Tahiti | Tour Code: 15409
Sail the Tuamotus with Aranoa—crystal lagoons, pearl heritage, coral reefs, and vibrant Polynesian culture.
Highlights
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Cruise through the pristine Tuamotu archipelago aboard Aranoa – a new eco-conscious vessel offering comfort and cultural immersion.
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Swim, snorkel, and picnic on untouched motus – surrounded by jade-green lagoons and coral reefs.
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Explore Makatea, Anaa, and Mataiva – each with unique features like sacred caves, fossilized coral blocks, and vibrant village life.
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Discover pearl heritage, historic churches, and local crafts – with guided excursions and warm Polynesian hospitality.
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Start and finish your island escape at Maitai Express Tahiti, ideally located in the heart of Papeete. Explore the vibrant waterfront, browse bustling local markets, and indulge in authentic Tahitian cuisine at nearby restaurants and the iconic roulottes.
Entire Bonus
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Peace of Mind, Every Step of the Way
This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination. -
Australia’s Only Industry‑Accredited Tahiti Specialists
Tahiti Travel is Australia’s only industry‑accredited Tahiti specialist, combining genuine destination expertise with the strength and stability of an established travel group - so you can book with total confidence.
Overview
Set sail on a serene 5-day voyage through the Tuamotu Islands aboard Aranoa, a new eco-friendly passenger-freighter designed for immersive exploration.
This unique itinerary blends cultural discovery with lagoon-side relaxation as you visit remote atolls such as Makatea, Anaa, and Mataiva. Explore sacred caves, fossilized coral formations, and the heritage of pearl farming, with plenty of time for daily swims, snorkelling, and tranquil beach picnics.
Your journey begins and ends with a 3-night pre-/post-stay at Maitai Express Tahiti, where Polynesian warmth, modern comfort, and lagoon views set the perfect tone. With guided excursions, onboard hospitality, and breathtaking scenery, this experience takes you deep into the untouched beauty of French Polynesia.
Inclusions
- Return economy airfares from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne with Air Tahiti Nui
- 4-night cruise aboard Aranoa in a Standard Cabin (Obstructed View)
- 3 nights at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King - ★★
- Airport meet & greet with traditional flower lei
- All transfers between airport, hotel, and cruise terminal
- All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Daily Continental breakfast at Maitai Express Tahiti
- Wine included during onboard lunches and dinners
- All shore excursions with English-speaking guides
- Port charges and government taxes
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Faa’a International Airport, you will be transferred to Maitai Express Tahiti. Perfectly located in downtown Papeete, the hotel offers easy access to the waterfront, local markets, and the city’s lively dining scene. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling dinner from the famous food truck “roulottes” or taking a stroll along the harbor.
Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.
Spend a relaxing morning at the Maitai Express Tahiti perhaps taking a dip in the stunning pool with views over to Moorea. Take a swim in the stunning lagoon or enjoy the bars and restaurants the resort has to offer.
Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Maitai Express Tahiti before checking out of the hotel.
At the Papeete Cruise Terminal, you’ll board in true Polynesian style, greeted with fragrant flower garlands, lively ukulele music, and warm smiles. As the ship sets sail, the lush mountains of Tahiti gradually fade into the distance, making way for your next Pacific adventure.
Surrounded by cliffs rising nearly 240 feet, Makatea is the only atoll in the Tuamotus with potable water from underground caves. Once prosperous from phosphate mining (1917–1964), it is now sparsely inhabited, with locals living from copra cultivation, fishing, and trading the coconut crab (Kaveu).
Passengers will disembark by tender at Temao Wharf and explore the island on foot or by car. Highlights include the sacred caves and the remains of Makatea’s phosphate mining era. A picnic is served under the cliffs or on the beach.
Mataiva is a stunning atoll, known for its unique lagoon and white-sand beaches, offering an authentic and tranquil experience with minimal tourism. Locals are warm and welcoming.
Passengers will disembark by tender at Pahua Wharf and be greeted with a traditional “Orero” performance. The village is just a 5-minute walk from the dock and can be explored at your leisure.
Optional excursions include visits to Turtle Rock, the Paure marae, the phosphate pond, the bird motu, and the “pito” of Mataiva (sign-up at reception). 4×4 vehicles will transport guests to a private beach for a picnic and lagoon activities.
Anaa, birthplace of Tahiti’s Pomare royal family, is renowned for its sparkling jade lagoon and white-sand motus. Most locals are engaged in copra production or fishing, supported by a sustainable fishing program. Look out for the feo, the giant fossilized coral blocks unique to the atoll.
Passengers will disembark by tender at Tukuhora Pier. Explore the village by bus or on foot, and try fly-fishing in the shallow, crystal-clear lagoon. A picnic lunch is served on the beach in Tukuhora village.
Optional activities: Swimming and discovery at the “Ogoogo” pito.
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.
Morning arrival into Papeete by around 7:00 AM and guests disembark. Our representative will be waiting for you as you disembark to transfer you to the Maitai Express Tahiti. Spend a relaxing afternoon, wander through scenic coastal spots, admire local architecture, and explore open-air viewpoints and historic sites that capture the island’s charm.
Overnight stay in Tahiti at Maitai Express Tahiti in a Standard Room King.
It's time to wrap up our journey. Please check out and take the transfer to Tahiti International Airport for your international flight back home.
Additional Information
FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.
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