Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
From snorkeling adventures in a traditional outrigger canoe to discovering lush rainforests on a thrilling ATV excursion, our rich collection of shore excursions allows you to explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific in the manner that appeals to you most—both above and below the waterline as well as on shore.
Long-standing partnerships in every island ensures your discovery is led by the most experienced and knowledgeable experts. Here we invite you to explore your options either by port of call or type of activity. Shore excursions are available to pre-book approximately 60 days prior to sailing; diving tours must be booked on board. Guests and their travel advisors can pre-book their excursions by calling our Reservations Department at 1 (800) 848-6172. We look forward to revealing Polynesia to you soon!
Please note that not all shore excursions are available on all sailings. Descriptions and pricing may vary. Shore excursions will not be available for pre-booking until approximately 60 days prior to sailing (except for the Romantic Escapades excursions). Seven days or less prior to embarkation, shore excursions can only be booked onboard. New tours, not previously listed for online sales, may be available onboard without prior notice. If you have questions or would like to pre-book your shore excursions, please contact our Reservation Department at 1 (800) 848-6172 for assistance.
Once onboard, please refer to the tour descriptions for full details or consult with the Travel Concierge Team for further information.
Fakarava pinnacle snorkel
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 1h30 Total : $105
Experience the abundant marine life for which Fakarava is famous during this memorable snorkelling adventure.
Board your Zodiac® (or similar boat) for a 30-minute ride (each way) to the north pass in the lagoon. Your guide will give you safety instructions and information about the site before you enter the water from the boat. You will then start your snorkelling experience around the coral head, where you will discover a wide variety of species. Fish common to the area include sharks and tropical fish, including groupers, parrot fish, triggerfish, and others.
Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the ship.
· This deepwater activity is recommended only for experienced, strong swimmers in good physical condition who are comfortable wearing snorkelling equipment. Life vests will be available on the boat if needed. Although marine life is widely present in this region, sightings cannot be guaranteed, and tickets are nonrefundable should sightings not occur. For your own safety and to help us preserve the environment, do not touch or step on the coral reef while snorkelling.
Excursion Code: PFFAV50
Half day to Teahatea beach
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 3h30 Total : $135
Depart the ship by small local boats across the beautiful UNESCO biosphere reserve of Fakarava to the white sand beach of Teahatea just after the Garuae Pass.
The boat is (8 m) 50 long, special for excursions. It is equipped with all safety equipment and with a covered top and sides. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the weather conditions. You will have 2-2 ½ hours of free time to relax on the beach, enjoy a swim in the crystal clear lagoon or go snorkelling. Iced coconuts will be offered to you directly on the white sand beach and refreshments (fresh fruit juices, ice tea, and water) will be served.
You can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this heavenly site.
· The boat ride maybe bumpy and rough depending on the sea conditions. No facilities are available on the beaches: no rest room, nor beach chairs or umbrellas. Bring your snorkelling gear, provided by the ship, along with a towel and sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses. The excursion is weather dependant, and the beach may be substituted with a different one.
Excursion Code: PFFAV52
Waverunner & snorkelling*
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 1h30 Total : $299
Depart from Rotoava village for a short drive to the waverunner Base. Commence your tour with a safety briefing, then continue your guided tour with a ride along the scenic coast, you will start your adventure and discover the Fakarava lagoon with your waverunner.
During your tour, you will have the opportunity to snorkel and one of the stops will be a visit to the black pearl shell lines.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Rotoava to embark your ship.
· One bottle of water per person is offered. Bring your snorkel gear from the ship. Operation of this tour is dependent upon weather and water conditions. *This tour is priced per waverunner which can accommodate two average-sized adults (weight limit 500 lbs). When prerequesting this tour, please select only one ticket.
Excursion Code: PFFAV53
E-Bike tour of Rotoava & the North shore
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 2h00 Total : $65
View the village of Rotoava on a beautiful scenic guided tour by e-bike. Explore the surrounding area which includes viewing the Topaka lighthouse, airport, and Catholic Church. Cycle inside the verdant coconut grove, along the ocean side of the island; the overall distance is approximately 15 km.
· The level is easy to moderate and pedalling is required! E-bike is a bike with electric assistance. The tour includes one bottle of water and complimentary use of a helmet.
Excursion Code: PFFAV55
ATV guided tour*
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 1h30
Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Depart from the pier of Rotoava Village for a guided tour of the northern part of the island by ATV.
Pass by the airport on the way to the North Pass and visit the small ancestral temple, Teinoka. Along the way, you will also visit the old sea cucumber oven.
· For insurance purposes, each driving participant must present credit card details and a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. The minimum age to ride as a passenger on this tour is 6 years old. During the tour, one bottle of water per person is offered. After the tour, guests will be offered a beverage of beer or juice per person. *This tour is priced per ATV which can accommodate two average-sized adults.
Excursion Code: PFFAV51
Discover the southern pass of Fakarava
Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 7h00
Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
From the north of the island of Fakarava, you'll set off by boat to discover the southern pass of Fakarava and the village of Tetamanu. On your first stopover, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling at the village of Tetamanu. During this snorkeling in one of the most beautiful coral reefs in Polynesia, you will be amazed by the impressive underwater life, sharks and a multitude of tropical fish.
Your second stop is a 10-minute boat ride from Tetamanu, the famous pink sandbanks of the southern atoll of Fakarava, where during this 20-30 minute stop you will be able to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Re-board the boat for a 30-minute trip to Hirifa, where a Paumotu barbecue (local Polynesian style) will be served after an hour's preparation, giving you time to enjoy and relax on the beach. The buffet includes fresh fish (raw and cooked), rice and coconut bread, as well as a selection of drinks. After lunch, you can take part in a cultural weaving demonstration (hats and crowns). Your return to Rotoava will take place after the cultural demonstration.
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The snorkeling part involves swimming in deep water in areas subject to strong currents. The long boat journey to and from the South Pass can be bumpy, depending on weather and sea conditions (around 1h to 1 and a half hour one way). This trip is not recommended for guests with mobility issues, with back or neck problems, or those prone to seasickness. Please bring your snorkeling equipment, beach towel, snorkeling shoes and some cash for souvenirs. The Tuamotus are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, their command of English can be very poor. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Excursion Code: PFFAV54