Itinerary

Day One
Depart Papeete at 1030, head for the Tuamotu

Day Two
This morning we cruise into the pass on the north shore of Fakarava, and anchor off the village of Rotoava. We will spend the morning here and there will be a chance to snorkel and explore the village.

Day Three
The Aranui heads Northeast and makes the crossing between the Tuamotu and the Marquesas while we relax and read, learn local dances, discuss Marquesan history, and hang out on the stern deck and contemplate the 360° horizon.

Day Four
Dawn brings our first glimpse of the Marquesas as we approach Ua Po. Today we visit two sites, with a great welcome and awesome local food in the village of Hakahau, and an afternoon visit to the beautiful village of Hakahetau.

Day Five
Morning finds us docked in Nuku Hiva with a day of exploration ahead of us. We walk into the village of Taiohae to meet our guide and then head out by truck up the mountain divide to the other side of the island. As we descend on the north side of the island we are greeted by local dancers who perform on an impressive ceremonial site in the forest. At mid-day we arrive at the village of Hatiheu and are treated to a Marqesan feast hosted by the charming mayor of the village, Yvonne Katupa. In the afternoon we explore the legendary valley of Taipivae, which Herman Melville describe in his book Typee.

Day Six
During the night the Aranui takes us south to the island of Hiva Oa where we will spend the day in and around the town of Atuona. This was the home and final resting place for Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, and there are museums commemorating each man here. We will have lunch in a fine local restaurant and anyone who wants can also visit the massive ceremonial site at Upeke in the village of Taaoa 7 miles along the coast.

Day Seven
Fatu Hiva is the most remote populated island in the Marquesas and is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular islands in the South Seas.  We arrive at dawn at the bay of Omoa and visit the village, and then you will have a choice of sailing or walking to the village of Hanavave.  The walk takes you along ridges overlooking the rugged coastline, and the boat trip brings you into the incredible Bay of Virgins.

Day Eight
Back at Hiva Oa today we will have a chance to visit two villages on the north shore. At Puamau we will explore a beautiful ceremonial site that is home to Takaii, the largest tiki in the Marquesas. The afternoon will be spent visiting Hanaiapa, an idyllic village with fascinating petroglyphs nearby.

Day Nine
Today we will explore the island of Tahuata. This island is famous for its wood carvers and tattoo artists. It also was the first island visited by Europeans and is thus rich with the history of the meeting of cultures. We will visit the massive church in the village of Vaitahi that was built by the Vatican, and then we will head to the remote village of Hapatoni with its fantastic beach and friendly people.
Day Ten
You will want to be up early this morning to see the Aranui thread it’s way into a remarkably tight anchorage at Vaipaee on the island of Ua Huka. Then we go ashore for a wonderful day with a local dance performance, a visit to great little museum and arboretum, and a chance to ride local horses along the magnificently rugged coast.


Day Eleven
For our last day in the Marquesas the morning will be spent on Nuku Hiva with a chance to explore the town of Taiohae. At mid-day the ship will sail to Ua Po and our last stop will be back at the village of Hakahau with time to visit the village and shop for handicrafts. 

Day Twelve
The Aranui will head back across the expanse of blue to the Tuamotu Archipelago, and we will enjoy the time onboard with new friends and discussions of the future of these islands.

Day Thirteen
The morning show today will be the entrance into the largest lagoon in French Polynesia, on the island of Rangiroa. Bottlenose dolphins will accompany us through the pass and we will anchor in the crystalline waters off the village of Tiputa. Lunch will be on the beach, and there will be a chance to snorkel in this marine wonderland, or visit an operating black pearl farm. Dolphins will escort us again as we head back out the pass and make for Tahiti.
Day Fourteen

Arrival in Papeete at 0930 and disembarkation.

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