cruise cargo ship tahiti

A unique adventure is waiting for you aboard the Aranui 5.

This mixed passenger and cargo ship will welcome you in the pure Polynesian tradition for a cruise full of discoveries and magical encounters.

The Marquesas Islands, The men land, territory of mysteries and natural marvels, shelters the most incredible stopovers of this itinerary. Follow Paul Gaugin and Jacque Brel’s steps and admire these incredible landscapes from the comfort of your cabin.

Nature and beauty will be you daily routine for this timeless vacation.

In addition to the Marquesas Islands, Aranui offers many special cruises in 2024.

Some numbers

• The special atmosphère of a mixte cargo
• The magical itinerary accros splendid landscapes

Class ‘C’ (Dorm) - 2021 & 2022

Standard cabin (obstructed view) - 2021 & 2022, standard cabin - 2021 & 2022, deluxe cabin - 2021 & 2022, superior deluxe cabin, junior suite - 2021 & 2022, premium suite - 2021 & 2022, royal suite (obstructed view) - 2021 & 2022, royal suite - 2021 & 2022, presidential suite - 2021 & 2022.

• MARQUESAS ISLANDS 2024 

Day 1 – Departure from Tahiti (Papeete) Day 2 – Tuamotu Islands – Fakarava or Kauehi (Voyages 12 & 23) Day 3 – At sea Day 4 – Marquesas Islands – Nuku Hiva (Taiohae - Hatiheu - Taipivai) Day 5 – Marquesas Islands – Ua Pou (Hakahau) Day 6 – Marquesas Islands –Ua Huka (Vaipaee - Hane - Hokatu) Day 7 – Marquesas Islands – Tahuata (Vaitahu) & Hiva Oa (Atuona) Day 8 – Marquesas Islands – Fatu Hiva (Omoa - Hanavavae) Day 9 – At sea Day 10 – Tuamotu Islands – Rangiroa or Makatea (Voyage 12 & 23) Day 11 – Bora Bora Day 12 – Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

• TUAMOTU, GAMBIER & PITCAIRN ISLANDS 2024   (FEBRUARY 2024)

Day 1 – Departure from Tahiti (Papeete) Day 2 – Tuamotu Islands – Anaa Day 3 – Tuamotu Islands – Amanu Day 4 – At sea Day 5 – Gambier Islands – Mangareva  Day 6 – Pitcairn Islands Day 7 – Pitcairn Islands Day 8 – Gambier Islands – Mangareva Day 9 – At sea Day 10 – Tuamotu Islands – Hikueru Day 11 – Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

• AUSTRAL ISLANDS (MARCH, APRIL & NOVEMBER 2024)

Day 1 – Departure from Tahiti (Papeete) Day 2 – Austral Islands – Rurutu Day 3 – Austral Islands – Rurutu Day 4 – Austral Islands – Raivavae Day 5 – Rapa Day 6 – Rapa Day 7 – At sea Day 8 – Austral Islands – Rimatara Day 9 – Austral Islands – Tubuai Day 10 – At sea Day 11 – Back to Tahiti (Papeete)

Departure dates

ARANUI SAILING SCHEDULES 2024:

• Voyage 1 – January 20th to February 31st, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS - 10% low-season discount
• Voyage 2 – February 3rd to 14th 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS - 10% low-season discount
• Voyage 3 – February 17th to 27th, 2024 –  TUAMOTU, GAMBIER ISLANDS & PITCAIRN
• Voyage 4 – March 2nd to 13th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 5 – March 16th to 27th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 6 –  March 30th to April 9th, 2024 - AUSTRAL ISLANDS
• Voyage 7 – April 13th to 24th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 8 – May 4th to 15th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 9 – May 18th to 29th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 10 – June 1st to 12th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 11 – June 15th to 26th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 12 – June 29th to July 10th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 13 – CANCELLED
• Voyage 14 – CANCELLED
• Voyage 15 – Agust 17th to 28th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 16 – August 31st to September 11th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 17 – September 14th to 25th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 18 – October 5th to 16th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS  
• Voyage 19 – October 19th to 30th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 20 –  November 2nd to 12th, 2024 - AUSTRAL ISLANDS
• Voyage 21 – November 16th to 27th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 22 –November 30th to December 11th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS
• Voyage 23 – December 16th to 27th, 2024 - MARQUESAS ISLANDS

The rates are per person and include :

• The 12 days/11 nights Or 11 days/10 nights cruise (2024) with all meals
• Guided excursions
• Ports and tourist taxes

Travel Insurance :

• Upon confirmation of booking, all passengers must take out travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses and repatriation.

2024 PAYMENT CONDITIONS

• 25% depositon reservation
• Remaining balance 90 days before departure

2024 - Cancellation policy for all Marquesas cruises and the Discovery Austral Islands cruises (V06, V20): 

• Any cancellation after the official confirmation of a cabin will be subject to an administrative fee of 165 USD per person. Non-refundable or non-commissionable
• If cancelled 90 to 61 days prior to scheduled departure: the initial deposit of 25% of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained 
• If cancelled 60 to 45 days prior to departure: one-third (1/3) of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained
• If cancelled 44 to 30 days prior to scheduled departure: two-thirds (2/3) of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained
• If cancelled less than 30 days or no-show: the full fare (100%) of the voyage, including charges, will be retained.

2024 - Cancellation policy for the Discovery Tuamotu-Gambier-Pitcairn cruise (V3) :

• Any cancellation after the official confirmation of a cabin will be subject to an administrative fee of 165 USD per person. Non-refundable or non-commissionable
• If cancelled 120 days to 91 days prior to scheduled departure: the initial deposit of 25% of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained
• If cancelled 90 days to 61 days prior to scheduled departure: one-third (1/3) of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained 
• If cancelled 60 to 30 days prior to scheduled departure: two-thirds (2/3) of the cost of the full fare of the voyage, including charges, will be retained

2024 Booking changes:

Once booking confirmation has been issued, any change of booking such as a change of dates or name will be subject to the same penalties as those applied to cancellations.

Ship Overview

Operated by: Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime

Aranui 5 is a unique, custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands in French Polynesia on a 12-day all-inclusive cruise. Designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 254 passengers and 103 cabins.

Redesigned and custom built with passenger comfort in mind, you will embark the Aranui 5 on a voyage of discovery following the paths of Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Thor Heyerdahl and Jacques Brel. The Polynesian staff and crew will welcome you to these exotic, captivating islands they call home.

The Aranui 5 continues a relaxed, friendly tradition with space to meet new friends in the bars and lounge or while relaxing on the deck or by the pool, as the islands seem to float by. If you are looking for privacy or romance, retreat to your balcony in suites and deluxe staterooms. Watch the infinite colours of the sunset play in the sky and sea as another day draws to a close in the South Pacific.

After a three-course dinner, let the lively Aranui Band introduce you to Polynesian rhythms and teach you to swivel your hips to the infectious beat of the Tamure or the Tahitian Waltz.

