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.
Day at the beach
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 6h00 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Located close to the village of Fare and an ancient archaeological site, the Maitai Lapita Village Hotel on the island of Huahine enjoys an exceptional location.
Bask on the magnificent white-sand beach that borders the lagoon, or enjoy excellent snorkeling in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters. Or enjoy ocean views from the restaurant, bar, and pool. Stretching from the beach inland, the property is arranged around a freshwater lake dotted with water lilies and surrounded by tropical plants with fragrant, multicolored native flowers. This site has contributed enormously to the heritage of French Polynesia, so do not Miss the hotel’s museum.
And enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the islands of Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora.
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This excursion includes access to the swimming pool, the beach, and the hotel museum; kayaking and snorkeling equipment; a two-course lunch (appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert); and a bottle of water and a drink per person (a glass of house wine, a local beer on tap, or a soft drink).
Excursion Code: PFHUH56
Huahine exploration by 4WD & boat
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Visit archaeological sites, sacred blue-eyed eels, a black pearl farm, and an easy 40-minute snorkel on this land and sea tour of Huahine.
Your tour will depart the pier by off road vehicle and cross the bridge to Huahine Nui (big Huahine). Head around the majestic bay where the m/s Paul Gauguin is anchored, then ascend the island's steepest road for a spectacular panoramic view over Maroe Bay and take a photo with the ship in the background. After, a stop will be made to feed the sacred giant blue-eyed eels that live in the stream running through the village of Faie.
Continue your adventure along the lake Fauna Nui to Maeva, the most extensive archaeological site in the Pacific. Here, you will see stone temples and ancient fish traps still in use today restored by archaeologists.
Afterwards, take a short Polynesian outrigger canoe trip to visit “Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery”, where you will learn the secrets of the black pearl and see their unique blue pottery made with a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming. The pottery is available for purchase, and refreshments will be served at the pearl farm.
Cruise the lagoon for a short trip on a regular boat and a snorkel stop to Motu Te Tiare. Enjoy the turquoise lagoon and tropical fish with your experienced local guide.
Return to the pier with spectacular views of the island.
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The snorkeling stop is for all levels of experience, and people can start in shallow water to go as far out as comfortable. Please note: the tour has limited capacity and can start in reverse order, with the boat and snorkel stop first. Guests may choose their starting preference (Jeep or boat) depending on availability. Rest room are available at the Pearl Farm marina.
Excursion Code: PFHUH57
Huahine safari expedition
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Discover the beauty of Huahine on this 4x4 tour of the islands.
Depart the pier by off-road vehicle for the drive to Huahine Nui. Visit the village of Faie, and its famed blue-eyed eels. Next, you will take a short outrigger trip to visit "Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery", where they will share with you the secrets of the black pearl and you will have a chance to purchase their famous blue pottery made from a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming.
Continue to Maeva, the island's most important marae. Drive along Lake Fauna Nui before arriving in Fare. Free time will be made available for you to explore. Return drive to the pier.
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Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over non-paved roads with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness, or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions.
Excursion Code: PFHUH58
Huahine Iti by 4x4
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$: 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.
The island equivalent to the Garden of Eden, Huahine Iti is an immense tropical jungle thriving with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Beyond its lush landscapes and bright blooms, Huahine is also a culturally preserved sanctuary with sacred temples hidden throughout dense vegetation. This tranquil paradise will seduce you with her white sand beaches of Avea Bay, coral islets dotting an azure blue lagoon and luxurious mountains covered with magnificent foliage making her an idyllic garden paradise. It is covered with plantations and a wealth of beautiful plants, fruits and flowers and is also home to one of the most amazing white sand beaches in French Polynesia.
During this 4x4 tour you will be introduced to Huahine Iti, the more sensual and smaller of Huahine's two islands. There will be numerous stops along the way for panoramic views across the island, the bays and the surrounding lagoon and motus of Topati's and Murimahora. Visits to a vanilla and tropical fruit plantation and to the Marae Anini are included.
A brief stop at a beach in Avea Bay is included for a dip in the lagoon and for refreshments (choice of soda, fruit juice or beer).
Continue the tour 'off-road' into the Parea Valley for a drive over bumpy road through lush jungle before returning to the pier in Maroe.
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Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over rough non-paved roads. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions. Please bring cash as there will be an opportunity to buy vanilla and additional refreshments on the beach. Please wear/bring your swimwear and beach towel should you wish to have a swim at the beach.
Excursion Code: PFHUH59
Sacred sites & legendary places
Huahine, Society Islands
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 spectacular excursion starts with a friendly introduction from your expert anthropologist/archaeologist guide, who has first-hand experience working on the sites you will visit.
Boarding "Le Truck", French Polynesia's famous local style bus, you will depart from Maroe Village on the small island of Huahine Iti, crossing the bridge to Huahine Nui, or 'big island'. Here you will drive past lush green valleys and turquoise lagoon through the capital town of Fare, where Captain James Cook sojourned on his visits to the island.
Your first stop is Maeva village, considered to be one of French Polynesia's most important archaeological areas and home to the largest pre-historic habitation site in Polynesia. During your walk through the village, you will explore the archaeological sites along the lake shore and the Fare Pote'e Museum. You will learn about Polynesian origins and migrations, traditional society, religion, botany, European explorers and get a first-hand look at various traditional tools, handicrafts and artifacts.
You will continue on to Mata'ire'a hill, just above the Village of Maeva and home to more than 200 stone structures, including marae, agricultural terraces, house foundations, fortification walls and burial platforms.
