Day 1: Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Begin your voyage through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Here you'll embark the luxurious yet casual m/s Paul Gauguin. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.
Day 2: Huahine
Today, you'll call on Huahine, known as the “Garden Island” for its lush rainforests and dramatic terrain. While here, you might explore the island’s sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archaeological remains in French Polynesia. Enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA diving in the expansive lagoon. Or picnic on the beach.
Day 3: Fakarava, Tuamotus
Known in the days before modern navigation as the “Dangerous Archipelago” for its shallow passages, the Tuamotus islands are a diver's paradise. You'll call first on Fakarava, whose diverse ecosystem has earned it the designation of a UNESCO-Classified Nature Reserve. There are two massive passes on the island where experienced divers can descend up to 130 feet into a world of cauliflower coral, gray sharks, and fish schooling by the thousands. Or stay on land and explore the island's charming villages, ancient temples, and 19th-century coral church.
Day 4: Rangiroa
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, which comprises 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean. Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet, and peaceful. In the small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.
Day 5: Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a, is our very own South Seas paradise, featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin Cruises event, you will spend a full day on this idyllic island, pursuing your own pleasures from swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the turquoise lagoon to playing volleyball, learning Tahitian cooking secrets, and simply relaxing on the beach. Also included is a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.
Day 6: Bora Bora
Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world.” Dominated by towering Mount Otemanu and surrounded by a lagoon protected by low-lying coral reefs, this is indeed a spectacular destination. Explore this quintessential Pacific paradise on your own or on a choice or shore excursions. Embark on an off-road safari that offers breathtaking island views. Glide over crystalline waters on a glass-bottom boat to see the island’s famous marine life without getting wet. Or simply spend a few hours basking and snorkeling on our own private beach on a motu off the coast.
Day 7: Moorea/Papeete (Tahiti)
Graced with an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multihued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea boasts an awesome beauty that is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. Late this afternoon, The Gauguin cruises to Papeete, docking for the night.
Day 8: Disembark in Papeete
Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways. If you want to explore more of this side of paradise, perhaps you will choose our pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a, and Papeete.
