Choosing the Best Paul Gauguin Cruise Itinerary in Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and the Marquesas

In the world of small-ship cruising, few itineraries inspire as much dream-fueled planning as those of Paul Gauguin Cruises. Sailing year-round in French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific, the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin has built an almost cult following around its deeply immersive routes to Tahiti, Bora Bora, the remote Marquesas, and beyond. With 2026 and 2027 voyages now open for booking, this is an ideal moment to look closely at the best Paul Gauguin itineraries and how to choose the perfect route for your South Pacific escape.

Understanding Paul Gauguin’s South Pacific Focus

Paul Gauguin Cruises is unusual among ocean lines in that it bases a single ship in French Polynesia year-round. That tight geographic focus translates into itineraries that are highly refined, with repeated calls at the most spectacular islands and carefully timed overnights to showcase signature lagoons and volcanic peaks at their best. Rather than racing between continents, these voyages are about depth, return visits to iconic isles, and long days spent at anchor near coral-fringed motus.

For 2026, the line will operate 38 voyages centered on seven- to fourteen-night itineraries. Nearly half are seven-night journeys through the Society Islands, while longer 10-, 11- and 14-night cruises reach the Tuamotu atolls, the seldom-visited Marquesas, and the Cook Islands. Each itinerary is a variation on a core theme: Tahitian warmth, turquoise water, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and access to tiny communities that rarely see larger ships.

Why Choose Paul Gauguin for Tahiti and Beyond

The appeal of these itineraries goes well beyond scenery. The ship’s modest size allows access to shallow lagoons and smaller ports, while the onboard team of Polynesian hosts offers daily cultural encounters, from ukulele music and dance lessons to craft demonstrations. The line also operates private beach experiences, including a motu off Bora Bora and Motu Mahana near Taha’a, that are integrated into many sailings.

Most voyages are round trips from Papeete in Tahiti, and many guests arrive via package air arrangements from Los Angeles, simplifying logistics. Once aboard, open-bar service, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are typically included, which helps clarify the real cost of a South Pacific cruise compared with resort stays on land.

The Signature Seven-Night Tahiti & Society Islands Itinerary

For first-time visitors to French Polynesia, the seven-night “Tahiti & the Society Islands” itinerary is the essential introduction. Operating on multiple dates in 2026 and 2027, it offers a compact circuit from Papeete that combines marquee names like Bora Bora and Moorea with more low-key islands such as Huahine and the private-islet stop at Motu Mahana off Taha’a.

This route balances sea days and port time, including coveted overnights in Bora Bora and Moorea, providing ample opportunity to explore ashore, snorkel in lagoons, and simply watch the play of light at sunrise and sunset over jagged green peaks.

Tahiti: Gateway to the South Pacific

Every itinerary begins and ends in Tahiti, the hub of French Polynesia and home to the capital, Papeete. Guests typically join the ship in the evening, giving a taste of the island’s urban energy before sailing to quieter isles. Markets, food trucks, and a lively waterfront frame the harbor where the Paul Gauguin is docked, offering a contrast to the remoteness that lies ahead.

Travelers who have the flexibility are wise to arrive in Tahiti a day early. Jet lag from long-haul flights can be significant, and a pre-cruise night in a local resort makes it easier to adjust to the climate and time zone, while also allowing time for a circle-island tour or a visit to waterfalls in Tahiti’s lush interior valleys.

Huahine: Laid-Back Lagoon Paradise

On this itinerary, Huahine is often the first island call, setting a relaxed tone. Less developed than Bora Bora or Moorea, Huahine is known for its sprawling lagoon, small villages, and some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia. The island is divided into Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, linked by a narrow bridge, and road circuits reveal breadfruit trees, vanilla plantations, and fish traps dating from ancient times.

Excursions frequently focus on snorkeling in the lagoon, cultural tours by 4x4, or motu picnics that combine grilled seafood with time for swimming in clear shallows. For many guests, Huahine offers the most “unplugged” feel of the voyage, with slower rhythms and fewer crowds than some of the more famous islands.

