€4.160
€3.744
Highlights of this voyage
- Tahiti
- Summer Festival
- Whales
- Society Islands
- Austral Islands
- Off beaten track
- Sail and Culture
- Ocean Sailing
Journey into Polynesia’s Best-Kept Secret
Far off the well-trodden paths of the South Pacific lies a forgotten chain of volcanic jewels—the Austral Islands, or Tuhaa Pae, as the ancient Polynesians once called them. Today, they are better known as the fifth archipelago of French Polynesia, comprising Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Rapa, and the uninhabited atoll of Maria.
These are the southernmost islands in Polynesia, extending southeast of Tahiti, and tracing an ancient migration route from the Cook Islands, 900 miles to the northwest. Archaeological evidence from sacred Marae (temples) shows that Polynesians inhabited these isolated islands as early as 900 AD. European contact began with Captain Cook in 1769 (Rurutu) and 1777 (Tubuai), followed by Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian in 1789. The 19th century brought whalers—and with them, missionaries who reshaped local traditions.
But isolation has its blessings. Today, the Austral Islands are protected by distance, with minimal tourism and well-preserved Polynesian traditions. Locals live by fishing and farming, and thanks to the cooler, temperate climate, the land is rich with crops unknown to other islands.
Your journey begins in Tahiti, during the vibrant Heiva Festival in July—a celebration of culture, dance, and storytelling. From here, we set sail for Raivavae, and later Tubuai, Rurutu, and Rimatara. Each island offers a new world of discovery: archaeological wonders, lush forests, traditional weaving, and intimate encounters with humpback whales who migrate here from Antarctic waters in July.
Our small sailing vessel allows us to access remote anchorages, snorkel crystal-clear reefs, and follow the rhythm of the ocean—just like the humpbacks. Each crossing under the starry sky offers a chance to learn celestial navigation, Polynesian wayfinding legends, and hands-on sailing.
This is not your average cruise. This is a true blue-water voyage through uncharted Polynesia. Join us for an unforgettable 15-day expedition—where culture, wildlife, and adventure converge far from the ordinary.
Second voyage
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Flights
- Transport
- insurance
- Excursions / landing permits
Sailing Note:
Our itinerary is like a chart drawn in sand — guided by the stars, but shaped by the sea. Wind, weather, and tide are our true captains, and they often have plans of their own. So while we set our course with care, each voyage follows its own rhythm. This schedule is a compass, not a contract — trust the journey to unfold like any good sailing tale: with a little mystery, and a lot of wonder.
Day 1:
Departure from Tahiti, in the festive atmosphere of Heiva. Final preparations and welcome aboard.
Days 2–4:
Ocean crossing to Raivavae (approx. 380 nautical miles). Trade wind sailing under starlit skies.
Day 5:
Explore Raivavae – visit ancient Marae, hike the lush hills, and enjoy the peaceful lagoon.
Day 6:
Set sail to Tubuai, the largest of the Australs. Navigate through the narrow pass in the northern reef.
Day 7:
Snorkeling and a picnic on the motus inside Tubuai’s barrier reef. Optional visit to the village.
Day 8:
Sailing to Rurutu.
Day 9:
Go ashore on Rurutu to explore dramatic coastal hikes, traditional weaving demonstrations, and visit the grave of Polynesian sailor Eric de Bisschop. If we’re lucky, witness humpback whales calving close to shore.
Day 10:
Sail to Rimatara.
Day 11:
Wander through Rimatara’s lush forests and spot rare native birds—an island largely untouched by tourism.
Days 12–14:
Begin our return passage to Tahiti, enjoying open-ocean sailing, storytelling, and celestial navigation practice.
Optional stop at Mo’orea, time permitting.
Day 15:
Arrival in Tahiti, marking the end of a spectacular Polynesian voyage.
