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.
Island drive & belvedere
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Explore Moorea's exquisite beauty and day-to-day Polynesian lifestyle during this scenic orientation drive around the island. Depart the pier for a scenic and relaxing drive around Moorea. The distance around this idyllic island is approximately 38 miles (62 kilometers), and your ride offers many spectacular sites and photo opportunities. You will ride past pineapple fields and visit an ancient Tahitian stone temple, or marae, en route to Belvedere.
At the summit, take in magnificent views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mt. Rotui. Your ride continues on through the village of Papetoai and past the nearby tombs of the first missionaries. Your coach will return to the pier via the other side of the island. Along the way, you will pass through the districts of Haapiti and Afareitu, then make a photo stop at the Ia Ora lookout point before arriving at the pier. And enjoy your guide's commentary about the daily lives of the Polynesian island residents all along the way.
-
The order of sites visited may vary. Limited restroom stops. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness. The guides commentary features information pertaining to daily living in Moorea; but does not include historical, cultural, or political facts or details.
Excursion Code: PFMOO56
Dolphin watching expedition
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $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.
Join American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free-ranging dolphins.
Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough-tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event.
While viewing Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea, you will also learn about French Polynesian's geology. Following your tour and time permitting, you may have an opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling at a coral garden directly from the boat before returning to the pier.
-
This tour is not a swim with the dolphins program, it is sometimes possible to snorkel near the dolphins. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability.
Excursion Code: PFMOO57
Lagoon & ocean tour
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Discover the marine riches of the island on a tour dedicated to the research and observation of dolphins and sharks in Moorea. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and swim with these graceful and curious animals and realize that man and these predators can live in harmony. Some dolphins are visible in the passes, at the entrance of the bays, others in the open ocean. On the other side of the barrier reef on the oceanic drop you can evolve with Gray sharks, lemon sharks and turtles always supervised by your guides. Refreshments will be available during the tour.
-
Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship. Participation is limited to 6 guests maximum.
Excursion Code: PFMOO60
Lagoon discovery with snorkeling
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $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.
Experience the beauty of Cook's and Opunohu Bays from above and below the water during this snorkeling and beach adventure aboard a modern covered boat.
Depart the pier aboard a comfortable and modern boat featuring covered areas designed to protect you from the direct rays of the sun. As you cruise along these majestic bays, your captain will inform you about the legends, geography, and flora and fauna of Moorea.
Next, you will continue on to a gorgeous sandy islet surrounded by transparent turquoise waters that are shallow enough to walk comfortably in the sea. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to swim with the rays; they will gracefully glide around you.
Your tour will then take you between 2 islets, where you will be invited to go snorkeling in water 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) deep. For more comfot, the boat's ladders extend deep into the water, making it easy to embark and disembark the craft.
Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier.
- This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests must be comfortable wearing the snorkeling equipment provided for this tour. The snorkeling locations selected may vary depending upon lagoon conditions that include current and visibility. Wear a swimsuit under a cover up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a towel as well as your snorkel gear from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFMOO63
Sunset sail in Moorea
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 1h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Discover the scenic magnificence of Moorea during a memorable sunset cruise.
Depart the pier aboard a luxurious catamaran, and set sail to Moorea's north coast for a visit to two of French Polynesian's most beautiful bays, Cook's and Opunohu. Enjoy the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of Moorea. You will be served a cocktail or a glass of wine while sitting back and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.
Following the sunset cruise, you will return to the pier.
-
Participants will be required to take off their shoes prior to boarding the catamaran. The boat captain may decide to restrict outside sailing and modify the itinerary depending on prevailing weather conditions, winds, and currents. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.
Excursion Code: PFMOO68
Moorea by catajets*
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$$$: 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.
Get an up-close look at Tahiti's idyllic beauty from above and below sea level during this catajet and snorkeling adventure in Moorea.
Depart the pier for the boat transfer to the base. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety and riding instructions from your guide, then embark your two-seat catajet for a 1.5-hour ride in an idyllic lagoon on Moorea. Led by your guide at an easy speed, you will take in panoramic views of the East Coast and Cook and Opunohu Bays, or the West Coast (weather permitting).
Next, a stop will be made for snorkeling in the shallow waters. After putting on your mask, fins and snorkel, you will explore the beauty of the tropical fish and coral formations. Your adventure will continue with a stop on a sand bar, where you will have an opportunity to play with stingrays.
Following refreshments, you will return to the catajet base, then be transferred back to the pier.
-
This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems, or guests with limited mobility. Each catajet is equipped with a fabric Bimini roof, and a small cooler. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. Since there is no dry compartment, waterproof cameras are recommended. Lifejackets are mandatory. This is a guided tour, and participants are required to follow their guide and instructions. The minimum age to drive a catajet is 16 years old; children participating on this tour must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must be able to swim independently. *This tour is priced per catajet, which can accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total).
Excursion Code: PFMOO73
By plane: Scenic flight and pilot lesson Moorea & Tetiaroa (60 minutes flight)*
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 2h00 Total : $719
Take control of your Cessna 172 plane (or Piper PA28 if Cessna not available), together with a professional instructor and experience an amazing hour scenic flight over Moorea and Tetiaroa. No prior flight experience is required to fully enjoy this unique Flight Initiation Tour.
Your tour starts with a drive from the pier to the local Airport - Temae, where your airplane is waiting. After a brief lesson on how to control the plane, your dream will finally come true: pilot your own plane. View the beautiful Cooks and Opunohu Bays, Mount Rotui and the crater area.
During your flight you might also spot dolphins, sharks and stingrays in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. Lying just 30 miles North of Moorea, Tetiaroa is the breathtakingly beautiful atoll comprised of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a spectacular lagoon. Fly over the graceful atoll and spot The Brando, an exquisite private resort as well as the pristine natural landscape hosting many different types of birds, coral and marine life.
Finally, you will land back at Temae Airport where your transfer will return you to the pier.
-
Only one guest pilots the plane from the start to the end of the flight as no seats exchange is allowed. The maximum number of guests per flight is 3 (1 instructor, 1 pilot (guest) and 2 passengers), the maximum combined weight per group is 210Kg/460 lbs. Minimum age not required, however to fly the plane, the children have to be accompanied by an adult and be able to reach the plane pedals. Booking deadline is 4 days before the date of the flight. The transfer from the pier to the airport and back depends on the number of guests attending the flight and is not included in the tour price. Transfer cost is 30$ per person round trip. Not recommended for pregnant women, guests with heart problems and no diving allowed 24 hours before the flight. *This tour is priced per plane, which can accommodate 3 average-sized adults.
Excursion Code: PFMOO53