Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

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 untouched beauty of Fakarava, a paradise rich in biodiversity and history. Explore rare wildlife in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, alongside charming villages, ancient temples, and stunning coral churches.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Your 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 take in a lecture by one of the special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe 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 southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva, is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera and 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.

Grandiose, striking, and powerful, the Marquesas are more rugged than their Polynesian sisters. The archipelago’s charm lies in its extraordinary wild beauty: waterfalls flowing down vertiginous peaks, jagged cliffs sinking into the indigo sea, and lush vegetation. On the island of Fatu Hiva, discover the famous Hanavave Bay, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Make the most of your free time to stroll among the houses and gardens of the village. Its inhabitants, specializing in the manufacture of tapa (bark cloth), welcomes you with ukulele music and traditional songs. Have the pleasure of tasting the soft and juicy citrus fruits that grow on the island.

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 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 can 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 can find the perfect treasure.

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.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Your 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 take in a lecture by one of the special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa.

Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.

Don’t be fooled by the vibe of this laid-back, secluded island. Many treasures are hidden among the lush rainforest and dramatic terrain. With a bit of exploration, uncover some of the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. Underwater treasures await as well, with a snorkel excursion in the lagoon.

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 the 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 Paul Gauguin's private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, the storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone has 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.

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.

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.