Exploring the Marquesas Islands and Bora Bora

Price

Inclusions

1 night at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts including breakfast

11-night Aranui Cruise exploring the Marquesas Islands including breakfast, lunch and dinner, onboard activities, educational sessions and most land tours

4 nights Le Bora Bora Resort & Spa including breakfast, dinner, boat transfers

Shark and Ray Snorkel Tour on Bora Bora

International roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Papeete 

Inter-island flights between Papeete and Bora Bora on Air Tahiti.

Exclusions

200 XPF (approx $2.00) per person per night city tax to be added to all hotel stays and payable directly to hotel.

Map

Itinerary

• 01
  

  Day 1: Papeete (B)

  Arrive in Papeete where you’ll be greeted and transferred to Le Tahiti Resort at the north end of Papeete for your 1-night stay. If time allows be sure to visit the public marked in the bustling Papeete city center in the morning to wander through the stalls of colorful pareo, tiare-scented Monoi Oil, wood carvings, woven bags, Tahitian cultured pearls and much more. 

  • 

    Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts (Superior)

    Situated on the black sands of Lafayette Beach in the famous Matavai Bay, Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts is an beachfront resort with an unparalleled blend of traditional Polynesian charm and contemporary elegance. Le Tahiti offers an enchanting escape amidst the captivating beauty of the island of Tahiti.

     

    The resort’s expansive grounds boast breathtaking views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean, lush gardens dotted with tropical flowers and swaying palm trees. The tranquil ambiance invites guests to unwind and indulge in the serenity of the resort’s paradise.

     

    The variety of accommodations offered at Le Tahiti are designed to provide the ultimate in comfort, convenience and relaxation. All 120 rooms at the resort have ocean views. Some are 2-story duplexes, some have a hot tub and fully equipped kitchens and others have multiple bedrooms. Featuring modern amenities and authentic Polynesian décor, every space is thoughtfully crafted to ensure an enjoyable stay. 

     

    Guests can savor an array of culinary delights at Le Tahiti's restaurant, Hiti Mahana. 24-hour room service is also available if you wish to dine in your room. Feel free to take a seat around the Bay Bar to relax and enjoy the relaxed setting. This is an ideal place to savor a cocktail and take in the view over the ocean at sunset!

     

    For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Le Tahiti offers an array of indulgent spa treatments inspired by ancient Polynesian healing rituals. Discover Monoi beauty oil or black sand body scrub while receiving a massage, or enjoy the benefit of a fresh papaya pulp facial. All of their treatments are designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul.

     

    Whether lounging by the infinity pool with a tropical cocktail in hand, retreating to the spa for a massage or embarking on a thrilling excursion to discover the wonders of the island, Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts offers an idyllic escape where every moment is filled with wonder and relaxation.

    Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts  (Superior)
• 02
  

  Day 2: Departure from Tahiti (L, D)

  Embark Aranui between 7:00am - 9:00am and receive a warm welcome onboard from the crew. The ship will depart Papeete at approximately 12:00 Noon and sail to the Fakarava atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago.

• 03
  

  Day 3: Fakarava (B, L, D)

  Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the preservation of rare species and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, Fakarava has remained virtually untouched. From its stunning lagoon and glistening white sand beaches to its rich ecosystem, it is home to unique birds, plants and marine life. You will have time to discover the small village of Rotoava, the church built of coral and the local arts and crafts. Bicycle rentals are available if you wish to venture to the old lighthouse at the airport or enjoy a day of relaxation in the lagoon, swimming and snorkeling among colorful tropical fish. Enjoy lunch on board the ship. Aranui departs Fakarava at 12:00 Noon. 

• 04
  

  Day 4: At Sea (B, L, D)

  There are many ways to while away a day at sea on Aranui 5 from immersing in the Polynesian culture during workshops on weaving, dancing, cooking, wrapping a pareo, playing the ukulele, language, and even 'tatau' (tattoo) or relax on deck. Attend a lecture, browse the boutique, work out in the gym, be pampered in Aranui's Polynesian spa, take a dip in the pool or just gaze out at the sea. 

