days rich in encounters, grandiose landscapes and shared traditions, the Aranoa returns to the port of Papeete. Between engraved memories and faded necklaces, the hearts remain full of emotions and stories to tell.