Paul Gauguin Cruises: Society Islands and Tuamotu Archipelago

Dream cruise aboard Paul Gauguin in the Society Islands and the Tuamotus Archipelago.

The huge constellated territory of islands which constitutes French Polynesia comprises five distinct archipelagos composed of 118 islands extending from the Society Islands to the Tuamotus and a little beyond. Wherever you arrive, as soon as you enter its crystal clear waters, you are welcomed by a warm native population with a charming French accent.

This itinerary of 10 nights includes seven Polynesian stopovers, each truly unique by its landscape and its culture. You will first arrive on Huahine, the Garden Island,so called because of its dense and luxuriant tropical forests and its rugged landscape.

The ship then continues its journey to Fakarava and Rangiroa, a paradise for divers. A dive in Fakarava will probably allow you to get close to grouper, barracudas, rays, or sometimes even hammerhead or tiger sharks! Rangiroa is a popular site for divers who come from all over the world to explore the crystal clear waters of its lagoons and swim with tropical fish, rays, and dolphins.

You will then be captivated by the beauty of the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, dominated by peaks, lined with undulating palms, and surrounded by perfectly translucent water, a paradisiacal portrait that inspired James A. Michener to write his novel Tales of South Pacific that inspired the musical South Pacific.

On Motu Mahana, our private island, you will spend a splendid day of relaxation while on the island of Bora Bora you can relax on our private beach in an enchanting setting.

Then, the Gauguin joins his home port, Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. If the trip ends here, your memories will accompany you for the rest of your days.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Papeete, Tahiti (Society Islands)
The islands of Polynesia are a superb collection of volcanic islands and atolls lazily strewn on the great Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and its islands, contains government offices, hospitals and banks, and many other services dedicated to the service of the islands. You will embark aboard the Paul Gauguin in the afternoon, you will install in your cabin before dinner on board later in the evening.

Day 2 – Huahine (Islands of the society)
Your first port is Huahine, known as the “Garden Island” for its lush rainforests. Activities to choose from: exploration of the immense lagoon, the island of culture, or a picnic on the beach.

Day 3 – Bora Bora (Islands of the society)
Winner of a Pulitzer Prize, author James Michener has designated Bora Bora as “the most beautiful island in the world.” Dominated by two imposing volcanic mountains and surrounded by a lagoon protected by low water and coral reefs, it is indeed a spectacular destination. The ship arrives here in the morning and remains until the late afternoon, offering you a whole day dedicated to the discovery of the quintessential paradise of the Pacific.

Day 4 – Bora Bora (Islands of the society)
You may wish to explore the island with a number of activities such as visiting the island paradise that offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings or sailing the crystal clear waters aboard a glass bottom boat To admire the marine life without getting wet. Or opt for a thrilling ride or just spend a few hours lounging on the beach.

Day 5 – Rangiroa (Touamotou)
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Touamotous, an archipelago composed of 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred kilometers in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. Life on these remote atolls is simple, calm and peaceful. In small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Touamotous, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior of the lagoons is a paradise for black pearls, fish, breeding farms, snorkeling, scuba diving.

Day 6 – Fakarava (Touamotou)
Designated in ancient times as the “dangerous archipelago” for its deep passages, the Touamotou are a paradise for divers. Fakarava, whose diverse ecosystem has earned it the UNESCO designation, is classified as a nature reserve. There are two huge passes on the island where experienced divers can descend up to 130 feet in a world of coral, gray sharks, and fish colored by the thousands. You can also stay on the mainland and explore the island at the discovery of its charming villages, ancient temples and churches.

Day 7 – at sea
Spend the day aboard the Paul Gauguin in a Polynesian atmosphere: relaxed, intimate and graceful. You may be attending a conference given by one of our special guests, then enjoy our fine French cuisine in the evening.

Day 8 – Taha’a (Motu Mahana) (Islands of the society)
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha’a, is the perfect example of the idyllic setting of the South Seas with its white sandy beaches, palm trees and crystal clear waters. You will spend a whole day on this idyllic island as you wish: relaxing in the shade of a palm tree, volleyball, diving in the turquoise lagoons or tasting a delicious barbecue with Polynesian entertainment.

Day 9 – Moorea (Society Islands)
Covered by an abundance of fruit and flowers, offering a spectacular view from its peaks on the pacific and the multi-tones of its lagoons, Moorea has unrivaled beauty. And what about its beaches of white sand bathed by the translucent shiny of its lagoons, in the shade of the palm trees? During your visit, you can take an option by air-conditioned coach for a tour around the island to admire the superb panorama.

Day 10 – Moorea / Papeete, Tahiti (Islands of the society)
Today maybe you will try a dive among sea turtles and fish or just relax in the island and its natural splendor. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor on the outskirts of Tahiti, the capital where you can enjoy a last evening aboard the Gauguin.

Day 11 – Papeete (Islands of the society)
Disembark the Gauguin in the morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Or stay on Papeete with an optional stay at the hotel.

Departures 2018:

March 7
June 6
July 18
September 19
November 28