Embark on Paul Gauguin's 15-day cruise from Tahiti and its vibrant capital city of Papeete. Discover hidden gems in lush rainforests, explore ancient archeological sites, and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons. Raiatea's sacred landscapes and rich Maohi heritage offer hiking, snorkeling at Marae Taputapuatea, and serene lagoon experiences. Enjoy a private retreat on Motu Mahana with water activities, Polynesian entertainment, and cultural immersion. Explore Bora Bora's iconic Mount Otemanu views, vibrant reef dives, and cultural encounters with Les Gauguins. Fakarava's pristine environment and cultural significance provide a unique experience. Rangiroa invites a deep dive into local life with pearl farms and village exploration, and Moorea captivates with azure lagoons, mountain peaks, and engaging dolphin-watching experiences.
Highlights
Admire Rangiroa's vibrant local culture, Tuamotu Archipelago's largest atoll
See Polynesian culture with hosts providing dance & craft demonstrations
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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.
Day 15: Tahiti, Society Islands | Disembarkation
1 Breakfast
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Porthole Stateroom (F)
14 staterooms, 200 sq feet, two portholes
Window Stateroom (E)
37 staterooms, 200 sq feet, picture window. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Balcony Stateroom (D)
26 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Balcony Stateroom (C)
63 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Veranda Stateroom (B)
17 staterooms, 249 sq feet with 56 sq feet veranda. Butler service. Can accommodate a third guest with a rollaway.
Veranda Suite (A)
5 suites, 300 sq feet with 58 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Grand Suite
2 suites, 332 sq feet with 197 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Owners Suite
2 suites with 437-531 sq feet and a 57-77 sq feet veranda. Butler service, separate dressing area, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Notes
- Port, security, and handling fees of $140 to $320 are included.
- Cruise fare does not include optional shore excursions, available to purchase, and additional fees.
- Cruise fuel surcharges may apply.
- Rates are posted as double occupancy. Subject to availability, may not be combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
- PGC reserves the right to limit the number of single-occupancy cabins on any sailing. Single supplements are available at 100% for categories OG, OS, A, and B. Categories C, D, E, and F have a much smaller or different single supplement. Single supplements are in addition to listed cruise fare and vary by voyage. Contact us for exact rates.
- Optional hotel stays, Land programs, and Air programs are available, please contact us for details.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
3 days ago
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
4 days ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
6 days ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
Lucy Greenway
6 days ago
Adventure Life was a pleasure to work with. They helped us find different options for our charter and answered a lot of questions with patience and clarity.
Brooke Hopper
1 week ago
Excellent service, great hotels and well organized excursions with expert guides! Highly recommended!