Taha’a & Motu Mahana: A Private-Islet Beach Day

Taha’a, often reached by tender while the ship anchors nearby, is celebrated for its vanilla farms and tranquil, coral-ringed lagoon. Yet for Paul Gauguin guests, the highlight is frequently Motu Mahana, the line’s private islet off Taha’a’s coast. Here the crew stages a South Pacific beach day with barbecues, tropical drinks served in coconuts, live music, and plenty of shaded seating under palm trees.

The shallow waters around the motu are ideal for snorkeling and paddle sports, while those who prefer relaxation can spend hours simply floating in the warm lagoon. This day also provides a chance to interact informally with the onboard Polynesian hosts, who often demonstrate crafts or lead dances in the sand.

Bora Bora: Iconic Peaks and Turquoise Lagoon

Any list of dream destinations in the South Pacific includes Bora Bora, and the seven-night itinerary acknowledges that by staying for two days and one or more nights. The island’s emerald peak, Mount Otemanu, rises sharply from a luminous lagoon, and the sheltered anchorages allow for tender rides to motu beaches, dive sites, and resort piers.

Typical excursions span lagoon snorkel safaris, shark and ray encounters, jet-boat rides at sunset, helicopter flights over the island’s ring-shaped reef, and lazy afternoons on Paul Gauguin’s private Bora Bora motu when conditions allow. Even guests who remain on board enjoy the views as shifting clouds and changing light remake the island’s silhouette hour by hour.

Moorea: Mountain Drama and Village Life

Moorea, a short sail from Tahiti, is often the final island before returning to Papeete, and Paul Gauguin’s itineraries typically include an overnight stay to provide nearly two full days at the island. Two deeply indented bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, cut into the mountains, creating cinematic backdrops that have inspired authors and painters for generations.

Shore experiences range from dolphin-watching with marine biologists and snorkeling tours to inland 4x4 rides up to viewpoints overlooking the bays. Many travelers opt to visit pineapple plantations or sample local fruit juices and preserves, while others simply find a quiet stretch of beach for swimming and reflection before the voyage concludes.

Cook Islands & Society Islands: Two Nations, One Voyage

For guests seeking greater variety without committing to a two-week cruise, the 11-night “Cook Islands & Society Islands” itinerary is one of the most compelling options in the Paul Gauguin portfolio. Sailing round trip from Papeete, these voyages add Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands to familiar Society Islands favorites such as Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Moorea.

This route appeals to repeat visitors to Tahiti who want to extend their reach into another South Pacific nation, as well as to first-timers who prefer a more wide-ranging exploration while still enjoying multiple days in Bora Bora and Moorea. Departures are scheduled across 2026 and 2027, giving North American and European travelers flexibility in choosing a season.

Aitutaki: A Lagoon of Almost Unreal Blues

Aitutaki is the Cook Islands’ signature lagoon destination, often ranked among the world’s most spectacular atolls. On Paul Gauguin itineraries, the ship’s call provides access to small-boat tours that thread among low coral islets, many ringed by sandbars where the water barely reaches the knee. The luminous, pale-turquoise shallows here are a favorite of photographers and honeymooners.

Guides typically lead guests to motus such as One Foot Island, where visitors can swim, snorkel over coral bommies, and enjoy picnics on the sand. The infrastructure is modest, which is part of the charm: the emphasis is firmly on sea, sky, and the sensation of being far from major shipping lanes.

Rarotonga: Rugged Island, Emerging Food Scene

Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, offers a different mood. It is larger and more rugged than Aitutaki, with a ring road encircling steep green peaks. While still far from urban, Rarotonga has a growing culinary scene, with cafes, food trucks, and small restaurants showcasing local fish, tropical fruits, and Polynesian-influenced dishes.

