> Itineraries > AUSTRAL ISLANDS - 2024
AUSTRAL ISLANDS - 2024
From Saturday, March 30 2024 to Tuesday, April 9 2024
11 days / 10 nights
Austral Islands
Discovered by Europeans in the 18th Century, the Austral islands are located 600 km south of Tahiti. Off the beaten track, the Australs are an untouched and mysterious land where white sand clashes with the intense blue of the lagoons. Breathtaking landscapes, from sheer mountains to valleys, these islands are famous for their farming activities. The Austral islands will certainly offer a memorable and unique experience.
Day 1
SATURDAY – Departure from Tahiti (Papeete)
You will embark on the Aranui 5 between 7:00 and 9:00 am in the morning. Departure around 12:00 pm. You will be warmly welcomed by our Polynesian crew and begin the big journey to the Austral Islands.
Day 2
SUNDAY – Rurutu, Austral Islands
Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure which is surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white sand beaches and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. fROM August to October each year, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu, where they come south to mate and give birth.
Day 3
MONDAY – Rurutu, Austral Islands
Rurutu is known throughout Polynesia for the exceptional quality of its basketry.
Every year from August to October, humpback whales can be seen and heard in Rurutu where they come to mate and give birth.
Day 4
TUESDAY –Raivavae, Austral Islands
Raivavae’s white sand beaches, large emerald lagoon and 28 motus encircling the lush green main island, have earned it the title of the “Bora Bora of the Austral Islands”. Giant stone tikis, including an unusual smiling tiki, resembling those in the Marquesas and on Easter Island, wood sculptures, an open-air marae temple and Polynesian canoes are some of the archaeological elements you will discover during a circle island tour. If you wish, you can relax on one of the motus and swim in the crystal-clear lagoon. An excursion by speed boat is available. A beach barbecue featuring local dishes will be served for lunch. Enjoy the beautiful beach at Mahanatoa while tasting delicious fruits.
Day 5
WEDNESDAY – Rapa, Austral Islands
As you approach Rapa, only accessible by sea, the Captain may announce: “Welcome to Rapa. Next stop Antarctica”. As the southernmost inhabited island of French Polynesia, this crescent shaped land mass — with a fjord-like coastline deeply indented by 12 bays —is as remote as it gets. Rapa-Iti, or “small Rapa” as the island is also called, has a strong cultural connection to Easter Island, known as Rapa-Nui or big Rapa to the Polynesians. Legend tells of the settlement of Rapa-Nui by the people of Rapa-Iti. Once home to fierce warriors who lived in fortified settlements built on terraces among volcanic peaks, the islanders now live off farming and fishing. During our visit, you will be greeted by the unique dances of Rapa. You may choose one of two different hikes offered. The first goes from the village of Area around the stunning bay to the main village of Ahurei and the second ends at the ruins of an old mountaintop fort. A traditional lunch will be served on shore.
Day 6
THURSDAY – Rapa, Austral Islands
Among the other activities on offer during our one and a half day stopover in Rapa, you will visit Ahurei, the main village of the island, explore ancient fortresses, visit an agricultural production centre, discover local arts and crafts, meet the inhabitants of this isolated island, and share a ma’a over a wood fire in the village.
Day 7
FRIDAY – At sea
Take advantage of this day at sea to relax by the ship’s pool or participate in one of our lectures or an activity organised by our guides.
Day 8
SATURDAY – Rimatara, Austral Islands
The Aranui is adrift – tenders to the dock. Welcome with a walk through purification smoke (ancient tradition of Rimatara’s inhabitants). Although Rimatara is the smallest of the Austral Islands, it charms the visitors with its hidden treasures. In the hollow of this circular island, one has the impression that time has stopped. Departure for a circle island tour by bus and visit to the villages of Amaru, Anapoto and Matuaura. Visit of handicraft centers. In Rimatara, the main occupation of the inhabitants, apart from agriculture, is basket weaving and especially the preparation of fara pae’ore leaves (a variety of pandanus without thorns) which are used to make cloth.
Day 9
SUNDAY – Tubuai, Austral Islands
Tubuai is the largest island of the archipelago and is the administrative and economic capital of the Australs. The huge lagoon, nearly twice as large as the island itself, offers 33 sq. mi. (85 km²) of pure aquatic fun. The mild climate also makes these islands ideal for farming. The first explorers were struck by the island’s beauty. Toward the end of the 19th Century, explorers Wallis and Cook took a liking to the lush vegetation and crystal-clear water of the island. However, the area did not look appropriate for good anchorage given the large barrier reef around the coast. This disadvantage turned into an incredible advantage in the eyes of the famous mutineers of the HMS Bounty.
Day 10
MONDAY – At sea
Enjoy a day at sea to relax by the pool and participate in one of the lectures or activities offered by our guides.
Day 11
TUESDAY – Return to Tahiti (Papeete)
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.
Choose your base fare :
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
Area : 440 sq.ft (41 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Situation : Sky Deck - 9.
