March 25, 2025
Island Hopping in French Polynesia
Where Dreams Sail on Azure Waters
French Polynesia is home to m/s Paul Gauguin almost year-round.
Ever wondered why French Polynesia has seduced writers and artists, explorers and dreamers, for centuries? James Michener found such magic here that he crafted his Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific, which later inspired the beloved Broadway musical. French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin was so captivated by these islands that he abandoned European life to immerse himself in Polynesia's vibrant colors and culture. Now it's time for you to discover the captivating allure of this fabled paradise on an island-hopping journey with French Polynesia’s destination expert.
Tropical blossoms of frangipani, tiare, hibiscus, and more scent the air throughout Tahiti.
Tahiti: The Grand Overture
Where urban energy meets island time
Your Society Islands symphony aboard The Gauguin travels roundtrip from Papeete. Arrive a day early, or extend your voyage a day or two upon return, to explore the largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands. At the bustling market you’ll find vendors calling out offerings of exotic fruits and fragrant monoi oils (gardenia-like perfume from tiare flowers), leading you to contemplate: Should I buy that hand-dyed pareo (beach wrap), the monoi oil, or both? As evening falls, your nose will undoubtedly lead you to the roulettes (food trucks) serving up delectable poisson cru (raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk), prompting you to question how you've lived this long without it. Whether departing or returning to this iconic port, raise a glass of Champagne to toast your adventure as the lights of Tahiti sparkle like diamonds on the horizon.
Awaiting your arrival in Huahine: kayaks for a rigorous lagoon paddle, and sun loungers for some relaxation after your island adventures.
Huahine: The Secret Garden
Where history whispers through wild hibiscus
"By land or by sea?" becomes your morning's biggest decision on Huahine. Opt for the 4x4 safari expedition and you'll stumble upon ancient, jungle-shrouded marae (stone temples) that have witnessed centuries of Polynesian life. Explore the lagoon by outrigger canoe and find yourself face-to-mask with rainbow-colored parrotfish playing hide-and-seek among coral formations. Your snorkeling adventure reveals an underwater canvas sure to inspire the artist in everyone. No matter how you spend your day, you'll understand why locals call this "The Garden Isle."
Your own slice of paradise: Motu Mahana—our private islet cast adrift in Taha'a's turquoise lagoon—welcomes you with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and gently swaying palms.
Motu Mahana: Your Private Slice of Paradise
Where "doing nothing" becomes an art form
Imagine standing in water so clear you can count your toes through its crystalline shimmer. Beverage in hand, you debate the day's tough choices: Kayak across the lagoon? Learn to play the ukulele with Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins (The Gauguin’s troupe of Polynesian hosts)? Or simply claim a palm-shaded spot on the sand? On this private islet in Taha'a's lagoon, there are no wrong answers—just degrees of bliss. Slip on your snorkel gear to explore the nearby coral gardens, where clownfish dart between anemone tentacles like living jewels. The floating bar ensures your glass stays full while you ponder your next non-decision as the scent of a seafood grill promises a beach barbecue to remember.
Dive into discovery in Bora Bora's legendary lagoon where snorkeling adventures and SCUBA excursions reveal a Technicolor underwater world.
Bora Bora: Nature's Masterpiece
Where "turquoise" got promoted to royalty
"That can't be real," you'll whisper as Mount Otemanu emerges on the horizon. But real it is, as are the myriad shades of blue in Bora Bora's legendary lagoon. Gauguin once wrote, "Color! What a deep and mysterious language," and here, you'll understand what he meant. Morning brings choices: Will you SCUBA dive with graceful manta rays and lemon sharks, zoom around the island on a waverunner, or find your stretch of sand on the line's private beach? Later, from your shipboard table at La Veranda, you can dine under the stars on freshly caught mahi-mahi with Tahitian vanilla sauce—cuisine that tells the story of these magical islands with every bite. And with an overnight stay, you’ll witness sunset transform Otemanu into a silhouette against skies painted in the very oranges, purples, and pinks that defined Gauguin's Polynesian canvases. .
