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.
Moorea by catajets*
Moorea, 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.
Get an up-close look at Tahiti's idyllic beauty from above and below sea level during this catajet and snorkeling adventure in Moorea.
Depart the pier for the boat transfer to the base. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety and riding instructions from your guide, then embark your two-seat catajet for a 1.5-hour ride in an idyllic lagoon on Moorea. Led by your guide at an easy speed, you will take in panoramic views of the East Coast and Cook and Opunohu Bays, or the West Coast (weather permitting).
Next, a stop will be made for snorkeling in the shallow waters. After putting on your mask, fins and snorkel, you will explore the beauty of the tropical fish and coral formations. Your adventure will continue with a stop on a sand bar, where you will have an opportunity to play with stingrays.
Following refreshments, you will return to the catajet base, then be transferred back to the pier.
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This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems, or guests with limited mobility. Each catajet is equipped with a fabric Bimini roof, and a small cooler. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. Since there is no dry compartment, waterproof cameras are recommended. Lifejackets are mandatory. This is a guided tour, and participants are required to follow their guide and instructions. The minimum age to drive a catajet is 16 years old; children participating on this tour must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must be able to swim independently. *This tour is priced per catajet, which can accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total).
Excursion Code: PFMOO73
Scenic drive to Hanavave
Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas 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.
Fatu Hiva, the most remote island of the inhabited Marquesan islands offers green and lush vegetation with sheer, rocky landscapes. There are only two villages on the island connected by one road (17 km). The scenic 4x4 ride from Omoa to Hanavave offers numerous photo opportunities over dramatic landscapes, coastline and deep gorges and valleys.
On arrival in Hanavave you will have some free time to stretch your legs and explore the village and take more photos of one of the most picturesque locations in the Marquesas, the iconic Bay of Virgins. The bay was named by Catholic missionaries, who said that the phallic shaped stone outcrops were formed as veiled virgins.
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As this tour involves rough off-road driving, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo or women who are pregnant. This tour involves very little walking. Guests are encouraged to wear insect repellant to ward off the small beach mosquitoes (nonos). Each vehicle will accommodate four guests. The drivers are not guides, and their command of the English language is very limited.
Excursion Code: PFOMO51
Raiatea Highlights Tour
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Drive along Raiatea's east coast to Fa'aroa Bay. Explore the interior of this picturesque island while ascending the hillside through untouched forests of bamboo, balsa and rosewood. A brief photo stop for spectacular vistas of the mountains and volcanic craters will be made at the viewpoint. Enjoy a second brief photo stop at a vantage-point overlooking the breathtaking lagoon framed by beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by tropical flora. During the rainy season, magnificent waterfalls can be seen cascading from the mountaintops. Third photo stop for panoramic views of Huahine, the Motu Islands, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. The final stop will be at one of the most important archaeological sites in French Polynesia: 'Marae Taputapuatea'. During your tour, learn about Tahitian society, the history of the Maohi people and the day to day life of the local people. At the completion of your tour you will be returned to the pier.
- This tour involves very little, easy walking over flat surfaces.
Excursion Code: PFRFP51
Anapa Pearl Farm and Snorkeling
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h00 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Brief drive from the pier to skiff boat. Ride out to Raiatea's reef to a small pearl station built over the lagoon. Experience a pearl harvest. See how a black pearl is cultivated by way of a surgical procedure. Snorkel at Raiatea's beautiful reef right at beneath the pearl farm. Explore the coral garden with an abundance of tropical fish and rare pearl oysters. Enjoy fresh juice and take in the view of Bora Bora.
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Wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkelling equipment and a towel from the ship. There are no restroom stops on this tour. The pearl farm features a small boutique; cash and credit cards are accepted. The pearl station is not accessible for guests who utilize a wheelchair.
Excursion Code: PFRFP53
Coral Garden Drift Snorkel
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Depart the pier aboard a covered motorized boat for the 30-minute ride. Walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu. On the other end of the motu, commence your snorkelling experience. Your guide will lead you while the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkelling time will be made available before you are transferred back to the pier.
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This tour is recommended for experienced snorkelers that are extremely comfortable in the water as snorkelling is done over very shallow water. Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sun glasses and bring a towel from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFRFP54
Discover Faaroa River by Kayak
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: 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.
Depart the pier via off-road vehicle for the drive to the Faaroa River. Receive your safety instructions and equipment, then embark your kayak. Led by your guide, begin your tour by paddling from Raiatea's fjord-like inlet, or Faaroa Gorge, en route to the scenic Faaroa River.
