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.
Coral garden drift snorkeling
Taha'a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
Duration: 3h30 Total : $125
Depart the ship by covered motorized boat for a 15-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a.
Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling session. Your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. The drift can be moderate to strenuous depending on the strength of the current. The drift is done in a single line with one snorkeling guide leading the 12 snorkeller spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkelling guide closing up on the group. This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral.
Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.
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This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkeler that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkeler are strongly encouraged to snorkel on the Motu. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFTAH57
Visit of Taipivai valley
Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands
Duration: 4h00 Total : $130
Nuku Hiva’s spectacular beauty is yours to discover during this off-road adventure in the Taipivai Valley.
Depart the pier for the ride to the Taipivai Valley, one of the richest archaeological sites in the Marquesas Islands. The Taipivai Valley is a location made famous by the American writer and former sailor, Herman Melville (1819-1891), who deserted his ship and hid in this valley. Captured by indigenous natives, he lived in the Taipivai Valley for three weeks, a period during which he observed their way of life. This experience was the inspiration for his first novel. En route to the Taipivai Valley, you will ride through the island’s interior along a steep trail lined with lush flora and vegetation, then traverse exquisite mountain terrain.
Along the way, you will enjoy many opportunities to take magnificent photographs, as you stop several times to take in spectacular vistas of the coastline, bays, and valleys. At one particular stop, you will see your ship anchored in the Bay of Taihoae. Next, you will drive through Taipivai’s small agricultural villages, then proceed to a long stretch of beach at the end of the village. Here, you will stop again to admire splendid vistas of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Following your visit, you will re-board your off-road vehicle for the return ride to the pier.
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As this tour involves travel over rough, uneven terrain, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems. The tour involves very little walking. Guests are encouraged to wear insect repellant or coconut oil for the skin (monoi) to ward off small beach mosquitoes (nonos). Pricing listed is per person. Space is limited to a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle. It is recommended that families and friends wishing to ride together contact the Travel Concierge Desk aboard ship in order to be assigned the same vehicle. Although the drivers used are the best available, they are not guides, and their command of English is poor. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Excursion Code: PFTAI50
Cultural village & firewalking show
Beqa Island, Fiji
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.
Legend has it that over 500 years ago the men of Beqa Island were given the gift of being able to walk on fire by an eel in exchange for its life. Today, the descendants of these warriors carry on the tradition, observing the same strict rules of tabu as the ancestors. Men are chosen as representatives from different villages. Ten days prior to the ceremony, they segregate themselves from females and are not allowed to eat coconut. The fire pit is dug out 12 to 15 feet in diameter and 3 to 4 feet deep. Large river stones are then collected and placed in the pit, filling it up. Six to eight hours before the ceremony a log fire is built over the top of the stones, heating them up. The Fire walkers are led to the arena accompanied by dances and chants. Leaves and vines are grazed across the stones to prepare the pit. The men then proceed to walk across the stones in a few different phases. Finally, a bundle of grass is thrown onto the pit and the group huddles in the centre while chanting a song. Bands around the ankle of each participant, which are made of tree ferns that do not burn, are thrown into the pit. The pit is finally covered with earth, and days later, the ankle bands are recovered and ground up, mixed with water, and eaten by the Fire walkers.
A tender boat will transfer you from the ship to the beach on Beqa Island. From the beach landing area, you will walk approximately 20-25 minutes to the village along an uneven, rough dirt path. Upon your arrival in the village, you will be greeted and welcomed by the fearsome Fijian warriors in traditional costumes. Villagers serenade and escort you to the village green where a traditional kava ceremony will take place. You will then be seated in a covered area to watch the ceremony and the Meke, a special dance performed by the dancers normally only for their Paramount Chief. The highlight of the village visit is the Fire walking!
After all the excitement, you will walk back to the beach for your transfer back to the ship.
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It is mandatory for guests to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. No guest will be allowed on the tour without covered arms and legs. Not suitable for guests with mobility and walking difficulties.
Excursion Code: FJBEQ50
Fiji's culture & heritage tour
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h30 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.
Visit Fiji's capital city, Suva – centre of commerce and the seat of government. This guided drive tour will take you to see various iconic sites such as the President's Residence and nearby Albert Park (where Kingsford Smith landed his small aircraft on his epic flight from the United States to Australia in 1928) as well as Thurston Botanical Gardens.
