Begin your South Pacific journey in Tahiti, the largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands. Papeete, its capital city, offers a lively start with a bustling market and tempting local food trucks. As the Gauguin ship awaits in the harbor, the excitement of exploration fills the air.

Discover the serene simplicity of Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by exploring a black pearl farm, strolling through Avatoru village, and tasting wine at Dominique Auroy Winery, the sole producer in French Polynesia.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are 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.

The leaf-shaped volcanic island of Tahuata may be small, at only 19 square miles, but it’s full of surprises—in fact, its name means “sunrise” in Marquesan. With only 600 residents, you'll immediately feel welcomed by the friendly locals as you make your way along an ancient royal walkway into the quaint village of Hapatoni. If you're looking to take home a hand-carved tiki from the South Pacific, this is where you'll find the perfect treasure.

Take an excursion to explore the deep valleys, rugged peaks, and dense velvet rainforests of Hiva Oa, which offer up ancient, massive stone tiki carvings and petroglyphs. Or visit Paul Gauguin's grave on the way into the village of Atuona, where you can see Belgian singer Jacques Brel's plane, Jojo, and learn about why these famous artists fell in love with this particular island.

The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva, is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be treated to jungle greenery that begins right at the water’s edge, sheer cliffs, and deep, indigo waters. With only 500 residents and only one road, this island is almost completely yours.

Ua Poa is a highly volcanic island of exceptional beauty in the northern Marquesas. The undulating hills that line its shoreline serve as a welcome mat for the magnificent basalitic spires that rise from the island’s center to pierce the clouds—a stunning sight to witness upon approach. Hakahetau is delightful and laid-back, perfectly situated on a bay and protected from the trade winds.

Water or land? When you arrive in Taiohae, choices abound. Hike with a guide to discover massive banyan trees and hidden valleys, or embark on an optional 4x4 excursion through the Taipivai Valley.

Author Robert Louis Stevenson favored Nuku Hiva’s arching Hatiheu Bay for its enchanting, picture-postcard setting, lined with black sand and crowned by towering basalt cliffs. A visit to Hatiheu promises discovery, both cultural and rare. Rife with archaeological sites, the ancient village is best known for its petroglyphs of human figures, turtles, and fish, as well as its marae (traditional temples) and tohua (open-air gathering places)—the most scared of these being the me’ae l’ipoka, protected by a massive banyan tree.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are 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.

Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.

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.

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.

The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and its 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.