Add this tour to your wishlist
Your wishlist is where you can save tours for later to view and compare prices
Read more

12-Day Cook Islands and Society Islands

12days
Tahiti

Single Room

Single bed room:

Double Room

Twin bed room:

Double bed room:

Enquire now

Pay your deposit online

Cruising holidays

Cook Islands & Society Islands

12-day voyage leaving from Tahiti to discover the gems of the Society Islands, including extraordinary landscapes and enchanting historical and cultural treasures.

You will be captivated by the resolutely Polynesian ambience that prevails aboard the Paul Gauguin: a ship with a relaxed and international atmosphere, especially designed for sailing in these shallow turquoise waters.

Between pearl farms and white sandy beaches, French Polynesia will reveal its many mysteries to you. Surrounded by superb lagoons of crystal-clear waters edged by exceptional coral reefs, the islands of Polynesia are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world and are home to an astonishing and rich wildlife.

You will be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of Huahine, by the turquoise waters of the motu Mahana, our private vanilla-scented little paradise, by the sumptuous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its distinctly recognisable volcanic silhouette, and by Moorea, with its hillside pineapple plantations and its verdant peaks overlooking the island.

You will also sail further south towards the Cook Islands, to discover the incredibly clear waters of the Aitutaki lagoon and the magnificent silhouette of Rarotonga. You will be enchanted by the wild beauty and abundant nature of this island and its marine environment.

Highlight:

Exploring the Society Islands and the Cook Islands, with ports of call at iconic locations: Bora Bora, Moorea, Aitutaki and many other paradisical sites.
Breathtaking Polynesian scenery (including Rarotonga Valley), an intimate barbecue on the Mahana motu, an exclusive islet, and discovering the Polynesian way of life.
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor to admire Polynesian marine species.

Included services:

Full board from arrival to departure day
High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
All beverages in restaurants, bars, and minibars. All drinks are included (excluding the à la carte beverages): a selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, and hot beverages.
24-hour room service.
Butler service for certain suites.
Unlimited internet access onboard.
Evening events, shows and other entertainment.
Access to the fitness area and hammam or sauna, depending on the ship.
All port and security charges.

Not included:

Airfares
Personal expenses
Travel insurances
Excursions (optional)
Anything not mentioned in 'included'

General Conditions for Itineraries, activities, and excursions:

The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, port authorisations, and applicable government regulations. The excursion program will be finalised closer to your cruise departure.
The information is current but subject to change at anytime without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.
Passport: valid for at least (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, the cruise will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel document for this trip.
Diving: Passengers may take part in scuba diving activities, provided certain conditions are respected, in line with the applicable health, scientific and medical conditions in force on the day of the dive. In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up-to-date dive book.
All prices are for Window or Porthole Stateroom. Please contact our team to upgrade.
Free-solo supplement for selected departure. Enquiries for more.

What to pack:

Clothing aboard ship
Country Club Casual, or elegant resort wear, is appropriate dress for all evenings aboard The Paul Gauguin. Country Club Casual consists of a dress, or skirt, or slacks, with a blouse or sweater for ladies, and slacks and collared shirts for gentlemen. No ties are required at any time, although gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket to the Captain's Welcome Reception. Please note that casual wear such as shorts, T-shirts, casual jeans (frayed and/or with holes), baseball caps, flip-flops, and Crocs are not considered appropriate after 6:00 pm in all restaurants and lounges. Bathrobes and bathing suits are not appropriate in the ship's restaurants and lounges, and shirts and shoes are required in all public areas at all times.

Captain's Welcome Reception:
During the cruise, a gala evening will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring formal outfits.

For woman:

Cocktail attire
Evening dress (if you wish to)

For men:

Dark suit
Tie recommended, possibly a bow tie (if you wish to)

Polynesian evening:
Shirt, floral dress

Officer's evening:

For all cruises longer than 10 nights, an Officer's Evening with a white dress code may be organised. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).

Arrival/ departure:

Passengers are welcome to board the ship from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Disembark on the last day at 8:00 am

Notes:

Please enquire for upper deck cabin upgrades
Please see itinerary for daily information

Slow Tours offers a range of Tours in Australia/ Pacific

Day 1

Papeete, Tahiti Island

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You'll find a relaxed atmosphere here, where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices, and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.
Day 2

Huahine, Society Islands

Located less than 200 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, Huahine Island is a secret gem in French Polynesia. You’ll love the mysterious atmosphere emanating from its voluptuous contours, its wild vegetation and stunning remote creeks. If you explore both parts of the island, la Grande Huahine to the north, and la Petite Huahine to the south, will reveal some of its hidden treasures, as well as some archaeological remains from the Polynesian past. You can meet the local population in the main town of Fare, or in the string of villages along the coast.

Available excursions:

ATV tour of Huahine Nui: USD 279/person. Duration: 3h30

Lagoon cruise & snorkelling: USD 109/person. Duration: 3h00

Motu picnic: USD 139/person. Duration: 5h30

Day at the beach: USD 145/person. Duration: 6h00

Huahine exploration by 4WD & boat: USD 109/person. Duration: 3h30

Huahine safari expedition: USD 95/person. Duration: 3h30

Sacred sites & legendary places: USD 115/person. Duration: 4h00

Huahine Iti by e-bike: USD 90/person. Duration: 3h45

Huahine Iti by 4x4: USD 95/person. Duration: 3h30
Day 3

At sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet out photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 4

Aitutaki

Aitutaki is a little island of 16 km², with a small fishing port with few motor boats, where a simple and peaceful life endures. During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along this magnificent lagoon, reputed as one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world. Snorkelling fans will discover the treasures of underwater life here. The island is specialised in the sale of black pearls and the production of coloured sarongs, as well as “tivaevae” — patchwork quilting and handiworks. This local manufacture has great value because of its careful artisanal fabrication, and the pieces made are generally offered at important occasions.

