In collaboration with The Explorers Club—an organization renowned for supporting scientific research, conservation, and trailblazing expeditions to the farthest reaches of the globe, this unique voyage will feature Jad Davenport, a National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and author with a special love for the South Pacific.
Let French Polynesia's destination expert guide you through an unforgettable exploration of the Tuamotus and Society Islands. Discover the ethereal beauty of the Tuamotu atolls, where crystalline lagoons harbor underwater gardens bursting with marine life. The majestic Society Islands beckon with Huahine's emerald jungles and Raiatea's rich spiritual heritage. At the heart of this 11-night voyage lies an indulgent double overnight stay in Bora Bora, where the iconic silhouette of Mount Otemanu stands sentinel over her world-famous lagoon.
Highlights
Jad Davenport, a celebrated member of The Explorers Club for over 20 years and a National Geographic photographer, writer, and filmmaker, will be joining us as a special guest speaker on our journey through French Polynesia.
Experience pure Polynesian bliss on Motu Mahana, our exclusive retreat in Taha'a's sheltered lagoon. Paddle to our whimsical floating bar, unwind under swaying palms, feast on local delicacies, and breathe in the sweet essence of vanilla carried on the tropical breeze.
Plunge into the pristine waters of Fakarava, a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve, then witness nature's artistry in Rangiroa's living "aquarium," where rainbow-hued fish dance through crystal-clear waters.
*Price listed is per person cruise only, double occupancy and includes promotional discounts and port security and handle fees. Prices and availability of stateroom category are subject to change until deposit is completed.
Your search returned no results.
Food & Wine
Celebrations
Filter Excursions by Category
Shore Excursion Terms & Conditions
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.
A member of The Explorers Club for over 20 years, Jad Davenport is a National Geographic photographer, writer, and filmmaker whose four-decade career has taken him to more than 160 countries. In addition to National Geographic, his work has also appeared in LIFE, Newsweek, Outside, GEO, Travel + Leisure, and more. An avid underwater photographer and rescue diver, Jad has captured award-winning imagery throughout the South Pacific. Before joining National Geographic Creative in 2004, he spent a decade as a war photographer and documentary filmmaker, covering global conflicts and epidemics, and volunteering with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and NecroSearch International. A former U.S. Forest Service ranger and wildlands firefighter, he now works as a field naturalist, spending part of each year in the Canadian Arctic studying wolves and polar bears. In 2021, he launched a multi-year Hudson Bay research project on the only wolves known to hunt polar bears. Through his work, Jad blends adventure, conservation, and storytelling to inspire protection of the planet’s most remote places.
Language spoken: English
Paul Gauguin activities
Wildlife
Fauna and flora of the Pacific Ocean
The fauna of the Pacific Sea is very varied. During the various dives, divers can observe various species of benthic fauna such as napoleon fish, raccoon butterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, gray reef sharks, dolphin fish as well as endemic wildlife such as different soft corals.
Stopovers
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
PORTS OF CALL
DIVES
(for certified divers)
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING
(for beginners)
French Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti Island
NO
NO
French Polynesia, Huahine, Society Island
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Raïatea, Society Island
YES
NO
French Polynesia, Motu Mahana, Tahaa Island, Société Island
NO
YES
French Polynesia, Bora Bora, Society Island
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Bora Bora, Society Island
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
YES
NO
French Polynesia, Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Moorea Island
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Moorea Island
YES
YES
French Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti Island
NO
NO
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending of weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
Embarkation 29/05/2027 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 29/05/2027 at 6:30 PM
The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it's capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
Arrival 30/05/2027 at 7:30 AM
Departure 30/05/2027 at 5:00 PM
Don’t be fooled by the vibe of this laid-back, secluded island. Many treasures are hidden among the lush rainforest and dramatic terrain. With a bit of exploration, you’ll uncover some of the best-preserved archeological sites in French Polynesia. Underwater treasures await as well, with a snorkel excursion in the lagoon.
Arrival 31/05/2027 at 8:00 AM
Departure 31/05/2027 at 10:00 PM
Blanketed in a lush landscape dotted with waterfalls, fertile valleys, and the cloud-capped Mt. Temehani, Raiatea is Polynesia’s most sacred island; it was from here that the earliest migrations set forth to settle in Hawaii, New Zealand, and beyond. The island boasts a rich Maohi history–it is home to the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuatea archaeological site–verdant mountains ideal for hiking, and a stunning lagoon perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the heavenly tranquility.
Arrival 01/06/2027 at 8:00 AM
Departure 01/06/2027 at 5:00 PM
As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.
Arrival 02/06/2027
Departure 03/06/2027 at 5:00 PM
Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach*. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” just doesn’t do it justice.
*Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach that features restaurants, public facilities and shopping. Voted #1 in the best things to do in Bora Bora by U.S. News & World Report, Matira Beach boasts powdery white sand, waters in a thousand shades of blue, and is wonderfully uncrowded.
Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are at the ready to share their Polynesian culture, with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Algotherm Spa… or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.
Arrival 05/06/2027 at 7:30 AM
Departure 05/06/2027 at 5:00 PM
Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals, you’ll find in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.
Arrival 06/06/2027 at 7:30 AM
Departure 06/06/2027 at 4:00 PM
Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.
Arrival 07/06/2027 at 9:00 AM
Departure 08/06/2027 at 5:00 PM
Step into a vibrant, colorful world in bright and beautiful Moorea, which welcomes you with azure lagoons, impossibly fresh tropical fruits, stunning mountain peaks and palm-fringed beaches. Commune with nature on an optional dolphin-watching excursion with an expert marine biologist. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the local residents while shopping for handmade crafts.
Arrival 08/06/2027 at 7:15 PM
Disembarkation 09/06/2027 at 8:00 AM
The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it's capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.
m/s Paul Gauguin
Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
A recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to the main diving instructor.
