Booking Timing for the Marquesas Islands and Shuttle Schedules

Hello! We’re heading to the Marquesas in July-August and I’d love to know if it’s possible, for a fee, to do a leg of the journey on the Aranui—like from Hiva Oa to Fatu Hiva, or Nuku Hiva to Ua Pou, or even Ua Pou to Ua Huka? Sure, there are shuttles twice a week with Codim connecting these islands, but the schedules won’t be known until two months in advance, and I need to book flights and hotels much earlier than that. So, what’s the best way to handle this?

Looking forward to your replies—thanks in advance! Elisabeth Marcel babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr

Hi Elisabeth,

To be completely honest with you and save you time in your search: no, it’s practically impossible for a tourist to book a "segment" on the Aranui in advance.

The Aranui 5 is primarily a cruise ship and a supply cargo vessel. Their business model is based on selling the full cruise (12 days). While they sometimes carry local passengers between islands on deck, these spots aren’t bookable months in advance for outside travelers, and the comfort is nothing like the cruise cabins.