I have snorkeled in a lot of places, and the lagoons the Paul Gauguin visits are the ones I describe most often when people ask where to start. Part of it is the water itself, which is warm and clear, and part of it is the ship's reach into small lagoons where you can drop straight off the marina. I still remember floating over the Taha'a coral gardens and realizing I had lost track of half an hour. Here are the spots I send guests to first.
Taha'a's coral gardens
This is the one I lead with. Near the private island of Motu Mahana off Taha'a, a shallow channel between two motus carries you on a gentle current over dense coral and reef fish. You barely have to swim; the lagoon does the work. Because the Paul Gauguin anchors here, you reach it directly rather than on a long tender ride, which I think is part of why it stays a guest favorite.
Bora Bora's lagoon
Bora Bora's lagoon is calmer and shallower than its dramatic profile suggests. Guided outings bring you to spots where rays and reef sharks gather in waist-to-chest-deep water with a guide present, which reassures nervous first-timers. The colors of the coral and fish here are the images most guests carry home.
Straight off the ship's marina
One advantage I did not appreciate until I sailed is the watersports marina off the stern. When the ship anchors in a calm lagoon, you can grab snorkel gear and swim directly from the platform without booking a tour at all. Conditions depend on the day and the captain's call, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee, and always follow the crew's guidance on where it is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best snorkeling on a Paul Gauguin cruise?
I rate the Taha'a coral gardens near Motu Mahana highest. A gentle current carries you over shallow reef, so it suits almost every swimmer.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Not for the calmer spots. The drift snorkel at Taha'a and Bora Bora's shallow lagoon work for beginners, and guides are present on organized outings.
Can I snorkel directly from the ship?
Sometimes. The marina off the stern lets you swim from the ship when it is anchored in a calm lagoon, but it depends on daily conditions and the crew's call.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.