The thing I love most about a Paul Gauguin sailing is that you unpack once and wake up somewhere new. I've done the island-hopping the hard way, with inter-island flights and ferries and repacked bags, and the ship simply removes that friction. For people who want to see Moorea, Bora Bora and Taha'a without three separate hotel check-ins, this is the format I recommend. Here's why the multi-island approach works so well.
One unpacking, several islands
On a typical Society Islands sailing you visit Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora in a single week, but your cabin never changes. The ship moves overnight, so you trade airport queues and ferry timetables for a balcony and a morning coffee as a new lagoon slides into view. For families especially, that's a huge relief.
Motu Mahana, the private island day
Off Taha'a the line has its own private island, Motu Mahana, and it's one of the days clients remember most — a barbecue ashore, a floating bar in the lagoon, watersports off the beach. You can't reach it independently, which is exactly the point of letting the ship carry you between islands.
Getting in the water at each stop
Each island has its own character under the surface, and the marina off the stern means kayaks and snorkel gear are easy to grab on the days the ship anchors. I tell people to treat the lagoons as the main event and the islands as the backdrop — multi-island sailing gives you a fresh reef every day or two without any logistics.
Frequently asked questions
How many islands do you visit?
A standard 7-night Society Islands sailing typically calls at Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora, with longer voyages adding the Tuamotus and Marquesas.
Do you have to change cabins between islands?
No. You unpack once and the ship moves overnight, so you wake up at a new island without repacking or changing rooms.
What is Motu Mahana?
It's the line's private island off Taha'a, used for a beach day with a barbecue, a floating bar and watersports — reachable only via the ship.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.