Discovering the Marquesas aboard the Aranui

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  TAHITI

  Arrival at Tahiti Faa'a International Airport. Welcome by your guide with the traditional flower lei and transfer to the Tahiti Pearl Beach hotel, where you will spend the night in a Deluxe Ocean View Room.

• day 2

  Navigation to the Tuamotu Archipelago.

  Breakfast then transfer to the port of Papeete. Boarding on the ship "Aranui" for a departure at 10am.

• day 3

  ARRIVAL AT TAKAPOTO

  Early arrival at Takapoto, visit of the village. Picnic/barbecue lunch by the lagoon, possibility of snorkeling with fins, mask, and snorkel.

• day 4

  SAILING DAY - INTRODUCTION TO MARQUESAN CULTURE

  Day at sea dedicated to idleness and relaxation. Lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas. Introduction by the crew to the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the archipelago (dance, ukuleles, songs, etc.).

• day 5

  DISCOVERING NUKU-HIVA

  Early arrival in Nuku Hiva, more precisely in Taiohae Bay. Departure by 4x4 to discover Hatiheu and Kamuikei, then traditional lunch at Yvonne's. Next, discovery of the Taipivai valley, its tikis and its sacred sites.

• day 6

  DISCOVERING UA POU

  Early arrival in Ua Pou. Discovery of the village of Hakahau, meeting with wood sculptors. Marquesan lunch at Rosalie's, then dance performance featuring, among others, the "Dance of the Birds," a traditional dance of Ua Pou.

• day 7

  DISCOVERING TAHUATA

  Arrival in the morning on the island of Tahuata. Discovery of the village, renowned for its church built by the Vatican and for its bone and helmet shell (local shell) carvings. Departure for Hiva Oa and the village of Atuona, where Paul Gauguin lived. Visit to the museum dedicated to the famous painter as well as his grave. Marquesan lunch at Hoa Nui and possibility to go hiking in the afternoon.

• day 8

  DISCOVERING FATU HIVA AND THE FAMOUS BAY OF VIRGINS

  Arrival at Fatu Hiva and discovery of the village of Omoa. Then, departure for the bay of Hanavave, known as the "Bay of Virgins". Possibility to go hiking in the afternoon.

• day 9

  DISCOVERING HIVA OA

  Return to Hiva Oa, discovery on foot or by 4x4 of the archaeological site of the "tikis" at Puamau. Lunch on board en route to Hanaiapa, a picturesque village which will be visited in the afternoon.

• day 10

  DISCOVERING UA HUKA

  Early arrival in Ua Huka, visit to the Vaiapee museum and the village of Hane. Lunch in a local family restaurant, then exploration of the fishing village of Hokatu. Buffet dinner on the deck, for a very festive Polynesian evening under the stars!

• day 11

  LAST DAY IN THE ENCHANTING SETTING OF THE MARQUESAS

  Free time to discover the village of Taiohae in Nuku Hiva, then head to Ua Pou and the village of Hakahau.

• day 12

  SEA NAVIGATION

  Rest, activities and conferences on board

• day 13

  DISCOVERING RANGIROA

  Arrival in the Tuamotu archipelago, and more specifically at the Rangiroa atoll. Possibility of snorkeling or scuba diving (with extra charge). Visit to a pearl farm. Departure in the afternoon for Bora Bora.

• day 14

  DISCOVERING BORA BORA - THE PEARL OF THE PACIFIC

  Arrival in Bora Bora. Picnic on a private "motu" (islet) surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Paid activities available: tour of the island by boat, bus, or 4x4. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

• day 15

  Arrival in Papeete and disembarkation

  Arrival in Papeete and disembarkation.