Austral Islands

• Day 1 Tahiti (Papeete)

  Board the Aranui between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. Departure around 12:00 p.m. You'll receive a warm welcome from our Polynesian staff and get your bearings on the boat before the long journey to the Austral Islands.

• Day 2 Rurutu, Austral Islands

  Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique in its geological structure, which is surprising because one would not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where the islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches, and magnificent bays offer breathtaking panoramas. Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basketry objects, such as magnificent hats, bags, baskets, or mats made from pandanus leaves and other natural materials. The Aranui is anchored off the coast of Rurutu. After lunch on board, passengers will disembark by barge at the Moerai wharf where they will be welcomed with a performance of local songs. Enjoy free time in the peaceful village of Moerai.

• Day 3 Rurutu

  On the second day, a floral welcome accompanied by Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukuleles, guitars, and drums will fascinate you. Climb aboard the trucks; it's time to explore the island's wonders. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where the islanders once lived, a lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches, and magnificent bays offer breathtaking panoramas. The island's fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing coffee and taro. A traditional Rurutu meal will be served at the mayor's house with the opening of the umu'ai. Enjoy the white sand beach of Vitaria and its lagoon. Every year, from August to September, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu, where they come to mate and give birth. With the Aranui 5 there in September, it should be a delight for your eyes and ears. This activity is offered as an option with a visit to the Taupe'e cave, nicknamed "the monster's mouth" for experienced hikers (registration at reception).

• Day 4 Rimatara

  The Aranui docks at Taanini. A small, circular volcanic plateau, Rimatara, the last island in the archipelago to be discovered in the 19th century by Captain Samuel Pinder Henry, has preserved its ancient traditions, including its own dialect. It is home to an endemic bird, the striking and colourful Kuhl's Lorikeet, the Ura, which is also found in the Cook Islands. After passing through a purification smoke, an ancient welcoming tradition, explore the main villages of Amaru, Anapoto, and Motuaura by minibus or truck. In the ancient cemetery of Amaru, facing the sea, lies the entire line of kings and queens who ruled the island of Rimatara. An ancient legend states that one should never grimace in front of the royal tomb, under penalty of remaining disfigured for the rest of one's life. A barbecue will be served on Motuaura beach. Its crystal-clear waters invite diving and snorkelling. Covered with taro plantations and fruit trees, Rimatara is a blooming garden that also boasts a freshwater well. Spotting the red parakeet "Ura" is an optional activity (registration at reception).

• Day 5 Tubuai

  Tubuai is the most populated island in the Austral Islands. Arriving by barge at the Baie Sanglante landing stage, passengers are greeted at the town hall, wearing flower wreaths and accompanied by local music. You can watch demonstrations of the island's arts and crafts of pandanus leaf weaving and shell necklace making. The island's fertile soil and cooler climate are ideal for growing cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Among the day's activities: a tour of the island's cultural sites by truck, the "PO TUI TUI" marae, Fort George, the first refuge of the Bounty mutineers from July to September 1789, and Baie Sanglante, witness to the fighting between the islanders and the mutineers. Lunch on board. Baie Sanglante beach is ideal for diving and snorkelling. Certified diving is offered as an optional activity (registration at reception).

• Day 6 At sea

  A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean as we sail to Rapa, the most remote island in the archipelago. Lectures on the culture and history of the Austral Islands will give you a comprehensive overview of this civilization. During the cruise, the spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukuleles, guitars, and drums.

• Day 7 Rapa

  As you approach Rapa, accessible only by sea, the captain may announce: "Welcome to Rapa. Next stop: Antarctica." Rapa, Easter Island's little sister, is the southernmost of the Austral Islands group and the most isolated. It takes the shape of a crescent with a coastline indented by 12 very deep bays. Its climate is temperate, with no coral or coconut trees, but fruits and vegetables other than tropical: apples, peaches, nectarines, etc. The Aranui docks at Ahurei. Passengers are welcomed, wearing flower crowns, to the sounds and rhythms typical of Rapa. Trucks await you, heading to the cultural centre. There, you will discover how the "mamas" make local crafts: hats and baskets made from reeds (a fragile material) and bamboo crafts. A local meal will be served on land. On Rapa, we offer a 2.5-hour walk to Fort Morango Uta. Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or at the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.

• Day 8 Rapa

  Among the activities offered during our stopover in Rapa, you will visit Ahurei, the island's main village, explore the ancient fortresses, visit an agricultural production centre, discover local arts and crafts, meet the inhabitants of this isolated island, and share a ma'a over a wood fire in the village

• Day 9 Raivavae

  It is rumoured that Raivavae is the "Bora Bora of yesteryear" and that its lagoon is the most beautiful in Tahiti and its islands. A jewel preserved by its inhabitants, the island is a true Garden of Eden where visitors fall under its spell. With the Aranui anchored, passengers disembark by barge on Mahanatoa beach where they are welcomed, crowned with flowers, to the sound of Raivavae songs and rhythms. Departure by bus for the tour of the island, don't miss a visit to the "Smiling Tiki" and the marae scattered around the island. Of course, its inhabitants will serve you a typical Raivavae buffet on Mahanatoa beach. Take advantage of the remaining time to stroll through 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 reception).

• Day 10 At sea

  A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean as we return to the Society Islands? Lectures on the culture and history of the Aranui 5 passenger freighter will give you a comprehensive overview of the company's values. True to the Polynesian experience, the entertainment remains traditional: introductions to Polynesian songs and Tahitian dance, not to mention our shows and dances under the stars.

• Day 11 Raiatea, Society Islands

  In the Polynesian Triangle, Raiatea, formerly called Havai'i, is considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first Polynesian island to be populated by sailors and navigators, it was here that all migrations to the three points of the triangle—New Zealand, Hawaii, and Easter Island—began. The Aranui will disembark at the dock, and passengers will be welcomed, tiaras in their ears, to the sounds of "to'ere." Buses will be waiting for you to visit the most spectacular marae in the Polynesian Triangle, Taputapuatea, a 1,000-year-old open-air temple now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the religious and spiritual centre of all Polynesia. After lunch, you will enjoy the afternoon visiting the town of Uturoa, its shops, and the crafts on the dock.

• Day 12 Bora Bora

  Arriving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic "Mount Otemanu," the island's highest peak. You can enjoy a beach day and a barbecue on a private motu surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the "Motu Tapu." You can also choose from optional activities: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and outrigger canoe, or swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II, and war relics such as cannons and bunkers can be seen along the way. Departure in the evening for Papeete.

• Day 13 Return to Tahiti (Papeete)

  This is the end of our journey. It's time to say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff, and the Aranui guides.

Austral Islands ItineraryItineraries and activities are indicative and subject to change depending on weather conditions, freight activity, or availability.