Consisting of 3 individual rooms, approximately 440 sq. ft. (41 sq.m) of interior space and a 130 sq. ft. (12 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a separate bedroom with a king size bed, a sitting room with a sofa bed, a lounge with a built-in bar, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer, a walk-in closet, refrigerator and safe.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
ROYAL SUITE
Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Situation : Sun Deck - 8, Pool Deck - 7, Veranda Deck - 6.
With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
ROYAL SUITE WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
Area : 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Situation : Boat Deck - 5.
With 240 sq. ft. (22 sq.m) of interior space and a 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) private corner balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe. In this category, the view of the windows is obstructed.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
PREMIUM SUITE
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 to 3 adults
Situation : Pool Deck - 7, Veranda Deck - 6.
With approximately 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds and a sitting room with a sofa bed, divided by a decorative filigree screen, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
AVAILABLE CABINS
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
JUNIOR SUITE WITHOUT BALCONY
Area : 200 sq.ft (19 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
Situation : Veranda Deck - 6.
With 200 sq. ft. (19 sq.m) of interior space, without balcony but with picture windows, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
SUPERIOR DELUXE
Area : 160 sq.ft (15 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
Situation : Sky Deck - 9, Sun Deck - 8.
With 160 sq. ft. (15 sq.m) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 sq.m) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
AVAILABLE CABINS
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
DELUXE
Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 persons
Situation : Sky Deck - 9, Sun Deck - 8, Pool Deck - 7.
With approximately 140 sq. ft. (13 m²) of interior space and a 45 sq. ft. (4 m²) private balcony, this exterior cabin offers a bedroom with a king size bed or twin beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, refrigerator and safe.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
DOUBLE STATEROOM
Area : 11 m²
Capacity : 2 people
Situation : Boat Deck - 5, Main Deck - 3, Lower Deck - 2.
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a porthole or a picture window, this exterior cabin offers, either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
AVAILABLE CABINS
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
DOUBLE STATEROOM WITH OBSTRUCTED VIEW
Area : 120 sq.ft (11 sq.m)
Capacity : 2 adults
Situation : Boat Deck - 5.
With 120 sq. ft. (11 sq.m) of interior space and a picture window with an obstructed view, this exterior cabin offers either, a king size or two single beds, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
SINGLE STATEROOM
Area : 100 sq.ft (9 sq.m)
Capacity : 1 person
Situation : Lower Deck - 2.
The Single Stateroom has 100 sq. ft. (9 sq.m) of interior space with a porthole, a single bed, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer.
LAST CABINS AVAILABLE
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
DORMITORY
Area : 140 sq.ft (13 sq.m) to 285 sq.ft (27 sq.m)
Capacity : 4 to 8 persons
Situation : Upper Deck - 4.
The dormitory has 5 units: four units of 140 sq. ft. (13 sq.m) each which can accommodate four passengers per unit with two lower and two upper berths, one bathroom with shower and hair dryer and a unit of 285 sq. ft. (27 sq.m) of shared interior space with four lower and four upper berths, a sitting area, two bathrooms with shower and hair dryer. This category can be mixed.
AVAILABLE CABINS
Availability for reference only, to be confirmed by the Reservations Department
What's included
RATES INCLUDE
Cruise transportation and related taxes (tourist tax, port tax, fuel, TDC), shipboard accommodation, 3 meals per day, a bottle of wine to share among 4 passengers for scheduled onboard meals, lunches in local restaurants, planned guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites, cultural dance shows, lecturers onsite and onboard. Rates are per adult, in double or single occupancy. These fares are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change; with or without notice.
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
Shipboard purchases, liquor, gratuities, port taxes other than those specifically provided for, and other personal items. Rates quoted at the time of printing are based on current costs and are subject to change up to and including the date of sailing.
SCHEDULE & EXTRA COST PROVISION
If, due to weather or other uncontrollable reasons, you are required to spend one or more additional nights, you will be responsible for your own hotel and meal costs. In addition, because the primary function of vessels in the service of Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime is to carry freight, the departure dates, ports of call, and duration of cruises may be subject to variation both prior to departure and en route. Freighter passengers should have a flexible time schedule and anticipate the foregoing possibilities. While we do everything possible to inform and assist our clients, neither CPTM nor its agents will assume additional expenses, hotel or meal costs associated with delays or changes in itinerary and schedules.
ITINERARY CHANGES
Routes and activities are indicative and can be modified according to weather conditions or availability. CPTM pledges to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. CPTM reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, ports of call or conveyances as deemed necessary.
Speakers
Guest lecturers who specialise in the Marquesas and other fields related to French Polynesia such as history, culture, art or archaeology, will share their knowledge and insights as part of a series of onboard lectures throughout the year. Lectures are held in conference rooms.
Optional excursions
At every port, guests can enjoy included excursions. For a bit more adventure, there are optional activities from which to choose. The optional activities can be booked on board and at an additional cost.
