At the end of each day, gather to share stories of your travels and savor five-star cuisine at one of three onboard restaurants, such as L’Etoile, the lovely Polynesian dining room where dinner reservations are never necessary, and the food is always delicious. Equipped with a watersports marina for complimentary kayaking and paddleboarding, this small ship sails to off-the-beaten-path ports, allowing for convenient hiking, cultural excursions, and expertly curated tours. Once it’s time to depart, board the m/s Paul Gauguin, your home for the next week. You can also shop the 155-year-old public market Le Marché de Papeete for crafts, Tahitian pearls, and more.
The vibrant, waterfront city will whet your appetite for the cultural riches and natural beauty to come and you can satisfy immediate cravings by tasting Polynesian flavors, among other diverse culinary influences, from one of the roulottes (food trucks) in Vai’ete Square.
Your South Pacific journey begins in Papeete, the bustling capital of Tahiti which is the largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands. Read on for more about this thrilling journey to uncover the wonder of French Polynesia’s wild side and stimulate your mind with its rich culture. Visit the Society Islands where you’ll discover legends like Bora Bora, Moorea, and more from an unexpected perspective, thanks to the small-ship experience that brings you to smaller, lesser-known ports and the expertise of Paul Gauguin Cruises. Explore the rugged mountains, sacred sites, and artistic past of the volcanic Marquesas Archipelago-located farther away from a continental landmass than any other group of islands in existence.ĭive or snorkel in the Tuamotu’s Fakarava, an island atoll with a renowned underwater wilderness designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. With two weeks in the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands, this epic itinerary with Paul Gauguin Cruises reveals the awe-inspiring natural beauty and heritage of some of the South Pacific’s most fascinating regions at your own pace. And while a vacation to this iconic destination promises to fulfill your tropical island dreams, a trip here can be even more rewarding packed with enough culture and adventure to satisfy the most ambitious globetrotter. The thought of French Polynesia might conjure up images of lazy days, white-sand beaches, and icy coconut cocktails.