One of the questions I get most from families is whether grandparents and young kids can really do the same trip. On the Paul Gauguin, the floating marina is my favorite answer to that. It folds out from the stern of the ship, so the water is right there, steps from the deck, with crew, gear, and flotation on hand. I've watched a nervous first-timer and a confident teenager use it within the same hour. Here's how it works for a mixed-age group.
A Marina Off the Stern
The marina is a platform that opens off the back of the ship when conditions allow, usually at calm anchorages. Instead of climbing into a tender and motoring somewhere, you walk down a few steps and you're in the lagoon. That short distance matters enormously for anyone who's unsteady on their feet or wary of deep water. The crew is right there with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and a watchful eye.
Something for Every Comfort Level
Because the entry is so easy, the activities scale to the person. Cautious swimmers can float near the platform with a vest and a mask; stronger swimmers can snorkel out a bit or take a paddleboard for a spin. Kids tend to love the kayaks, and older guests often tell me they did more in the water here than they expected, simply because they didn't have to jump off anything. Everyone returns to the same spot, so a family can do its own thing and regroup easily.
Making It Work for the Whole Family
With about 330 guests, the marina rarely feels crowded, and the crew helps match gear to ability. Back aboard, the casual food at Le Grill suits tired kids, while the menus at La Veranda and L'Etoile keep the adults happy. My practical advice: bring water shoes and a rash guard for the little ones, go in the calmer morning hours, and let the crew set the day's launch times around the weather and the anchorage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the floating marina safe for young children?
Yes, with the usual supervision. Entry is a few steps from the deck, flotation gear is provided, and crew are stationed at the platform. Parents should stay with young kids, but the easy access makes it well suited to families.
Does the marina cost extra to use?
Use of the marina and its watersports gear is part of the onboard experience rather than a separate ticketed excursion. Specific offerings can vary, so confirm the current details for your sailing.
When is the marina open?
It opens at suitable anchorages when the weather and sea conditions are calm, often in the morning. The crew sets launch times based on the day's location and conditions.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.