Shore Excursions

The opportunity to experience each destination in the most authentic, in-depth, and meaningful way is the very essence of luxury cruising with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Aboard our luxury vessel, you can choose from a wide array of shore excursions by land and sea that let you discover the dramatic beauty, rich history, and unique culture of your destination up close, in a small group.

To review your options, use the search function below, or view the individual itinerary of your choice through the “Plan Your Trip” online tool.

Please note:  PGC reserves the right to cancel excursions based on booking date should the excursion capacity be lowered by local authorities due to Covid outbreaks.

Shore Excursion Terms & Conditions

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 30 days prior to sailing (with the exception of the Romantic Escapades excursions) and can be added to your booking via the "Manage your trip" online tool. New tours, not previously listed for online sales, may be available onboard without prior notice. If you have questions 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.

Snorkeling Tour
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$117

At the edge of the reef which runs out from Savusavu Bay is a Lighthouse, which gives its name to the famed snorkeling site. Board either the "Island Fever" or the "Island Paradise" and take an enjoyable fast and scenic ride along the inside of the Bay to snorkel amongst beautiful coral and tropical fish in crystal-clear turquoise waters. Savusavu is home to some of the most vibrant and colorful coral in Fiji. There are numerous plate corals, soft spaghetti corals and fish, fish, fish….myriads of black and white sergeant fish as well as clownfish, orange and purple anthias, trumpet fish, pale green damsel fish, humpbacked wrasse and Maori wrasse. The scene takes on the appearance of a tropical aquarium as abundant small fish dart in and out of the striking coral. Giant clams, grouper and parrotfish are also commonly seen in and around the coral formations. Sea turtles frequent the Lighthouse so it is always a treat to see one or two. Occasionally a friendly white-tip reef shark will be seen.

Please note: Please bring your snorkel gear, beach towel and bottled water from the ship. Please wear your swim wear under yourclothes as there are no changing facilities on the boat.

Excursion Code:
SVU-9
  • Bora Bora sunset cruise tour.
Sunset Blue Lagoon Escapade
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$940

Indulge your senses with one of the world’s most beautiful locales during this unforgettable sunset cruise in Bora Bora. Depart the pier aboard a luxury, 23-foot Jeanneau Cap Camarat 715WA motorized boat for a private sunset cruise to Bora Bora’s idyllic lagoon. Along the way, you will be served a bottle of Champagne and refreshments as you watch the afternoon sun fade on the horizon in a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. At the conclusion of your cruise, you will be transferred back to the pier.

Please note: The cost of this tour is per-boat. When pre-requesting this tour online, only select one ticket. Each boat accommodates up to four guests. This is not a Catamaran Sail. Due to safety reasons, only plastic dishware will be used during your cruise.

Excursion Code:
BRB-6802
  • Bora Bora sunset outrigger canoe tour.
Sunset Cruise by Outrigger Canoe
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$130

Board your Polynesian Outrigger Canoe in Vaitape and start your romantic Sunset Cruise inside the lagoon of Pearl of Pacific. The captain of the canoe will play ukulele while you enjoy local fresh fruits and Champagne, soft drinks and local beer watching the sun setting.

Please note: Please bring your camera.

Excursion Code:
BRB-6803
  • Catamaran tour of Moorea.
Sunset Sail
Duration:
1.5 Hours
Cost:
$120

Discover the scenic magnificence of Moorea during a memorable sunset cruise.

Depart the pier aboard a luxurious catamaran, and set sail to Moorea's north coast for a visit to two of French Polynesia's most beautiful bays, Cook's and Opunohu. Enjoy the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of Moorea. You will served a cocktail or a glass of wine while sitting back and taking in the beauty of your surroundings. Following the sunset cruise, you will return to the pier.

Please note: Participants will be required to take off their shoes prior to boarding the catamaran. The boat captain may decide to restrict outside sailing and modify the itinerary depending on prevailing weather conditions, winds, and currents. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Excursion Code:
MOO-6885
Sunset Sail by Catamaran (Bora Bora)
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$120

Depart the pier on a catamaran. Sail around the lagoon of Bora Bora and when the time comes, enjoy a beautiful sunset. Don't forget your camera, as the photo opportunities are amazing, get the best views of the highest peak, Mount Otemanu, as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Please note: The catamaran is fully protected and equipped with two restrooms, shaded area, a sound system, cushions, outside and inside fresh water showers, and ladders to get in and out of the water. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Excursion Code:
BRB-6708
Swallow Cave and Island Getaway
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$92

Vava'u's big island is set in a cluster of nearly 40 smaller islands. The only harbor providing access to Neiafu is considered one of the most picturesque in the Pacific. Your tour will consist of a boat cruise that winds through the harbor to the island of Kapa. The main attraction of Kapa Island is beautiful Swallow's Cave which perforates a cliff at its northern end. The cave is in fact inhabited not by swallows but by hundreds of swift lets that flit about in the dim light and nest in the darkness of the cave's upper reaches. You can only view the swallow cave from outside from your boat unless weather permits you to swim into the cave. Afterwards you will continue to Falevai Mui Houma Beach. With its crystal blue waters and perfect beach, it is one of the most exquisite places on Vava'u Island. You will have time to enjoy a swim in the warm, clear ocean or simply relax on the white, sandy beach.