Time ashore can include cross-island hikes into the interior, snorkeling on the fringing reef, visits to markets selling pareu fabrics and black pearl jewelry, or simply a leisurely scooter ride around the coastal road. For many travelers, the combination of cultural life and natural beauty makes Rarotonga an unexpected highlight.

Society Islands Favorites: Bora Bora, Taha’a, Moorea, and Huahine

The Cook Islands voyages still devote ample time to the Societies, often featuring two days in Bora Bora, a private-islet day at Motu Mahana near Taha’a, and calls at Moorea and Huahine. In practice, this means that guests who choose the 11-night itinerary are not sacrificing time in French Polynesia’s icons to make room for the Cook Islands additions.

Instead, the experience feels like a layered journey: a first act of Cook Islands atolls and food culture, followed by a second act of classic Tahitian peaks and lagoons. This makes the 11-night route particularly attractive to travelers who may visit the region only once and want a broad sampling without changing ships or hotels.

Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands: The Ultimate Two-Week Expedition

For serious South Pacific aficionados, the 14-night “Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands” itinerary stands as the crown jewel of the Paul Gauguin program. These voyages, operating round trip from Tahiti with multiple departures in 2026, stitch together three distinct Polynesian worlds: the low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotus, the remote and mountainous Marquesas, and the better-known Society Islands.

With port calls at Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, and stops at Bora Bora, Huahine, Motu Mahana, Moorea, and Tahiti, this itinerary reads like a South Pacific atlas brought to life. Longer sea passages between archipelagos are offset by intensive days ashore once the ship arrives, often with evening departures that capture sunset light on the cliffs and peaks.

Fakarava and Rangiroa: World-Class Atolls for Divers

The Tuamotus are famed among divers for clear passes where incoming tides sweep along sharks, rays, and clouds of reef fish. Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Rangiroa, one of the world’s largest atolls, are regular calls on these two-week voyages. Here, local operators guide scuba divers and snorkelers through channels where encounters with schooling gray reef sharks and colorful corals are common.

Non-divers are not left out. Village walks, glass-bottom boat tours, and simple beach time on the motus offer quieter ways to appreciate the atolls. The contrast with the high, volcanic islands of the Societies and Marquesas is striking: the horizon is low and flat, the water shades almost impossibly vivid.

The Marquesas: Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva

Reaching the Marquesas requires more time at sea, but the payoff is immense. These islands are among the most remote in French Polynesia, located far to the northeast of Tahiti and largely untouched by big-ship tourism. The Paul Gauguin’s route typically includes Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva, each with its own distinct character.

On Fatu Hiva, towering cliffs plunge into the sea, and deep bays create some of the South Pacific’s most dramatic anchorages. Hiva Oa, associated with artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, features cultural sites and cemeteries that attract history enthusiasts. Tahuata, a small volcanic island whose name translates as “sunrise,” welcomes visitors to the village of Hapatoni, where artisans carve tikis and jewelry from local woods and bone. Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas, invites exploration by 4x4 into valleys rich with banyan trees and archaeological remains.

Society Islands Encore: Bora Bora, Huahine, Motu Mahana, and Moorea

After the rugged cliffs of the Marquesas and the low coral rings of the Tuamotus, returning to the Society Islands at the end of the two-week voyage feels like a reunion with old friends. Bora Bora’s lagoon, Huahine’s serene bays, the private-day experience at Motu Mahana, and Moorea’s jagged peaks provide a soft landing after days spent in some of Polynesia’s most remote outposts.

By this stage of the voyage, guests tend to move at an unhurried pace, often choosing to revisit favorite activities rather than accumulate new excursions. Many spend long hours simply watching the islands from the ship’s decks, reflecting on how the different archipelagos relate to each other in culture, language, and landscape.

Other Notable Paul Gauguin Routes in Tahiti and Beyond

While the Society Islands, Cook Islands, and Marquesas itineraries receive the most attention, Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers variations that focus more intently on particular corners of French Polynesia. These options can suit travelers who have limited time or who are returning to the region for a second or third voyage.

