French Polynesia cruise on the Aranui 5

18 days
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Private Guided
Translucent lagoons, volcanic peaks, and long streaks of beach are the key ingredients of French Polynesia, an enigmatic collection of archipelagos within an archipelago adrift in the South Pacific. Our specialists have journeyed across these islands, which cover an area larger than Europe, exploring the main sights as well as seeking out lesser-known corners...
$15,451
From$11,445
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Visit a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and French Polynesia's second largest atoll.
    • Snorkel French Polynesia's largest atoll.
    • Meet local wood carvers and artists.
    • Explore Taipivai Valley and its sacred ritual sites.
    • Relax on the beautiful Vahine Island.

What's this trip about?

    Translucent lagoons, volcanic peaks, and long streaks of beach are the key ingredients of French Polynesia, an enigmatic collection of archipelagos within an archipelago adrift in the South Pacific. Our specialists have journeyed across these islands, which cover an area larger than Europe, exploring the main sights as well as seeking out lesser-known corners. They’ll carefully plan a French Polynesia vacation to suit your interests, whether you’re after a tranquil getaway or a more adventurous experience.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityTahiti
End CityTahiti

Travel Themes

  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Relaxing Retreats

Activities

  • Scuba Diving
  • Short Cruise
  • Swimming

Trip includes

    • In-destination transfers
    • Activities and excursions as detailed
    • All accommodations

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Itinerary

Day 1 Tahiti

 Tahiti

Fly with Air New Zealand to Los Angeles in Economy Class. On arrival transit to your onward flight to Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui on an Air New Zealand code share.

Day 2 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

You will arrive early this morning and so a room has been pre-booked for you in Tahiti, so that you can check straight in and relax. You then have a full day at leisure in Tahiti to relax in the lagoon or by the pool. You might also like to take a trip ...

Day 3 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the port where you will board the Aranui 5 and set sail on your cruise to explore the beautiful Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

Day 4 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Enjoy your first day in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the islands of Takapoto. You will enjoy a short walk to a magnificent white sandy beach where we will have a picnic and you can swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon and take in the mesmerising tropical lagoon fish.

Day 5 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Hiva Oa ,  Tahiti

Time at sea sailing to the Marquesas. Relax on board the sun decks, take a dip in the pool, or learn about the Marquesan culture and history from your knowledgeable crew and the onboard library.

Day 6 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Nuku Hiva ,  Tahiti

Explore Hiva Oa, the second largest of the islands in the Marquesas. Your tour this morning takes in Puamau which is close to the world-famous tiki statue sites. After lunch on board you will set sail for Tahuata and spend the afternoon in the village of Vaitahu. The French Catholic church in the village is particularly impressive.

Day 7 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Explore Nuku Hiva, Marquesas. Your next stop is Taiohae Bay, where you can explore Taiohae, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas, the valley of Hatiheu and the valley of Taipivai. You will enjoy lunch at Yvonne's Restaurant, who also happens...

Day 8 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Explore Ua Pou Island, Marquesas. As the crew unload their supplies you can explore the tiny town of Hakahau, home to talented wood carvers and breath-taking views that are well worth the walk up the hill! You'll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant here.

Day 9 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Explore Hiva Oa, the second largest of the islands in the Marquesas. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Atuona, the home of impressionist, Paul Gauguin. You will enjoy a Marquesan lunch and have the chance to visit the graves of the two most famous international residents: Paul Gauguin and Jaques Brel.

Day 10 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Explore Fatu Hiva, Marquesas. This lush and remote island is a hub for Marquesan arts and crafts, so you will meet local people producing and designing tapa cloth, hand-painted pareo (sarongs) and monoi oil and watch skilled wood-carvers in action.

Day 11 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Today, on Ua Huka, you will visit a museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art. You can choose to explore the island by four-wheel drive or ride the famed Marquesan horses to explore the mountain landscape, and views of the Pacific. You'll enjoy lu...

Day 12 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Rangiroa ,  Tahiti

You cruise back to the Tuamotu archipelago today relaxing on board, discussing your adventures with fellow passengers or reading about the unique Polynesian culture which you have just been introduced to.

Aranui 5

Day 13 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Bora Bora ,  Tahiti

The cruise sails on to Rangiroa today, the largest atoll in the world where you can swim and snorkel in a translucent lagoon. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available too and you will also have the opportunity to purchase black pearls from local black pearl farmers.

Aranui 5

Day 14 Vahine Island

 Tahiti ,  Raiatea ,  Vahine Island

Today you will enjoy the blue lagoon of Bora Bora where you can spend the day at the white sand beach. Optional excursions such as island tours, swimming with rays and small sharks, and helicopter tours are available at an extra cost.

Day 15 Vahine Island

 Vahine Island

Sail back to Tahiti where you will arrive this morning. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the airport for your Air Tahiti flight to Raiatea where a boat transfer will take you across the lagoon to your small luxury hotel, Vahine Island Resort. Dinner, bed and breakfast is included in your stay.

Day 16 Vahine Island

 Vahine Island

A full day at leisure on Vahine Island at your resort which enjoys a very relaxing location on the outer reef with fine views of the lagoon and islands. Take the time to talk to your hosts today as they are experts in the best ways to explore the lagoon and the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea which both occupy the same reef system.

Day 17 Vahine Island

 Vahine Island

A full day at leisure at Vahine. The lagoon has some wonderful coral gardens for swimming and snorkeling. Look out for the turtles which live in the lagoon and are very inquisitive.

Day 18 Return home

 Raiatea ,  Tahiti

Enjoy your last full day at leisure on Vahine. You may wish to arrange a visit to a vanilla plantation, take in a 'coconut show' or use the hotel's spa facilities for some last minute pampering.

Day 1 Tahiti

 Tahiti<...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,445
Price per day$636
Last Updated: 10/27/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
audley-FrePoAud

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