Please note: Those guests wishing to swim, please bring your swimsuit, cover-up and reef shoes to wear while swimming. Also recommended: snorkel equipment, insect repellent, towel, sun protection and bottled water. The tour is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs. Guests must be in good physical condition. There is no bar, restaurant, sunchairs etc., available on the island. Tour may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

Excursion Code:
VAV-2480
  • Taha'a Black Pearl Farm.
Taha'a Cultural Tour
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$82

After a brief tender boat ride to the pier, you will bemet by your local guide and "Le Truck". You will start exploring this scenic island, known as the Vanilla Island, by first visiting a Vanilla Plantation. You will have a brief tour of the grounds of the plantation and a presentation into farming and cultivation of this precious spice. Afterwards you will continue your guided tour and you will learn about the history, the legends and present-day life of Taha'a. There will be a number of photo stops along the route. Your final stop will be at the 'Motu Pearl Village' where you will find out all about the creation of the Tahitian Black Pearl and enjoy refreshments and local fruits in season. After the visit you will be transferred by boat directly to Motu Mahana.

Please note: The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Restroom facilities at the Motu Pearl Village. Please have local currency with you for any purchases.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2490
  • Informative nature tour of Rarotonga.
Takitumu Conservation Tour
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$135

Nature and bird lovers especially will relish this unique opportunity to explore Rarotonga's exotic bird and plant species during a memorable island conservation tour.

Depart the pier for the transfer to the Conservation Center. Upon arrival, you will begin your guided walking tour. Along the way, you will learn about conservation efforts involving the flycatcher, or kakerori, an indigenous bird found only on Rarotonga. Over the years, the bird's numbers have dwindled as a result of an increase in natural predators. Your visit, along with the visits of many hundreds of others, will provide the landowners with the funds needed to conduct research into various means of preserving and promoting this rare species of bird.

The conservation area is also a tropical rain forest featuring many types of medicinal plants, and you will hear about the many local uses for such herbal remedies.

Following your walking tour, you will be returned to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves 2 hours of walking over uneven terrain and is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Transfer to and from the conservation site will be in air-cooled buses. The tour will start from the gate, and there will be places to rest along the way. There are no restroom stops on this tour. All proceeds from this tour will go toward the Conservation Center.

Excursion Code:
RTG-4897
  • Moorea tour Hike Three Coconut Trail
The Three Coconut Trails of Moorea - Hiking Tour - 8:30 am
Duration:
5 Hours
Cost:
$99

Take in a brisk workout and splendid views of Moorea at the same time during this invigorating hike along the Sister Island's three coconut trails.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the starting point of your hiking tour. Upon arrival, you will proceed through the trails of the Sister Island. Along the way, a stop will be made at the famous Belvedere lookout for panoramic views and photo opportunities over Cook's and Opunohu Bays.

Next, continue on to the ridge separating the 2,887-foot-tall Mouaroa from the 3,960-foot-tall Tohivea. This brisk mountain walk will provide you with an intimate look at Tahiti's natural beauty, as well as offering beautiful views over Vaianae-Haapiti and Mt. Rotui. During your hike, you will learn about the island's flora and fauna and be served some freshly picked fruit. At the conclusion of your hiking tour, you will be transferred back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a very strenuous and lengthy 3-½ mile hike over partly-shaded and uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trail walking/hiking with an elevation gain of 1,171 feet. This tour is recommended for guests in very good physical condition. Operation of this tour is dependent upon favorable weather. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable hiking shoes or hiking boots, wear insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses, and bring a change of socks and bottle of water from the ship.

Excursion Code:
MOO-6905
Trails of the Ancients Trek
Duration:
4 Hours
Cost:
$105

Don't miss this fun, informative, and interactive visit to a relatively little visited side of Tahiti, as onboard lecturer archaeologist Mark Eddowes leads a unique cultural tour of the upland rain forest of Opunohu valley.

Mark Eddowes has worked clearing, mapping, excavating and restoring archaeological sites in the Opunohu valley since the 1980s. He works particularly on the life of the ancient Tahitians in this natural environment, studying their ancient habitation sites, agricultural terrace complexes, stone tool workshops, and ancient temples or marae. The recognized expert on the marae of the Society Islands, Mark will share with you his research results into the history of the temples, the rituals practiced there, and the warrior chiefs associated with them.

You will also learn about the uses in ancient times of the flora and tree species of the island for canoe manufacture, medicinal uses, and the sculpture of ti'i (tiki figures) and traditional house manufacture. Also on the itinerary of this tour are the landing site of Captain James Cook in 1777, the Opunohu agricultural school, and Belvedere lookout point.

Then, follow shady trails within the forest, between the ancient archaeological sites. Your transport will be on the traditional Le Truck, providing vista views and spectacular scenery along the way.

Please note: The forest trails are all downhill but can be slick after rain, and tree roots sometimes cross the trails. Insect repellent is not provided, so please bring your own. Bamboo staffs are provided to give stability if needed. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. A second Tahitian guide is always at the back of the line for any additional aid during the trek. Bring some money, as purchases (organic vanilla, native jam preserves, and real vanilla ice cream!) can be bought at the agricultural school. A small bottle of water is also recommended for the trek. Not recommended for people with heart disease, lung disease, or muscle, joint, or balance problems. Total length of the tour is 4 hours, 2 of which are spent walking the miles through the forest. On Sundays, the Agricultural School is closed.

Excursion Code:
MOO-3419

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