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Explore the landscape of French Polynesia.

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises
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On this two-week South Pacific cruise aboard the Paul Gauguin, start in Tahiti by exploring local markets and cuisine. Sail to Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, then head to the mist-covered islands of Marquesas to discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. In Bora Bora, relax on the beach or dive into coral reefs. Visit Huahine for rainforests and archaeological sites, and enjoy water activities at Taha’a’s private Motu Mahana. Onboard, take part in Polynesian dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Shop in Moorea, or admire Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora. Dine on gourmet cuisine, relax at the Algotherm Spa, and enjoy a well-balanced mix of adventure and leisure.
Paul Gauguin sits outside Bora Bora.Travelers getting ready to scuba dive.Four-wheel drive excursion around the island.Local Tahitian singing.Explore the landscape of French Polynesia.
Highlights
  • Visit Fakarava, the remote island sanctuary for rare birds and plants
  • Explore the island of Hiva Oa, the burial place of artist Paul Gauguin
  • Unwind on Taha’a’s exclusive private islet, Motu Mahana
  • Spend time snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding in Bora Bora
Places Visited
  • South Pacific
  • Tahiti
  • Atuona
  • Bora Bora
  • Fakarava
  • French Polynesia
  • Hiva 'Oa
  • Huahine
  • Marquesas Islands
  • Moorea
  • Nuku Hiva
  • Oceania
  • Omoa
  • Papeete
  • Polynesia
  • Society Islands
  • Taha'a
  • Tahuata
  • Taiohae
  • Tuamotu Islands
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.

Day 2: At Sea

Spend the day enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the Paul Gauguin. Attend a lecture on local wildlife or history, relax by the pool, or visit the Algotherm Spa—or do both. With a full day at sea, you have plenty of time to unwind and plan your next adventure.

Day 3: Fakarava, Tuamotus

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

Day 4: At Sea

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 you take in a lecture by one of our 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.

Day 5: Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands

The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera—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.

Day 6: Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

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.

Day 7: Hapatoni, Tahuata, Marquesas Islands

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.

Day 8: Taiohae, Nuka Hiva, Marquesas Islands

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

Day 9-10: At Sea

The next two days are at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard The Gauguin, like the award-winning spa and lectures by onboard experts. 

Day 11: Huahine, Society Islands

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.

Day 12: Bora Bora, Society Islands

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, 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.

Day 13: Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands

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 14: Moorea | Papeete, Tahiti

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. Afterward, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.

Day 15: Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti

  • 1 Breakfast
Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. If you’re not ready for your South Pacific vacation to end, spend a few days here experiencing resorts, spas, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. 

Ship/Hotel

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Local Entertainers
Relaxing on the balcony of the Paul Gauguin.
Gourmet meals complete your luxurious South Pacific cruise

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Jun 21, 2025from $9,630
  • Oct 25, 2025from $10,150
  • Dec 6, 2025from $8,070
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Deal available

Deals

$200 Shipboard Credit 27220
Book now and enjoy a $200 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on ALL voyages. This offer is valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with other discounts, and is subject to change without notice Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Promo Code: SBCTVLL
Click for departure dates

Kids Sail and Fly for Free 27362
Book now and make unforgettable family memories in paradise! French Polynesia’s destination expert extends a warm welcome to the whole family with an invitation for kids ages 15 and under to cruise and fly for free! The Islands of Tahiti are a wonderland of discovery, made all the richer with the line’s Moana Explorer Program offered complimentary for children ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday sailings. Moreover, the beloved m/s Paul Gauguin now features connecting staterooms making it an ideal option for multi-generational family travel.

Offer Highlights:
  • Roundtrip, non-stop air between Los Angeles or Seattle and Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui
  • Kids (ages 6–15) join the complimentary Moana Explorer Program
  • 3rd and 4th guests in Category C staterooms and above
  • Select 2025 summer and holiday sailings
  • Use code PGFAMILY when booking
  • Book by April 25, 2025
This offer is valid for new bookings only and is subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Jun 21, 2025 departure

Per person starting at
$8,070
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Porthole stateroom F
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Porthole Stateroom (F)
14 staterooms, 200 sq feet, two portholes
Window Stateroom E
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Window Stateroom (E)
37 staterooms, 200 sq feet, picture window. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Balcony Stateroom D
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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
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Balcony Stateroom (C)
63 staterooms, 202 sq feet with 37 sq feet veranda. Some have a loveseat convertible for third guest accommodations.
Veranda suite B
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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
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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
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Grand Suite
2 suites, 332 sq feet with 197 sq feet veranda. Butler service, can accommodate 4 guests by adding two rollaways.
Owners suiteOwners Suite
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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.


- Plug/ Voltage type Onboard: 220V/Type F
 
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Room Service 
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary drinks, including select wines and spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages
  • Onboard Gratuities for Room Stewards and Dining Staff
  • Complimentary Water Sports 
  • Day at a private islet - Motu Mahana
  • Access to a private beach on Bora Bora 
  • Enrichment lectures
  • Polynesian activities
  • Shipboard Entertainment
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Pre- or Post-cruise hotel  
  • Premium liquors, specialty wines, and certain Cognacs incur an additional charge

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