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.
Circle island tour
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Duration: 2h30 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
From the pier, your around-the-island drive will take you past several of the island's villages. You will visit a marae (sacred Polynesian temple grounds) site. Pass through plantations of various crops grown here on Aitutaki. Learn about the island's myths and legends while taking in its beautiful scenery.
Aitutaki has a unique geographical make-up – the island is a volcanic atoll with the typical volcanic peaks in the center of the island with the encircling coral reef ringed by the offshore islands (motus) and the lagoon in the center. The Circle Island Tour is a great way to see the island and meet the locals.
Visit the inland villages of Tautu Vaipae and Vaipeka, drive along the coast and see the remnants of the Copra Production Facility, and see how the people of this tiny idyllic island live. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and take photographs along the way.
Finally, you will get back to the pier.
Excursion Code: CKAIT51
Lagoon cruise with beach break
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Duration: 5h00 Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Aitutaki's deep blue lagoon is considered to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Part volcanic and part atoll, the island's geographical structure makes this lagoon unique.
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience the best Aitutaki has to offer in the short time available during your visit.
You will board your boat (types and sizes vary) and cruise through the lagoon, visiting offshore motus. At One Foot Island, you will stop for a lunch of barbecued fish, salads, and fresh fruit.
After lunch, enjoy approximately 2 hours to relax or snorkel.
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We recommend you wear your swimsuit under a cover up and reef shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. This boat tour involves a wet landing. There is a cash bar on the island for those who wish to purchase beverages. Guests wishing to obtain a One Foot Island stamp should bring their passports with them. There is a fee of USD $2 for the stamp.
Excursion Code: CKAIT52
Snorkeling tour
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$: 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.
You will board small boats each seating 10 guests and travel to Motu Maina where you can snorkel and those that wish would have the option of visiting the motu. It takes approximately 15 minutes to travel each way, as the boats are very fast.
This area has beautiful giant clams and is a marine reserve and is a nesting area of the red-tailed tropic birds.
You will return to your ship at the end of the visit.
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We recommend you wear your swimsuit under a cover up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring fins, snorkels, and towels from the ship. You should also wear reef shoes for swimming. This tour involves a wet landing. There are no rest room stops on this tour.
Excursion Code: CKAIT53
Cultural village & firewalking show
Beqa Island, Fiji
Duration: 3h30 Included
Legend has it that over 500 years ago the men of Beqa Island were given the gift of being able to walk on fire by an eel in exchange for its life. Today, the descendants of these warriors carry on the tradition, observing the same strict rules of tabu as the ancestors. Men are chosen as representatives from different villages. Ten days prior to the ceremony, they segregate themselves from females and are not allowed to eat coconut. The fire pit is dug out 12 to 15 feet in diameter and 3 to 4 feet deep. Large river stones are then collected and placed in the pit, filling it up. Six to eight hours before the ceremony a log fire is built over the top of the stones, heating them up. The Fire walkers are led to the arena accompanied by dances and chants. Leaves and vines are grazed across the stones to prepare the pit. The men then proceed to walk across the stones in a few different phases. Finally, a bundle of grass is thrown onto the pit and the group huddles in the centre while chanting a song. Bands around the ankle of each participant, which are made of tree ferns that do not burn, are thrown into the pit. The pit is finally covered with earth, and days later, the ankle bands are recovered and ground up, mixed with water, and eaten by the Fire walkers.
A tender boat will transfer you from the ship to the beach on Beqa Island. From the beach landing area, you will walk approximately 20-25 minutes to the village along an uneven, rough dirt path. Upon your arrival in the village, you will be greeted and welcomed by the fearsome Fijian warriors in traditional costumes. Villagers serenade and escort you to the village green where a traditional kava ceremony will take place. You will then be seated in a covered area to watch the ceremony and the Meke, a special dance performed by the dancers normally only for their Paramount Chief. The highlight of the village visit is the Fire walking!
After all the excitement, you will walk back to the beach for your transfer back to the ship.
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It is mandatory for guests to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts. No guest will be allowed on the tour without covered arms and legs. Not suitable for guests with mobility and walking difficulties.