Read our Aranui 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

View expeditions

• Room Grades

Presidential Suite

SIZE: 41m2 / 441sqft SLEEPS: 3

Consisting of three individual rooms, 41 sqm. (440 sq. ft.) of interior space and a 12 sqm. private balcony, this exclusive suite offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a single sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, desk, two flat screen TVs, refrigerator and safe.

Royal Suite

SIZE: 22m2 / 236sqft SLEEPS: 3

Aranui 5's eight Royal Suites are a large 22 sqm. with with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony measuring 9.5 sqm. Royal Suites offer a bedroom with a king size bed and a sitting room with a single sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, wardrobe, flat screen TV, refrigerator and safe.

Premium Suite

SIZE: 18m2 / 193sqft SLEEPS: 3

Aranui 5's 21 Premium Suites are a spacious 18 sqm. with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.) and offer a bedroom with a king size bed and a sitting room with a single sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, wardrobe, desk, flat screenTV, refrigerator and safe.

Junior Suite

Located on the Veranda Deck, the two Junior Suites are 18 sqm. in size, with two non-opening windows. Junior Suites feature a separate sofa, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator. Note this room type does not feature a balcony.

Superior Deluxe

SIZE: 14.50m2 / 156sqft SLEEPS: 2

Superior Deluxe rooms offer 14.5 sqm. of interior space with glass sliding doors leading to a a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.) two armchairs, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator. Ask us about the handicapped accessible Superior Deluxe room located on the Main Deck.

SIZE: 13m2 / 140sqft SLEEPS: 2

Deluxe rooms offer 13 sqm. of interior space, with glass sliding doors leading to a private outdoor balcony (4 sqm.), two armchairs, make up table, flat screen tv, safe and refrigerator.

SIZE: 11m2 / 118sqft SLEEPS: 2

Staterooms offer a compact 11 sqm. of living space with ocean views via a porthole (no balcony). Comforts include flat screen tv, safe and desk. Choose from locations on the Boat, Main or 2 decks.

Single Stateroom

SIZE: 9m2 / 100sqft SLEEPS: 1

Aranui 5's Single staterooms have 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

SIZE: 12.50m2 / 134sqft SLEEPS: 4

Ideally suited for those on a budget or single travellers who don't mind sharing, Class C offers dormitory style accommodation for up to four guests in bunk beds. A bathroom is shared between all four guests and other conveniences include a porthole, wardrobe and sitting area. Interconnecting Class C rooms are also available for larger groups.

Aranui 5’s restaurant offers the chance to taste the distinctive flavours of French Polynesia while getting to know fellow guests in a casual, communal setting. Three meals are served daily with the breakfast buffet boasting tropical fruit, pastries and a hot breakfast. Complimentary wine is served with lunch and dinner, which is always a three-course meal including crusty bread, salad, dessert and mains ranging from freshly caught Wahoo to local pork, New Zealand lamb to Chow Mein and even American spare ribs. During special Polynesian themed nights, a seafood barbeque is served on the pool deck. Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements are catered for.

The Aranui 5 voyage is as much about the experience of being on a cargo ship as the fascinating excursions ashore. There is nothing like watching the muscular Polynesian crew go about their daily tasks and witnessing the kaleidoscope of activity as the ship’s cranes swing into action unloading everything from sugar to cars, trucks and building materials, and loading fresh produce such as copra (dried coconut), citrus fruits, fish and noni juice to take back to Papeete. And because it is a working ship, methods of disembarking and embarking vary according to port access. At some islands the ship is able to tie up at the dock, while at others it has to drop anchor and ferry passengers and cargo ashore by barge. But this is all part of the adventure.

When you are tired of watching the cargo operations, there is a full program of activities including a series of lectures about the Marquesas and the part played by Europeans and Polynesians in shaping their history. There is also a range of Polynesian-themed classes at which you can pick up some new skills. Sign up for a ukulele or dance class and you may even find yourself performing alongside the crew members of the Aranui band after dinner! Or you might like to simply relax on one of the sundecks, take a dip in the pool, work out in the basic gym or indulge in a spa treatment. With four bars, a comfortable lounge and library, the ship never feels crowded. 

The Aranui 5 has taken freighter cruising to a new level, offering more passenger space and facilities, a higher level of comfort and more balcony suites than its predecessor. All suites, staterooms and public areas are air-conditioned and there are two passenger lifts for easy access between decks. Accommodation includes 32 suites, ranging from the sprawling Presidential Suite to 8 Royal Suites, 21 Premium Suites and 2 Junior Suites.

A doctor travels on each voyage and the onboard infirmary is equipped to deal with most first-aid requests and emergencies. Guests can use the self-serve laundry and the onboard boutique has a wide range of books, souvenirs, toiletries, clothing, sweets and snacks.

Aranui 5 Expeditions

French polynesia's marquesas islands.

From AUD $5082.00 Per Person

DURATION: 12 Days/ 11 Nights REGION: Australia, New Zealand & Pacific SHIP: Aranui 5

2026 EARLYBIRD SALE ON NOW | From Tahiti to the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia, this 12-day expedition aboard the "part freighter / part cruise ship" Aranui 5 is a trip for the bucket list!

Austral Islands with Aranui

From AUD $5340.00 Per Person

DURATION: 11 Days/ 10 Nights REGION: Australia, New Zealand & Pacific SHIP: Aranui 5

2026 EARLYBIRD SALE ON NOW | Located 600km south of Tahiti, the rarely-visited Australs are untouched and mysterious, where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons.

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The Aranui V is a working cargo freighter that also operates as a cruise ship, taking passengers to the most remote island group in French Polynesia—the Marquesas. The ship departs every three weeks from Papeete and transports everything from food and liquor to medicine and fuel to the small, inhabited islands of Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Ua Huka, as well as Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Atolls. The Aranui V features 86 spacious cabins, including ten large suites with balconies. Guests of the ship are fully immersed in Polynesian culture—both on shore and on board the vessel. Each cruise itinerary offers a series of lectures on Marquesan art, culture and history from quality guest speakers. Other amenities include two bars with ocean views; a large dining room; a swimming pool and fitness center; and an activities station for fishing, diving and snorkeling.

Special Offers

• Air-Conditioning
• Flat Screen TVs
• In-room Safe
• Maid Service
• Cultural Activities
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Fishing Equipment
• Hiking Tours
• Water Sports
• Fitness Center
• On-site Activities Desk
• Restaurant(s)

← →

Each Stateroom includes a port hole window, a bathroom with a shower, a desk, a flat screen TV, and in-room safe, and your choice of either one double bed or two twin beds.

40 Rooms of this type

Deluxe Room

Each Deluxe Room contains a private outdoor balcony, a bathroom with a shower, a makeup table and desk, a wardrobe, a flat screen TV, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, and your choice of either a double bed or two twin beds.

25 Rooms of this type

Junior Suite

The Junior Suites feature a 190 square foot room with two windows, a bathroom with a shower, a makeup table, a desk, a closet, a flat screen TV, a sofa bed, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, and your choice of a double bed or two twin beds.

2 Rooms of this type

Premium Suite

The Premium Suites feature a bedroom and semi-private day room with a decorative screen as well as a private outdoor balcony. Cabin amenities include a makeup table, a bathroom with a shower, a desk, a closet, a flat screen TV, a sofa bed, an in-room safe, a refrigerator and a hair dryer.

