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.

  • Snorkel tour of Moorea.
Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$105

Experience the beauty of Cook's and Opunohu Bays from above and below the water during this snorkeling and beach adventure aboard a modern covered boat. Depart the pier aboard a comfortable and modern boat featuring covered areas designed to protect you from the direct rays of the sun. As you cruise along these majestic bays, your captain will inform you about the legends, geography, and flora and fauna of Moorea.

Next, you will continue on to a gorgeous sandy islet surrounded by transparent turquoise waters that are shallow enough to walk comfortably in the sea. Upon arrival, you will have a rare opportunity to feed the awaiting rays; they will gracefully glide around you in exchange for a piece of fish.

Your tour will conclude with a stop at another uninhabited islet nearby. Here, you will be served refreshments and have an opportunity to explore the beach and swim. You will also be invited to go snorkeling in water 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) deep. Snorkeling is performed in the shallow waters off the boat, providing an excellent opportunity for both experienced snorkelers and beginners. The boat's ladders extend deep into the water, making it easy to embark and disembark the craft.

Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier.

Please note: This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests must be comfortable wearing the snorkeling equipment provided for this tour. The snorkeling locations selected may vary depending upon lagoon conditions that include current and visibility. Wear a swimsuit under a cover up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a towel as well as your snorkel gear from the ship.

Excursion Code:
MOO-2235
Lagoon Excursion & Polynesian Feast
Duration:
5 Hours
Cost:
$209

Lagoon tour of Bora Bora in a traditional outrigger canoe (motorized), with ukulele animation and narration on culture, history and nature of Bora Bora. The lagoon tour includes three stops. The first one is for snorkeling in a coral garden, where visitors can discover many different colorful fish, corals, and many other inhabitants of a wonderful natural ecosystem. The guide accompanies the visitors in the water. The second stop is the visit of the stingrays in shallow water. These rays are tamed since more than 20 years. The approach is gentle and respectful, keeping in mind preservation of nature. The last stop is on the ocean side, for the observation of black tip reef sharks. After the morning of snorkelling, Polynesian feast is served on a private island (motu). Lunch is cooked in a traditional earth oven made with volcanic rocks, and covered by banana leaves. The guests watch the opening of the oven, and listen to the explanations of the guide. The table is set in the lagoon, with an umbrella to protect guests from the sun. On the menu: suckling pig, chicken with local spinach, manioc, plantain bananas, bread fruit, raw fish salad with coconut milk, and finally a traditional dessert made with bananas and vanilla, as well as fresh tropical fruits. Alternatively the Polynesian lunch can be replaced by a BBQ: fish, chicken, spiny lobster (subject to availability), polynesian vegetables, raw fish salad with coconut milk, tropical fruits. The lunch comes with a good bottle of Moët and Chandon champagne, or red/white wine depending on the guests' preference.

Please note: For great memories, the underwater camera is recommended. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a towel and your snorkel equipment from the ship.

Excursion Code:
BRB-1602
Lagoon Excursion with Maohi Nui
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$119

Lagoon tour of Bora Bora in a traditional outrigger canoe (motorized), with ukulele animation and narration on culture, history and nature of Bora Bora. Leaves and flowers decorate the canoe and protect the visitors from the sun. In case of rain, raincoats are also at one's disposal. To enhance comfort, cushions cover the wooden seats. The guides have a long and rich experience as boat captains, guides and musicians. The lagoon tour includes three stops. The first one is for snorkeling in a coral garden, where visitors can discover many different colorful fish, corals, and many other inhabitants of a wonderful natural ecosystem. The guide accompanies the visitors in the water. The second stop is the visit of the stingrays in shallow water. These rays are tamed since more than 20 years. The approach is gentle and respectful, keeping in mind preservation of nature. The last stop is on the ocean side, for the observation of black tip reef sharks.

Please note: For great memories, the underwater camera is recommended. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a towel and your snorkel equipment from the ship.

Excursion Code:
BRB-1603
Lagoonarium - Open-Air Aquarium Snorkeling Experience
Duration:
3.5 Hours
Cost:
$109

Experience Bora Bora’s fascinating marine life from up-close during this unique snorkeling safari in an open-air aquarium.

Depart the pier in Vaitape aboard an outrigger canoe for a scenic ride that circumnavigates the Bora Bora lagoon (weather permitting). You will then continue on to the Lagoonarium, which offers an abundance of marine life and a beach with a beautiful view of the island. Upon arrival, enjoy an opportunity to swim in separate enclosed areas.

During your visit, you will also participate in up-close encounters with marine life, including sharks, rays, jack fish, turtles, parrot fish, and more. Snorkeling begins from the beach in shallow water ranging in depth from 3-10 feet and is suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers. Your local guides will show you how to carefully approach the marine life during this incredible underwater experience.

After your time in the water, you will be served fresh fruit and spend some time relaxing on the beach before heading back to the pier.

Please note: Because the outrigger canoes are uncovered, the ride can be extremely sunny or wet from spray or rain. At times, transfer is by car & boat. Guests exiting the canoe must use the ladder on the south side and walk in shallow water back to the beach. A small souvenir shop is available on the island, and all purchases are cash only; U.S. dollars or Pacific Francs are accepted here. Changing facilities, a sitting area and basic restrooms are also available. Wear reef shoes and a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition.

Excursion Code:
BRB-1605
  • Tour of the Molituva village fort.
Molituva Village Tour
Duration:
4 Hours
Cost:
$129

Molituva is an old village fort that was the dwelling place of one of Fiji’s most fiercest and feared warriors. Touring the ruins of this great fort one could envisage the lives of these greater fighters. The dug out moats still visible and to walk the maze of tracks build by the warriors is indeed an experience that is not easily forgotten.