Excursion Code: FJBEQ50
Suva sightseeing
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Visit Fiji's capital city, Suva – centre of commerce and the seat of government. This guided drive tour will take you to see various iconic sites such as the President's Residence and nearby Albert Park (where Kingsford Smith landed his small aircraft on his epic flight from the United States to Australia in 1928) as well as Thurston Botanical Gardens and the Borron House (home of Fiji's greatest statesman Ratu Sukuna and for use only by foreign dignitaries).
You will also have the opportunity to visit the Fiji Museum and take time for pictures at the garden right next to the museum and then at the the bilo battery historical site. During World War II, the guns at Bilopeninsula lent a degree of comfort to the people in a time of uncertainty and fears of news of the Japanese invasion flashed across the Pacific. The guns once pointed out from the side of Bilopeninsula like twin fingers of death, down to the Bay of islands in Lamiand across Suva harbour to the capital. They were placed there to guard the passage in the reef leading to Suva harbour.
- Tour involves moderate walking. Recommended dress code is shorts/skirts and a Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your camera for photos and some change for a stop at the Fiji Museum handicraft shop. There is one rest room stop during the tour.
Excursion Code: FJSUV50
Uprising Beach Resort
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
Duration: 6h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Head to Uprising Beach Resort, for a day of relaxation and fun, at this truly beach front resort. A buffet Luncheon set right on the beach, serving international flavour and all time Fijian Favourites.
There are 2 full service bars, one right at the waters edge. For those looking for a bit of activity, the resort provides snorkelling safaris into Beqa Lagoon, 1/2 hour Jet Ski Hire Rentals, Massages at extra cost.
A fresh water swimming pool, or enjoy the perfect sand beach, suitable for swimming at both low and high tides.
The day begins with a free activity of Coconut Carnival (includes explanation of the Multi Use of Coconut Tree e.g. basket weaving, hat weaving, coconut husking & Fijian dish - Kokoda cooking demo), Kava tasting demo, beach volleyball, touch rugby and beach soccer and free use of kayaks. The Activities team are here to ensure you enjoy as much or as little as you please.
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Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat, sunscreen and bottled water. At the end of the tour, optional shopping is available in Suva town before returning to the pier. The drive takes approximately. One hour, one way.
Excursion Code: FJSUV53
Savusavu Sightseeing
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 4h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Your first stop on this tour will be just outside of town at the factory of Copra Millers of Fiji - the leading manufacturer of coconut oil in Fiji.
Witness the processing of Virgin coconut oil which is extracted from the coconut flesh with the minimal amount of processing i.e. no high heat or pressure and no harsh chemical solvents, bleaching agents, etc. The oil is completely unrefined to ensure it retains all the natural goodness of the coconut itself. There is a huge demand for coconut oil overseas. Malaysia and Taiwan are Fiji's biggest markets.
Re-board the coach and enjoy a leisurely scenic drive along the coastal picturesque Hibiscus Highway. En route, pass the renowned Namale Resort (owned by Anthony Robbins - motivational guru) and Oneva Estate, once a prosperous copra plantation which has now been developed into a residential subdivision and is home to many expatriate retirees. Pass coastal beaches and old coconut plantations before arriving at Vatudamu Community Hall for entertainment and refreshments by the local people.
Retrace your journey and return to Savusavu Town to visit the bubbling hot springs where locals cook their food wrapped in little cloth bundles or sacks. Return to the Copra Shed Marina to board the tender for transport back to the ship.
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Recommended Dress code shorts/skirts and Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your cameras and Currency for those who may want to shop or purchase souvenirs. Includes fresh tropical fruit and bottled water.
Excursion Code: FJSVU50
Nukubalavu village tour
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Experience the day-to-day life of Fijian people during a memorable visit to an authentic Fijian village. Journey along the scenic coast road to visit Nukubalavu Village, home of the paramount chief of Savusavu. Guests will be greeted by the village elders and invited to witness and participate in a kava ceremony where the powdered kava is mixed with water and presented by a'bilo' (coconut cup) to those who wish to taste this ceremonial drink. Following the ceremony the guide will take guests on a tour of the village to experience the warmth of the native Fijians. Guests may mingle with villagers and their children to learn more about their culture and witness traditional art craftwork. Finished craft work will be available for purchase, and guests are also invited to taste a traditional Fijian fresh green coconut juice before boarding the bus to return to the ship.
- Guests are kindly asked to dress conservatively and mindfully of the Fijian culture, by avoiding wearing vests, skimpy tops, swim wear, short pants for ladies, and hats during the village tour. Please bring bottled water from the ship.