21 Rooms of this type

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite features a semi-private bedroom with a decorative screen, a day room and sliding glass doors that open out onto a private outdoor balcony. Additional cabin amenities include a closet, a makeup table, a bathroom with a shower, a flat screen TV, a sofa bed, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, and a hair dryer.

8 Rooms of this type

Presidential Suite

The expansive Presidential Suite offers a living room, day room, bedroom, two bathrooms and glass sliding doors that lead out to a private outdoor balcony. Additional cabin amenities include a mini bar, walk-in closet, a makeup table, a desk, two flat screen TVs, an in-room safe, a refrigerator, hair dryer and a sofa bed.

1 Room of this type

Take a Look Around

Aranui 5 Superior Deluxe Room

Aranui 5 at Sea

Bay of Virgins, Marquesas

Aranui 5 Premium Suite

Aranui 5 Junior Suite with Balcony

Marquesas Rugged Landscape

Paul Gauguin Gravesite

Aranui 5 Main Lobby

Aranui 5 Royal Suite, Bedroom

Aranui 5 Royal Suite, Lounge

Aranui 5 Standard Stateroom

Ancient Ruins at Hiva Oa

Aranui 5 Tender

Aranui 5 Pool and Deck

Marquesas Beach

Aranui 5 Itinerary Map

Aranui 5 Dining

Aranui 5 Lounge Area

Aranui 5 Bar Area

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The mixed passenger and cargo ship

A cruise in the marquesas islands, project description, go on an adventure to the marquesas islands, thanks to the mixed passenger and cargo ship and its course to the most mystical islands of the islands of tahiti..

Arrival of the new Mixed Cargo and Passenger ship in Papeete.

A rather atypical ship but oh-so-much essential, the cargo- is a cargo and passenger vessel of the South Seas.

Connecting Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands in 14 days , the Cargo-passenger is a myth.

Supplying 6 of these majestic islands with food, medication, material and vehicles and ensuring the transport of the populations towards Tahiti, the Cargo Mixed has an important role in the Marquesan life.

© Ben Thouard : paysage, Ua Pou, Marquesas

126 meters (413 feet) long, this cargo liner can carry 254 passengers on a journey to these end-of-the-earth islands which have been celebrated by Brel and Gauguin.

The Cargo-passenger is air-conditioned and was built with all the necessary comfort for your incredible journey. Large cabins with a sea view that have been decorated with style are available under 4 categories: Suites, Deluxe, Standard and Class C.

Its  spacious decks offer pure moments of relaxation. There, you will be able to contemplate the ocean outlined by the horizon and the impressive landscapes as you approach the Marquesas Islands.

Several conveniences are at your service for your journey to occure in the best possible conditions: a fresh water outdoor swimming pool , a large dining room where you will be able to enjoy Polynesian and French delicacies, a fitness room, a massage room, a shop, and a living room where the Marquesas Island’s culture and history will be readily shared with you by experts.

Enjoy the family atmosphere of the Cargo-mixed. Get to know the crew members – most of whom are Marquesan . Meeting new friends happens very naturally, this will make your journey in the South Pacific an unforgettable experience.

This cruise offers journeys between Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, and you will be able to decide to go on a cruise of 7, 10, 11 or 14 days .

At every Marquesan stopover , you will be taken to the heart of the extraordinary charm of these mystical islands.

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I Hitched a Ride On a Cargo Ship to Scuba Dive in Remote South Pacific Islands

Aranui 5 was one of the few cruise ships that kept sailing during COVID-19

Suzie Dundas

As most dedicated scuba divers know, what's exciting about scuba diving isn’t just what you see underwater—it’s where you get in the water. As an avid diver, I was thrilled when I learned that scuba diving is possible near Hiva Oa, on the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas are one of French Polynesia ’s five island chains and the most remote; it’s a three-hour flight from Tahiti to Nuka Hiva, the administrative capital of the Marquesas. 

You can’t fly within 24 hours after diving , though, so I decided to plan my Tahitian dive trip another way—on the Aranui 5 , a half-tourist, half-cargo ship that makes regular runs to the Marquesas Islands. 

The Aranui 5 sets sail from the island of Tahiti, making nine stops over the course of its 13-day voyage: Bora Bora, two islands in the Tuamotu chain (Fakarava and Rangiroa), and six of the inhabited islands of the Marquesas. While the front of the ship carries cargo like frozen foods, vehicles, electronics, and even horses to the islands, the stern is akin to a small cruise ship. My room had a private balcony, the staff are multilingual and very friendly, and all meals are served with red and white wine and finished with gourmet pastries from the French-trained pastry chef.

Because the islands are so remote, anything that can’t fit on a small plane has to be delivered via the Aranui 5. That means the Aranui 5 was one of the few cruise ships in the world that never stopped sailing during the recent pandemic. Another supply ship is available, but it only sails when it has enough cargo to justify the trip, which can leave Marquesans waiting months for vital supplies like building materials.

While the Aranui is unloading at the port each day, cruise guests are treated to excursions, all of which are included with the price of the ticket. I was able to tour the studio of French renegade artist Paul Gauguin and take a 10-mile hike through the purple-flower-covered mountains of rugged Fatu Hiva, among other activities.

But the best part of the Aranui is that it’s an adventure cruise, and that means guests can personalize their adventures. Not surprisingly, I focused on spending my time underwater. While other cruisers opted for beach days or ATV tours of the mountains, I strapped on my dive gear and dived with sea turtles in Tahiti, saw the famous “Wall of Sharks” on the island of Fakarava, had a dolphin swim alongside me for most of my dive in Rangiroa’s Tiputi Pass, and went below the surface in Tahuata, swimming along the rocky, stingray-filled walls. I also added dives ahead of time in Moorea, a small island connected to Tahiti by the 30-minute long Aremiti Ferry .

The Aranui staff arranged my dives in each location with local dive operator Top Dive . That meant I was never late for my dives, never late returning to the Aranui, and I only needed to pay and show my dive certifications once. Since Top Dive was my primary operator, they knew my gear sizes and had my rental set-ups ready the moment I walked into the dive shops.

Some other guests on the Aranui also scuba dived, which helped me meet other people even though I was traveling alone. Never once did I feel limited by the other divers; in fact, Top Dive often split the group to allow those of us interested in more challenging dives to visit a different spot than those who wanted a more mellow experience. I can definitely say that my dives in French Polynesia were some of the best I’ve ever done, with shark sightings on every dive. And since the Aranui's last stop is Bora Bora, guests have the option of departing a day early to spend extra time diving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon. I didn't opt for that, but after spending a day there, I would definitely choose that option were I to do the trip again.

Luxurious rooms on the Aranui 5 aren’t cheap at $5,300 per person in a double stateroom, though it does include all food, wine with meals, lodging, and daily excursions (diving has an additional cost.) However, if you’re traveling with a group of diving friends, the bunk room is surprisingly cheaper than you’d expect, costing about $3,400 a person for all 13 days. If you're planning a similar trip, you can book a multi-dive package from Top Dive, which you can use between Top Dive's shops (except on Tahuata; that's with Marquesas Diving .)

