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Cruise in the Tuamotu: Lagoons and Coconut Trees

Cruise in the Tuamotu: Lagoons and Coconut Trees

From NZD $2,687

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Description

Cruise in the tuamotu: lagoons and coconut trees
Uspended between the sky and the sea, the Tuamotu atolls are today synonymous with escape and paradise. And for visitors looking for an complete change of scenery and fabulous lagoons, these islands are the perfect location! Long considered dangerous for its low altitude islands, currents, reefs awash, and narrow passes. sailing in to the Tuamotu waters is indeed a delicate procedure with many obstacles to overcome before entering the magical turquoise lagoons! Today, however, with airline transportation, one can very easily reach many of these previously inaccessible rings of coral.
In Polynesian mythology, one legend tells the story of the god Tukerai who shook the sea, and is said to have scattered the string of 78 motu (islets) of the archipelago over 800,000 km² of ocean, with only 880 km² of land. The historic past of the Tuamotu is still unclear. The atolls could have been colonized from Tahiti and the Marquesas around 1000 AD, but the precise origin of the inhabitants and the settlement periods are not entirely clear.
In 1521 Magellan sailed through the maze of awash islands and reached Pukapuka, the first Pacific atoll discovered by Europeans! They were mapped by the Portuguese Quiros in 1605, and the Tuamotu islands were later named the “Dangerous Archipelago” by Bougainville because of the many shipwrecks caused by reefs. Between 1770 and 1810, almost thirty vessels crashed on these treacherous coral reefs! It took nearly three centuries for navigators to list all of the 78 atolls that make up the archipelago, none of them having spent much time among these islands that held no economic interest. For a long time, the archipelago was called Pa’umotu (“Low Islands”) and since the middle of the last century, the Tahitian name “Tuamotu” has prevailed.
With large coconut plantations, established from the 19th Century onwards, the economy of this archipelago is largely based on copra cultivation (copra is shipped to Tahiti for the manufacture of coconut oil). The cultivation of the black pearl has profoundly changed the Paumotu way of life. The Tuamotu Islands are now a must-see destination for all lovers of water sports with many activities on offer, including scuba diving in Rangiroa and Fakarava.

Trip Name
Cruise in the Tuamotu: Lagoons and Coconut Trees
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 116 m Passenger Capacity: 198 Built: 2026 Launching in 2027, Aranoa marks an exciting new chapter for Aranui Cruises, extending its legacy of authentic and sustainable Polynesian voyages. This innovative mixed passenger–freighter vessel will journey through the remote Austral Islands—Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, and Rapa—offering guests an intimate connection to some of French Polynesia’s most unspoiled destinations. With capacity for just 198 passengers across 93 cabins, including 62 with private balconies, Aranoa promises a boutique cruising experience complemented by Polynesian warmth and hospitality. Onboard amenities include two restaurants, two bars, whirlpools, a spa and tattoo area, a boutique, and a fitness centre, ensuring both comfort and cultural immersion as guests explore the lush mountains, turquoise lagoons, and white-sand beaches of the Australs. True to Aranui’s pioneering spirit, Aranoa combines tradition with forward-thinking sustainability. The ship features a diesel-electric propulsion system with azimuth thrusters, an eco-friendly antifouling hull coating, and technology designed to reduce noise and emissions while enhancing fuel efficiency. Continuing the company’s 40-year commitment to inclusive tourism, Aranoa will work closely with local communities to promote inter-island trade and cultural exchange, creating meaningful connections between travellers and the islands. Blending discovery, comfort, and responsibility, Aranoa invites guests to experience a slower, more authentic Polynesia—where every voyage tells a story.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)
Departure from Papeete, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.
Day 2 - Day 2 Makatea
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 andthe 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.
Day 3 - Day 3 Mataiva
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 Anaa
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”.
Day 5 - Day 5 Tahiti (Tautira - Papeete)
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 andwho 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 theexcursions.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.
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $2,687DORMITORY - CLASS C - 4 BEDS
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $3,910DOUBLE STATEROOM WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $7,238PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $4,080DOUBLE STATEROOM
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $4,844DELUXE
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,191SUPERIOR DELUXE
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,273JUNIOR SUITE WITH OR WITHOUT BALCONY
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,450SINGLE STATEROOM
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,557PREMIUM SUITE
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,600ROYAL SUITE WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
22-05-202626-05-2026NZD $5,823ROYAL SUITE
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $2,810Class C
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $4,150Stateroom
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $5,054Deluxe
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $5,419Superior Deluxe
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $5,504Junior Suite
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $5,802Premium Suite
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $6,082Royal Suite
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $7,239Grand Royal Suite
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $7,568Presidential Suite
05-05-202709-05-2027NZD $7,568Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • Makatea: Explore the historical remains of the phosphate mining era, visit sacred caves, and enjoy a scenic picnic under the cliffs or on the beach.
    • Mataiva: Experience the unique lagoon and pristine white sand beaches, visit local landmarks, and partake in a beach picnic with optional excursions to Turtle Rock and the Paure marae.
    • Anaa: Discover the sparkling green jade lagoon, engage in fly fishing, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with optional activities like swimming at the pito "Ogoogo".

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