Moorea's dramatic peaks create spellbinding vistas of paradise enjoyed from your private balcony or the ship's expansive decks and open-air spaces.
Moorea: The Heart-Shaped Wonder
Where nature flexes all its muscles at once
Dawn reveals Moorea's dramatic silhouette—jagged peaks that inspired set designs for the fictional Bali Hai in Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific. Again, you have a bounty of choices: An e-bike adventure through pineapple plantations? A 4x4 climb to panoramic lookouts? Or perhaps a catamaran sail through the stunning Cook’s and Opunohu bays? The SCUBA program launched from the ship offers something special here too—the chance to glimpse black-tipped reef sharks, impressively large moray eels, sea turtles, and barracudas in their natural habitat. Whichever immersive experience you choose during your overnight stay, Moorea delivers with dramatic flair. (As legend has it: "God practiced on other islands before perfecting Moorea.") Return to the ship for a dinner of Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée, the sweet punctuation to a day of adventures.
Tranquility reigns supreme on Raiatea, where Mother Nature's enchanting splendors abound on both land and sea.
Raiatea: The Sacred Soul
Where spiritual seekers find serenity
On certain itineraries, Raiatea replaces an overnight in Moorea (still explored on a day visit), offering UNESCO-listed history at Marae Taputapuatea, the sacred site from which Polynesian voyagers launched star-navigated journeys to settle in Hawaii and New Zealand. Ride out to a reef to find a small station cultivating black pearls or enjoy a drift snorkel through coral gardens. The choices are always yours. The Gauguin welcomes you back on board with fresh seafood prepared by world-class chefs who blend French technique with local ingredients, creating a gastronomic voyage that parallels your adventurous one.
Island hop your way through the Islands of Tahiti with French Polynesia's destination expert.
Aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin
Where "mana" is at the heart of it all
Throughout this island-hopping adventure, it's the Polynesian concept of mana—spiritual energy—that transforms the legendary scenery into a soul-stirring experience. When locals place a fragrant tiare flower behind your ear or teach you to weave palm fronds into simple crafts, you're not just seeing Polynesia—you're living it. From discovery ashore to the pampered comfort and friendly hospitality on board, The Gauguin is your perfect bridge to this authentic connection.
This award-winning ship is so much more than mere transportation between islands; but rather, an intimate floating resort designed specifically to navigate the shallow lagoons and idyllic atolls unique to this part of the world. Perhaps most notable for island-hopping wanderlusters is The Gauguin’s retractable marina platform that opens onto an exclusive ocean playground. From here you can slip into a kayak, mount a paddleboard—both complimentary—or explore underwater treasures via the optional PADI-certified SCUBA program offered on board.
As days of give way to sublime evenings, the ship's three restaurants satiate your gastronomic discovery too, with expertly crafted French-Polynesian fare from fresh seafood to authentic ma'a Tahiti (local fare). And, to ensure you’re well-rested for each day’s new adventures, consider that 70% of The Gauguin’s accommodations feature a private balcony, perfect for views of iconic mountains and star-filled skies framed through your own personal lens.
In the opening lines of his legendary Tales, Michener wrote: "I wish I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral we called islands. Coconut palms nodding gracefully toward the ocean. Reefs upon which waves broke into spray, and inner lagoons, lovely beyond description."
One journey through the Society Islands aboard The Gauguin, and we know those words will follow you home along with the inevitable question: "When can I return to this paradise where artists and authors found their muse, and I found mine?"
We invite you to join our shipboard family aboard The Gauguin soon and let us show you the beauty and magic of these islands we love.
The Gauguin offers an all-inclusive, luxury voyage that celebrates the vibrant flavors, rich traditions, and stunning landscapes of French Polynesia. Savor exquisite dishes crafted by culinary masters, embark on thrilling adventures led by local experts, dive into crystal-clear waters brimming with marine life, and let the enchanting spirit of the islands fuel your soul. Book your voyage now and start exploring paradise with Paul Gauguin Cruises.
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