I have booked Tahiti and Bora Bora cruises for clients for years, and sailed these waters myself, so when someone asks which Paul Gauguin itinerary to pick I don't reach for a brochure — I ask how long they have and what they came for. That one answer decides almost everything.
Why the m/s Paul Gauguin suits these islands
The m/s Paul Gauguin carries about 330 guests, which matters more than it sounds. The lagoons at Bora Bora and Taha'a are shallow and the bays are small; a 3,000-passenger ship anchors far out, while the Paul Gauguin gets in close and tenders short. You spend your time in the water, not in a queue for it.
It is also built for French Polynesia specifically — a retractable marina off the stern, Les Gauguines (the Tahitian hosts) aboard, and an itinerary set that almost always pairs Tahiti and Bora Bora rather than treating them as a stop on a wider Pacific loop.
Matching the itinerary length to the traveller
7 nights — first time, limited leave
The 7-night Society Islands sailing hits the names people come for: Moorea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and a motu day. If this is a once-in-a-trip visit and you have a working week to spare, it is the one I book most.
10-11 nights — the sweet spot
Add the Tuamotus (Fakarava or Rangiroa) and the trip changes character: UNESCO-listed atolls, drift snorkelling, far fewer other travellers. Most couples who can spare the extra days are glad they did.
12-14 nights — collectors and divers
The longer Marquesas and Cook Islands sailings are for return visitors and serious divers. They are wonderful and they are a lot of sea time; I am honest with first-timers that the shorter loops give them more of what they pictured.
Bora Bora is a day, not the whole trip
People plan the entire cruise around Bora Bora and then tell me afterwards that Taha'a's vanilla farms or the Fakarava reef wall was the day they remember. Bora Bora earns its reputation — but treat it as one great day among several and you'll enjoy the whole sailing more.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights should a Tahiti and Bora Bora cruise be?
If it's your first visit and time is tight, 7 nights covers Moorea, Taha'a and Bora Bora well. If you can spare the days, a 10-11 night sailing that adds the Tuamotus is the sweet spot for most travellers.
Does the Paul Gauguin always visit both Tahiti and Bora Bora?
Sailings depart round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti, and the Society Islands itineraries include Bora Bora. Longer Marquesas and Cook Islands sailings spend more time farther afield, so confirm the day-by-day before booking.
When is the best time to sail?
French Polynesia is a year-round destination. May to October is drier and cooler; November to April is warmer with brief tropical showers. Both seasons sail — it comes down to your schedule and crowd preference.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.