Opportunities to create cherished family memories together are boundless with the Ambassadors of the Environment Family Program, which is offered on summer and holiday sailings aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.  Created by Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society, the Ambassadors Program is available to children ages 9 to 17 for a nominal fee.  And adults are encouraged to join in for the additional cost of the excursions.  Book our 7-night Tahiti & the Society Islands holiday voyage departing December 21, 2016, and the Ambassadors Program is free—a $349 value per child! 

Parents and children can pick and choose from a suite of onboard activities and daily excursions that explore the natural wonders and rich culture of French Polynesia and are led by Ocean Futures naturalists.

On board the ship, kids can learn about marine life, coral, islands, and the culture of French Polynesia  through lectures; explore sustainable living and helping the planet; see documentaries on whales, dolphins, and sharks; participate in an onboard treasure hunt, family sculptionary, and other games; enjoy ice cream socials paired with marine life trivia; partake in stargazing sessions at night; see the microcosmic world of our oceans on a video microscope; design Polynesian tattoos with washable body paint; attend movies in a private theater with popcorn and refreshments; and savor a special Ambassadors Dinner with naturalists and the other kids in the program.

In the Tuamotus, kids can explore coral atolls, snorkel and swim in the lagoons, see a performance by a Fakarava dance troupe, learn how to identify different species of fish and turtles, and dolphin watch as the ship sails into the waters surrounding the island of Rangiroa.

In the Cook Islands, youth are treated to a performance by a local group of Rarotonga dancers, a lecture on the magic of coral reefs, and an Aitutaki beach adventure.

In Huahine, kids can enjoy a beach exploration and snorkeling adventure.  On Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet off the coast of Taha'a, participants can join an underwater treasure hunt, paint pareos with Tahitian tie dye, design a traditional Polynesian bracelet made from local materials, play beach volleyball, snorkel, swim, and enjoy a lunch barbecue.

The Stingray Ballet & Snorkel Safari excursion in Bora Bora allows youth to swim among rays and snorkel colorful tropical reefs. They also can enjoy a morning visit to a private beach in Bora Bora and swim, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, play volleyball, and enter hermit crab races.

On the island of Moorea, kids can hike through a tropical rainforest with archaeologist Mark Eddowes on Trails of the Ancients as he describes life in ancient Polynesia . The Lagoon Discovery Snorkeling Adventure excursion provides participants the opportunity to see rays, sharks, fish, and corals up close.

To learn more about the Ambassadors Program and view sample schedules on various itineraries, click here. For information on the December 21, 2016, free Ambassadors Program, click here.

Ambassadors Program activities and shore excursions subject to change.