On selected dates, the line deploys routes that emphasize the Tuamotus or add less-visited Society Islands such as Tahiti Iti, the more rugged peninsula attached to Tahiti’s main island. These tailor-made sailings usually retain core elements like Motu Mahana and multiple nights at signature islands, while introducing curveball ports that appeal to more seasoned cruisers.

Society Islands & Tahiti Iti

One distinctive variation focuses on the Society Islands with an added call at Tahiti Iti, the smaller peninsula southeast of Papeete. Long considered a surfing and cultural enclave, Tahiti Iti offers a glimpse of local life beyond the capital, with fewer large hotels and more small villages clustered along the coast.

On these itineraries, guests may still visit Huahine, Taha’a, Motu Mahana, Bora Bora, and Moorea, but the presence of Tahiti Iti allows deeper exploration of Tahiti’s own geography. It also serves travelers who prefer less time in transit to distant archipelagos and more emphasis on day trips and shorter scenic passages.

Shorter Society Islands Focus Voyages

Beyond the classic seven-night loop, the schedule periodically includes slightly adjusted Society Islands itineraries that tweak the order of ports or the duration of overnights. These adjustments can be significant for travelers with very specific priorities, such as extra time in Moorea or a preference for a particular season in Bora Bora.

Because Paul Gauguin operates continuously in this region, the line has flexibility to time visits around local events, marine conditions, and seasonal shifts in rainfall and visibility. Prospective guests comparing close-in departure dates should pay attention to details like which nights are spent at anchor versus in port, and whether any unique cultural experiences are scheduled during certain sailings.

How to Choose the Right Paul Gauguin Itinerary

Selecting among Tahiti-only loops, Cook Islands extensions, and Marquesas expeditions ultimately comes down to priorities and travel style. All of the itineraries share key constants: small-ship ambiance, extensive time in lagoons, and Polynesian cultural programming on board. The differences lie in trip length, remoteness, and how much variety guests want in landscapes and cultures.

Understanding a few key questions about your own preferences can make the decision clearer. These include whether you are a diver, how comfortable you are with long sea days, and whether this trip is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime visit or part of a broader pattern of travel in the Pacific.

Trip Length and First-Time Versus Repeat Visitors

For first-time visitors with limited vacation time, the seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary remains the most logical choice. It hits the essential sights, includes multiple overnights, and keeps flight and cruise days to a minimum. Those who can expand to 11 nights and are curious about the Cook Islands will find that route provides significantly more geographical variety without the longer ocean crossings required to reach the Marquesas.

Repeat visitors and travelers who enjoy longer journeys often gravitate toward the 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands expedition. It offers the feeling of an extended voyage, with enough sea days to enjoy the ship’s amenities and enough varied ports to keep each day ashore fresh. This route is especially attractive to guests who have already experienced Bora Bora and Moorea on a prior trip and want to understand Polynesia on a deeper level.

Diving, Snorkeling, and Marine Wildlife

Marine activities are central to almost every Paul Gauguin itinerary, but certain routes skew more strongly toward underwater experiences. The Tuamotus, particularly Fakarava and Rangiroa, are marquee diving destinations, and the presence of these atolls on the two-week itinerary makes it the clear choice for serious divers.

That said, the Society Islands alone provide ample opportunities for high-quality snorkeling and introductory diving, especially in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha’a’s surrounding lagoon. Travelers who are content with reef fish, rays, and occasional shark encounters in calmer lagoons may find the seven- or eleven-night itineraries perfectly sufficient.

Cultural Immersion and Remote-Community Visits

All Paul Gauguin voyages offer cultural immersion via onboard hosts, dance and music, and village visits on the islands. However, the degree of remoteness varies considerably. The Marquesas, with their small populations and limited tourism infrastructure, provide the most intense sense of being far from mainstream travel routes. Carved tikis, church services, and local carving workshops there feel intimately connected to centuries-old traditions.

