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.

  • Huahine Island Exploration by Pirogue and Safari Truck
Huahine Exploration by Jeep & Boat
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$109

Visit archaeological sites, sacred blue-eyed eels, a black pearl farm, and an easy 40-minute snorkel on this land and sea tour of Huahine.

Your tour will depart the pier by off road vehicle and cross the bridge to Huahine Nui (big Huahine). Head around the majestic bay where the m/s Paul Gauguin is anchored, then ascend the island's steepest road for a spectacular panoramic view over Maroe Bay and take a photo with the ship in the background. After, a stop will be made to feed the sacred giant blue-eyed eels that live in the stream running through the village of Faie.

Continue your adventure along the lake Fauna Nui to Maeva, the most extensive archaeological site in the Pacific. Here, you will see stone temples and ancient fish traps still in use today restored by archaeologists. Afterwards, take a short Polynesian outrigger canoe trip to visit "Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery", where you will learn the secrets of the black pearl and see their unique blue pottery made with a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming. The pottery is available for purchase, and refreshments will be served at the pearl farm. Cruise the lagoon for a short trip on a regular boat and a snorkel stop to Motu Te Tiare. Enjoy the turquoise lagoon and tropical fish with your experienced local guide. Return to the pier with spectacular views of the island.

The snorkeling stop is for all levels of experience, and people can start in shallow water to go as far out as comfortable.

Please note: the tour has limited capacity and can start in reverse order, with the boat and snorkel stop first. Guests may choose their starting preference (Jeep or boat) depending on availability. Restrooms are available at the Pearl Farm Marina.

Excursion Code:
HHN-6224
  • Jeep 4x4 tour of Huahine Island.
Huahine Iti by 4x4
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$95

The island equivalent to the Garden of Eden, Huahine Iti is an immense tropical jungle thriving with coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, banana groves, breadfruit trees and watermelon fields. Beyond its lush landscapes and bright blooms, Huahine is also a culturally preserved sanctuary with sacred temples hidden throughout dense vegetation. This tranquil paradise will seduce you with her whitesand beaches of Avea Bay, coral islets dotting an azure blue lagoon and luxurious mountains covered with magnificent foliage making her an idyllic garden paradise. It is covered with plantations and a wealth of beautiful plants, fruits and flowers and is also home to one of the most amazing white sand beaches in French Polynesia.

During this 4x4 tour you will be introduced to Huahine Iti, the more sensual and smaller of Huahine's two islands. There will be numerous stops along the way for panoramic views across the island, the bays and the surrounding lagoon and motus of Topati's and Murimahora. Visits to a vanilla and tropical fruit plantation and to the Marae Anini are included. A brief stop at a beach in Avea Bay is included for a dip in the lagoon and for refreshments (choice of soda, fruit juice or beer). Continue the tour 'off-road' into the Parea Valley for a drive over bumpy road through lush jungle before returning to the pier in Maroe.

Please note: Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over rough non-paved roads. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions. Please bring cash as there will be an opportunity to buy vanilla and additional refreshments on the beach. Please wear/bring your swimwear and beach towel should you wish to have a swim at the beach.

Excursion Code:
HHN-6226
Huahine Iti by Ebike
Duration:
4 Hours
Cost:
$85

Departing from Maroe pier after your brief refresh course on how to handle an ebike, you will head toward the eastern part of Huahine Iti with the goal of completing the 27km around the smaller Huahine Island with your guide providing you explanations. During your tour, several stops will be proposed with different viewpoints. You will discover the archaeological site (marae) Anini as well as a visit to a traditional pareo painting workshop. You will then head to Avea bay and the Mahana hotel for a moment of relaxation, snorkeling, swimming on its magnificent white sand beach. Fresh seasonal fruits and water will be provided during your tour.

Please note: Bring snorkeling gear, swimsuit, sunscreen and towel. Dress comfortably.

Excursion Code:
HHN-2022
  • Scenic tour of Huahine Nui by Jeep 4x4.
Huahine Safari Expedition
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$95

Discover the beauty of Huahine on this 4x4 tour of the island. Depart the pier by off-road vehicle for the drive to Huahine Nui. Stop at the "Bellevue" View Point and capture beautiful photos of Maroe Bay and the m/s Paul Gauguin. Visit the village of Faie, and the sacred blue-eyed eels who reside there.

Next, take a short Polynesian outrigger canoe trip to visit, "Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery" where you will learn the secrets of the black pearl and see Polynesian pottery made with a glaze found at the bottom of the lagoon while pearl farming. The pottery is available for purchase and refreshments will be served during the visit.

Continue on to Maeva, the island's most important marae (archaeological site). Drive along Lake Fauna Nui and see the ancient fish traps, restored by the local archaeologists and still in use today before returning via scenic road to the pier. On the way back, you will pass through the village of Fare, the main village of Huahine.

Please note: Although the off-road vehicle will remain on the main road for most of the drive, this tour also involves travel over non-paved roads with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness, or guests with limited mobility. Order of visits may be reversed and itinerary amended depending on weather conditions.