During the tour you will also see The Borron House (home of Fiji's greatest statesman Ratu Sukuna and for use only by foreign dignitaries). You will also have the opportunity to visit the Fiji Museum. Bilo Battery Historical Site and World War II Heritage Site is also included in the tour on 12 April only.
During World War II, the guns at Bilopeninsula lent a degree of comfort to the people in a time of uncertainty and fears of news of the Japanese invasion flashed across the Pacific. The guns once pointed out from the side of Bilopeninsula like twin fingers of death, down to the Bay of islands in Lamiand across Suva harbour to the capital. They were placed there to guard the passage in the reef leading to Suva harbour.
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Tour involves moderate walking. Recommended dress code is shorts/skirts and a Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your camera for photos and some change for a stop at the Fiji Museum handicraft shop. There is one rest room stop during the tour.
Excursion Code: FJSUV50
Zipline
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 5h00 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.
Depart from Suva port for a 20-minute drive to Pacific Harbour and arrive at the zipline. In the heart of the tropical rainforest, just minutes from Pacific Harbour, Fiji's 'Adventure Capital', lies ZIP FIJI's private eco-reserve – a biological paradise.
The guides help you use special equipment and techniques to experience this amazing wilderness from a unique perspective. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you WHOOSH over eight ziplines high above the forest floor and the Wainadoi River valley. Enjoy a classic 'canopy tour' with stunning views and thrilling rides while you experience the area's distinctive flora and fauna and local culture accompanied by English-speaking native guides.
At this end of the activity, you will get back to your coach to join your ship.
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Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a little dirty or wet and that will not interfere with the adjustment of the harness or helmet. Closed-toe sport shoes provide the best protection for your feet, however strap-on sandals are acceptable. Bring your camera, bottled water and insect repellent with you to the tour site. As it rains periodically throughout the day, you may want to bring a lightweight poncho or jacket or a change of clothing. Please bring a hair tie if you have long hair. Participants must be reasonably fit, weigh less than 135 kg (300 pounds), be at least 5 years of age and have a torso length of at least 45 cm (18 inches). Children under legal age (18) must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not recommended for persons with asthma, balance problems, epilepsy, heart problems, some disabilities, back, neck or shoulder problems or those who are pregnant.
Excursion Code: FJSUV51
Molituva village
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h00 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.
Molituva is an old village fort that was the dwelling place of one of Fiji’s most fiercest and feared warriors. Touring the ruins of this great fort one could envisage the lives of these greater fighters. The dug out moats still visible and to walk the maze of tracks build by the warriors is indeed an experience that is not easily forgotten.
The Molituva tour takes you back in time and you can feel the eerie feeling as if you were there in those primitive days when witnessing the strewn old pottery, stone axes and traded steel axes dated back to the 13th century. On arrival, you will be met and greeted with a serenade, then you will be informed on the village protocol that needs to be observed. Fully dressed warriors and traditionally dressed women escort you to the Village hall, where you can observe the different activities performed such as husking and scraping coconuts, weaving baskets and mats…
Observe a traditional sevusevu ceremony as well as the traditional meke and re-enactment of tribal wars by warriors as they invade the village arena. Farewell songs will escort you back to your coaches.
On your way back to the pier, enjoy a panoramic drive through town, passing by the President’s Residence, Mormon Temple and various official residences of foreign consulates.
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Wear cool clothing, such as shorts/skirt and a polo or T-shirt. Bring your camera and some change for souvenirs.
Excursion Code: FJSUV52
Uprising Beach Resort
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 6h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Head to Uprising Beach Resort, for a day of relaxation and fun, at this truly beach front resort. A buffet Luncheon set right on the beach, serving international flavour and all time Fijian Favourites.
There are 2 full service bars, one right at the waters edge. For those looking for a bit of activity, the resort provides snorkelling safaris into Beqa Lagoon, 1/2 hour Jet Ski Hire Rentals, Massages at extra cost.
A fresh water swimming pool, or enjoy the perfect sand beach, suitable for swimming at both low and high tides.
The day begins with a free activity of Coconut Carnival (includes explanation of the Multi Use of Coconut Tree e.g. basket weaving, hat weaving, coconut husking & Fijian dish - Kokoda cooking demo), Kava tasting demo, beach volleyball, touch rugby and beach soccer and free use of kayaks. The Activities team are here to ensure you enjoy as much or as little as you please.
