Tahiti & the Society Islands
A 7-night small-luxury cruise round-trip from Papeete aboard the only ship purpose-built for French Polynesia.
8
Days
Year-round
Season
Luxury
Style
From $3,190
From
Paul Gauguin Cruises
m/s Paul Gauguin
Key facts
From
From $3,190
Overview
A journey shaped by conditions, not a script.
m/s Paul Gauguin is the only luxury cruise ship year-round based in Tahiti, with a shallow 5.2m draft that lets it slip into atolls and lagoons larger vessels cannot enter. The signature 7-night Society Islands voyage round-trips from Papeete to Huahine, Taha'a (including time at Motu Mahana — Paul Gauguin's private islet), Bora Bora, and Moorea. The retractable marina at the stern launches kayaks, paddleboards, and watersports directly from the ship.
Year-round Tahiti base — every departure is purpose-built for Polynesia, not a positioning run.
Motu Mahana — Paul Gauguin's private islet in Taha'a — with floating bar and Tahitian barbeque.
Bora Bora and Moorea overnights for iconic peaks and lagoon snorkelling.
Stern marina platform for direct kayak, paddleboard, and swim access from the ship.
Itinerary
Day-by-day route.
Day 1
Papeete
Embark in Papeete in the evening for a welcome dinner as the ship sails into the South Pacific.
Day 2
Huahine
Lush, untouristed Huahine — village walks, rainforest interior, and clear lagoon snorkelling.
Days 3-4
Taha'a · Motu Mahana
Two days at Paul Gauguin's private islet in Taha'a's lagoon — barbeque, floating bar, paddle and snorkel directly from the beach.
Days 5-6
Bora Bora
Anchor in Bora Bora's inner lagoon with two days for ray and shark snorkels, lagoon tours, and Mount Otemanu vistas.
Day 7
Moorea
Cross to Moorea — Cook's and Opunohu Bays, Mount Rotui, and one of the most photogenic skylines in Polynesia.
Day 8
Return to Papeete
Disembark in Papeete for onward travel or a Tahiti land extension.
Inclusions
What is included.
Accommodation, all meals, and 24-hour room service
Open bar throughout the ship and select wines with meals
Watersports from the marina platform — kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear
Gratuities included
Exclusions
What is not included.
International flights to Papeete
Travel insurance
Premium dining venues and select shore excursions
Pre- and post-cruise hotels unless specified
Related
Other polar journeys to compare.
Planning note
Cabin choice matters as much as itinerary.
Deck height, window size, ship movement, dining style, and guide ratio all shape the expedition. We compare those details before recommending a departure.
Plan your expedition
Plan Tahiti & the Society Islands with an expert.
Bring us the ships, routes, or dates you are considering. We will tell you what fits, what does not, and why.