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This active tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of paddling. Guests must know how to swim, and be in good physical conditions. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, or guests with limited mobility. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Participants must be at least 12 years of age, and weigh less than 220 pounds; children must be accompanied by a parent. You will be required to follow your guide and wear your lifejacket at all times. A small waterproof bag will be available on board the kayak to store your small items.
Excursion Code: PFRFP55
Discover Raiatea by 4x4
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$$: the excursion price is between $100 and $150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Visit the Island of Raiatea - the Cultural Island by Off road vehicle. Meet your guide on the pier and embark on an open-air safari truck allowing you to get the best views while you are travelling. Stop at various viewpoints, witness a coconut demonstration and learn about the island's past and present. Visit one of the most important archaeological sites in French Polynesia - Marae Taputapuatea.
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The tour is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems or pregnant women as the trip can be at times very bumpy.
Excursion Code: PFRFP56
Snorkel and Black Pearl Farm Adventure
Raiatea, Society Islands
Duration: 3h30 Price range: More
$$: 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.
Depart the pier aboard a motorized outrigger canoe for the 30-minute ride to Taha'a, Raiatea's sister island, which shares the same lagoon. On arrival, you will proceed for a visit to Poerani; a black pearl farm. There you will learn about the black pearl. Afterwards you will continue to a small motu for an opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear water. Following your snorkelling session, you will embark the canoe and return to the pier.
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The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on the weather and current conditions. Some of the canoes may not be covered, and sunscreen is strongly suggested. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, hat, sunglasses and bring a towel from the ship. Guests should be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and able to cope with occasional currents.
Excursion Code: PFRFP58
Glass-bottom boat
Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 1h30 Price range: More
$$: the excursion price is between $50 and $100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The official currency on board Paul Gauguin is the US dollar.
Get acquainted with the coral gardens and tropical fish of Rangiroa during this scenic glass-bottom boat tour. Depart the pier aboard a glass-bottom boat, then slowly float over the huge coral heads that cluster in shallow areas inside the Tiputa Channel.
Along the way, you will see a colourful world full of parrot fish, butterfly fish, and surgeon fish through the large windows. You may also encounter black-tipped sharks, and catch a glimpse of the majestic Napoleon fish. During the tour, your Polynesian boat crew will attract the fish directly under the glass panels to make it easy for you to observe and photography them.
A cover will provide protection from the sun and eliminate glare, enabling you to take home great photographs.
Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the pier.
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This is not a snorkelling tour. This tour takes place at Motu Nui Nui. Marine life is widely present in this region; however, sightings cannot be guaranteed and tickets are nonrefundable should a sighting not occur. The Tuamotu's are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified and their command of English may be very poor. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Excursion Code: PFRGI50
Snorkelling Rangiroa's aquarium
Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
Duration: 1h30 Price range: More
$$: 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.
Rangiroa's spectacular and diverse marine life is yours to discover during this scenic and memorable ride in the Tuamotu Islands.
Depart the pier via local boat for the ride to Motu Nui Nui, a natural, open-water aquarium renowned for its marine life. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety instructions, then enter the water to explore your surroundings.
Along the way, you will observe an abundance of colourful fish and coral and marine life. Your guide will offer assistance in the water and throughout the tour.
During the tour, you will also have an opportunity to hand-feed the fish. Following your snorkelling session, you will be transferred back to the pier.
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This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and used to snorkelling in deep water and strong currents. The Tuamotus are very remote islands. Although the guides used are the best available, they are not certified, and their command of English may be very poor; thus, narration will be very limited tonon-existent. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring a bottle of water and a towel from the ship.
Excursion Code: PFRGI52
Exploration of Taha'a
Taha'a, Society Islands (Motu Mahana)
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.
Explore Taha'a's exquisite topography, ancient culture, and local economy during this scenic and memorable off-road tour.
Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the ride across one of Taha'a's highest mountains. Along the way, your guide will point out sights of interest, and a stop will be made at a scenic viewpoint to learn about the traditional uses of local plants and trees.
The island of Taha'a is often called Vanilla Island, and you will learn about this fragrant spice while visiting a small family plantation. Afterwards, you will visit a small black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultivated and harvested. These small cottage industries represent a large part of this small island's economic structure.
During the return drive along the east coast of the island, your guide will entertain you with tales of island life and lore. Upon returning to the ship, a tender service to the Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana will be available throughout the day.
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This tour involves travel over very rough roads, with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Guests must remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.
Excursion Code: PFTAH50