Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji

The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it's capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.

Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.

As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.

Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach*. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice. 

*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.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

A wealth of cultural tradition, Aitutaki's inhabitants keep their history alive through song, dance, legends and crafts. If you're looking to spend time on land, consider taking the easy hike to the highest peak on the island, Maunga Pu, where you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views. But if you're interested in an excursion, a trip out to One Foot Island in Aitutaki's stunning blue lagoon will take your breath away.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, or climb to the top of Mt. Talau, the highest point on Vava’u. You’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding islands. And, while the activities on land are sure to impress, you won’t want to miss the underwater show, either. The island’s crystal-clear lagoon is home to more than 100 species of tropical fish, plus dolphins, rays, and more.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu lets you experience the South Seas of centuries gone by before the area was colonized by Europeans. Visit a black pearl farm, immerse yourself in a Fijian village, or spot colorful native birds in the pristine Waisale Reserve.

Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. It’s been the capital of Fiji since 1883 and offers a unique mix of modern and colonial ambiance, making it a great place for history and architecture buffs to explore on foot. More interested in the views? Suva is perched on a hilly peninsula between two postcard-perfect harbors.

While it may only be six square miles, Beqa Island packs every inch with natural beauty. Spend your day snorkeling among the coral blooms, strolling golden-sand beaches, or discovering a hidden waterfall.

Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

While it may only be six square miles, Beqa Island packs every inch with natural beauty. Spend your day snorkeling among the coral blooms, strolling golden-sand beaches, or discovering a hidden waterfall.

Once you arrive in Lautoka (known as “Sugar City” for the green-gold sugarcane that surrounds the city), there’s much to explore. Stroll its palm-lined streets, experience everyday life in a traditional village, or hike in Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.