Touted as one of the world's best luxury South Pacific cruise providers, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates an award-winning small-ship cruise experience. Discover the difference of cruising with purpose as you discover authentic Polynesia.

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years of experience creating, leading, and voyaging on expeditions around the globe.

• We Are Travellers. We've led small ship cruises to some of the world's most remote and fascinating places – and we love sharing our knowledge with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our recommendations are based on personal experience, helping us match you with the small ship and itinerary that best suit your needs.

• Widest Choice. We offer over 2,000 itineraries on more than 250 small ships, and there are few vessels or destinations we haven’t experienced first-hand.

• Pay in Your Currency. Choose to pay in AUD, NZD, USD, EUR or GBP – aligned with the ship operator’s currency to avoid extra fees. As a trusted Australasian company, we provide a secure and tailored booking process.

• Personalised Service. From packing lists to pre- and post-cruise transfers and accommodation, we ensure you’re fully prepared. Some voyages also offer optional add-on activities.

• We Know French Polynesia and Paul Gauguin. From Tahiti to Tuamotus, sightseeing to snorkelling, we have firsthand experience cruising French Polynesia aboard Paul Gauguin and are perfectly placed to find the right trip for you! 

Purpose Built Ship

Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser's dream. She delivers travellers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguin and Les Gauguines-local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers. More about Paul Gauguin here

A Cultural Exploration

Paul Gauguin Cruises was created with the intent to provide enjoyable and meaningful travel experiences to this unique part of the planet. Great care is not only given to guests, but the communities, cultures and natural wonders that make Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific so alluring.

Participating in French Polynesia's many rich traditions leads to deeper, more meaningful connections, and Paul Gauguin strives to infuse the Polynesian spirit into every aspect of its cruises, for example:

• Cultural experts share their knowledge onboard through dynamic and entertaining lectures and presentations

• Cultural ambassadors, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins, welcome guests to experience the local way of life

• Guests have ample opportunities to delve into the culture: learn to weave a hei from freshly-plucked flowers; join in on traditional dance performances; and learn to strum a ukulele.

• Experience regional cuisine like moonfish and traditional roasted suckling pig, on board and on optional shore excursions

• Enhance weddings, anniversaries, and vow renewals with a traditional Polynesian blessing ceremony

Caring for the Environment

Paul Gauguin cruises share the French Polynesians' deep respect for our vast blue oceans, and their commitment to eco-friendly operations guides our activities both on and off the ship.

• Through their partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, Paul Gauguin cruises offer the Moana Explorer program which invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-15, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures.

• Attend a presentation on select voyages where celebrated marine biologists, oceanographers, conservationists, and cultural experts share their knowledge through dynamic presentations and Q&A sessions.

• Explore the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity up close through an optional SCUBA excursion or certification course, where grey reef sharks, giant octopi, and kaleidoscopic parrotfish can be spotted.

Caring for People

Paul Gauguin cruises believe in sustainable travel that benefits both guests and island communities alike. The cruises are designed to give back to local peoples and support local businesses.

• Experience Tonga's bygone traditions through live demonstrations, like weaving clothing from bark in the local botanical garden, while learning about ongoing plant conservation efforts.

• Get a taste for Polynesian life today by visiting a local marketplace, where you can find authentic souvenirs to bring back home.

• Explore vestiges of marae (ancient temples) and stroll through pineapple plantations on an excursion with a local guide whose personal insight and stories will provide you with deeper understanding.

• Journey to a small black pearl farm, where you will learn firsthand about local oysters and the process of cultivating one of the world's favorite jewelry items.

If you'd like to learn about some of our other French Polynesia itineraries, please click here. You may also be interested in other cruising destinations within the region including the South Pacific, Indonesia and Melanesia or South East Asia.

Alaska • Antarctica • Antarctica Express • Asia • Asia River Cruises • Australia • British Isles • Canadian Arctic & Northwest Passage • Central America • Chatham Islands (New Zealand) • Classic Antarctica • Europe • Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle • Fiordland & Stewart Island (New Zealand) • French Polynesia • Galapagos Islands • Great American Waterways • Greenland & Iceland • India • Indian Ocean • Indonesia • Japan • Kimberley Coast (Australia) • New Zealand • North Pole • Northern Europe • Northern Lights • Norway • Patagonia • Ross Sea • Sailing Adventures • Scandinavia • South East Asia • South Pacific • Spitsbergen • Subantarctic Islands • Tasmania & South Australia • The Adriatic • The Arctic • The Mediterranean • USA • West Coast USA