Magical French Polynesia cruise aboard Aranui 5 goes beyond Society Islands

Aranui Cruises has a five-day roundtrip from Tahiti that takes in the picturesque Tuamotu islands onboard Aranui 5.

Departing Papeete on April 28, 2023, the short cruise will feature calls to Makatea, Mataiva and Anaa, as well as some scenic cruising around Tahiti at the start and end of the voyage.

Aranui Cruises regional representative Australia New Zealand, Laurent Wong, is excited by the itinerary.

"While the Society Islands will always be a sought-after destination, we think the Tuamotus are the up-and-coming stars of French Polynesia and are excited to offer the first cruise that is solely visiting this archipelago and the only one that features these three idyllic, isolated islands," Laurant said.

Translating to "many islands", the Tua-motus are the largest chain of atolls in the world, a dazzling archipelago made up of more than 70 islands that cover an area roughly the size of Western Europe (850 square kilometres). Here are some of the highlights:

It's the second largest raised atoll in French Polynesia. With spectacular cliffs rising 80m above sea level, it is vastly different from the typical low-lying coral-reef formations with a lagoon in the middle.

Phosphate mining turned it into a bustling island in the first half of the 20th century, but now less than 100 inhabitants remain.

The local families live off copra, fishing and the trade of coconut crabs.

Open pits from phosphate extraction dot the island and the only railroad ever built in French Polynesia can still be seen.

It's also the only atoll in the Tuamotus with drinking water which comes from its underground caves.

During Aranui 5's visit, guests will visit the abandoned village of Vaitepaua and mining plant, hike to higher grounds for spectacular views, take a refreshing dip in an underground cave and even try some rock climbing.

This small atoll, which has less than 500 inhabitants, wrote its way into the history books as the birthplace of Tahiti's royal family - the Pomare Dynasty. These days it's best known for its luminous jade lagoon which turns the clouds above green and picturesque motus with no less than eleven little islands scattered around the atoll.

Most of the population is involved in copra or fishing, leading to the island's landmark sustainable fishing program.

Guests will explore the village of Tukuhora, try traditional javelin throwing and handicrafts, and spot 'feo', giant fossilised blocks of coral which are characteristic of the atoll.

The shallow clear lagoon is ideal for fly fishing, an optional activity offered in Anaa.

Bike riding or lava tubing is also available as an optional add-on.

The westernmost atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago, Mataiva is a picture-perfect postcard with its white-sand beaches and a unique green lagoon with blue spots.

Its inhabitants live primarily from tourism, and the production of copra and vanilla.

During Aranui's visit, guests will have ample time to soak up the serenity of the isolated island paradise.

Priced from A$3675* per person twin share for a stateroom, the five-day cruise includes calls to Makatea, Anaa and Mataiva with included activities, three meals per day and complimentary French wine with onboard lunches and dinners.

Aranui Cruises' 125-metre mixed freight* and passenger vessel Aranui 5 features a restaurant, conference rooms, lounges, a library, a boutique, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, three bars including the popular Sky bar and the first tattoo studio at sea.

With local crew, cuisine and culture, Aranui 5 is the most authentic way to explore French Polynesia.

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