Paul Gauguin

From snorkelling adventures in a traditional outrigger canoe to discovering lush rainforests on a thrilling ATV excursion, our rich collection of shore excursions allows you to explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific in the manner that appeals to you most—both above and below the waterline as well as on shore.

Long-standing partnerships in every island ensures your discovery is led by the most experienced and knowledgeable experts. Here we invite you to explore your options either by port of call or type of activity. Shore excursions are available to pre-book approximately 60 days prior to sailing; diving tours must be booked on board. Guests and their travel advisors can pre-book their excursions by calling our Reservations Department at 1 (800) 848-6172. We look forward to revealing Polynesia to you soon!

Our Private Paradise ... and Yours

Part of what makes a voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises so special is the access our small ship provides to some of the world’s most idyllic, unspoiled beaches. We’ve made this benefit even better by offering you the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day on one of our private retreats. Those who enjoy watersports are in for a real treat at any of our two utopias.

Motu Mahana

Picture yourself in French Polynesia on a brilliantly sunny morning. You step out onto your private balcony aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin to a balmy breeze and view the almost uninhabited Taha’a, with its carpet of greenery, rising out of a cerulean sea. Just offshore lies Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private South Seas island, where you’ll spend a day (or maybe two, depending on your itinerary) doing exactly as you please.

There’s no end to the indulgences of our private island paradise. Go for a swim in the warm waters. Snorkel with colorful tropical fish among the green and purple blooms of coral. Or paddle out farther in one of the kayaks that have been brought to shore from The Gauguin’s watersports marina.

Ashore, you might engage in a game of volleyball or watch as your hosts, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, demonstrate how to open a coconut or tie a pareo. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an overwater massage. And when the time comes for refreshments, delight in a sumptuous barbecue feast—complete with cocktails from our floating bar.

Bora Bora

You may have seen countless photos of Bora Bora island from travelers who have gone on Bora Bora vacations. Where is Bora Bora you may ask? The island is northwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific. With a lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of blues and greens, and castle-like Mount Otemanu piercing the sky, the beautiful island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia has inspired romantics from around the world. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, Bora Bora is one of the world’s top honeymoon destinations.

The island of Bora Bora is famous for its luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossoming with hibiscus delight the eye, while palm-covered motus (islets) circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. In this South Pacific paradise, on one of these motus, lies our own Bora Bora private beach.

You can spend as much time as you'd like during the day on our private beach in Bora Bora*. The specialists from our watersports marina will be on hand to help you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding from the beach, or don the equipment you packed and enjoy exceptional snorkeling to view tropical fish and manta rays in the azure lagoon.

Or you might simply stay on the warm white sands of the beach, sunbathing or engaging in a game of volleyball. But this Bora Bora island retreat especially speaks to those seeking that quintessential remote Tahitian beach with few signs of the outside world. A place to daydream, nap, read, or just be. A fair amount of time should be spent just marveling at the postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu towering over the main island in this exclusive Bora Bora getaway.

*Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach that features restaurants, public facilities and shopping. Voted #1 in the best things to do in Bora Bora by U.S. News & World Report, Matira Beach boasts powdery white sand, waters in a thousand shades of blue, and is wonderfully uncrowded.

Our specially designed watersports platform turns the ship into your headquarters for all kinds of adventures on the water. It’s as easy as descending to sea level and hopping aboard a paddleboard or launching a kayak.

Our watersports equipment is also available when we call upon our private beaches. Plus, if you plan on snorkelling in multiple ports, you’re welcome to check out snorkelling gear from the marina for the duration of your cruise.

The watersports marina is available in select ports and subject to weather conditions and local restrictions. Swimming from the watersports marina is prohibited.

Float effortlessly over rainbow-colored coral reefs and come nose to nose with parrotfish, clownfish, giant clams, and sea turtles. Dive deeper to swim alongside colorful sea anemones, eagle rays, sharks, and octopi. Polynesia’s translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored. And there’s no better place to do so than from the m/s Paul Gauguin's retractable watersports marina, where you can embark on an optional SCUBA adventure.

Even if you have not SCUBA dive before, as a guest aboard The Gauguin, you can witness spectacular marine life up close and swim among beautiful, rainbow-colored coral reefs within a matter of hours. The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving excursions are designed for all levels of experience, and we offer PADI certification on board for novice divers, as well as refresher courses.

Here are highlights of what else you might expect to find in dives off specific islands along the path of your itinerary:

Society Islands

Moorea—Catch a glimpse of black-tipped reef sharks, lemon sharks, impressively large moray eel, sea turtles, and barracudas.

Bora Bora—View lemon sharks and manta rays up close.

Tuamotus Islands

Rangiroa & Fakarava—In this premier diving location, look for hammerhead sharks (December-February) or manta rays (September-October). In addition, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, barracuda, and other fascinating fish species are often spotted here, among coral reefs and canyon passes – including Fakarava’s reef, a UNESCO-Classified Nature Reserve.

Cook Islands

Aitutaki—Dive along the sheer drop off and large coral bommies to come across impressively large hawksbill turtles, white tip reef sharks resting on the sea floor, friendly emperor angel fish and occasional eagle rays.

Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands are among the best diving spots in the world. The Gauguin offers you your only opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Marquesas, as there are no dive centers in these remote but pristine islands.

Nuku Hiva—The steep cliffs and caves off this island reveal a variety of unusual marine life, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, moray eel, manta rays, and scorpion fish.

