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.
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
Urata Waterfall
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 3h30 Total : $120
Your day will begins with a 30- minute scenic coach ride along the shore of Savusavu Bay and Balaga Bay to the village of Urata (pronounced 'oo rartar'), where you will be met by warriors who will escort you to the village meeting house to meet the village chief. He will welcome you and grant you permission to visit the waterfall.
The village guides will take you on an easy hike through the village plantations and rainforest to the waterfall and swimming holes.
You will learn about the different types of food crops that grow in the plantations and your guides will explain the traditional uses of medicinal plants.
Afterwards, in the shade of the rainforest, you will be able to cool down in the freshwater pools.
You will then walk back to the village, where you will be welcomed by the singing and dancing of the villagers.
Finally, you will re-board your coach for the ride back to the pier.
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Please bring your snorkelling gear, beach towel, and bottled water from the ship
Excursion Code: FJSVU55
Black Pearl Farm
Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Duration: 1h30 Total : $110
Spectacular Savusavu Bay provides the perfect environment for creating Fiji’s natural gems, the J. Hunter pearls, renowned for their beautiful hues of soft pastels and exceptionally bold tones together with the rare “Fiji Gold”.
Thousands of black lip pearl oysters adorn the Bay and the pristine, nutrient rich waters, along with dedicated farm management, produce some of the world’s largest and most beautiful pearls. The tour will begin with a boat ride to the farm where you will see the different stages of black pearl development.
Return to J. Hunter Headquarters and witness the opening of a mature oyster to reveal a natural underwater treasure. J Hunter pearls are unsurpassed in their lustre and orient, giving them a natural radiance that emanates from deep within. View the stunning array of pearls and jewellery in their showroom and if the mood takes you, purchase your own precious memory of Savusavu.
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We reccomande you to wear a shorts/skirts and polo or T-shirts, something cool. Don't forget to bring along your cameras and currency for those who may want to shop or purchase souvenirs.
Excursion Code: FJSVU56