Cruising French Polynesia: Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotus – with Smithsonian Journeys
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for this voyage includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a US $500 onboard credit to be used towards the purchase of excursions and activities in certain ports of call that encourage guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Set sail to discover French Polynesia, considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. From Papeete, we invite you to embark the Paul Gauguin on an 11-day cruise to the heart of idyllic islands and atolls hemmed by stunning clear-water lagoons and surrounded by an exceptional coral reef.
Discover the wonderful Society Islands, with lush rainforests, impossibly clear lagoons, and endless palm trees swaying in the warm breeze.
On Huahine, delight in the incomparable beauty of the island. Spend two days along the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognizable volcanic silhouette. On Moorea, with its hillsides covered with pineapple plantations and luxurious peaks, choose from an array of optional excursions, from whale watching to an off-road safari.
In the Tuamotus, Rangiroa, a gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery, is renowned for the cultivation of its famous black pearls. Be sure to try snorkeling in these natural aquariums where colorful fish, rays, and friendly sharks can be found swimming amid the reefs. Explore the marvelous depths of the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified nature reserve.
Motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented paradise with turquoise waters, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your cruise. Treat yourself to sand between your toes, the shade of swaying palm trees, a sumptuous barbecue lunch, and, of course, drinks sipped from coconuts.
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s coral ellipsis is a narrow stretch of land sitting on a crystal-clear sea. Travellers here are surprised by the immensity of the lagoon, whose colours evoke an infinite palette.The atoll, renowned for its pristine beaches and unspoiled nature, is also known for the Gombessa 2 and 4 expeditions, which focused on the study of camouflage groupers and reef sharks.
A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa, meaning “vast sky” in Polynesian, is very aptly named. The lagoon of the largest atoll in Polynesia is reminiscent of the heavens, imprisoned by hundreds of islets formed by sand that veers from immaculate white to pink. But the beauty of Rangiroa, classed by Captain Cousteau as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, is most evident in its underwater life: you will have the occasion of admiring all the richness of the site on a snorkeling tour or on a glass-bottom boat tour. Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.
Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.
Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.
Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.
Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.
A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Porthole Stateroom
Window Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom C
Balcony Stateroom CS
Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Suite
Grand Suite
Owner's Suite
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 504 feet / 153.6 meters
Passenger Capacity: 330
Paul Gauguin operates as a dedicated South Pacific specialist, built around warm ambience, relaxed sophistication and immersion in Polynesian culture. Its shallow draft allows close access to lagoons, reefs and sheltered anchorages that larger ships cannot reach, anchoring the experience in the region’s landscapes and traditions. Interiors emphasise openness to the horizon, with lounges, promenades and a marina platform creating steady contact with the outdoors. Daily life centres on gastronomy influenced by both French culinary tradition and local flavours, unhurried social spaces, and a calm, international atmosphere that supports easy movement between relaxation and exploration.
The ship carries a maximum of 330 guests across 165 staterooms and suites, balancing intimacy with facilities suited to tropical cruising. Accommodation ranges from porthole staterooms to large owner’s suites, all designed for comfort during long days in the islands. A marina at the stern supports water-based activities, and the Moana Explorer programme adds structured discovery for younger travellers. Combined with attentive crew and region-specific expertise, Paul Gauguin provides a focused, quietly refined platform for exploring the Pacific with consistent proximity to its lagoons, culture and natural rhythms.
Special Offers on Cruising French Polynesia
Online prices reflect the current brochure fare savings of up to 30%. Prices may change based on demand. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Accommodation in stateroom
• The full meal plan
• The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
• Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*
• Activities offered during expedition cruises
• Access to all the common areas on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area
Exclusions
• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
Luxury Small Ship Cruise
Highlights
• A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an onboard credit to be used toward the purchase of excursions and activities in certain ports of call.• Engaging discussions onboard with Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
• Spend an included day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet, complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar.
• Indulge in two days in the Pacific paradise of Bora Bora. In addition to vistas of towering Mount Otemanu, the romantic lagoon, and an unhurried pace of life, our exclusive white-sand beach offers ample places to relax.
• Discover the “infinite lagoon” on Rangiroa, the largest atoll in Polynesia, which is famous for its “wall of sharks”.
• Enjoy two days in Moorea, giving you plenty of time to marvel at mountain peaks and lounge near blue lagoons.
• Visit Fakarava, a UNESCO-classified Nature Reserve and the world’s second-largest lagoon, home to unique flora and fauna, gray sharks, and untouched coral reefs.
• Choose from a complete program of optional excursions in each port of call to further customize your experience (at an additional cost).
• Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board (at an additional cost).
Our Associates Include