Excursion Code: FJSVU53
Snorkelling tour
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
At the edge of the reef which runs out from Savusavu Bay is a Lighthouse, which gives its name to the famed snorkelling site.
Board either the "Island Fever" or the "Island Paradise" and take an enjoyable fast and scenic ride along the inside of the Bay to snorkel amongst beautiful coral and tropical fish in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Savusavu is home to some of the most vibrant and colourful coral in Fiji. There are numerous plate corals, soft spaghetti corals and fish, fish, fish…. myriads of black and white sergeant fish as well as clown fish, orange and purple anthias, trumpet fish, pale green damsel fish, humpbacked wrasse and Maori wrasse. The scene takes on the appearance of a tropical aquarium as abundant small fish dart in and out of the striking coral. Giant clams, grouper and parrotfish are also commonly seen in and around the coral formations. Sea turtles frequent the Lighthouse so it is always a treat to see one or two. Occasionally a friendly white-tip reef shark will be seen.
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Please bring your snorkel gear, beach towel and bottled water from the ship. Please wear your swim wear under your clothes as there are no changing facilities on the boat.
Excursion Code: FJSVU54
Aquabike Adventure*
Bora Bora, Society Islands
Duration: 2h00 Price range: More
$$$$: 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.
Explore the underwater wonders of Bora Bora’s picturesque lagoon during a 30-minute ride on the Aquabike underwater scooter.
Depart the pier in Bora Bora via motorboat for the brief transfer to the hydraulic scooter platform. Upon arrival, you will meet your dive instructor/guide, who will brief you on the scooter, equipment, and safety procedures. Operating the scooter is very simple; riders need only to step onto the scooter and steer it using a small wheel. The Aquabike underwater scooter is equipped with dive tanks, providing a continuous airflow, so your head stays completely dry. After descending to a shallow depth of 10 feet (3 meters) maximum, your 30-minute underwater exploration will begin. Your dive instructor will guide you in the water and throughout the tour to help ensure a smooth and easy underwater ride.
- Please note: *This tour is priced per-scooter. Each scooter will accommodate two average-sized adults; when requesting this tour, please request only one ticket. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Pregnant women and guests with neck or back problems, asthma, heart or respiratory conditions, claustrophobia, or limited mobility, and guests who utilize a wheelchair will not be permitted on this tour. Participants must be at least eight years old and four feet tall to participate on this tour. The minimum age to drive a scooter is 16 years old. Guests will be required to sign a liability waiver to participate in this excursion. Guests who wish to use a wetsuit will be outfitted during the transfer to the hydraulic platform on board the motorboat.
Excursion Code: PFBOB51
Lagoon cruise & Polynesian feast
Bora Bora, Society Islands
Duration: 5h00 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.
Lagoon tour of Bora Bora in a traditional outrigger canoe (motorized), with ukulele animation and narration on culture, history and nature of Bora Bora.
The lagoon tour includes three stops. The first one is for snorkeling in a coral garden, where visitors can discover many different colorful fish, corals, and many other inhabitants of a wonderful natural ecosystem. The guide accompanies the visitors in the water. The second stop is the visit of the stingrays in shallow water. These rays are tamed since more than 20 years. The approach is gentle and respectful, keeping in mind preservation of nature. The last stop is on the ocean side, for the observation of black tip reef sharks.
After the morning of snorkeling, Polynesian feast is served on a private island (motu). Lunch is cooked in a traditional earth oven made with volcanic rocks, and covered by banana leaves. The guests watch the opening of the oven, and listen to the explanations of the guide. The table is set in the lagoon, with an umbrella to protect guests from the sun. On the menu: suckling pig, chicken with local spinach, manioc, plantain bananas, bread fruit, raw fish salad with coconut milk, and finally a traditional dessert made with bananas and vanilla, as well as fresh tropical fruits. Alternatively the Polynesian lunch can be replaced by a BBQ: fish, chicken, spiny lobster (subject to availability), Polynesian vegetables, raw fish salad with coconut milk, tropical fruits. The lunch comes with a good bottle of Moët and Chandon champagne, or red/white wine depending on the guests' preference.
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For great memories, the underwater camera is recommended. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a towel and your snorkel equipment from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFBOB52