Round trip from Papeete · 27 July – 11 August 2026

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.