Tuamotus, Gambier Islands & Austral Islands: Fakarava and Rapa Iti
Undiscovered South Seas: Tuamotu, Gambier and Austral Islands
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
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French Polynesia from/to Papeete
This fourteen-night round trip from Papeete visits three rarely seen island groups of French Polynesia: Tuamotu, Gambier and Austral. With 184 guests and sixteen Zodiacs, Le Jacques Cartier is ideal for landing in the Gambier Islands around Rikitea and for visiting small villages on remote Australs such as Rapa Iti and Raivavae. The Blue Eye underwater lounge offers an unusual view of the reef life that defines coral passes and lagoons. With Polynesian tradition, carved marae sites and volcanic profiles, the voyage strings together remote stops that few travellers reach.
Route highlights
- Papeete: Tahiti's capital, departure point for a route through three very different island groups.
- Fakarava: UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Tuamotu Archipelago, with clear passes and dense coral life.
- Anaa: Flat atoll in the Tuamotus with a turquoise lagoon and quiet motus.
- Rikitea: Main settlement of the Gambier Islands on Mangareva, with the historic cathedral of Saint-Michel.
- Rapa Iti: One of the most remote islands in Polynesia, with ancient hill forts on steep ridges.
- Raivavae: Austral island with a near-enclosed lagoon and well-preserved tiki sculptures.
- Tubuai: Main island of the Australs, once a brief refuge for the Bounty mutineers.
- Rurutu: Volcanic Austral island known for its limestone caves and the annual arrival of humpback whales.
The Route
Papeete
14 nights
Papeete
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Papeete, Tahiti · Embarkation
The capital of Tahiti on the north-west coast of the main island of French Polynesia is the gateway to the South Seas. It combines a colourful market scene at the Marché de Pape'ete with pearl jewellery boutiques, creole cafés and the harbourside roulottes food stalls. Papeete is the start and end point of almost every Polynesia cruise.
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Anaa, Tuamotu-Archipel
Anaa is a low-lying atoll in the western Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, around 400 kilometres east of Tahiti. The lagoon glows turquoise thanks to the bright coral floor, a phenomenon visible as a luminous reflection in the sky above the atoll.
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Fakarava, Tuamotu-Archipel
Fakarava is the second largest atoll of the Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia and is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its southern pass at Tetamanu is world-famous for diving amid large shoals of sharks.
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Hikueru
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At sea
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Aukena, Gambierinseln
Aukena is a small island in the Gambier archipelago in the far south-east of French Polynesia, set in one of Polynesia's largest lagoons. It is renowned for the Tour Maman watchtower built of coral lime, a relic of the 19th-century Catholic mission.
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Rikitea, Gambierinseln
On the main island of Mangareva in the Gambier archipelago at the far south-east of French Polynesia, this small main settlement serves as the gateway to one of the Pacific's most remote island groups. The imposing 19th-century Saint-Michel cathedral, adorned with mother-of-pearl, is a surprising treasure in this isolation.
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At sea
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Rapa
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Raivavae, Austral-Inseln
In the Austral Islands of southern French Polynesia, this volcanic island with its double lagoon and white coral motus is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. Famous are the enigmatic tiki stone sculptures from ancient Polynesian times scattered across the island.
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Tubuai, Austral-Inseln
Tubuai is the main island of the Austral Islands in the south of French Polynesia, around 650 kilometres south of Tahiti. The hilly volcanic island with white coral beaches once briefly belonged to the Bounty mutineers, who tried to found a settlement here in 1789.
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Rurutu, Austral-Inseln
The volcanic island of Rurutu belongs to the Austral Islands of French Polynesia and is laced with limestone cliffs and caves. From July to October humpback whales pass close along its coast.
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At sea
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Papeete, Tahiti · Disembarkation
Le Jacques Cartier
Le Jacques Cartier entered service in 2020 as the fifth ship of the Explorer class. 184 guests, Blue Eye Lounge, state-of-the-art environmental technology. The ship benefits from all improvements Ponant has built into the class since 2018.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Jacques Cartier
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Stateroom | € 11.620 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 12.850 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 13.470 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 14.210 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 3 | € 19.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 4 | € 19.630 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 5 | € 19.630 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 19.630 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 26.420 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 27.770 | On request | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 5 | € 29.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Privilege Suite Deck 6 | € 29.130 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 | € 31.960 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite | € 33.570 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 14 nights from EUR 11.100 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Jacques Cartier?
A maximum of 184 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