The Molituva tour takes you back in time and you can feel the eerie feeling as if you were there in those primitive days when witnessing the strewn old pottery, stone axes and traded steel axes dated back to the 13th Century. On arrival, you will be met and greeted with a serenade, then you will be informed on the village protocol that needs to be observed. Fully dressed warriors and traditionally dressed women escort you to the Village hall, where you can observe the different activities performed such as husking and scraping coconuts, weaving baskets and mats…Observe a traditional sevusevu ceremony as well as the traditional meke and re-enactment of tribal wars by warriors as they invade the village arena. Farewell songs will escort you back to your coaches.

On your way back to the pier, enjoy a panoramic drive through town, passing by the President’s Residence, Mormon Temple and various official residences of foreign consulates.This excursion only operates on 19 September 2019.

Wear cool clothing, such as shorts/skirt and a polo or T-shirt. Bring your camera and some change for souvenirs.

Excursion Code:
SUV-16
Moorea by Catajets
Duration:
2 Hours
Cost:
$299

Get an up-close look at Tahiti's idyllic beauty from above and below sea level during this catajet and snorkeling adventure in Moorea.

Depart the pier for the boat transfer to the base. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety and riding instructions from your guide, then embark your two-seat catajet for a 1.5-hour ride in an idyllic lagoon on Moorea. Led by your guide at an easy speed, you will take in panoramic views of the East Coast and Cook and Opunohu Bays, or the West Coast (weather permitting).

Next, a stop will be made for snorkeling in the shallow waters. After putting on your mask, fins and snorkel, you will explore the beauty of the tropical fish and coral formations. Your adventure will continue with a stop on a sand bar, where you will have an opportunity to play with stingrays. Following refreshments, you will return to the catajet base, then be transferred back to the pier.

This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems, or guests with limited mobility. Each catajet is equipped with a fabric Bimini roof, and a small cooler. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. Since there is no dry compartment, waterproof cameras are recommended. Lifejackets are mandatory. This is a guided tour, and participants are required to follow their guide and instructions. The minimum age to drive a catajet is 16 years old; children participating on this tour must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must be able to swim independently.

The price is per catajet, which can accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total). When requesting online or via fax, please select only one ticket.

Excursion Code:
MOO-6970
  • Ancient Aitutaki Ruins called Marae.
Motu Picnic
Duration:
6 Hours
Cost:
$139

Your boat will pick you up from the pier for a brief ride to a snorkeling spot in the beautiful lagoon of Huahine. Here you will have ample time to enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters with tropical fish. Next your boat ride will continue to the private Motu Murimahora. Delicious lunch (including water, tropical juices and beer) will be accompanied by a local music entertainment on the motu. Afterwards there will be free time to enjoy this peaceful and picturesque motu.

Please note: Please bring your snorkel equipment, beach towel, sunscreen and sunglasses from the ship.

Excursion Code:
HHN-2027
Muri Lagoon Cruise
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$119

Rarotonga’s spectacular tropical beauty and marine life are yours to discover during this scenic and memorable cruise on the Muri Lagoon.

Depart the pier for the transfer to the Muri, Rarotonga’s inner lagoon. Upon arrival, you will embark a glass-bottom boat and begin your cruise. Along the way, you will observe a myriad of colorful coral and fish. More adventurous guests will have an opportunity to go snorkeling among the schools of tropical fish. The fish are extremely tame and used to swimmers, and will take food from your hand.

Following your cruise, you will be transferred back to the ship.

Please note: Wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. The boat is covered and features a water-access ladder. There are no restroom facilities on the boat. Snorkeling equipment will be provided.

Excursion Code:
RTG-4902
Nakawaqa Waterfall & Rainforest
Duration:
3 Hours
Cost:
$115

Your day begins with a 40 to 50 minute drive along the cross island road to Nakawaqa Rainforest located on the northeastern part of Savusavu town. Guests are welcomed on arrival by the villagers and escorted to the waterfall following trails in the rainforest.

Please note the weather condition can change the activity level of the tour. Normally 30 minutes trek in the forest from and to the waterfall. If affected by rain, the trail may become slippery and the tour is recommended for guests with good physical condition.

Choose one of the three pools to have a dip or refreshing swim. Wainiliku Creek is surrounded by 200 acres of virgin tropical rainforest with huge indigenous trees and other species. The walk to the falls is under the shade of the forest canopy.Return to the waiting area for fruit refreshments and browse amongst the local village handicrafts before boarding the bus to return to Savusavu.

Please note: Wear shorts/skirts and Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your cameras and cash for those who may want to shop or purchase souvenirs.

Excursion Code:
SVU-3
  • A view of Nadi Bay Fiji from the Nausori Highlands
Nausori Highland Tour
Duration:
4.5 Hours
Cost:
$135

Depart Lautoka Wharf and drive through Queen's highway, passing residents, villagers, and sugarcane fields. Then, turn off the highway through the outskirts of Nadi, and travel through sugarcane plantations winding your way up the hills to Nausori. Arrive at the height of the highlands for a view of Nadi Bay through to the Mamanuca group of islands. You will receive refreshments at the lookout. After refreshments, depart for the heights for Nausori Village, where guests observe a Kava ceremony, enjoy a village tour and afternoon tea. Depart Nausori Village for Lautoka Pier via the Nadi Hindu temple.

Please note: Recommended dress code is shorts/skirts with Polo or T-shirts, something cool. Bring along your camera and currency for purchasing souvenirs.

Tour is offered on the day of disembarkation only. LAU-022 offers a drop at Nadi and Denarau - $135 LAU-022B offers a drop at at the InterContinental Resort Fiji - $165

Tour is not offered on the reverse itinerary, Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Island or the Fiji to Bali itinerary.

Excursion Code:
LAU-022

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