• 05
  

  Day 5: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae/Hatieu/Taipivai) (B, L, D)

  While Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Cove is the place where writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, and a friend jumped off a whaler in 1842. After breakfast, the passengers will disembark to pick up the waiting 4WDs for the day's excursion. The first stop will be a visit to Taiohae Cathedral. You can visit the cathedral or go to the market to buy handicrafts. Then visit the archaeological site of "Tohua Kamuihei" with its giant banyans and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. The specialty here is the "umu", an underground oven where food is cooked for hours. Local music during the meal will provide a wonderful atmosphere. In the small village of Hatiheu, visit a museum that displays copies of petroglyphs from unexplored valleys. Your tour will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Return to the village of Taiohae, where you will also find banks and stores. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.

• 06
  

  Day 6: Ua Pou (Hakahau) (B, L, D)

  Legend refers to Ua Pou as the "pillars of the archipelago" and it is often called "The Cathedral Island". These names become clear as the ship docks at Hakahau Bay surrounded by 12 basalt summits soaring as high as 1100 meters (3,600 feet). Every island has its own special ambience and Ua Pou's is one of mystery and magic. You are sure to see familiar looking faces as many of Aranui’s crew members are from here. Energetic early risers can hike up the hill to the Cross for breathtaking views of the valleys and village below. The artisan's center is a short stroll into town and the offerings include works featuring the unique flower stone and a variety of carvings, jewelry and children's clothes.  Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served before you enjoy a powerful dance performance, including the traditional Ua Pou "bird dance".

• 07
  

  Day 7: Ua Huka (Vaipe'e/Hane/Hokatu) (B, L, D)

  This island, the least inhabited in the Marquesas, is largely arid and home to many wild horses, goats and pigs. It is also a refuge for two endemic birds: the pati'oti'o and the pihiti, which are only found here. In the early morning, Aranui will execute a point-to-point 180-degree turn in the narrow mouth of Vaipaee's Invisible Bay. With only meters to spare on either side, it is a skillful operation undertaken by the captain and the crew and is not to be missed. From the dock, visit the small museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art where our guides will immerse you in this ancient civilization. Continue in your 4x4 drive to explore the island, stopping for breathtaking views. Visit the arboretum before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served at a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island's specialties, handicrafts, wood carvings, and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return to the boat by 4x4. For the more spirited, a 2 mile walk back from the tree house awaits you. Be sure to be on deck as the Aranui will sail all along the coast of Ua Huka for more great views.

• 08
  

  Day 8: Tahuata (Vaitahu) - Hiva Oa (Atuona) (B, L, D)

  Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Tahuata. The only access is by sea, as there is no airport on Tahuata. On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with the scent of Tahitian tiare, frangipani and history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed in the village of Vaitahu and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing approximately 200 people. Tahuata is also the site of the first French colony in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church built by the Vatican is decorated with beautiful Marquesan sculptures and stained-glass windows representing the Virgin Mary. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite bone and helmet shell carvings. 

  Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa after lunch on board where you will have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his works. You can also visit the colonial store where he bought his bread, as well as the museum. By 4x4, you will visit the largest archaeological site in the Marquesas Islands, "Tohua Taa'oa". Walking up the hill to the town’s cemetery, you will have a breathtaking view of Hanakee. Under a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also fell in love with Hiva Oa: the Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

• 09
  

  Day 9: Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavave) (B, L, D)

  Fatu Hiva is the most lush and remote island in the archipelago and is also a center of Marquesan crafts. In the village of Omoa, women will demonstrate the making of tapa by hammering mulberry, banyan or breadfruit bark on a log. It is then dried and painted with traditional designs. Another demonstration will show the making of the Umuhei, a bouquet used by the local women to perfume their hair. The adjacent craft center offers tapa, carvings, hand-dyed pareo and some of the finest monoi coconut oil found in these islands. Following your visit of the village, active passengers may choose to hike from Omoa to Hanavave, a 16 km (10-mile) hike offering spectacular views of towering cliffs. A picnic lunch will be served at the summit. Non-hikers will sail aboard Aranui from Omoa to Hanavave's Bay of Virgins, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Go ashore for a visit of the village and to welcome the hikers. A coconut oil making demonstration will take place in the village before you make your way back to your ship. During departure, partake in the farewell ceremony on Deck 7.

• 10
  

  Day 10: At Sea (B, L, D)

  Enjoy a day at sea to relax by the pool and participate in one of the lectures or activities offered by our guides. Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes to Tahiti time.