Tahiti is about seven hours flying from both Los Angeles and San Francisco on Air Tahiti and United Airlines, respectively.

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Cruising with the cargo in Tahiti

Cruising Tahiti by passenger-carrying cargo ship you won’t find too many coconut palm-lined lagoons in the Marquesas Islands. Nor will you discover dazzling white-sand beaches circling teeny coral atolls barely rising above the South Pacific that Tahiti is famous for. It’s most unlikely you’ll come within a whisper of a thatched-roof overwater bungalow, the kind that appears synonymous with Tahitian holidays. If you’re anything like me, however, you may find a tombstone that makes an adequate, albeit odd, shelter from tropical Tahitian downpours.

The first Tahitians were seafarers from southeast Asia, guided by wind, currents and the stars, negotiating the often misnamed boisterous Pacific Ocean in dugout canoes. Later, Europeans appeared on the horizon in more substantial sailing ships, having survived a rounding of notorious Cape Horn. Magellan, Bougainville and Cook read like a who’s who of legendary seamen to have landed on Polynesian shores unexpectedly. Life in the Marquesas has always been ruled by the sea. It’s no different today.

With few air services connecting the twelve Marquesan Islands to the Society group to the south, islanders use the sea as an emerald highway. Aranui Cruises have operated an island trading service since the 1950’s but it wasn’t until thirty years later that freight traders started carrying passengers. With the arrival of 117m Aranui 3 in 2002, passengers these days are almost as important as cargo on scheduled voyages to the Marquesas. Almost.

With accommodation for up to 200 passengers and 65 crew, Aranui 3’s route and schedule is dictated by freight. Whether dropping off or picking up, freight is king. Heavily muscled, and equally heavily tattooed, crew work around the clock, often loading or unloading in the dead of night. Passengers tucked up in their bunks aft are barely aware of the action in the forward part of the ship. That’s not to say that passengers merely come along for the ride. Far from it. Passengers are an integral part of the voyage with villagers rolling out the welcome mat to showcase Marquesan lifestyle, culture and crafts. Shore excursions include hiking for the energetic, village visits, cultural demonstrations or Church visits if you arrive in port on a Sunday. Children from Ua Poa Island eagerly anticipate our arrival as they use mooring lines as a water playground which causes masses of hysterical giggling.

It turns out that my fellow passengers are an intrepid lot: we spend the first couple of days at sea getting to know one another during meals or over convivial sundowners. It comes as no surprise to learn that many passengers dismiss regular cruises in favor of freighter travel. What’s the attraction I ask a lady from the United States who, making a last minute decision to travel is bunkered down in the communal dormitory but has friends travelling on the upper deck in a suite with balcony.

“I’ve wanted to visit Tahiti for many years but was never really interested in those big flash cruise ships,” she tells one evening. “And this is so much fun!” she drawls, modeling the sunhat she created beside the pool in Palm Frond Weaving 101 class. My own hat turned out more like a vase than a sunhat so that it’s unlikely to see the light of day.

Aranui 3 is not your regular freighter ship. For a start there’s a freshwater swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges. Indoors is a large air-conditioned restaurant, lounge with bar and a small library with computers. The main social hub of the ship is the upstairs bar and aft deck where we gather late afternoon to enjoy blazing scarlet sunsets washed down with cocktails or the local Hinano Tahiti lager.

On day three I’m up before dawn to see our first Marquesan port of call which is the village of Omoa on the island of Fatuiva. Fatuiva is all rugged peaks, forest-clad gorges and plunging cliffs that rise theatrically from a cobalt blue Pacific Ocean. With a rising sun sending shafts of sunlight down into the valleys, it’s an extraordinary welcome.

So what’s the attraction of travelling on a working ship? Freighter travel is definitely about the voyage suitable for independent souls who are flexible and adaptable. Schedules may change due to weather or freight demands. Delays may keep the ship in port longer than expected, or scheduled ports may be bypassed entirely. Which of course is all part of the adventure. If you’re the kind of traveler who can’t ‘wing it’ a bit, then perhaps you’re on the wrong ship.

I’m reminded of this as I disembark at the village of Atuona on Hivaoa Island. Sharp jagged peaks of Mt Temetiu rise almost vertically out of the sea to dominate Hiva Oa. Artist Paul Gauguin is entombed high on the ridge in what must surely qualify as the most picturesque burial location on the planet. Optimistically walking up to Calvary cemetery while trying to ignore ominous rain-filled clouds looming over craggy tors, I don’t have time to find Gaugin’s headstone before the skies open with vengeance. I soon realize there’s not much shelter in a cemetery so I scramble beneath a tin-roofed tombstone while I wait for an intense tropical downpour to pass. Which takes quite some time. The rain lasts so long in fact that I begin to worry about missing Aranui 3’s departure and wonder whether I should just bolt back down the hill to the dock.

The rain stops as suddenly as it started to be replaced by rising steam once the sun comes out again. Bemused at having sheltered on a tombstone, I offer a silent thanks to the gentleman on whose memorial I’ve been resting before finding Gauguin’s grave. Having spent a good hour or so admiring the Pacific Ocean vista I can understand what lured this troubled artist to these shores. I’m half tempted myself to take up residence.

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Aranui 3 Tahiti Tourisme

The writer was a guest of Tahiti Tourisme and Aranui 3. This story first appeared Fairfax’s  The Senior Traveller newspaper

Fiona Harper

Fiona Harper is an author, travel writer, digital editor & photographer specialising in travel, soft adventure, fitness, boating & outdoor lifestyles. When not writing she's probably running a marathon, hiking a mountain or sailing into a tropical sunset blissfully disconnected from deadlines. She’s rather partial to mountains & mojitos, islands & highlands.

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• Small Cruise Lines

Former name: M2

Cruise line Aranui Cruises (Small Cruise Lines)

Aranui 3 last position

Aranui 3 last location was at Adriatic Sea (coordinates 41.30544 N / 19.45419 E) cruising en route to TBC. The AIS position was reported 2 weeks ago.

Specifications of Aranui 3

•   Review

Aranui 3 Review

Review of aranui 3.

Among some of the most special and unusual small Tahiti cruise ships, Aranui 3 was a mixed passenger-freighter (cargo cruise ship) operating between Tahiti and Marquesas Islands. Homeported in Papeete Tahiti (French Polynesia), the vessel was SOLAS-registered as a "passenger ship" for international operations.

The shipowner CPTM is a 3rd generation maritime shipping company that operates in French Polynesia exclusively. Established in 1954 by the Wong family (Tahiti), initially, the company was named "Wing Man Hing". its cargo vessels serve French Polynesia for over 6 decades. Originally, the company serviced Tuamotus and Gambiers Archipelagos, conducting freight shipping between the islands and Tahiti.

In 2016, the shipowner CPTM replaced Aranui 3 with the new China-built Aranui 5 . There are only two Aranui ships - "Aranui 2" and "Aranui 4" names were not used due to superstitious reasons. The new Aranui ship is taller and slightly wider, with 2 additional decks adding more cruise staterooms (passenger capacity 260) and public spaces. The length of both ships is similar - approx 125 m (410 ft) - enabling safe navigation in the small harbours of the South Pacific islands.