Your next stop, via "Le Truck", is a local family run vanilla plantation where you will have the opportunity to purchase various vanilla products. Continuing on, you will stop to see and learn about the 500 year old fish traps that thanks to restoration work are used again today by the people of Maeva Village.
Your return journey to port, will take you through the village of Faie where your guide will feed the island's giant blue-eyed eels that swim in the stream;
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This tour involves some slight uphill walking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The order of sites visited may vary. Please bring some cash along with you, as you may have the opportunity to purchase some authentic Tahitian vanilla during this tour. Please note that the stop at the Mata'ire'a hill is weather permitting.
Excursion Code: PFHUH60
Huahine Iti by e-bike
Huahine, Society Islands
Duration: 3h45 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.
Departing from Maroe pier after your brief refresh course on how to handle an e-bike, you will head toward the eastern part of Huahine Iti with the goal of completing the 27 km around the smaller Huahine Island with your guide providing you explanations.
During your tour, several stops will be proposed with different viewpoints. You will discover the archaeological site (marae) Anini as well as a visit to a traditional pareo painting workshop.
You will then head to Avea bay and the Mahana hotel for a moment of relaxation, snorkeling, swimming on its magnificent white sand beach. Fresh seasonal fruits and water will be provided during your tour.
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This activity requires good level of fitness, and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Excursion Code: PFHUH61
Island drive & belvedere
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Explore Moorea's exquisite beauty and day-to-day Polynesian lifestyle during this scenic orientation drive around the island. Depart the pier for a scenic and relaxing drive around Moorea. The distance around this idyllic island is approximately 38 miles (62 kilometers), and your ride offers many spectacular sites and photo opportunities. You will ride past pineapple fields and visit an ancient Tahitian stone temple, or marae, en route to Belvedere.
At the summit, take in magnificent views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mt. Rotui. Your ride continues on through the village of Papetoai and past the nearby tombs of the first missionaries. Your coach will return to the pier via the other side of the island. Along the way, you will pass through the districts of Haapiti and Afareitu, then make a photo stop at the Ia Ora lookout point before arriving at the pier. And enjoy your guide's commentary about the daily lives of the Polynesian island residents all along the way.
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The order of sites visited may vary. Limited restroom stops. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness. The guides commentary features information pertaining to daily living in Moorea; but does not include historical, cultural, or political facts or details.
Excursion Code: PFMOO56
Dolphin watching expedition
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Join American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole, a dolphin specialist in French Polynesia since 1987, or his assistant for this combination eco-tour and research expedition focusing on wild, free-ranging dolphins.
Depart the pier aboard a covered boat for the scenic ride to Moorea's reef. Spinner dolphins and rough-tooth dolphins can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly swimming inside the lagoon. Most often you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while listening to informative commentary about their remarkable life and society at sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the engaging narrative and sheer magnificence of Moorea's coastline will ensure a rewarding time in any event.
While viewing Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea, you will also learn about French Polynesian's geology. Following your tour and time permitting, you may have an opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling at a coral garden directly from the boat before returning to the pier.
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This tour is not a swim with the dolphins program, it is sometimes possible to snorkel near the dolphins. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability.
Excursion Code: PFMOO57
Lagoon & ocean tour
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$$: the excursion price is more than $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Discover the marine riches of the island on a tour dedicated to the research and observation of dolphins and sharks in Moorea. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and swim with these graceful and curious animals and realize that man and these predators can live in harmony. Some dolphins are visible in the passes, at the entrance of the bays, others in the open ocean. On the other side of the barrier reef on the oceanic drop you can evolve with Gray sharks, lemon sharks and turtles always supervised by your guides. Refreshments will be available during the tour.
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Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship. Participation is limited to 6 guests maximum.
Excursion Code: PFMOO60
Lagoon discovery with snorkeling
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: 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 beauty of Cook's and Opunohu Bays from above and below the water during this snorkeling and beach adventure aboard a modern covered boat.
Depart the pier aboard a comfortable and modern boat featuring covered areas designed to protect you from the direct rays of the sun. As you cruise along these majestic bays, your captain will inform you about the legends, geography, and flora and fauna of Moorea.
Next, you will continue on to a gorgeous sandy islet surrounded by transparent turquoise waters that are shallow enough to walk comfortably in the sea. Upon arrival, you will have a rare opportunity to feed the awaiting rays; they will gracefully glide around you in exchange for a piece of fish. Your tour will conclude with a stop at another uninhabited islet nearby. Here, you will be served refreshments and have an opportunity to explore the beach and swim. You will also be invited to go snorkeling in water 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) deep. Snorkeling is performed in the shallow waters off the boat, providing an excellent opportunity for both experienced snorkeler and beginners. The boat's ladders extend deep into the water, making it easy to embark and disembark the craft.
Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier.
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This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests must be comfortable wearing the snorkeling equipment provided for this tour. The snorkeling locations selected may vary depending upon lagoon conditions that include current and visibility. Wear a swimsuit under a cover up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a towel as well as your snorkel gear from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFMOO63
Sunset sail in Moorea
Moorea, Society Islands
Duration: 1h30 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.
Discover the scenic magnificence of Moorea during a memorable sunset cruise.
Depart the pier aboard a luxurious catamaran, and set sail to Moorea's north coast for a visit to two of French Polynesian's most beautiful bays, Cook's and Opunohu. Enjoy the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of Moorea. You will be served a cocktail or a glass of wine while sitting back and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.
Following the sunset cruise, you will return to the pier.
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Participants will be required to take off their shoes prior to boarding the catamaran. The boat captain may decide to restrict outside sailing and modify the itinerary depending on prevailing weather conditions, winds, and currents. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.
Excursion Code: PFMOO68