Overview
Prepare to set sail and explore French Polynesia, renowned as one of the world's most exquisite destinations. Departing from Papeete, Paul Gauguin Cruises invites you to embark on the 11-day journey aboard Le Paul Gauguin, venturing to idyllic islands and atolls framed by crystal-clear lagoons and embraced by exceptional coral reefs.
In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a vast atoll celebrated for its prized black pearls, awaits your discovery. Dive into the mesmerizing underwater world of these natural aquariums, where vibrant fish, rays, and friendly sharks play among the reefs. Additionally, explore the enchanting depths of Fakarava Atoll, a UNESCO-recognized nature reserve.
The voyage continues to unveil the captivating beauty of the Society Islands, characterized by lush rainforests, remarkably clear lagoons, and endless swaying palm trees. Prepare to be mesmerized by the unique allure of Huahine and the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, famous for its distinctive volcanic silhouette. Immerse yourself in the original Polynesian culture on the legendary island of Raiatea.
A highlight of your cruise will undoubtedly be Motu Mahana, our secluded private paradise infused with the aroma of vanilla and surrounded by turquoise waters.
Finally, your journey concludes in Moorea, a destination marked by pineapple-covered hillsides and luxurious peaks, offering a perfect ending to your adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1 Airport Te Moana Tahiti
Arrive at Tahiti International Airport where our representative will welcome and escort you to your transfer to InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa located a short 5 minutes drive from the airport.
Overnight stay in Tahiti at Te Moana Tahiti
Day 2 Te Moana Tahiti
Spend today at leisure enjoying the wonderful accommodation and facilities at InteContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Enjoy a great array of activities, from sports, such as tennis and volleyball, to water-based activities and cultural pursuits. With a luxury spa, fitness centre and two superb infinity pools, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is the quintessential island escape, with everything you need for a true French Polynesian getaway. Enjoy relaxing by the infinity sandy bottom pool or sipping delicious cocktails by the swim up pool bar. Perhaps take the time to explore the stunning island of Tahiti with a Tahiti Island Half Day Afternoon Tour (optional extra).
Overnight stay in Tahiti at Te Moana Tahiti
Day 3 Te Moana Tahiti Paul Gauguin
Spend a relaxing morning at the Te Moana Tahiti. Once you have checked out of the hotel our representative will be there to transfer you to the Paul Gauguin Cruise Terminal which is located in town a nice 10 minutes drive from InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Receive a warm welcome onboard the Paul Gauguin from the crew and sail towards Huahine.
The day is spent getting to know crew and fellow guests while exploring the vessel that will be ‘home’ for the next 11 days. Meet Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, Tahitian hosts and entertainers that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life on every Paul Gauguin voyage.
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Day 4 At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 5 Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands
Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s coral ellipsis is a narrow stretch of land sitting on a crystal-clear sea. Travellers here are surprised by the immensity of the lagoon, whose colours evoke an infinite palette. The atoll, renowned for its immaculate beaches and preserved nature, is home to rare bird species, plants and crustaceans. You’ll disembark in front of the Veke Veke guesthouse, where you will be welcomed with garlands of flowers and traditional music. You will then be able to go for a walk along the beach or put on flippers, mask and snorkel to make the most of the warm waters of Fakarava and observe its brightly coloured coral.
Day 6 Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands
A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.
Day 7 Huahine, Society Islands
Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.
Day 8-9 Bora Bora, Society Islands
Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.
Day 10 Raiatea, Society Islands
A volcanic island located halfway between Huahine and Bora-Bora, Raiatea is like the mother of Polynesia. It was on its rocky flanks that the oldest traces of local habitation were found. According to legend, it was even the cradle of the gods... You can admire several sites that bear witness to this past, including the first Polynesian holy site, the Te-Po religious centre, including the marae Taputapuatea, a sort of altar made of stone and coral. Although beaches are rare on Raiatea, here nature is totally captivating, and the coral islets offer myriads of ravishing creeks.
Day 11 Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands
Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.
Day 12 Moorea Island
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.
Day 13 Paul Gauguin Airport
Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete is where we’ll part ways and say “until we meet again.” Our representative will be waiting for you as you disembark to transfer you to Tahiti International Airport for your International flight back home.
Accommodation
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Puna'auia
Located between land and sea, the Te Moana Tahiti Resort hotel offers the ideal setting for your stopover in Tahiti in an authentic Polynesian setting. Relax by the infinity pool, enjoy a meal in one of our two restaurants and enjoy the sunset over the island of Moorea every evening.
Optional Extras
Post Cruise Package - 2 nights
Post 2-night stay at Te Moana Tahiti in an Ocean View Studio
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