• 11
  

  Day 11: Rangiroa (B, L, D)

  Rangiroa or "huge sky" is the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. The seemingly endless blue lagoon attracts divers to snorkel, scuba or shoot the pass surrounded by fish of every size, color and shape. Rangiroa is famous for its majestic manta rays. It is also home to stunning pearls in all shades and local artisans known for their fine shell jewelry. While in Rangiroa, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent lagoon on a glass bottom boat tour or swimming, snorkeling or diving. Aranui will depart at lunchtime and sail to the magical island of Bora Bora.

• 12
  

  Day 12: Bora Bora (B, L, D)

  The best known of the Society Islands, Bora Bora is home to a stunning lagoon in myriad shades of blues and greens, set against the striking backdrop of Mt. Otemanu, which captured the attention of James Michener and everyone else who visits the island. This paradise island is surrounded by motus (small islets) and a ring of white beaches fringed by coconut trees. An advanced base during World War II, a tour of the island visits the cannon emplacements. Or you can enjoy a day at the beach on a private motu while the crew prepares a delicious picnic lunch featuring Tahitian specialties. In the afternoon, you will have time at your leisure. You may also choose from a variety of optional excursions at an additional cost, such as a circle island tour by boat or bus, or one of the most popular, swimming with sharks and rays! Depart in the evening for Papeete, Tahiti.

• 13
  

  Day 13: Tahiti (Papeete) – Bora Bora (B, D)

  This is the end of our journey. It's time to say Nana! (Goodbye) to your travel companions, to the Polynesian staff and Aranui guides. After disembarking Aranui, you will be met and transferred to the domestic airport. Just 45 minutes away from Papeete by plane Bora Bora awaits further discovery. Enjoy your four-night stay at the perfectly situated Le Bora Bora Resort & Spa. At the end of each day, retreat to your Garden Villa with its own private garden and plunge pool to cool off in. 

  • 

    Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts (Superior)

    Le Bora Bora has a heavenly location with stunning views of Mount Otemanu, close proximity to the mainland of Bora Bora and only 10 minutes away by boat from the airport. The resort is the epitome of tropical elegance and charm on an island that is renowned for its unrivaled beauty and secluded ambiance.

     

    Le Bora Bora offers discerning travelers an extraordinary escape into paradise with 109 rooms and villas nestled into a beautiful tropical garden, on the beach or suspended above the glittering lagoon. Each accommodation at the resort are a study in refined luxury. The spacious Garden Villas with Pool are tucked quietly into a lush tropical garden setting, the Beach Villas feature a pool and walk-in access to the lagoon, while the Overwater Bungalows and Suites allow direct access to the lagoon by their own deck. With elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and large windows with lovely open air spaces, each room and suite has been built with the Polynesian way of life in mind.

     

    Dining at Le Bora Bora is a culinary journey that celebrates the fresh flavors of French Polynesia and beyond. At Le Bora Bora, you will find three restaurants offering international cuisine with a French Polynesian touch. Guests can savor exquisite cuisine using fresh produce, some of the best fish in the world, a selection of meat form New Zealand and most importantly, that French savoir-faire! At the resort's restaurants, these ingredients are sure to create unforgettable dining experiences.

     

    For those seeking adventure and relaxation, Le Bora Bora offers a wealth of activities and amenities to suit every preference. Guests can kayak, paddleboard and snorkel straight from the resort into the lagoon. At the spa, the islands generous nature has been captured to create decadent treatments that will rejuvenate and renew. Vichy shower body scrubs, hot stone massage with fragrant Monoi oil, or the local ‘taurumi’ massage are just a few treatments to choose from at this haven tucked into a lush tropical garden setting.

    Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts  (Superior)
• 14
  

  Day 14: Bora Bora (B, D)

  Included in your stay is half-day lagoon tour so you can snorkel with the black-tipped sharks and stingrays, an unforgettable experience.

• 15
  

  Day 15-16: Bora Bora (B, D)

  At the end of each day, retreat to your Garden Villa with its own private garden and plunge pool to cool off in.

• 16

  Day 17: Bora Bora - Papeete (B)

  Transfer by boat to the airport for your flight to Papeete followed by your onward journey back to Los Angeles.