By contrast, Bora Bora and Moorea have well-developed tourism economies, including international resorts and a wide array of shore excursions. Travelers who want a blend of comfort and culture often view a mixed itinerary such as the Cook Islands & Society Islands route as a sweet spot, combining remote-feeling atolls with islands where visitor services are more extensive.

Season, Weather, and Budget Considerations

Tahiti and the surrounding islands are tropical year-round, with a warmer, wetter season typically spanning about November to April and a drier, slightly cooler season from May to October. Visibility for snorkeling and diving tends to be good throughout the year, though some divers prefer the cooler, clearer months. Itineraries run across all seasons, so departure date can meaningfully influence on-the-water conditions and airfare pricing.

From a budget perspective, shorter seven-night voyages naturally carry lower total cruise fares, but per-night pricing can be competitive across itineraries, particularly when factoring in the line’s inclusive model with beverages and gratuities. Longer itineraries add cost but also amortize the long-haul flight expense across more days aboard, which some travelers consider a better value for such distant travel.

Planning Tips for a Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise

Once you have chosen your preferred route, practical planning begins. While the ship and itineraries are designed to simplify logistics, there are meaningful decisions to make about timing, pre- and post-cruise stays, cabin selection, and shore excursions. Thoughtful choices here can enhance the overall experience and align the trip more closely with your interests.

Because many voyages in 2026 and 2027 are already open for booking, travelers who plan early typically secure better cabin selection and more favorable airfare options. That is particularly true for key holiday periods and peak dry-season dates, which tend to fill quickly.

Air Travel and Pre-/Post-Cruise Hotels

Most North American guests travel via Los Angeles to reach Tahiti, with dedicated airlines offering non-stop flights to Papeete. Paul Gauguin Cruises packages often bundle airfare with transfers and a day room or overnight at a major Papeete-area resort, simplifying the journey and helping to buffer against flight delays.

Even if you book air independently, consider at least one pre-cruise night in Tahiti. This cushion lowers stress around delays and provides time to recover from the long flight before boarding the ship. A post-cruise night can be equally useful if you want unstructured time in Tahiti to shop, dine ashore, or explore the island interior without the structure of shore-excursion schedules.

Cabin Selection and Onboard Life

The m/s Paul Gauguin is compact by modern cruise standards, and most staterooms feature ocean views, with many offering balconies. On routes featuring more scenic cruising, such as those passing close to Bora Bora’s motus or gliding into Marquesan bays at dawn, balconies become particularly valuable. Guests who plan to spend extended time in their cabins reading or relaxing may find the upgrade worthwhile.

Onboard life leans heavily into open decks, poolside relaxation, and enrichment activities related to Polynesian culture and the marine environment. Dress codes are described as “elegant resort casual,” and evenings are relaxed rather than formal. This tone suits the itineraries, which emphasize easygoing days in and around warm water rather than gala nights at sea.

Shore Excursions: When to Book Ahead

Popular excursions on Paul Gauguin voyages, such as dolphin-watching in Moorea, shark and ray safaris in Bora Bora, or diving in the Tuamotus, can fill up in advance. If you have must-do activities, especially involving limited-capacity boats or specialist guides, booking early through the cruise line or a trusted travel advisor is prudent.

At the same time, not every day needs a structured outing. Private-islet days at Motu Mahana, time at the ship’s Bora Bora beach, and simple strolls in ports like Huahine and Taha’a can be organized spontaneously once you are onboard. Balance planned highlights with open days to avoid turning a potentially restorative voyage into an overly packed schedule.

The Takeaway

From compact weeklong loops through Tahiti and the Society Islands to ambitious two-week circuits that reach the Marquesas and Tuamotus, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a portfolio of itineraries that showcase the South Pacific at its most photogenic and culturally rich. The line’s small ship, long-standing regional ties, and signature private motus create a style of cruising that feels intimate and deeply rooted in place.

