Bora Bora is the island people picture when they imagine French Polynesia, and arriving by sea is the way to meet it. I have watched that ring of reef and the green spike of Mount Otemanu come up over the bow, and it lands differently from flying in. Aboard the Paul Gauguin you usually anchor in the lagoon for a day or more, which means you are not rushing a single shore visit. The ship is small, about 330 guests, so the day ashore feels unhurried rather than herded. Here is what a Bora Bora day actually looks like from this ship.
Arriving in the lagoon
The approach is the show. As the ship slips inside the barrier reef, the water turns through every shade from deep blue to pale turquoise, and Mount Otemanu sits over the whole scene. Because the Paul Gauguin anchors in the lagoon, you have time, often an overnight, so there is no scramble to see everything in four hours.
That extra time is the real luxury here. You can take a slow morning, head ashore, and still be back for a swim off the ship in the afternoon.
In and on the water
Bora Bora is really about the lagoon, and the ship is set up for it. The marina platform off the stern lets you kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel straight from the vessel, and shore excursions run the gamut from reef snorkelling to lagoon tours where you drift over rays and reef sharks in shallow, clear water.
If you only do one thing, get in the lagoon. The colour and the life in it are the reason the island has the reputation it does.
Ashore and back aboard
On land you can circle the main island, browse the small shops of Vaitape, or simply find a stretch of sand. Then you come back to a ship where dinner is waiting at L'Etoile or La Veranda and you do not have to think about logistics. That combination, a serious island by day and an easy ship by night, is what makes the cruise work.
Time it for the drier months from about May to October if you want the best odds on clear lagoon light, though the island delivers most of the year.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Paul Gauguin stay in Bora Bora?
Many itineraries include an overnight or an extended stay in the lagoon, which gives you far more time than a typical port call. Check your specific sailing, as schedules vary.
What is there to do in Bora Bora from the ship?
The lagoon is the main draw: snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding from the stern marina, lagoon tours, and time ashore around Vaitape and the main island.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The drier season from roughly May to October tends to bring the clearest lagoon light, while November to April is warmer and wetter. The island is rewarding year-round, and conditions vary.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.