Translated from Maori, the name "Aranui" means "Great Highway". Aranui 3  has a container capacity of 80 TEUs (standard containers). The ship is powered by MaK 8M32 diesel engine (total power output 3840 kW or 5150 hp). This cargo cruise ship offers spacious passenger suites, bar-lounge, library, outdoor swimming pool, gym, passenger use of onboard facilities (including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea fishing).

In 2018, the ship's name was changed to "M2", along with its MMSI number (from 546001000, flag-state French Polynesia). The vessel's AIS location was last received on November 21, 2019, showing the boat in the Persian Gulf/UAE and docked at Mina Zayed ( Abu Dhabi 's Free Port).

Aranui 3 cruise itinerary

Aranui 3 scheduled itinerary offers cargo ship cruises in French Polynesia (South Pacific), visiting Tuamotus ( Marquesas and Society Islands). Apart from the cargo shipping service, the vessel's cruise passenger service offers 14-days long roundtrip itineraries departing from Papeete Tahiti.

Follows the list of ports of call (scheduled day visits) on the ship's 14-day roundtrip cruise itinerary.

• Day 1 - embarkation in port Papeete at around 11 am. Activities include "Welcome Aboard" cocktail party and Marquesan dance show by the swimming pool.
• Day 2 - Fakarava Atoll (Tuamotus) - activities include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, visiting a local pearl farm.
• Day 3 - at sea - passengers can attend onboard lessons (dancing, singing), lecture, Karaoke night.
• Day 4 - Ua Pou Island (Marquesas). Activities include a stop in port Hakahau, optional hiking, traditional dancing show, cultural display, ashore lunch at a traditional restaurant.
• Day 5 - Nuku Hiva Island (Marquesas). Activities include stops in ports Taiohae, Hatiheu, Taipivai.
• Day 6 - Hiva Oa island (Marquesas). Activities include stopping in port Atuona, ashore lunch at an authentic restaurant.
• Day 7 - Fatu Hiva Island (Marquesas). Activities include stops in ports Omoa and Hanavave, shopping for traditional handicrafts, carving demonstration, tapa (bark) cloth making a demonstration, hiking (in Hanavave) of a 17 km (10 ml) long trek.
• Day 8 - Hiva Oa island (Marquesas). Activities include stop in port Puamau and an guided excursion to an archaeological site (sacred dance performance).
• Day 9 - Tahuata Island (Marquesas). Activities include stops in ports Vaitahu and Hapatoni, visiting a church, watching tattoo making and bone carving, plus onboard leisure events planned.
• Day 10 - Ua Huka Island, and Ua Pou Island. Activities include stops in ports ofVaipaee, Hane, Hokatu, watching the cruise ship doing a complete turnaround while the captain explains the unique manoeuvre, follows traditional welcome party at Vaipee, visiting its ethnological museum, horseback riding to the botanical gardens at Hane, ashore lunch at Chez Celine Fournier, optional hiking.
• Day 11 - Nuku Hiva Island, and Ua Pou Island. Activities include stops in ports Taiohae and Hakahau.
• Day 12 - at sea
• Day 13 - Rangiroa Atoll  (Tuamotus). Activities include souvenir/gift shopping, scuba diving, snorkelling, optional glass-bottom boat tour, ashore lunch.
• Day 14 - disembarkation in port Papeete at around 9:30 am.

Photos of Aranui 3

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• Aranui AraMana

Complete guide to sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Admit it. You've dreamed of jetting off to Tahiti to trade in everyday life for a luxury cruise around French Polynesia. You've dreamed of visiting Bora Bora, the home of the overwater bungalow, and you've heard tales of the wonderful food trucks in and around Papeete that serve incredible local delicacies. You want to go pearl shopping in Taha'a and climb Belvedere Lookoutin Moorea. A variety of cruise lines can help you achieve all of those dreams from the Tahiti cruise terminal.

Being the only international commercial port in French Polynesia, Port Autonome de Papeete on Tahiti accommodates a wide range of vessels, from cruise ships to cargo freighters to luxury yachts. It's also the largest cruise port in the French overseas territory and serves about 2 million cruisers annually (pre-pandemic).

In addition to multi-night cruises, Papeete port is also the embarkation point for regular ferries to Moorea and Bora Bora.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the region is welcoming international visitors. Here's everything you need to know about French Polynesia's reopening .

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Port Autonome de Papeete BP 9164 Motu Uta Papeete, Tahiti 98714 French Polynesia

Tip: If you're traveling to Papeete from the United States, you'll fly from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu. The mainland's flight duration is about eight hours, while it's about a six-hour trip from Hawaii. Those are long-haul flights and -- especially if you started from the East Coast -- you'll be tired when you land. Be sure to arrive a few days before your cruise embarks so you can enjoy a hotel and get over your jet lag .

Who sails from Papeete?

Two cruise ships -- Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin and Winstar Cruises' four-masted luxury motor-sail-yacht Wind Spirit -- homeport out of Papeete. Typically, these ships offer seven-night or longer itineraries to neighboring islands in French Polynesia and beyond.

Paul Gauguin Cruises (owned by Ponant) specializes in French Polynesia cruises. It's all the line offers. Its voyages explore the Society and Cook islands as well as the Marquesas and Tuamotus. The 332-passenger Paul Gauguin also sails to Fiji and Tonga and sometimes calls on Melanesia and Indonesia's ports.

The seven-night Tahiti and Society Islands itinerary sails round-trip out of Papeete and calls on Huahine, Taha'a and the private Motu Mahana as well as overnights in Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete.

Windstar's Wind Spirit is the epitome of small-ship cruising, with just 148 passengers per sailing. Its most popular French Poly itinerary is its seven-night round-trip cruise out of Tahiti that calls on Moorea, an overnight in Raiatea, Taha'a and the private Motu Mahana, an overnight in Bora Bora and a day in Huahine.

In 2022, Windstar's Star Breeze yacht will also sail more than a dozen seven-, 10-, 11- and 18-night voyages from Papeete.

Aranui 5, a mixed cargo (passenger/freight) ship, also homeports in Tahiti and takes passengers from Papeete to the Marquesas archipelago, Tuamotu Islands and Bora Bora in the Society Islands.

Ferries are also available at the Tahiti cruise port and they regularly carry passengers to neighboring Moorea and Bora Bora.

Despite the few ships that homeport here, Papeete can get busy, as it is a port of call for ships of many cruise lines. In 2022, for example, the following lines plan to call on Tahiti: Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean Seabourn and Silversea.

Related: Finding award availability to Tahiti

Nearest airport

Faa'a international airport (ppt).

The Port Autonome de Papeete lies roughly 3 miles east (about 15 to 20 minutes) of the Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport (PPT), which is the only international airport in French Polynesia.

Five airlines fly out of U.S. airports, including:

• Air France from Los Angeles (LAX) -- Book with cash or Flying Blue miles or miles from any SkyTeam partner.
• Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles (LAX) -- Book with cash or American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
• French Bee from San Francisco (SFO) -- Book with cash.
• Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu (HNL) -- Book with cash or Hawaiian Airlines or American AAdvantage miles.
• United from San Francisco (SFO) -- Book with cash or United MileagePlus miles or miles from any Star Alliance partner.