Excursion Code:
HHN-6225
  • A scenic drive through Moorea.
Island Drive & Belvedere
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$49

Explore Moorea's exquisite beauty and day-to-day Polynesian lifestyle during this scenic orientation drive around the island. Depart the pier for a scenic and relaxing drive around Moorea. The distance around this idyllic island is approximately 38 miles (62 kilometers), and your ride offers many spectacular sites and photo opportunities. You will ride past pineapple fields and visit an ancient Tahitian stone temple, or marae, en route to Belvedere. At the summit, take in magnificent views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mt. Rotui. Your ride continues on through the village of Papetoai and past the nearby tombs of the first missionaries. Your coach will return to the pier via the other side of the island. Along the way, you will passthrough the districts of Haapiti and Afareitu, then make a photo stop at the Ia Ora lookout point before arriving at the pier. And enjoy your guide's commentary about the daily lives of the Polynesian island residents all along the way.

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary. Limited restroom stops. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness. The guides commentary features information pertaining to daily living in Moorea; but does not include historical, cultural, or political facts or details.

Excursion Code:
MOO-1794
Island Tour and Snorkeling (per boat)
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$835

Experience the beauty of Huahine from above and below the water during this snorkeling and cruise adventure. Depart the pier by private boat and discover the beauty of Huahine as you cruise around the island. Along the way, you will stop to visit a black pearl farm and learn about the creation and the beauty of these famous Tahitian gems. You will then continue your cruise to a beautiful coral garden, where you will don your snorkeling equipment and enter the water for up-close views of the amazing and colorful marine life that frequents the reef. Enjoy refreshments on your ride back to the pier.

Please note: The cost of this tour is per boat, which can accommodate up to four guests. When requesting online, please select only one ticket per boat. Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover up, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and to bring a towel from the ship. Snorkeling equipment, fins, and life vests are available at the ship’s onboard watersports marina.

Excursion Code:
HHN-2021
Island Tour by Waverunner
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$265

Experience Huahine's wild beauty in an exciting new wayduring this fun-filled waverunner adventure. Depart the pier and transfer to the launching point in Fare, Huahine's main village. After your guide gives you safety and riding instructions, you'll enjoy a waverunner ride of about an hour in the lagoon, admiring Huahine's magnificent landscape from the perspective of the water. You'll also have time to stop for a swim before returning to the waverunner launching point for your transfer back to the pier.

Please note: Operation of this tour is dependent upon weather and water conditions. This tour is priced per wave-runner, which will accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total). When requesting online, please select only one ticket per waverunner. Participants must wear the life jacket provided, remain in line, and follow thirty yards behind the waverunner in front of them. The minimum age for participating in this tour is 15 years old to drive and 5 years old to ride as a passenger (depending on weather conditions). Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and to bring a towel from the ship. Each waverunner has a small storage compartment.

Excursion Code:
HHN-2020
Lagoon & Ocean Tour
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$180

Discover the marine riches of the island on a tour dedicated to the research and observation of dolphins and sharks in Moorea. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and swim with these graceful and curious animals and realize that man and these predators can live in harmony. Some dolphins are visible in the passes, at the entrance of the bays, others in the open ocean. On the other side of the barrier reef on the oceanic drop you can evolve with gray sharks, lemon sharks and turtles always supervised by your guides. Refreshments will be available during the tour. Participation is limited to 6 pax maximum.

Please note: Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel and snorkel gear from the ship.

Excursion Code:
MOO-1801
  • Lagoon cruise and snorkel tour of Huahine.
Lagoon Cruise & Snorkeling
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$109

- Experience Huahine's beautiful lagoon and landscapes on this boat cruise and snorkeling excursion. Depart the pier by outrigger canoe (motorized). Upon arrival to the snorkeling spot you will receive safety and snorkeling instructions before entering the water with abundant fish, coral and marine life. Sample coconuts, fresh season fruits and refreshments. Transfer back to the pier.

Please note: The tour is recommended for experienced snorkelers who are comfortable entering the lagoon directly from the boat, and snorkeling in deep water where currents are common. Snorkeling equipment, fins and life vests are available at the Marina from the ship. The boat capacity depends on the group size.

Excursion Code:
HHN-2026
  • Cruise the beautiful lagoon of Aitutaki.
Lagoon Cruise with Beach Break
Duration:
6 Hours
Cost:
$166

Aitutaki's deep-blue lagoon is considered to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Part volcanic and part atoll, the island's geographical structure makes this lagoon unique. This tour gives you the opportunity to experience the best Aitutaki has to offer in the short time available during your visit.

Board your boat (types and sizes vary) and cruise through the lagoon, visiting offshore motus. At One Foot Island, you'll stop for a lunch of barbequed fish, salads, and fresh fruit. After lunch, enjoy approximately 2 hours to relax or snorkel.

Please note: Wear your swimsuit under a cover up and reef shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. This boat tour involves a wet landing. There is a cash bar on the island for those who wish to purchase beverages. Guests wishing to obtain a One Foot Island stamp should bring their passports with them. There is a fee of USD $2 for the stamp.

Excursion Code:
AIT-6772

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