Aranui - Austral Islands

Located almost 400 miles south of Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, the remote and rarely visited Austral archipelago has just seven islands, five of which are inhabited – Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa – and only four of which are accessible by air.  With a population under 7,000, this is an off the beaten track archipelago for the more interpid traveler with a keen interest in untouched and mysterious lands, a place where white sand meets the aquamarine lagoons, and sheer cliffs and ancient valleys roll into farmland. 

Several archaeological remains witness to a well organised, pre-European community of rich culture and ancient religious practices. The cliffs and caves of the Austral Islands were once burial grounds but today they provide natural viewing platform for visitors to watch humpback whales in the ocean below during their migration to warmer water to give birth from August to October each year.

2024 Departures - 30th March and 2nd November 

2025 Departures - 5th April, 6th September and 1st November