Air Tahiti Nui, Air France and French Bee also fly out of Vancouver (YVR), Canada.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Cruise line transfers

As Paul Gauguin cruises are all-inclusive, prices already include a flight from LAX to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui round-trip airport/pier transfers. (Note: If you prefer to book your own flights, ask for the cruise-only fare.)

If you booked your cruise with Windstar Cruises, ask about buying transportation from the airport or hotel to the port unless you booked your pre-cruise hotel through Windstar Easy Stays, which takes care of your transfers to and from the ship terminal.

If you're sailing on Aranui 5, you can arrange to get to the port via taxi.

Hotel shuttles

Paul Gauguin's Extend Your Trip program includes a pre-/post-cruise hotel stay as well as transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the cruise port. Aside from that and Windstar's Easy Stays program, you're hard-pressed to find hotels offering shuttle service to the pier unless you're willing to pay for private or group transfers.

Car rentals

If you like to explore on your own, you can rent a car, SUV or scooter on Tahiti from a local agency like Ecocar Ecoscoot Tahiti Aeroport .

Daily rental rate starts from around $40 for an "economic" car, such as the Fiat Panda, which seats four people. Rate includes insurance, unlimited mileage, an infant or child seat and even free delivery during limited hours (subject to availability).

Independent van and car services

It's also possible to book a private car or van for your transportation needs on Tahiti. Marama Transports Touristiques is a good choice since its vehicles can accommodate groups of eight or more. Its fleet consists of Hyundai and Mercedes minivans, Porsche SUVs, Land Rover 4WD vehicles, Mazda 4x4s and Chrysler 300 sedans.

Taxi and ride-hailing services

If you're not traveling by rental car or van in Papeete, your best alternative would be a taxi; ride-hailing services aren't available here yet. What's good about taxis in Tahiti, and even in neighboring Moorea, is that the rates are regulated (warning: PDF link) by the government, so you'll know what the trip should cost before you even get into the taxi.

Taxis charge a minimum of 1,000 XPF (about $10) any time of day. The per kilometer price during the day (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) is 130 XPF (about $1.50); at night (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.), it's 230 XPF (around $2.50).

Additional charges may apply for luggage, uphill rides and long waiting times.

Public transportation

Tahiti has a bus service called "Le truck." It operates on a regular schedule on a route that mainly follows the coastline. Buses operate from Mondays to Saturdays only, so if you arrive on a Sunday or during public holidays, you'll have to arrange alternate transport in advance.

With a mostly local clientele, the buses only take CFP francs, so make sure to have enough cash to pay for your fare beforehand.

Where to stay

With Tahiti's interior being a mountainous paradise, tourists should seek accommodations along the coastline. You'll find hotels from Mahina to Pa'ae, but most congregate in and around Papeete's downtown area, which is conveniently near the cruise port.

One hotel, the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, even offers airport views for you AvGeeks !

Note that many Tahiti hotels are bookable via cash or Ultimate Rewards points via the Chase travel portal .

Inexpensive hotel near the port

Tahiti Airport Motel (98702 Faa'a): From about $105–$135 per night (about 5 miles from the port).

Full-service hotels

InterContinental Resort Tahiti (B.P 6014, 98702 Tahiti): From 50,000 IHG Rewards Club points , though we do not see any availability in 2021. When award bookings are open, use your IHG points or transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your IHG account.

Manava Suite Resort Tahiti (P.K 10.5 Côté Mer 98703 Puna'auia): From about $235 per night.

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts (Lafayette Beach PK 7, 98701 Arue): From about $290 per night.

Sofitel Tahiti la Ora Beach Resort (Tamanu P.O. Box 380595, 98718 Punaauia): This hotel is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. From about 10,000 Accor Live Limitless points .

Related: Dreaming of French Polynesia: How I'm booking Tahiti (again) on points and miles

Where to shop near the port

The cruise port in Motu Uta doesn't have any shops on its premises, so you'll have to visit nearby establishments. Fortunately, there are many shops close by.

Marche de Papeete (Papeete Market)

Just a stone's throw away from the waterfront stands Marche de Papeete (BP4588, Papeete), the local public market that has been selling an assortment of local Tahitian products and produce for more than 150 years. Also serving as a cultural center of sorts, the Papeete Market provides an inside look into the Polynesian islands within its two levels.

On the ground floor, vendors sell fresh fruits, local vegetables and flowers, handcrafted items and more. Be on the lookout for vanilla beans, black pearls and monoi products (soaps, shampoos, creams and oils), which are made from a mixture of gardenia tahitensis and Nucifera coconut oils. If you arrive around 4 p.m., you should spot some colorful fish being brought in from fishing boats.

The second floor is reserved for artisans selling tifaifai wall hangings or quilts, pareos, carvings, embroidered items and other handicrafts. There are also vendors hawking their products, such as leis and Tiare Tahiti flower crowns, outside the market.

If you're feeling hungry, an on-site cafeteria serves local dishes. Early Sunday mornings are a great time to grab breakfast here. That could include some coconut-flavored donuts called firi firi , pua'a roti (roasted pork) and chao pao , which are stuffed steamed buns.

The Papeete Market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and until 9 a.m. on Sundays, which can get a bit busy as Tahitian families drop by the market to shop ingredients for their Sunday feast.

Vaima Shopping Center

Vaima Shopping Center on Avenue du Marechal Foch, about 2 miles away, is a Tahitian mall where you can find various goods (including pearls) and services at reasonable prices. (You can see the mall from the cruise terminal and it's about a 30-minute walk.) The mall also features Le Kiosk Tahiti (Papeete 98714), which sells atlases, stamps, tourist maps and souvenir cards.

A little further away but still within a 10-minute drive is Champion at Rue du General de Gaulle , behind the Temple Protestant de Paofai. The Champion Supermarket sells fresh pastries if you're feeling peckish, as well as spices and other products; plus, it has longer operating hours -- until 7:30 p.m. Also, there are three Carrefour supermarkets in Tahiti: Carrefour Arue, Carrefour Faa'a - Pacific Plaza and Oasis Carrefour Arue.

Where to Tahitian buy pearls

If you're on the hunt for pearls, try Tahia Exquisite Pearls at Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV (about 1.5 miles from the cruise port). The store features jewelry adorned with Tahitian pearls, 18-karat gold and pave diamonds. The Tahiti Pearl Market (Rue Colette, BP3396 PPT, Papeete), about 1.5 miles from the port, is another good spot to find some pearls. The family-owned establishment allows you to pick your pearls and the design you want, with the final product available within a few hours.

Nearby drugstores

For any drugstore-related purchases, you can head to Pharmacie du port (1 Rue Paul Gauguin), Pharmacie Prince Hinoi Papeete (Avenue Prince Hinoi Papeete) and Pharmacie Fariipiti (Papeete 98714). All are within 2 miles of the port.

