Austral Islands with Huahine 2028 Small Ship Cruise

Boarding: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Departure: Noon

Rurutu is renowned throughout Polynesia for the excellence of its handicrafts and, in particular, for the finesse of its woven items. Hats, bags, baskets, and rugs are meticulously crafted from pandanus leaves and other natural materials, using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
After lunch on board, the Aranoa, anchored off the coast of Rurutu, will take you by barge to the pier in Moerai, the island’s peaceful main village.
Take advantage of this free time to stroll through the streets of Moerai, experience the authentic atmosphere of Rurutu, and, as you walk, admire the skill of the local artisans and their magnificent woven creations.

The Aranoa docks at Taanini Wharf on Rimatara, a small volcanic island that has preserved its traditions, dialect, and unique identity. After a traditional purification smoke ceremony, take a bus to explore the main villages.
In Amaru, discover the ancient royal cemetery overlooking the sea, where the island’s former kings and queens are buried. Legend has it that you mustn’t make faces in front of the royal tombs… or you’ll be disfigured!
In Motuaura, enjoy the crystal-clear waters for a swim or to explore the seabed with a mask and snorkel. With its taro fields, fruit trees, and lush gardens, Rimatara offers a true natural paradise. The island is also home to the magnificent Kuhl’s lory “Ura,” an iconic red parakeet.
Optional excursions to discover the Ura and the “navel of Rimatara” are available upon registration at the front desk.

Tubuai is the most populous island in the Austral Islands and is said to have one of the most beautiful lagoons in Polynesia.
You’ll disembark by barge at Baie Sanglante, where you’ll be welcomed with music and a flower lei around your neck. Thanks to its cooler climate and fertile soil, Tubuai is renowned for its vegetable crops, particularly cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes.
Set out to explore the island by truck and discover its cultural sites. Lunch will be served under the large tent at City Hall, accompanied by a showcase of local crafts.
Optional: island tour by 4x4 or boat (sign up at the front desk).

Nicknamed the “Bora Bora of yesteryear,” Raivavae is an unspoiled island in the Austral Islands, surrounded by a magnificent turquoise lagoon and numerous motus.
During your stopover aboard the Aranoa, explore the village of Rairua, its traditions, its ancient marae, and the famous “Smiling Tiki.” You’ll also enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors and discover traditional crafts, including “Pupu” shell necklaces.
For nature lovers, a hike or excursion to Motu Vaiamanu and its crystal-clear waters will round out this wonderful experience.

Back in Rurutu, rediscover the traditional villages, ancient marae, and local crafts, particularly basket weaving.
Rurutu is also renowned for its humpback whale season, which runs from July through October; you can spot them in its waters during this time.
With its unspoiled natural beauty, Polynesian traditions, and encounters with the locals, Rurutu offers a stopover full of charm and authenticity.

Take this opportunity to slow down and enjoy the journey: settle in on the deck to admire the scenery of the Austral Islands, have a drink or a coffee while gazing out at the ocean, and simply let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere on board.
It’s also a great time to chat with the other passengers or the crew, or to jot down a few impressions and take some photos of this unique crossing.

As you approach the legendary lagoon of Bora Bora, the landscape unfolds like a living painting: a mosaic of blues and greens reflecting the majestic Mount Otemanu, an icon of Polynesia.
The island also reveals a little-known history: during World War II, it served as a strategic U.S. base, and cannons and bunkers from that era still remain.
Your day continues on Motu Tevairoa, a private islet surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon. Between relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the white sand, savor a Polynesian barbecue in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Optionally, explore the lagoon by boat or canoe, go scuba diving, or have a fascinating encounter with rays and sharks in their natural habitat (sign up at the front desk).

Located at the heart of the Polynesian Triangle, Raiatea—formerly known as Havai‘i—is recognized as the cradle of Polynesian civilization. As the first island settled by navigators, it served as the starting point for the great migrations to New Zealand, Hawaii, and Rapa Nui.
Upon the Aranoa’s arrival, passengers are welcomed with a tiare flower in their ear, to the rhythm of the to‘ere. Buses will then take you to the spectacular Taputapuatea marae, over 1,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the religious and spiritual center of all of Polynesia.
As an optional activity, explore the Faaroa River by canoe, surrounded by endemic plants and fruit trees, or enjoy a certified scuba diving excursion (sign up at the front desk).
After lunch on board, spend the afternoon in Uturoa, browsing shops, admiring local crafts, and soaking up the warm atmosphere of the pier.

Huahine, an authentic and unspoiled island, is home to nearly 200 marae, about 30 of which have been restored, bearing witness to the cultural and spiritual depth of the fenua. A true hidden gem, it offers a rare immersion into the Polynesia of yesteryear.
Throughout the day, you’ll visit the Fare Pote’e, an exhibition space showcasing ancestral traditions, followed by the famous giant blue-eyed eels, iconic creatures of the island’s rivers.
Panoramic viewpoints then reveal breathtaking landscapes, set against lush mountains and a crystal-blue lagoon. Huahine also reveals its coral garden, a true underwater treasure trove teeming with life.
A picnic on a private motu will offer you a moment of pure bliss: swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation in a breathtaking tropical setting, surrounded by white sand, coconut palms, and translucent waters.

Just a few kilometers from Tahiti, Moorea reveals itself as a garden island, shaped by lush green mountains that plunge into a lagoon shimmering with shades of turquoise and opal. Its legendary bays, Cook and Opunohu, offer some of the most iconic panoramas in Polynesia.
Moorea is a land of endless discovery: diving and snorkeling in a lagoon teeming with life, hiking through lush valleys, or watching dolphins in their natural habitat.
Nestled among mountains, white-sand beaches, and tropical gardens, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to slow down.

Arrival: 7:00 a.m.

Itineraries are subject to change.