Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands

Begin your journey through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands, as you embark on the Paul Gauguin.

Spend the day enjoying the m/s Paul Gauguin's Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, then dine in the evening over classic French cuisine at L'Etoile, one of the ship's two elegant restaurants.

Explore the clear waters of Fakarava, a sanctuary for rare birds, plants and crustaceans in the remote and pristine Tuamotus. You can stroll the pink-sand beaches and perhaps visit the island's black pearl farm or the ruins of the first church in French Polynesia built entirely of coral.

Take another day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific slip by, play some table tennis, or take advantage of the ship's Reading Library.

The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva is wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water's edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges, and luxuriant valleys briefly open to view as the boat glides past, close to the sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.

Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus, and thickly wooded forests. The main town of Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachters, who dock within Traitors Bay. And, Paul Gauguin himself called the town home and is buried on the island.Your explorations today may include the archaeological ruins of the Tiu, ancestors of most of the Hivaoan tribes.

The smallest of the Marquesas archipelago, at only 19 square miles, Tahuata is a leaf-shaped volcanic island with sheer cliffs, white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, twin bays—and a turbulent colonial history. Call at Hapatoni, a charming, seafront village with an ancient paved royal walkway shaded by tamanu trees, visit the huge Catholic church, built by the Vatican and decorated with stunning stained-glass windows and beautiful local carvings, admire traditional carvings at the crafts center, and enjoy fine swimming and snorkeling in the only Marquesas island edged by coral reef.

A charming seafront village, Taiohae is the administrative, economic, educational, and health center of the Marquesas Islands and the gateway to the island of Nuku Hiva’s natural beauty. You'll be enchanted by lush valleys, impossibly blue bays, sky-high waterfalls, and ancient ruins—it’s no wonder Nuku Hiva is called “Mystic Island.”

You'll be at sea for the next two days, with time to relax and enjoy the amenities of the ship. You may elect to visit the award-winning spa, or listen to a lecture by onboard experts.

Known as the “Garden Island” for its untamed, verdant forests, Huahine remains relatively untouched by modern development. Explore some of its abundant archaeological treasures—ancient homes, buildings, and marae (stone platforms that served as places of worship)—excavated and preserved throughout the island, or dive in Huahine's crystalline lagoon, which teems with over 450 species of fish.

Bora Bora's lagoon is a must-see—your chance for a swim, snorkel, or outrigger cruise. The lagoon is constantly replenished with ocean water from the swells that crash between sandy motus (small islets) and over the fringing reef.

Arrive at our South Seas paradise featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. Spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relax with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians.

Moorea's scenery is like a dream. You can try your hand at some exciting optional watersports like scuba diving among a host of interesting sea creatures, including sea turtles, a staggering number of fish species such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, moray eels, trigger fish, rays, and more. At the end of the afternoon, cruise to the home port in Papeete, docking there for the night.

Disembark in Papeete and fly home.