A Voyage to the Marquesas & Austral Islands

Step off the beaten track into a world of wild peaks, traditional tattoos, Umu feasts and luminous lagoons far from the crowds.

Overtourism is one of the biggest problems in travel, but even in our well-travelled world, it’s still possible to find hidden gems where tourism is only in its infancy, and visitors are welcomed warmly like part of the family. This is what it’s like travelling with Aranui Cruises to the northern and southern islands of French Polynesia.

Marquesas Islands: the Land of Men

For over 40 years, Aranui Cruises has quietly introduced the world to the Marquesas. This boutique cargo-passenger cruise line isn’t just a way to travel; it’s a lifeline for these remote islands. Known locally as the “seventh island”, the Aranui ship regularly delivers food, fuel and supplies to six inhabited islands – Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Huka – while allowing guests to step ashore and discover the islands’ extraordinary culture and landscapes.

Guests can explore ancient marae and tiki sites, wander the museum and resting place of Paul Gauguin and hike through lush valleys to hidden bays where wild horses roam and local children play. Traditional feasts, complete with Umu underground-roasted pork and fish, are shared under banyan trees, accompanied by song and dance.

The Marquesas are also the birthplace of Polynesian tattooing, and Aranui offers the unique experience of the first tattoo studio at sea, giving guests the chance to take home a piece of Marquesas culture permanently.

Whether four wheel driving through emerald valleys or hiking to the local villages, the Marquesas are a blend of adventure, beauty and connection – and there’s no better way to access them than aboard Aranui, where every journey supports the islands’ communities.

Austral Islands: the Southern Frontier

As of 2026, Aranui 5 has offered a limited series of four voyages each year to the remote Austral Islands. But from early 2027, the elegant new vessel Aranoa, purpose-built to carry essential cargo and fewer than 200 privileged guests, will take over as the principal ship serving the region. With an expanded program of 14 carefully curated voyages annually, Aranoa journeys through the five inhabited islands – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa Iti – delivering an intimate blend of discovery, cultural connection and responsible travel, in harmony with the rhythms of island life.

Rurutu is a highlight during whale season, when humpback whales migrate to mate and give birth. Raivavae, sometimes called Bora Bora’s southern twin, offers dramatic peaks ringed by luminous blue lagoons. After a day of hiking or snorkelling, guests enjoy freshly caught fish, tropical fruits and traditional local dishes such as banana pancakes or clam curry, often shared under the stars with locals.

At the far south lies Rapa Iti, an isolated island of just 500 residents. Visits are rare, making this one of the most exclusive experiences in French Polynesia. Aranui guests walk through village life, sample homegrown coffee, hike to ancient forts and join the community for feasts, music and dance. It’s a rare glimpse of a living, thriving culture, untouched by mass tourism.

So, whether you’re sailing past jagged cliffs, feasting on underground-roasted pork or meeting locals in remote villages, an Aranui Cruise offers an unparalleled journey to two of the world’s last truly undiscovered island groups. It’s adventure, culture and cuisine rolled into one unforgettable voyage – the perfect way to explore French Polynesia’s edge of the map.

Marquesas Islands Cruising Tips

Island highlights:
Nuku Hiva’s Umu feasts, Tahuata’s carvings, Fatu Hiva’s remote bays

Top activities:
Hiking, horseback riding, cultural performances

Why Aranui:
Access remote bays and villages off the beaten track, supported by a ship integrated into local life

Austral Islands Cruising Tips

Island highlights:
Raivavae’s luminous lagoon, Tubuai’s historic Fort George, Rapa Iti’s volcanic peaks

Top activities:
Whale watching, Raivavae lagoon, Rapa Iti village life

Why Aranui:
The only cruise line offering regular itineraries to these islands, ensuring small, sustainable visitor numbers

For more information, visit Tahitivoyages.com.au