The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it is the capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street, and in the evenings, roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.

Fakarava is an unspoiled paradise in every sense of the word. In addition to the many rare species of plants and animals in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also a place of cultural and historical significance, with charming villages, ancient temples, and spectacular coral churches.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are ready to share their Polynesian culture with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and an array of activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Deep Nature Spa, or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva, is wild, remote, and spectacularly beautiful. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be treated to jungle greenery that begins at the water’s edge, sheer cliffs, and deep, indigo waters. With only 500 residents and only one road, this island is almost wholly yours.

Take an excursion to explore the deep valleys, rugged peaks, and dense velvet rainforests of Hiva Oa, which offer up ancient, massive stone tiki carvings and petroglyphs. Or visit Paul Gauguin's grave on the way into the village of Atuona, where you can see Belgian singer Jacques Brel's plane, Jojo, and learn about why these famous artists fell in love with this particular island.

The leaf-shaped volcanic island of Tahuata may be small, at only 19 square miles, but it's full of surprises. Its name means "surprise" in Marquesan. With only 600 residents, you'll immediately feel welcomed by the friendly locals as you make your way along an ancient royal walkway into the quaint village of Hapatoni. If you're looking to take home a hand-carved tiki from the South Pacific—this is where you'll find the perfect treasure.

Author Robert Louis Stevenson favored Nuku Hiva’s arching Hatiheu Bay for its enchanting, picture-postcard setting, lined with black sand and crowned by towering basalt cliffs. A visit to Hatiheu promises discovery both cultured and rare. Rife with archaeological sites, the ancient village is best known for its petroglyphs of human figures, turtles, and fish, as well as its marae (traditional temples) and tohua (open-air gathering places)–the most scared of these being the me’ae l’ipoka, protected by a massive banyan tree.

Truly off the beaten path, the tiny isle of Ua Pou is one of the most minor visited destinations in all of French Polynesia. With its jagged basalt pinnacles rising from the sea to pierce the sky and numerous intimate bays lining its shores, it is one of the most dramatically scenic islands in the Marquesas to witness on approach. The small village of Hakahau is the island’s main town, and locals here take great pride in their ancestral culture, as shown by impressive archaeological sites and modern-day artisan crafts.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are ready to share their Polynesian culture with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and various activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Deep Nature Spa, or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Life is beautifully simple in Rangiroa, the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Tour a local black pearl farm, wander the village of Avatoru, or visit Dominique Auroy Winery, which produces French Polynesia’s only wine label.

Have you met Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines yet? Our onboard hosts are ready to share their Polynesian culture with Tahitian dance lessons, hands-on traditional craft demonstrations, and various activities for all ages. The day is yours to make what you will of it. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests or take part in cooking lessons with the executive chef. Or maybe you’ll unwind poolside or treat yourself to a visit to the Deep Nature Spa, or why not both? A day at sea offers ample time to relax and plan your next adventure.

Explore lush peaks, wander white-sand beaches, and marvel at the iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Then, take the plunge with a SCUBA excursion to see the island’s colorful coral reefs, enjoy a sunset jetboat ride, or spend a lazy afternoon on our private beach. Like a priceless Paul Gauguin painting come to life, the storied Bora Bora is colorful and unforgettable. The landscape alone will have you searching for adequate adjectives, especially once you see the lagoon—“turquoise” doesn’t do it justice.

As the day unfolds in front of you, where will you go? Exciting shore excursions await, but so does Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet. Choose from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging on the beach with a cold drink from our floating bar. Les Gauguines are also on hand to share musical entertainment and Polynesian crafts.

The largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands, Tahiti and it is the capital city of Papeete are the perfect place to begin (and/or end) your South Pacific sojourn. The Gauguin waits patiently in the harbor, a vibrant and bustling market across the street, and in the evenings roulottes (food trucks) line the nearby square offering tasty local fare.