Tahuata—Jump into an underwater wilderness and observe grey sharks, Hiva Oa manta rays, dragon moray eel, lobster, and schools of juvenile fish dancing among predators such as giant trevally or tuna.

For the safety of our guests, diving is available in the Marquesas for advanced Open-Water Certified divers with the Deep Diver Specialty Certification only, as dives are 60 feet minimum.

Diving certifications are subject to availability.

You're invited to grab a drink at the Piano Bar and enjoy nightly musical entertainment.

There is nothing like basking in the sun next to the Pool with the magnificent Mount Otemanu of Bora Bora filling your viewscape. Elegant new textiles, loungers, tables and armchairs make this space a very lucrative place to relax and take in French Polynesia’s grandeur while you receive five-star service from the pool bar.

Sun Bar – Solarium

Take advantage of Deck 9 to relax in the sun with a book and a cocktail, or watch the evening sunset.

This versatile lounge offers morning snacks, serves as the backdrop for special events, hosts Polynesian activities led by Les Gauguines, and is the perfect place to grab a nightcap and dance under the stars to live music.

When the sun goes down at sea, Le Grand Salon comes alive with spectacular performances. Every night brings something different, whether it’s Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines performing ote’a—a complex line dance accompanied by drums—live piano music, Broadway show tunes, or foot-tapping rock music. Return to our main lounge during the day for a game of table tennis or lecture from a roster of anthropologists, archeologists, and marine biologists, as well as visiting experts on other popular topics.

Just steps from your stateroom, find the perfect memento of your South Pacific cruise, like genuine Tahitian black pearl jewelry exclusively designed for Paul Gauguin Cruises, Tahitian vanilla, local arts and handicrafts, souvenir apparel, and more. It’s also the perfect place to pick up any necessary sundries or toiletries, like swimwear, beach attire, sunscreen, and batteries.

The crew members onboard The Gauguin are certainly experts at providing first-class service to our guests, but they also boast many other talents that we’re proud to showcase in our crew show. Every voyage offers something different, but you’re always guaranteed a night of amazing entertainment, much of which showcases the unique cultures of our crew members’ home countries.

Soak in the South Pacific sunshine with a day spent lounging by our outdoor pool. Cool off in the refreshing water, grab the drink of the day from the Pool Bar, or take in the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair.

Decorative screens featuring Paul Gauguin’s artwork appear throughout the ship, one of which resides in Fare Tahiti, the ship’s “museum.” Passengers have the opportunity to navigate through 150 paintings and read annotations on Paul Gauguin’s work. All promenades feature new carpets, furniture and textiles. You’ll pass teak wood-topped coffee-coloured ceramic tables, decorative porcelain and vibrant pottery on your way to the ship’s restaurants, boutique and spa. Oak wood and natural fibre sconces and wood blinds adorn the walls and windows. The photo gallery showcases imagery from your cruise on three Mac displays along the 5th floor promenade.

On every voyage of The Gauguin, we’re accompanied by our own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life. Enjoy a retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs onboard and on our private motu, and learn local handicrafts during hands-on demonstrations. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.

In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Don’t miss an evening spent with local group Mamas and Papas, whose dynamic performance of Polynesian dance and singing is a perennial guest favourite.

The former casino has been replaced with a Reading Nook so that you might steal away for some quiet time during the day, and enjoy a cocktail with piano accompaniment in the evenings.

In addition to the reception, Deck 4 also hosts the excursion and diving desk.

With its unrivaled approach to beauty and rejuvenation, the spa onboard The Gauguin combines the art of gentle pampering with services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and wishes of each individual.

Our spa offers an extensive range of services, enveloped in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and luxurious. Shipboard treatments include skin care therapies, skin exfoliation, massage, reflexology, body wraps, facials, beauty treatments, nail services, and hair styling. We are also happy to offer relaxing overwater massages during the day you’ll spend on Motu Mahana, our private South Pacific paradise.

Soak in the South Pacific sunshine with a day spent lounging by our outdoor pool. Cool off in the refreshing water, grab the drink of the day from the Pool Bar, or take in the scenery from a comfortable lounge chair.

Our convenient fitness centre is outfitted with the latest fitness equipment, including Lifecycles, treadmills, stair climbers, and weight machines. Other onboard fitness opportunities include a morning mile-long walk around decks 8 and 9 and a sunrise Polynesian-inspired Zumba class, both hosted by Les Gauguines.

Unique South Pacific Discovery for Young Explorers

The South Pacific is a dream destination—and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to strengthen bonds and create memories you’ll cherish forever through our Moana Explorer program.

Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this one-of-a-kind program invites children and teens, ages 6-15, to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning.

Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures. Depending on their itinerary, your children might learn about underwater life through board games, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, go on a treasure hunt, enjoy water games in the onboard pool, go stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoo, and more. And, there is no fee* for this special family program! It’s all part of our extraordinary all-inclusive value.

Best of all, kids sail free** with Paul Gauguin Cruises! 

Please note: The Moana Explorer Program is available on select summer and holiday sailings, and must be booked on board. *Certain itineraries may offer additional activities for a small fee. Program offered in English and French.

**Kids sail free as a third guest in the stateroom. Pricing for the third guest in the same stateroom is as follows: 17 years old and under, sail FREE; 18 years of age or older, 30% of adult cruise fare + taxes and fees will apply. Triples are available in select staterooms, are capacity controlled and subject to change at anytime without notice.