Where to eat

Tahiti's cuisine highlights the fresh seafood and produce that are abundant on the island. Fish, such as mahi mahi, tuna and grouper, are mainstays in restaurant menus. In addition, Tahitian cuisine also features French and Asian influences.

One of Tahiti's top restaurants is Le Lotus at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort, 6 miles from the cruise port. Set in an over-the-water building, Le Lotus serves French and Polynesian cuisine, featuring freshly caught seafood (catch of the day), meat dishes and a selection of French wines. The romantic ambiance, one filled with candlelight, live piano music and spectacular sunset views, is perfect for a night out -- especially if you've got something to celebrate.

Another restaurant that combines good food with an amazing sunset view is O Belvedere . From its perch some 2,000 feet above Papeete, take in the city's sunset views below and even Moorea beyond. The restaurant has a treehouse ambiance, with its outdoor terrace even built around a tree trunk. A "must-order" is the house specialty: fondue Bourguignonne served with six sauces. With its location in Pira'e about 4 miles from the port, it's nice that the restaurant provides round-trip transportation from hotels and back, or to the airport if you have a flight to catch.

You don't need to go far to eat good food, though. Come evening, head to Place Vai'ete (369 Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV), a portside plaza about 2 miles from the port, to take part in perhaps the most popular ritual of Papeete: roulettes or food trucks . At 6 p.m., colorful food trucks start rolling in and, within a few minutes, vendors start whipping up big portions of dishes from fresh ingredients for the crowds, locals and tourists alike, which have started to gather.

You'll find all sorts of food here at affordable prices, from fresh Polynesian fish dishes to French classics, as well as pizza and burgers, Thai curries and Chinese stir-fries, such as "chao mein." Must-tries include the poisson cru , a Tahitian specialty of fresh raw fish with coconut milk and cold vegetables similar to poke or ceviche; brochettes or kebabs; and steak frites and poulet frites—charbroiled steak and chicken, respectively— with french fries. If you're not here for a meal, grab a crepe or waffle and enjoy the sunset.

To order, simply go up to the truck and once your food is ready, take it to one of the plastic tables. Don't forget to bring cash (the local currency is Pacific Francs), as the roulettes don't accept credit cards.

Related: Eating your way through Tahiti's famed food trucks

Sights to see

While a known honeymoon destination, Tahiti's sights and attractions also welcome the entire family. Cruise passengers passing through the island have plenty of options, from shopping and dining to sightseeing and outdoor activities. Here's what we recommend.

Point Venus (lighthouse and beach)

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Tahiti, Point Venus wasn't named after the Roman goddess but after a historic event that transpired in 1769, when Captain James Cook and the rest of the crew of Bounty observed the transit of the planet Venus — a once-in-a-century happening — from the site.

However, the lighthouse, Phare de la Pointe Venus, wasn't built until about a hundred years later and remains to be Tahiti's sole lighthouse. It stands several feet away from Pointe Venus Beach, whose black sand is a popular setting for picnics. If you'd like to have a memento of your visit, take a look at the on-site souvenir shop, and grab a bite to eat at the snack bar if you're feeling peckish. Point Venus is at the northernmost part of the island, more than 8 miles from the cruise port.

Faarumai Waterfall

A hiking and sightseeing trip in one, the journey to Faarumai Waterfall takes you through the village of Tiare on Tahiti's north coast. Roughly 15 miles from the cruise port, Faarumai Waterfall actually consists of three cascades (Faarumai Waterfall is also known as The Three Cascades).

To see the first one, Vaimahutu, you'll have to hike through a mape (a type of chestnut) forest for about 325 feet. The second and third falls, Haamarere It and Haamarere Rahi, respectively, are almost side by side and can be accessed after a 20-minute walk. Parking and admission are free. However, swimming is prohibited so just enjoy the view. Don't forget to bring insect repellent to avoid stinging mosquito bites.

There are many lovely gardens to explore when on the island, including:

Water Gardens Vaipahi

Perhaps the best place to enjoy the island's tropical flora is at the Water Gardens of Vaipahi (Teva I Uta), along the southern coast of Mataiea, roughly 30 miles from the cruise port. The garden features more than 75 tropical plant species, including exotic flowers, from around the world, as well as winding streams, springs, pools, waterfalls and a lily pad. The plants are marked with signs in both English and French.

This tranquil place is also sacred to Tahiti's Great Teva clan, who believe their deceased souls must be purified by the waters of Vaipahi. The well-maintained and quiet environment is a good place to meditate or simply relax amid nature. A walk along one of its three paths, ranging from a 1.2 mile/one-hour walk to a 3.1 mile/two-hour walk, will be invigorating. Admission is free and there is parking available on site.

Paofai Gardens

If you'd rather stay close to Papeete and the cruise port, head out to Paofai Gardens instead. It's by the boulevard, so there will still be traffic noises, but it's a peaceful enough place for a stroll along the waterfront. There are paved walking paths, and the area features planter boxes with some blooms and several trees. Along the shore, you might find some pirogues (outrigger canoes), and if you're timing is right, i.e., afternoons and Sunday mornings, you might catch local teams practicing racing on them.

There are also some very interesting museums on Tahiti.

Museum of Tahiti and The Islands

If you want to learn more about Tahiti and French Polynesia, in general, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands (Musee de Tahiti et des Iles) in Puna'auia is a good place to do so. Here, concise and easy-to-understand exhibits explore Tahiti's geography and natural history, its pre-European culture, the effects of colonization and its natural wonders. There are displays in English, too. Must-sees include its collection of ritual items, canoes, tattooing equipment and statues of wood or stone depicting various divinities called tiki.

After you visit the museum, step outside to observe surfers on the water or Moorea beyond. Or, peruse the gift shop, which other visitors said was excellent.

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

Pearl pioneer Robert Wan's Pearl Museum (56 Avenue du Commandant Destremau, Papeete 98713) isn't only a place to learn about pearls. Here, you can buy them too.

The museum features myriad treasures, such as a copy of the rosary beads with 57 pearls that were presented to Pope John Paul II in 1987 and Charles II of France's pearl-encrusted prayer book. Meanwhile, the retail section offers jewelry, single pearls and, of course, Tahitian black pearls of the highest quality and original designs. It also sells skin products with extracts of nacre, the mother-of-pearl shell. The museum provides free tours for groups of two or more. Let them know of your visit at least five days in advance.

Related: 3 stunning islands in French Polynesia that will make you forget about Bora Bora

Bottom line

With a paradise island setting, Tahiti is the perfect place to relax and unwind, albeit for just a little bit. Cruisers who stopover here may want to stay closer to Papeete due to time constraints, but those who'd like to extend their stay will have the rest of the island to explore. And, for the uninitiated, Tahiti is a great place to learn more about Polynesian culture.

A floating Olympic village will house dozens of athletes. Get to know Aranui 5

Get to know where olympic surfers will be lodging at the 2024 paris olympics, by julia elbaba • published july 23, 2024 • updated on july 23, 2024 at 4:36 pm.

Olympic surfers competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics have already struck gold even before the Games begin.

Forty-eight fortunate surfers will be accommodated aboard the Aranui 5, a custom-built passenger freighter, as it anchors near Teahupo’o — a remote village on the coast of Tahiti — for the duration of the surfing competition . It’s essentially a floating Olympic Village.

