Description
From Papeete, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises invites you to embark on a 8-day cruise to discover Tahiti and the Society Islands. Set sail on board Le Paul Gauguin, for an unforgettable journey to discover idyllic islands and atolls.
The perfect introduction to the picture-perfect charms of the South Pacific, this wonderful cruise whisks you away to destinations that played muse for authors James A. Michener, Herman Melville, painters Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse, and many more.
You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the Motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.
Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of translucent waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and home to an astonishing and rich wildlife.









Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Papeete, Tahiti Island
Embarkation From 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Huahine, Society Islands
Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.
Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island & Society Islands
Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.
Bora Bora, Society Islands
Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.
Bora Bora Moorea
Spend another delightful day in Bora Bora before departing for Moorea late afternoon.
Moorea Island
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.
Moorea Island Papeete
Spend another day on beautiful Moorea before departing to Papeete late afternoon.
Papeete Island, Tahiti
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 7 nights in a porthole stateroom on deck 3 (upgrades also available)
- Every meal, from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the last day
- PLUS Tea and light snacks at 4pm, Aperitif and petit-fours at 6pm & captains cocktail
- Minibar re-stocked every day with non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water and beer
- Wine, alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks (excluding Sommelier menu, Grands Crus and Vintage)
- Entertainment and conferences on board
- Watersports (excluding diving)
- Access to the beach at Bora Bora and Motu Mahana, exclusively for your use
- 24h room service
- Internet access (Wi-Fi)
- Flat screen TV with international channels and videos on demand
Your ship: Le Paul Gauguin is an elegant luxury vessel, specially designed for navigation in Polynesian waters. Its shallow draft allows it to get in close to shallow lagoons and isolated islands, maximising stopover time. It features 165 cabins and suites, all with external views and are tastefully decorated, and carries up to 330 passengers.
Exclusions
- Items of a personal nature
- International Airfares
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Any visa or entry fees
- Tipping
- Optional shore excursions available for a fee
Important info:
Upgrades: the following upgrades are available - enquire with our team for more info!
- Window Stateroom Deck 4 - from $300pp
- Balcony Stateroom Deck 6 - from $3250 pp
Child Policy: Want to take children on this trip? Enquire with one of our team directly to get the best options for you.
Single Travellers: Travelling solo? Enquire with one of our team directly to get the best options for you.
Passport: your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity to visit these destinations. Passport wait times are currently quite long, so make sure you apply for your new one well in advance if necessary.