cruise around tahiti islands

Small Ship TAHITI CRUISES

A Beyond Ordinary Paradise Explored by Unparalleled Expertise

The Islands of French Polynesia invite you to discover their own distinct magic. Hop ashore to the enchanted landscapes of the Marquesas, explore the origins of Polynesian culture in Raiatea, or spend the night in an overwater bungalow for a romantic experience you'll have a hard time topping. Revel at a feast during our Destination Discovery Event complete with fire dancers in Bora Bora. Jump into a beautiful palm-fringed lagoon from the Watersports Platform on the yacht’s stern. Or simply unwind on deck, enjoying paradise with a Mai Tai in hand.   Our 148-guest Wind Spirit features wide teak decks and billowing white sails that are tailor-made for cruising Tahiti’s islands, while our newly transformed 312-guest Star Breeze features all ocean view spacious 277 square feet suites, all new bathrooms in all suites, two new restaurants, the new World Spa by Windstar, a new infinity pool, new engines and so much more. Both yachts are as at-home among Tahiti’s deserted motus and shallow lagoons as a tiare flower, and just as beautiful. Bliss knows no bounds. The sand massages your feet, warm water welcomes you like an old friend; ambition falls away as you watch the sun etch palm fronds on the beach. This is a place that is easy to love, difficult to leave, as so many before you have discovered. Come. Experience Bora Bora with our complimentary Destination Discovery Event, Moorea, Fakarava, and other exotic Tahiti destinations you only dream about.  -->

Dreams of Tahiti

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands

Wine Cruise: Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands

Dreams of Tahiti Air + Hotel Package from LAX

Dreams of Tahiti Air + Moorea Hotel Package from SEA

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands Air + Hotel Package from LAX

Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands Air + Hotel Package from SEA

National Health Association Plant-Based Culinary Extravaganza: Dreams of Tahiti

Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradises Cruise Tour

Tahiti & Moorea Foodie Cruise Tour

Star Collector: Comprehensive Tahiti & Marquesas Adventure

Star collector: twice the tahiti.

Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas

Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas Air + Moorea Hotel Package from SEA

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• Call  1 (844) 820-2671
• Business Hours:   MONDAY–FRIDAY • 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST SATURDAY-SUNDAY • Closed

World's Best Luxury Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and South Pacific Cruises

Discover paradise with french polynesia’s destination expert. check out our awards page for accolades from condé nast traveler , travel + leisure and so many more, m/s paul gauguin.

• With only 330 guests, this award-wining luxury ship sails year-round from Tahiti on all-inclusive voyages throughout French Polynesia and the South Pacific
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B and above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite minibar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard dive program
• Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi throughout the ship
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining and movie channels

* Subject to availability as conditions allow. When unable to call there, we will be offering a tender to the pier and a free shuttle to Matira Beach, the island’s award-winning public beach that features restaurants, public facilities and shopping. Voted #1 in the best things to do in Bora Bora by U.S. News & World Report, Matira Beach boasts powdery white sand, waters in a thousand shades of blue, and is wonderfully uncrowded.

Awards and Accolades

The m/s Paul Gauguin ’s reputation as one of the finest ships at sea is celebrated by the numerous awards and accolades received over the years. We are proud and humbled that this exceptional ship—and Paul Gauguin Cruises—continue to be recognized by some of the top publications and critics in the industry, including these:

“#1 Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” Travel + Leisure , World’s Best Awards (2022)

“Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” Global Traveler , Leisure Lifestyle Awards (2022) Seventh Consecutive Year

“Gold List” Condé Nast Traveler , The World’s Best Cruises (2021)

“Favorite Cruise Line” The Trazees (2021) Second Consecutive Year

“Best Small Cruise Ship” USA Today , 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards (2020)

“Best Tahiti and French Polynesia Cruise Line” AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards (2017-2020)

The opportunity to experience each destination in the most authentic, in-depth, and meaningful way is the very essence of luxury cruising with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Aboard our luxury vessel, you can choose from a wide array of shore excursions by land and sea that let you discover the dramatic beauty, rich history, and unique culture of your destination up close, in a small group.

For experienced and new divers! Parrotfish, clownfish, giant clams, sea turtles, sea anemones, eagle rays, sharks, octopi ... these are just a few of the dazzling species that make their home amid the translucent aqua lagoons and rainbow-colored coral reefs of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and the South Pacific. And they're yours to discover when you sail in luxury aboard the award-winning m/s Paul Gauguin!

Every voyage of The Gauguin offers optional diving excursions led by an expert dive team. Even if you've never dived before, you can take an onboard Discover SCUBA Diving class, earn credit toward PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification, and dive in! The Gauguin offers PADI certification on board, as well as refresher courses, and is the only option for diving in the Marquesas.

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Enjoy a $600 per stateroom Welcome Gift when you book your first cruise.

Tahiti & Bora Bora Cruises

10 best cruises to tahiti, bora bora & french polynesia for 2024-2025.

• Cook Islands & Society Islands

Society Islands & Tuamotus

Pearls of the pacific: exploring the society and tuamotu islands, tahiti & islands of french polynesia, more tuamotus & society islands, ancient polynesia: tuamotus and marquesas islands, tahiti & the society islands, society islands, cook islands, tonga & fiji, wild polynesian escape: tahiti to bora bora, best tahiti & bora bora cruise lines for 2024-2025.

• Aranui   -   the original cruise company in French Polynesia, has been introducing the enchanting Marquesas Islands to avid adventurers for more than 30 years.  Aranui 5  is a custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter ship designed to offer all of the comforts of a cruise liner while operating as a supply ship. It is classified as a small vessel, accommodating approximately 230 passengers in 103 cabins.
• Variety Cruises  -  have small ships that offer ocean view cabins and 360° unobstructed views of the wonders of nature and splendors of the destinations visited Discover. Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia aboard  Panorama II , a 49-guest small ship. Visit Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, and Raiatea islands, all sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks lined with vivid turquoise lagoons.
• Lindblad Expeditions  -  Embark   National Geographic Orion  to sail from Tahiti's lush volcanic crags to the sparkling white shores of Fiji, discovering fascinating geology and an incredible wealth of bird species and marine life. Dive or snorkel among underwater canyons and tunnels formed from lava. 

Tahiti & Bora Bora Travel Tips & Cruising Guide

The best time to cruise tahiti, bora bora and french polynesia.

• Tahiti Overview
• ​Snorkeling along pristine reefs
• Navigating atolls in kayaks and zodiacs
• Relaxing on the beach
• Hike the tropical forest trails of neighboring Moorea island
• Visit sacred Polynesian sites accompanied by an archaeologist
• Take in scenic vistas where the ocean expands endlessly into the blue, interrupted only by verdant islands
• Dive in the stunning reefs that teem with marine life
• Visit other islands in French Polynesia
• Spot unique sea birds with the help of your guides.

Bora Bora Overview

Bora bora wildlife.

• Marquesas Islands Overview

South Pacific Travel Guide

• All South Pacific Trips
• All South Pacific Videos
• All South Pacific Travel Stories
• Papua New Guinea Overview
• Fiji Overview
• The Solomon Islands Overview
• When to Visit the South Pacific
• Easter Island

Favorite South Pacific All Trips

• Hawaiian Seascapes
• Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

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