South Pacific Cruise
Discover the sheer beauty of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands on a Paul Guauguin cruise; the perfect way to island hop and see the South Pacific at its finest. Sail from island to island and stop off at Tahiti, Huahine, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Moorea. Explore secluded palm-fringed bays, dive into crystal clear lagoons to see a variety of sealife, and climb rugged green mountains for breathtaking island views. Relax, or do as many activities as you like; choose from kayaking tours, four-wheel drive safaris and helicopter rides to scuba diving tours and island tours, and see paradise from every angle. Towards the end of each day bask in the luxury of reclining on the deck with a cocktail in hand, as you watch the sun melt into the sea and feel the excitement of the next island you're going to explore tomorrow.
Trip highlights
- Discover sacred temples in the dense rainforest of Huahine
- Visit a vanilla plantation in Taha'a
- Take in the dramatic backdrop of Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora
- Spot dolphins on a boat excursion in Moorea
- Unwind on the pristine beaches of Tahiti
- Snorkel in the Cook Island to see a variety of sealife
Tahiti
Land into island paradise and check into your hotel in Tahiti before spending time to unwind after your journey. Pamper yourself with an invigorating massage at the spa, walk along the white sand beach, and enjoy the wonders of the turquoise lagoon kayaking and snorkelling to spot colourful marine life. The next day explore the capital city which boasts a variety a shops, restaurants and markets, before boarding your cruise boat at 3pm.
Suggested Accommodation
Huahine
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Discover the rich green vegetation and dense rainforests of Huahine, known as the 'Garden Island'. Follow trails to see archaeological landmarks, sacred temples and stunning landscapes. Be enchanted by the crystal clear lagoon and embark on a snorkelling tour to spot tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks.
Suggested Accommodation
Aitutaki
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Leave Huahine and spend your day relaxing on the ship as you sail towards the Cook Islands.
The next day arrive into the beautiful Aitutaki Lagoon. Here do as much or as little as you desire. Choose from a range of optional excursions on offer from exploring your surroundings on an island tour or lagoon cruise to taking a short hike to the highest peak on the island to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
Suggested Accommodation
Rarotonga
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise over to Aitutaki's sister island Rarotonga today, and discover the island's lush and rugged landscape. Take an optional four-wheel drive safari and explore Rarotonga's pristine natural beauty.
Spend the next day relaxing on board as you sail back towards the Society Island and the awe-inspiring Bora Bora.
Suggested Accommodation
Bora Bora
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Make sure you are out on the deck as you cruise into Bora Bora and get a glimpse of the iconic Mount Otemanu, Enjoy the next couple of days exploring the endless pristine beaches with the silky white sand between your toes, and the crystal clear lagoons boasting an abundance of diverse marine life, or simply relax and unwind. Choose any of the optional excursions on offer which include an island tour, helicopter sightseeing excursion and a snorkelling experience.
Suggested Accommodation
Taha'a
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accessible only by boat, Taha'a is an island with true authenticity and simply the ultimate paradise escape. This sleepy island produces 90% of French Polynesia's vanilla, we would recommend spending time at one the vanilla plantations for some of your day. Relax on Motu Mahana, a private island exclusively reserved for Paul Gauguin Cruises, and be welcomed here by traditional music and enjoy a beachside barbecue.
Suggested Accommodation
Moorea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Your next island is Moorea which sits off the coast of Tahiti and is surrounded a lagoon boasting an abundance of coral reefs and sparkling waters. Take a diving course and learn the basics as you discover the beauty of the underwater world and spot dolphins, rays and turtles. Explore the island on one of the many land-based excursions, from an off-road safari inside the volcanic crater, to a five-hour hike of the Sister Island's three coconut trails.
Suggested Accommodation
Tahiti
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Disembark the ship today and check into your hotel in Tahiti for your last night and days in paradise before your onward travels.
Suggested Accommodation
Included
- All meals aboard the ship, in your choice of venues
- Complimentary beverages including select wines, beers and soft drinks
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- On board entertainment including Polynesian performers and live music
- Watersports including kayaking and paddleboarding
Not included
- Optional excursions which can be booked and paid for locally.
- Premium liquors and speciality wines incur an additional charge