Choosing the “best” itinerary is less about ranking islands and more about matching trip length, appetite for remoteness, and personal interests in diving, culture, or simple beach time. Whether you begin with the classic seven-night route or leap directly into a 14-night Marquesas adventure, the constant is the extraordinary interplay of lagoon light, volcanic peaks, and Polynesian hospitality that defines every Paul Gauguin voyage.

FAQ

Q1. What is the best Paul Gauguin itinerary for first-time visitors to Tahiti?
For first-time visitors, the seven-night Tahiti & Society Islands itinerary is generally the best choice. It delivers a concise overview of the region’s highlights, including Tahiti, Huahine, Taha’a with the private Motu Mahana experience, Bora Bora, and Moorea, while keeping travel time manageable and offering multiple overnights in marquee islands.

Q2. How far in advance should I book a Paul Gauguin cruise?
Booking six to twelve months in advance is advisable, especially for peak-season departures between roughly May and October and for holiday sailings. Early booking improves your chances of securing preferred cabin categories, better airfare options, and space on popular shore excursions such as diving in the Tuamotus or lagoon tours in Bora Bora.

Q3. Which itinerary is best for serious scuba divers?
Divers seeking world-class conditions typically favor the 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands itinerary, which includes Fakarava and Rangiroa. These Tuamotu atolls are renowned for drift dives, abundant sharks, and clear passes. However, solid diving is also available on Society Islands itineraries in Bora Bora, Moorea, and near Taha’a.

Q4. Are Paul Gauguin itineraries suitable for non-swimmers or less active travelers?
Yes. While water activities are central to the experience, non-swimmers and less active guests can enjoy village walks, cultural performances, scenic drives, and simply relaxing on beaches and private motus. The ship’s size and attentive staff also make it relatively easy to move around onboard without long distances between venues.

Q5. How does the Cook Islands & Society Islands itinerary differ from the classic Society Islands route?
The 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands itinerary adds Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the Cook Islands to an already rich lineup of Society Islands ports. This results in more geographic and cultural variety compared with the seven-night Society Islands loop, at the cost of a few extra days of travel and a higher overall trip budget.

Q6. What is special about the Marquesas on the two-week itinerary?
The Marquesas are among the most remote and dramatic islands in French Polynesia, with sheer cliffs, deep bays, and small communities that see relatively few visitors. Ports such as Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva offer strong cultural traditions, archaeological sites, and landscapes that feel very different from the lagoon-ringed atolls of the Tuamotus or the resort-oriented Society Islands.

Q7. When is the best time of year to cruise Tahiti with Paul Gauguin?
The region is a year-round destination, but many travelers prefer the cooler, drier months from roughly May to October, when humidity is lower and rainfall generally lighter. The warmer, wetter season from November to April can bring more showers and occasional storms but also lusher landscapes and, for some divers, appealing marine conditions.

Q8. Are drinks and gratuities included in Paul Gauguin cruise fares?
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates a largely inclusive model. Most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as gratuities for onboard staff, are typically included in the cruise fare. However, premium brands, select wines, spa services, and certain specialty activities may carry additional charges, so it is wise to review current inclusions at the time of booking.

Q9. Is a balcony cabin worth the extra cost on these itineraries?
A balcony is not essential, but it does enhance the experience on scenic itineraries. Many guests appreciate having private outdoor space for early-morning coffee while watching the ship glide into Moorea’s bays or for sunset views as Bora Bora’s peak shifts color. Those who plan to spend significant time in public areas may be content with an ocean-view window cabin.

Q10. Can I explore the islands independently, or do I need to book ship excursions?
It is entirely possible to explore many ports independently, especially in islands like Moorea, Huahine, and Rarotonga, where taxis, local tours, and rental vehicles are available. However, ship-organized excursions provide the convenience of vetted operators and guaranteed return to the vessel. A mix of pre-booked excursions for must-see activities and independent exploration on more relaxed days works well for many travelers.