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 tour by waverunner*
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Experience Huahine's wild beauty in an exciting new way during this fun-filled waverunner adventure.
Depart the pier and transfer to the launching point in Fare, Huahine's main village. After your guide gives you safety and riding instructions, you will enjoy a waverunner ride of about an hour in the lagoon, admiring Huahine's magnificent landscape from the perspective of the water. You will also have time to stop for a swim before returning to the waverunner launching point for your transfer back to the pier.
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Operation of this tour is dependent upon weather and water conditions. When requesting online, please select only one ticket per wave runner. Participants must wear the life jacket provided, remain in line, and follow thirty yards behind the waverunner in front of them. The minimum age for participating in this tour is 15 years old to drive and 5 years old to ride as a passenger (depending on weather conditions). Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and to bring a towel from the ship. Each waverunner has a small storage compartment. *This tour is priced per waverunner, which will accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total).
Excursion Code: PFHUH50
Swallow cave & island getaway
Vava’u, Tonga
Duration: 4h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Vava'u's big island is set in a cluster of nearly 40 smaller islands. The only harbour providing access to Neiafu is considered one of the most picturesque in the Pacific.
Your tour will consist of a boat cruise that winds through the harbour to the island of Kapa. The main attraction of Kapa Island is beautiful Swallow's Cave which perforates a cliff at its northern end. The cave is in fact inhabited not by swallows but by hundreds of swift lets that flit about in the dim light and nest in the darkness of the cave's upper reaches. You can only view the swallow cave from outside from your boat unless weather permits you to swim into the cave.
Afterwards you will continue to Falevai Mui Houma Beach. With its crystal blue waters and perfect beach, it is one of the most exquisite places on Vava'u Island. You will have time to enjoy a swim in the warm, clear ocean or simply relax on the white, sandy beach.
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Those guests wishing to swim, please bring your swimsuit, cover-up and reef shoes to wear while swimming. Also recommended: snorkel equipment, insect repellent, towel, sun protection and bottled water. The tour is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs. Guests must be in good physical condition. There is no bar, restaurant, sun chairs etc., available on the island. Tour may be cancelled due to weather conditions.
Excursion Code: TONEI51
Polynesian cultural tour
Vava’u, Tonga
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.
Board an island bus at Halaevalu Wharf and proceed to Eneio Botanical Garden. This tour offers a truly interactive experience which allows you to relive Polynesian yesterday and experience native lifestyles through guided, on-site, live demonstration and gentle strolling tours amongst the lush tropical paradise of the stunning and only Botanical Garden in Tonga. You will be fascinated with the various demonstrations which includes the making of clothing from bark, along with the creation of jewellery and mats from pandanus leaves, the making of milk and products from coconuts, the making of beverages from plant roots, the production of essence from vanilla beans, and juice from nonu fruits. This guided tour highlights the owner's efforts in conservation and preservation of different plant species since 1972, and is the only opportunity to discover the splendid collection of plants, mature trees and flowering shrubs in this garden. Return to Halaevalu Wharf via Tailulu College, Pouono Cemetery and the Catholic Cathedral Church for your last scenic view and photo-stop.
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Transportation is by non-air-conditioned island bus/minivan without PA systems or microphones. Some roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride can be bumpy. We recommend bringing insect repellent, comfortable flat-soled shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a small bottle of water and clothing suited to weather conditions.
Excursion Code: TONEI52