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While most athletes in Paris will bunk in dorm-style rooms with fully recyclable cardboard beds , surfers will enjoy their own private accommodations on board, complete with regular beds.

During Paris 2024, the Aranui 5 cruise ship functions as a floating Olympic village, hosting numerous athletes. #paris2024surfing #olympicsurf #olympicsurfing #isasurfing pic.twitter.com/Qs9r12eLbC — International Surfing Association (@ISAsurfing) July 23, 2024

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Aranui 5 was the only possible accommodation located less than 45 minutes from the competition site — a 2024 Paris requirement, according to Tahiti’s Minister of Youth and Sports Nahema Temarii . A local hotel was previously considered to be the first choice, but the site, which has been closed for 26 years, could not be prepared in time.

The Aranui 5 is quite the vessel , featuring 103 spacious cabins along with a restaurant, four bars, two conference rooms, two lounges, a library and a dance room, according to the company .

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Athletes can even relax with the ship’s outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness room and massage room.

The world’s best surfers will kick off the action at the 2024 Olympics between July 27 and Aug. 5 , depending on the conditions of the waves. Winners will be crowned with gold medals following four days of competition. 

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See inside a ship like the one housing Olympic surfers

Published july 23, 2024 • updated on july 26, 2024 at 12:03 pm.

During the 2024 Olympics , surfers will have a unique home a long way away from Paris.

The 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition will take place in Tahiti , half-way across the world from the rest of the games — and the Olympic village. Rather than endure traditional Olympic accommodations, the surfers will spend their off-time aboard an Aranui 5 cruise ship .

Although the surfers ' temporary home may vary from the boat's usual layout, the following photos capture the interior of a typical Aranui 5 ship.

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Tahiti island

Our cruises departing from tahiti

Tahiti , the starting point of all Aranui cruises, is a high mountainous island created from an extinct volcano. The impressive caldera that forms the centre of the island bears witness to this ancient volcanic activity. Tahiti is home to the capital of French Polynesia , Papeetē, as well as the Tahiti-Fa’a’a International Airport and is both a place to stopover but also to explore a range of places.

Papeete : The port of departure and return of the Aranui

Tahiti is the most populated island in Polynesia: out of more than 260,000 inhabitants, nearly 180,000 live on the island of Tahiti . It is also one of the most modern and well-equipped islands in the region, especially in its capital, Papeete where you will find shopping malls, cinemas, department stores, art galleries, a central hospital, and numerous restaurants. All Aranui cruises leave and return from the port of Papeete (see map below) and our passengers can have time to visit the island of Tahiti before or after their cruise.

Tahiti : A generous nature, black sand beaches and wild valleys suitable for hiking

Outside of Papeetē is the best place to discover the original and exotic island and its natural charm. From diving and hiking to rivers and waterfalls, or its legendary historical sites, and museums, all are on offer to visitors in search of authentic Tahiti. Just take a tour of the island to discover this for yourself. See the beautiful black sand beaches. Some are peaceful whilst others, such as Teahupoo, are popular surfing spots and a place where amateurs can join various activities or merely stand back and watch. The deep valleys and high mountains are the location for various legendary archaeological sites of ancient Polynesia and the population is very mixed with a genuinely warm sense of welcome and hospitality.

The island of Tahiti has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a hot and humid one from November to May and a cool and dry one from May to November. The pleasing result of this varied climate creates lush year-round flora and countless fragrant flowers as well as a comfortable habitat for a rich variety of nature.

WHAT TO DO ON TAHITI BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR ARANUI CRUISE

Among the must-see sites to visit on the island of Tahiti, do not miss :

• The colourful market in Papeete with its typical Polynesian atmosphere.
• Vaiēte Square for its local, friendly atmosphere and street food trailers.
• The cultural and historical sites: The City Hall, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the old Vai’ami hospital, the Queen’s Basin, the House of Queen Marau, the Bougainville Park, and its cannons that have witnessed past history, the Temple of Pā’ōfa’i, and the Robert Wan Pearl Museum

Tahiti Iti Peninsula

• The Taravao plateaus, which can be explored on horseback or in a 4×4 vehicle, offers breath-taking views of the isthmus of the peninsula.
• The small white sand beach at Vaira’o
• For one of the most beautiful places to swim and cool off visit Tautira and the Vaitepiha River
• Take a tour of the Vai’ote Valley to see its rich petroglyphs.
• See the mythical waves of Teahupoo, a mecca for surfers.
• See Fenua ‘aihere and the Pari site: both places are covered in vegetation and offer multiple hiking trails and paths that lead to caves which can be explored on foot… The Pari site includes many natural, archaeological, and legendary sites.
• Visit Pīra’e where a restaurant offers panoramic views and provides the starting point for several hiking trails, including one to Mount Aora’i.
• See ‘Ārue which houses the tomb of ‘King’ Pōmare V and the home of writer James Norman Hall, who wrote the 1932 book about The Mutiny on the Bounty. The commune also boasts a splendid colonial town hall, a black sand beach and a beautiful view of the island of Moorea from the Tahara’a pass.
• See Matavai Bay , where Samuel Wallis landed in 1767. The black sand beach at Pointe Venus is popular with families and the view of the bay and the island of Moorea from the beach, is enchanting.
• Visit Papeno’o, which is famous for its waves and an ideal spot to learn to surf and see its valley which is rich in archaeological treasures, rivers, and waterfalls.
• See Ti’arei: ‘The Blower’s Hole’ is a natural cavity with a powerful blast from the surf below. Nearby are the three waterfalls of Fa’auruma’ which form pools and offer a refreshing bathing spot at the end of an easy walk.
• Hiti’a’a: The volcanic lava tubes of Hitiaa are underground channels and eroded sections of rock in caves that have been carved out by water over thousands of years. Hire a guide to take you there and also discover phosphorescent mushrooms, puhi tari’a (eels with ears) and other natural treasures in this area of Tahiti.
• See the Gauguin Museum. Although it contains no original pieces of his work the museum documents the painter’s life, during the period he was in Tahiti, until he moved to the Marquesas, where he died in 1903.
• See the Mataiea and the Vaipahi Water Gardens waterfall, which rises in the heart of a lush garden.
• Visit Papara and book a tee time on its golf course.
• See the caves of Mara’a , a natural curiosity. Discover the two marae in the village of Pa’ea: ‘Ārahurahu and Maraeta’ata.
• Punaauia: The famous white sandy beach of “PK 18” is a popular swimming spot for Tahitians with a beautiful view of Moorea. Visit the ‘Museum of Tahiti and the Islands’ which offers a complete overview of Polynesian history, geography, culture, and settlement.
• Fa’a’a: Climb Mount Marau on foot or take a car to see its superb panoramas in the heart of the island. Walk through lush vegetation to where fabulous plateaus, valleys and rivers are revealed.

The island of Tahiti offers beautiful canyoning tours, a refreshing alternative to lagoons and beaches. The numerous waterfalls and gorges in the heart of the island make it an ideal route for both thrill seekers and nature lovers.

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