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.
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
Waisali rain forest & Reserve
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
The Waisali Reserve is one of the few remaining unexploited forests in Fiji and is the natural habitat for the native Fijian hardwood – some of the trees being over 100 years old. On the two-hour forest trail engulfed by majestic trees you may be fortunate to see or hear the red breasted musk parrot or the beautiful orange dove – both endemic and rare bird species.
The quiet serene is disturbed only by the occasional sound of the barking pigeon and moving stream water. Take time to rest in the bur beside the rock pool which is home to finish species, eel, prawn and freshwater snails. The reserve fresh water fauna are unique so the pool is kept undisturbed and is not suitable for swimming. This tour involves uphill walking so good walking shoes are recommended.
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Guests are encouraged to wear a hat, sunglasses, sun screen and comfortable walking shoes for this tour. Please bring bottled water from the ship. Includes fresh tropical fruit and bottled water. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart conditions, as this tour includes strenuous uphill and downhill walking.
Excursion Code: FJSVU52
Nukubalavu village tour
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Experience the day-to-day life of Fijian people during a memorable visit to an authentic Fijian village. Journey along the scenic coast road to visit Nukubalavu Village, home of the paramount chief of Savusavu. Guests will be greeted by the village elders and invited to witness and participate in a kava ceremony where the powdered kava is mixed with water and presented by a'bilo' (coconut cup) to those who wish to taste this ceremonial drink. Following the ceremony the guide will take guests on a tour of the village to experience the warmth of the native Fijians. Guests may mingle with villagers and their children to learn more about their culture and witness traditional art craftwork. Finished craft work will be available for purchase, and guests are also invited to taste a traditional Fijian fresh green coconut juice before boarding the bus to return to the ship.
- Guests are kindly asked to dress conservatively and mindfully of the Fijian culture, by avoiding wearing vests, skimpy tops, swim wear, short pants for ladies, and hats during the village tour. Please bring bottled water from the ship.
Excursion Code: FJSVU53
Snorkelling tour
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
At the edge of the reef which runs out from Savusavu Bay is a Lighthouse, which gives its name to the famed snorkelling site.
Board either the "Island Fever" or the "Island Paradise" and take an enjoyable fast and scenic ride along the inside of the Bay to snorkel amongst beautiful coral and tropical fish in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Savusavu is home to some of the most vibrant and colourful coral in Fiji. There are numerous plate corals, soft spaghetti corals and fish, fish, fish…. myriads of black and white sergeant fish as well as clown fish, orange and purple anthias, trumpet fish, pale green damsel fish, humpbacked wrasse and Maori wrasse. The scene takes on the appearance of a tropical aquarium as abundant small fish dart in and out of the striking coral. Giant clams, grouper and parrotfish are also commonly seen in and around the coral formations. Sea turtles frequent the Lighthouse so it is always a treat to see one or two. Occasionally a friendly white-tip reef shark will be seen.
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Please bring your snorkel gear, beach towel and bottled water from the ship. Please wear your swim wear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities on the boat.
Excursion Code: FJSVU54
Atuona to Taaoa
Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Discover the ancient tribes of the Taaoa Valley during this memorable journey to their archaeological ruins.
Depart the pier for the ride to Taaoa, located approximately 7 miles southwest of Atuona on the coastal road. The Tiu, ancestors of most of the Hivaoan tribes, and several other tribes once lived in the Taaoa Valley. Their archaeological ruins can be reached by off-road vehicle or on foot. During your ride, you will visit the Upeke Ceremonial Centre, which comprises house platforms, a tohua (tribal ceremonial centre), public and sacred marae (archaeological ruins), and storage pits of breadfruit paste for feasts. The tohua was restored for the Third Festival of the Marquesas in 1991. The remaining area is in the same state in which archaeologist Ralph Linton found it in 1920. Among the objects you might see is a tiki measuring 4 feet by 5 feet, with the eyes, part of the right arm, and the right ear carved in bas relief. According to Linton, this stone was an altar stone on which sacrificed victims were placed after being killed at the tohua and carried up to the marae. Directly below the platform is an irregular round head carved from a porous black volcanic stone (which may have been moved from its original position). On another platform in the tohua section, you can see a row of worked ke’etu stone slabs. One of them has some carved lines; the design is very difficult to see in sunlight. Locals say it is a whale or canoe, but it is actually a tiki face carved in bas relief.
Following your visit, you will re-board your off-road vehicle for the return ride to the pier.
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This tour involves driving over rough roads. Access to the site involves a path over slippery stones and negotiation of high stone steps up to the tiki. This tour is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems. Each vehicle will accommodate four guests. Families and friends are advised to contact the Travel Concierge desk in order to be assigned to 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: PFAUQ50
Island tour by waverunner*
Huahine, 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.
Experience Huahine's wild beauty in an exciting new way during this fun-filled waverunner adventure.
Depart the pier and transfer to the launching point in Fare, Huahine's main village. After your guide gives you safety and riding instructions, you will enjoy a waverunner ride of about an hour in the lagoon, admiring Huahine's magnificent landscape from the perspective of the water. You will also have time to stop for a swim before returning to the waverunner launching point for your transfer back to the pier.
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Operation of this tour is dependent upon weather and water conditions. When requesting online, please select only one ticket per wave runner. Participants must wear the life jacket provided, remain in line, and follow thirty yards behind the waverunner in front of them. The minimum age for participating in this tour is 15 years old to drive and 5 years old to ride as a passenger (depending on weather conditions). Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and to bring a towel from the ship. Each waverunner has a small storage compartment. *This tour is priced per waverunner, which will accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total).
Excursion Code: PFHUH50