June 28-July 12, 2010

Adventurers and artists such as Captain Cook, Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Paul Gauguin were mesmerized by the paradise found in the mysterious Marquises Islands and Tuamotus.  Today the inhabited islands of the Marquesas are so remote that few from the outside world touch the paradise of these islands.  After the Marquesas the Aranui III (Click for Aranui Deck Plans) is headed to the center line for the extraordinary July 11, 2010 eclipse.  A team of distinguished lectures will provide an astronomical enrichment program and nightly stargazing deep in the Pacific.

Distinguished Lecturers

Rich Talcott, Senior Editor, Astronomy magazine
Dennis Mammana, Sky photographer, Skyscapes

Your Eclipse Cruise Includes:

Your Tour Itinerary:

. Request a Brochure

Monday, June 28, 2010-Los Angeles - Papeete, Tahiti
Upon arrival in Papeete, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. The evening is at leisure.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010-Sail to the Marquesas
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Aranui and sail out of Papeete harbor to the Marquesas and the eclipse center line. (L/D) Request a Brochure

Wednesday, June 30, 2010Tuamotu Archipelago – Fakarava
The turquoise translucent lagoon of the largest atoll in the Tuamotu, Fakarava, beckons you. Spend your morning snorkeling and scuba diving and swimming among the tropical fish.
Lunch is served back on board before beginning our astronomical lectures this afternoon as we set sail for the Marquesas. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Thursday, July 1, 2010-At Sea
Relax on board for a balmy day in the South Pacific. Continuing with the astronomical program on board and learning about the Marquesan culture and archaeology. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Friday, July 2, 2010-Ua Pou (Hakahau – Hakahetau) Marquesas Archipelago
The soaring mountain spires of Ua Pou come into view, the villagers gather to greet you and the muscular crew unloads the supplies from cements to sugar and load sacks of copra. The tiny town of Hakahau with its church and hand-carved wooden dais can be visited. Meet some of the talented woodcarvers and hike up a hill for breathtaking views before a Marquesan lunch will consist of breadfruit, along with curried goat, barbecued rock lobster, raw fish marinated in lime juice and soaked in coconut milk, taro and sweet red bananas. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Saturday, July 3, 2010 -Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatiheu)
The bay at Taiohae is a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Here is where 23-year old sailor, Herman Melville jumped a whaling ship in 1842. Follow the route by jeep along steep, winding dirt mountain roads to the village of Hatiheu to visit an archeological site.
After lunch, travel to the valley of Taipival, dotted with stone tiki gods and scared ritual sites and immense stone platforms were the Taipi built their houses. Enigmatic petroglyphs of birds, sacred turtles and fish are carved on huge boulders. The Aranui’s whaleboats will safely carry you down the river to return you to the vessel anchored in the bay. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Sunday, July 4, 2010-Hiva Oa (Puamau)
Today we will visit archeological sites for ancient, human-like religions sculptures as on Easter Island. Back on the vessel this afternoon, we will continue our astronomical lectures. Tonight plenty of stargazing in the dark skies of the South Pacific. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Monday, July 5-Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Atuona is the second largest village in the Marquesas and is the where Paul Gauguin painted some of his best work. Visit the colonial store where Gauguin shopped and visit a replica of the Impressionist’s “House of Pleasure”. At the cemetery where Gauguin is buried beneath a huge frangipani tree, enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. Jacques Brel, Belgian singer who died in 1978 is buried nearby. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Tuesday, July 6, 2010Fatu Hiva (Omoa-Hanavave)
Here is the center of Marquesan crafts. Visit Omoa where women are hammering mulberry, banyan or breadfruit bark on logs. They dry it and then paint ancient Marquesan designs on their famous tapa cloth. Fatu Hiva is also known for its hand-painted pareus and monoi, the coveted perfumed coconut oil scented with tiare blossoms and sandalwood. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Wednesday, July 7, 2010Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu)
Today we will visit a museum with replicas of Marquesan art and explore the mountain landscape with heart-stopping views of the Pacific. The wild horses, brought from Chile in 1856 thrive here outnumbering the island 476 residents. After lunch, visit the fruit and flower arboretum. Tonight dining and dancing under a canopy of stars. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Thursday, July 8, 2010-Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) – Ua Pou (Hakahau)
This morning take Le Truck to the town center for your last chance to buy Marquesan crafts. This afternoon we ready for the eclipse as we head to the path deep in the Pacific. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Friday, July 9, 2010-Napuka Tuamotu
We continue the astronomical program this morning as we sail toward the center line. This afternoon we will arrive at the little known Napuka Tuamotu. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Saturday, July 10, 2010-Sailing to the Eclipse Path
Today prepare for First Contact and enjoy leisurely time on board. We expect to arrive at the eclipse site by 11pm tonight. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Sunday, July 11, 2010-Solar Eclipse
Sail toward Papeete after the eclipse for another night of dark sky stargazing. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

Monday, July 12, 2010-Arrive Papeete – USA
You may wish to extend your stay on Bora Bora or Moorea before departing from paradise. (B) Request a Brochure

Interested? Request a Brochure