Paul Gauguin shore excursions can shape the whole cruise experience. The ship gets you to the islands; excursions help decide how you actually spend your time there.
Some travellers want lagoon tours and snorkelling. Others prefer culture, scenery, gentle touring, private guides or independent time ashore. We help travellers compare shore options with the itinerary before they request a booking.
Types of Excursions to Consider
Depending on the sailing and destination, shore options may include:
- Lagoon tours
- Snorkelling trips
- Scuba diving
- Island drives
- Cultural visits
- Nature walks
- Beach time
- Private tours
- Food or local product experiences
- Photography-focused touring
Exact options vary by sailing, port and current cruise line arrangements.
Included vs Extra-Cost Excursions
Do not assume all shore excursions are included.
Some experiences may be part of the cruise offering, while others may cost extra. Scuba diving, private tours, specialty activities and premium excursions should always be checked before booking.
Before you travel, confirm:
- Which excursions are available
- Which are included, if any
- Which cost extra
- When reservations open
- Cancellation rules
- Fitness or mobility requirements
- Weather dependency
- Whether private options make sense
Choosing Excursions by Destination
Different islands call for different choices.
Bora Bora may be more lagoon-focused. Moorea may offer scenery, tours or activity options. Raiatea may appeal to travellers interested in culture. Taha’a may be tied to Motu Mahana on select sailings. The Tuamotus may matter more for snorkelling, diving and marine life.
Do not choose every excursion at random. Build the shore plan around what each island does best.
Private Excursions
Private excursions may be worth considering for travellers who want flexibility, photography time, special interests or a quieter experience.
They can be useful for:
- Honeymoons
- Families
- Small groups
- Mobility considerations
- Repeat visitors
- Travellers with specific interests
Private options should be planned carefully around ship times, tender operations and local conditions.
Are Paul Gauguin shore excursions included?
Some experiences may be included, while many excursions or specialty activities may cost extra. Confirm current terms before booking.
Should I book excursions in advance?
Often, yes, especially for popular tours, diving, limited-capacity options or private arrangements.
Which islands are best for snorkelling?
The Tuamotus and some Society Islands can be strong for snorkelling, but exact options depend on the sailing and conditions.
Can you help choose excursions?
Yes. We can help match excursions to your itinerary, interests and activity level.
For official destination information, see Tahiti Tourisme.