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June 7, 2023

300 miles south of Tahiti, the Austral Islands are still a wild and mysterious land where white sandy beaches plunge into beautiful blue waters and lush mountains overlook green valleys dotted with caves and ancient burial sites.

The Aranui 5, known as the “Cargo to Paradise”, an exclusive passenger and cargo vessel, will depart Papeete, Tahiti, on September 9, 2023 for a 12-day cruise to explore the five inhabited islands of this remote but fascinating atoll.

The cruise is scheduled at this time of year to allow travelers to see the humpback whales that inhabit the warm waters surrounding the Austral Islands. The best place to see these fascinating creatures is off Rurutu Island: between August and October, humpback whales come to these crystal clear waters to mate and give birth.

The geology of Rurutu‘s basalt and limestone cliffs offers passengers the incredible opportunity to visit the caves where the island’s first people settled. From these caves you can admire the enchanting beaches and beautiful white sand bays. You will visit the Royal House, famous for making “Tifaifai”, the characteristic patchwork quilt, and there will be a demonstration of traditional “stone lifting” by some of Rurutu‘s strongest islanders.

The cruise will also stop at Tubuai, the atoll’s largest island, with its vast lagoon of crystal clear water. This island was the first stop for Fletcher Christian and the mutineers of the Bounty, who attempted to settle on the island after setting Captain Bligh and his crew adrift in a boat; after constant fighting between the islanders and the mutineers, they left after only two months, eventually settling on Pitcairn Island.

The ancient tradition of the ceremonial walk through the “smoke of purification” will welcome passengers to the nearby island of Rimatara: here it will be possible to take a tour of the island, observe the preparation of fara pae’ore leaves (a thornless variety of pandanus) used to make cloth, and also purchase some local handicrafts.

The white sand beaches of nearby Raivavae and its 28 islets or “motu” surrounding the very large emerald green lagoon have earned it the nickname “Bora Bora of the Austral Islands”. Approaching Rapa, the southernmost island on this route, the commander may announce, “Welcome to Rapa, next stop: Antarctica!” This crescent-shaped strip of land is the southernmost inhabited island in French Polynesia: it is the furthest away and has a fjord-like, jagged coastline made up of 12 bays. Passengers can join the islanders in the characteristic Rapa dances and then choose between a hike around the beautiful bay or a trip to the ruins of an old fort at the top of the mountain.

Historian Olivier Pote will be onboard to introduce travelers to these extraordinary places, while mainland excursions will be led by a team of English-speaking guides.

Aranui 5‘s 230 guests are accommodated in dormitories and 103 staterooms and suites, most with balconies, all well-appointed and comfortable.

The relaxed atmosphere onboard could be described as “Polynesian Casual” as you leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind and immerse yourself in a variety of interesting cultural activities including dance and local language classes, palm frond weaving, learning to play the ukulele, cooking classes, or even learning how to tie and wear the distinctive Polynesian sarong.

French and Polynesian-influenced cuisine is served in the dining room, after which passengers can retire to one of three bars, including the scenic Skybar, which offers 180-degree views. At the Veranda Bar, guests can join the Aranui 5 musical band as they sing and dance the night away. Also onboard are an outdoor freshwater pool, a gym, a boutique, a spa offering a wide range of authentic local treatments, and a real tattoo parlor.

For more information, visit www.aranui.com

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Saskia Pacifico

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