The opportunity to experience each destination in the most authentic, in-depth, and meaningful way is the very essence of luxury cruising with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Aboard our luxury vessel, you can choose from a wide array of shore excursions by land and sea that let you discover the dramatic beauty, rich history, and unique culture of your destination up close, in a small group.
To review your options, use the search function below, or view the individual itinerary of your choice through the “Plan Your Trip” online tool.
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 30 days prior to sailing (with the exception of the Romantic Escapades excursions) and can be added to your booking via the "Manage your trip" online tool. New tours, not previously listed for online sales, may be available onboard without prior notice. If you have questions 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.
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 15km.
Please note: The level is easy to moderate and pedaling is required! E-bike is a bike with electric assistance. The tour includes one bottle of water and complimentary use of a helmet.
Get to see Vava'u with its natural and beautiful adornments in the west side of the island.
You will travel through township to Tailulu College which is a scenic spot to view Mount Talau, some of the scattered islands, Port of Refuge. The Island Feast with Cultural Floorshow consists of avariety of local foods, international cuisines, local desserts and seasonal fruits highlighted by a group of locals performing traditional songs and dances. The lunch menu offers simple island foods, such as roast suckling pig, chicken, fish, lu pulu (corned beef cooked with young taro leaves and coconut cream), taro, kumara (Tongan sweet potatoes), and seasonal tropical fruits: papaya, watermelon, pineapple, and bananas. Transportation is by non-air-conditioned island bus and minivan which are not equipped with PA systems. Some roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride may be bumpy.
Please note: Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable flat-soled shoes and swimming/beach attire with a cover-up, along with clothing suited to the weather. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a bottle of water. Due to the coral reef's proximity to the beach, guests are encouraged to swim with footwear (washable shoes or aqua socks). Swimming is ideal during high tide only.
Explore Taha'a's exquisite topography, ancient culture, and local economy during this scenic and memorable off-road tour.
Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the ride across one of Taha'a's highest mountains. Along the way, your guide will point out sights of interest, and a stop will be made at a scenic viewpoint to learn about the traditional uses of local plants and trees.
The island of Taha'a is often called Vanilla Island, and you will learn about this fragrant spice while visiting a small family plantation. Afterward, you will visit a small black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultivated and harvested. These small cottage industries represent a large part of this small island's economic structure.
During the return drive along the east coast of the island, your guide will entertain you with tales of island life and lore. Upon returning to the ship, a tender service to the Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana will be available throughout the day.
Please note: This tour involves travel over very rough roads, with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Guests must remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.
Experience the abundant marine life for which Fakarava is famous during this memorable snorkeling 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 snorkeling 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.
Please note: This deepwater activity is recommended only for experienced, strong swimmers in good physical condition who are comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment. Lifevests will be available on the boat if needed. Although marine life is widely present in this region, sightings cannot be guaranteed, and tickets are non-refundable 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 snorkeling.
Challenge yourself on this very active and fast paced guided tour to the Belvedere lookout point. You will start your tour by getting acquainted with your Moustache Mountain E-Bike. The bikes are easy to use with multiple gears that allow you to fully enjoy the roads of Moorea. In addition the electric motor will assist you when pedaling and the different settings will make even the less active guests feel like they can win Le Tour de France. Your tour will make one additional stop at the Agricultural High school where you can purchase refreshments and taste the local made jam. If your group is faster than average, an additional stop will be made at the archaeological site located near the road leading to Belvedere.
Visit Fiji's capital city, Suva - center 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 the 19 September 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 harbor.
Please note: 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 restroom stop during the tour.
Discover the South Pass and Tetamanu by boat, starting with a short transfer to the pier. The first stop will be at a Pension (guest house) where you will have the opportunity to snorkel off the restaurant platform in deep water and see an impressive array of marine life, including turtles and sharks. A buffet style lunch will be served including fresh fish; poisson cru, grilled fish, rice, and coconut bread. Beverages are available for purchase.
Continue your adventure to the famous Pink Sands and briefly stop to take in the beauty of the place. Your tour will conclude with a cruise back to the northern part of the island and to Rotoava Village.
Please note: The long boat ride from and to the South Pass can be bumpy depending on the weather and sea conditions. Not recommended for guests with back or neck problems or susceptible to seasickness. Please bring your snorkel gear, beach towel and cash from the ship.
Available for onboard booking only, cannot be pre-reserve.
Discover Bora Bora's remarkable undersea beauty without getting wet during this glass-bottom boat adventure on Bora Bora's famous lagoon. Depart the pier in Vaitape aboard a glass-bottom boat to explore Bora Bora's world-famous marine life. Along the way, you will look through large glass windows that open onto a colorful world of parrotfish, butterfly fish, and an abundance of other inhabitants that thrive in the waters of this tropical paradise. A roof will provide you with protection from the sun and eliminate glare, enabling you to take home great photos of your visit.
As you journey out across this fabulous lagoon, your guide will inform you about the teeming marine life beneath your feet, as well as the visually-stunning ecosystem that exists above the waterline. These interesting facts will make each discovery all the more interesting and enhance your appreciation of Bora Bora's natural beauty.
Before heading back to the pier, a crewmember will dive under the boat to attract schools of fish for your viewing by feeding them right under the glass. Price is per person.
Get acquainted with the coral gardens and tropical fish of Rangiroa during this scenic glass-bottom boat tour.
Depart the pier aboard a glass-bottom boat, then slowly float over the huge coral heads that cluster in shallow areas inside the Tiputa Channel. Along the way, you will see a colorful world full of parrot fish, butterfly fish, and surgeon fish through the large windows. You may also encounter black-tipped sharks, and catch a glimpse of the majestic Napoleon fish.
During the tour, your Polynesian boat crew will attract the fish directly under the glass panels to make it easy for you to observe and photography them. A cover will provide protection from the sun and eliminate glare, enabling you to take home great photographs.
Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the pier.
Please note: This is not a snorkeling tour. This tour takes place at Motu Nui Nui. Marine life is widely present in this region; however, sightings cannot be guaranteed and tickets are non-refundable should a sighting not occur. The Tuamotu's are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified and their command of English may be very poor. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.
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 (8m) 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 snorkeling. 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 tranquility of this heavenly site.
Please note: The boat ride maybe bumpy and rough depending on the sea conditions. No facilities are available on the beaches: no restroom, nor beach chairs or umbrellas. Bring your snorkeling 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.