Cruise in the Tuamotu: Lagoons and Coconut Trees

Departure from Papeete, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.

Surrounded by sheer cliffs rising nearly 240 feet above sea level, Makatea is the only atoll in the Tuamotu Islands with potable water, which comes from its underground caves. Once a prosperous atoll due to the exploitation of phosphates from 1917 until 1964, it has become almost completely deserted, with only a few families left. Today, the inhabitants live from copra cultivation, fishing and

the trade of the coconut crab, the “Kaveu”.Aranui offers the opportunity to visit the remains of Makatea’s past and its phosphate mining.

Passengers will disembark by tender at the Temao wharf and begin the journey across the island on foot or by car. Visit the sacred caves of Makatea and picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.

Mataiva has everything to dazzle travelers. Its unique lagoon and white sand beaches make it one of the most sumptuous atolls in French Polynesia. Mataiva, which is easily accessible from Tahiti, has preserved its authenticity and tranquility. Here, there is little tourism, and the inhabitants are welcoming, kind and warm.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Pahua wharf and will be greeted by a performance of “Orero”. The village is a 5-minute walk from the dock, and you can visit it at your own leisure.
Optional excursions will be offered such as the visit of the “Turtle Rock”, the “Paure” marae, the phosphate pond, the bird motu and the “pito” of Mataiva (sign-up at the reception). 4×4 vehicles will take you to a private beach for a picnic and to enjoy the lagoon.

Anaa, the birthplace of Tahiti’s royal family, the Pomare dynasty, has entered the history books.
Today, Anaa is best known for its sparkling green jade lagoon and the picturesque white sand motus surrounding it. Most of the population is engaged in copra oil production or fishing, which has led to the development of the island’s sustainable fishing program. Look out for the “feo”, the gigantic, fossilized coral blocks that are characteristic of the atoll.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Tukuhora pier. By bus or on foot, they will be able to visit the village and its specificities. The shallow, translucent lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an activity offered at Anaa. A picnic lunch is offered on the beach in Tukuhora village.
Optional activities: discovery and swimming at the pito “Ogoogo”.

Tautira means “the mast of a double hull canoe laid on the ground”. Commune located on the isthmus of the island of Tahiti. It is part of the Commune of East Taiarapu, which includes Tautira, Faaone, Afaahiti (Taravao) and Pueu. It was for a long time one of the most important districts of Tahiti with Vehiatua as its chief, who proclaimed the independence of East Taiarapu in 1768 and
who led his commune to gain supremacy over the whole island in 1773.
Passengers will disembark by tender at the Vereiti site where the band Pepena will perform for a local atmosphere. They will be able to snorkel at the beach, visit a taro factory located at a 5-minute walking distance and enjoy going to the river. Departure of the excursions to the “Te Pari” at the Vereiti pontoon (sign-up at the reception). The “maa Tahiti” will be served following the return of the
excursions.

This is the end of our journey. It’s time to say Nānā! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides.

Itineraries are subject to change.