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Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat, sunscreen and bottled water. At the end of the tour, optional shopping is available in Suva town before returning to the pier. The drive takes approximately. One hour, one way.
Excursion Code: FJSUV53
Colo-i-Suva trek tour & waterfall
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$: 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.
Located 20 minutes from the city, Colo-i-Suva is a national park that boasts a crystal-clear river set in serene and peaceful surroundings amidst a spectacular rainforest making this a perfect spot for a moderate trek followed by a cool dip in the waterfall.
The weather is much cooler than Suva City with temperatures falling to as low as ten degrees at altitudes of 120-180 meters accompanied by frequent rainfalls. The air is clean and crisp with only the calls of local bird life penetrating the atmosphere.
At the end of the hike, you will get back to Savu and join your ship.
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Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat, sunscreen and bottled water. At the end of the tour, optional shopping is available in Suva town before returning to the pier.
Excursion Code: FJSUV54
Snorkelling in Beqa Lagoon
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 4h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Beqa Lagoon tour is an exhilarating high-speed adventure and coral reef tour that will take in the magnificent reefs that surround Beqa Lagoon and its islands. You could see many varieties of marine life and fish species from reef, bull and tiger sharks, stingrays, barracudas, groupers, wrasses, parrot fish, giant trevally, moray eels and turtles that inhabit the reef areas.
You will be amazed at the vivid and contrasting colour combinations of the smaller reef fish and the stunning beauty that our coral reefs and Beqa Lagoon has to offer.
You will be driven from the pier to the Pearl Resort (approximately 1-hour drive) where you will board a boat to join the Beqa Lagoon.
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Please bring your snorkel gear and towel from the ship. Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes. The boat ride to may be bumpy and rough depending on the sea conditions. Waivers will be required from each guest.
Excursion Code: FJSUV55
Savusavu Sightseeing
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 4h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Your first stop on this tour will be just outside of town at the factory of Copra Millers of Fiji - the leading manufacturer of coconut oil in Fiji.
Witness the processing of Virgin coconut oil which is extracted from the coconut flesh with the minimal amount of processing i.e. no high heat or pressure and no harsh chemical solvents, bleaching agents, etc. The oil is completely unrefined to ensure it retains all the natural goodness of the coconut itself. There is a huge demand for coconut oil overseas. Malaysia and Taiwan are Fiji's biggest markets.
Re-board the coach and enjoy a leisurely scenic drive along the coastal picturesque Hibiscus Highway. En route, pass the renowned Namale Resort (owned by Anthony Robbins - motivational guru) and Oneva Estate, once a prosperous copra plantation which has now been developed into a residential subdivision and is home to many expatriate retirees. Pass coastal beaches and old coconut plantations before arriving at Vatudamu Community Hall for entertainment and refreshments by the local people.
Retrace your journey and return to Savusavu Town to visit the bubbling hot springs where locals cook their food wrapped in little cloth bundles or sacks. Return to the Copra Shed Marina to board the tender for transport back to the ship.
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Recommended Dress code shorts/skirts and Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your cameras and Currency for those who may want to shop or purchase souvenirs. Includes fresh tropical fruit and bottled water.
Excursion Code: FJSVU50
Nakawaqa Waterfall & Rainforest
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h00 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.
Your day begins with a 40-to-50-minute drive along the cross island road to Nakawaqa Rainforest located on the northeastern part of Savusavu town.
Guests are welcomed on arrival by the villagers and escorted to the waterfall following trails in the rainforest. Normally 30 minutes trek in the forest from and to the waterfall. Choose one of the three pools to have a dip or refreshing swim. Wainiliku Creek is surrounded by 200 acres of virgin tropical rainforest with huge indigenous trees and other species. The walk to the falls is under the shade of the forest canopy.
Return to the waiting area for fruit refreshments and browse amongst the local village handicrafts before boarding the bus to return to Savusavu.
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Recommended Dress code shorts/skirts and Polo or T-shirts, towel and swimsuit. Bring along your cameras and cash (local) for those who may want to shop or purchase souvenirs. Includes fresh tropical fruit and bottled water. Please note the weather condition can change the activity level of the tour. If affected by rain, the trail may become slippery and the tour is recommended for guests with good physical condition.
Excursion Code: FJSVU51