Available excursions:

Lagoon cruise with beach break: USD 170/person. Duration: 5h00

Circle island tour: USD 100/person. Duration: 2h30

Snorkelling tour: USD 95/person. Duration: 2h00
Day 5

Rarotonga

You will be dazzled by the magnificent volcanic silhouette of Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands. Perfectly circular, Rarotonga is closely surrounded by a coral reef over which break the endless waves of the south Pacific Ocean. The undulating profile of its sheer mountains standing out against the deep blue of the sky gives a glimpse of its summits at more than 600 metres altitude, such as Te Manga peak. The abrupt and vertiginous slopes are covered with luxuriant vegetation, a precious natural resource for the inhabitants of the island who have learnt to take advantage of this abundant nature and have developed a thriving agricultural sector.

Available excursions:

Takitumu conservation tour: USD 135/person. Duration: 3h00

Rarotonga circle island tour: USD 135/person. Duration: 3h30

Raro safari by 4WD: USD 135/person. Duration: 3h00

Muri lagoon cruise: USD 120/person. Duration: 3h30
Day 6

At sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet our photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 7

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

Lagoon cruise & Polynesian feast: USD 219/person. Duration: 5h00

Lagoon excursion with Maohi Nui: USD 125/person. Duration: 3h00

Circle island by waverunner: USD 309/person. Duration: 2h30

Bora Bora island tour by "Le truck": USD 55/person. Duration: 2h30

Bora Bora off-road adventure: USD 160/person. Duration: 3h30

Pure snorkelling with reef discovery: USD 145/person. Duration: 3h30

Glass-bottom boat (Bora Bora): USD 70/person. Duration: 1h30

Blue Lagoon escapade: USD 1,145/person. Duration: 4h00

Sharks &stingrays encounter: USD 110/person. Duration: 3h00

ATV adventure in Bora Bora: USD 250/person. Duration: 2h00

Catamaran sail in Bora Bora: USD 130/person. Duration: 3h00

Sunset sail by catamaran in Bora Bora: USD 120/person. Duration: 2h00

Sunset Blue Lagoon escapade: USD 940/person. Duration: 2h00

Sunset cruise on outrigger canoe: USD 140/person. Duration: 2h00

Shark & ray watching by glass-bottom boat: USD 95/person. Duration: 2h00

Snorkelling & relaxing time in the blue lagoon: USD 99/person. Duration: 4h00
Day 8

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

Lagoon cruise & Polynesian feast: USD 219/person. Duration: 5h00

Lagoon excursion with Maohi Nui: USD 125/person. Duration: 3h00

Circle island by waverunner: USD 309/person. Duration: 2h30

Bora Bora off-road adventure: USD 160/person. Duration: 3h30

Glass-bottom boat (Bora Bora): USD 70/person. Duration: 1h30

Blue Lagoon escapade: USD 1,145/person. Duration: 4h00

ATV adventure in Bora Bora: USD 250/person. Duration: 2h00

Bora Bora island tour by "Le truck": USD 55/person. Duration: 2h30

Pure snorkelling with reef discovery: USD 145/person. Duration: 3h30
Day 9

Motu Mahana, Tha'a Island, Society Islands

Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Island.

Available excursions:

Coral garden drift snorkelling: USD 125/person. Duration: 3h30

Exploration of Taha'a: USD 90/person. Duration: 3h30

Snorkel & Black Pearl Farm adventure: USD 110/person. Duration: 3h30

Taha'a cultural tour: USD 85/person. Duration: 3h30

Waverunner and snorkelling adventure: USD 265/person. Duration: 2h00

Catamaran sail in Tahaa: USD 130/person. Duration: 3h30

Waverunner Discover: USD 140/person. Duration: 0h30
Day 10

Moorea Island

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Available excursions:

The 3 pinus hike: USD 99/person. Duration: 4h00

ATV guided tour: USD 249/person. Duration: 3h00

Lagoon discovery with snorkelling: USD 105/person. Duration: 3h30

Catamaran sail in Moorea: USD 130/person. Duration: 3h00

Lagoon tour and marine fauna: USD 160/person. Duration: 4h00

Night snorkelling in the lagoon: USD 165/person. Duration: 2h00

BBQ on Motu & snorkelling: USD 150/person. Duration: 5h00

Capture Moorea - Photo Adeventure: 150/person. Duration: 3h30

Polynesian Cooking Class: USD 145/person. Duration: 4h30

Island drive & belvedere: USD 65/person. Duration: 3h30

Lagoon & ocean tour: USD 180/person. Duration: 3h30

Slow paced belvedere & pineapple valley by e-Bike: USD 90/person. Duration: 3h30

Waverunner adventure: USD 239/person. Durationl: 2h00

Aito Off-Road safari: USD 105/person. Duration: 3h30

Moorea by catajets: USD 299. Duration: 2h00

Aquablue - Under walk: USD 125/person. Duration: 3h30

Sunset sail in Moorea: USD 125/person. Duration: 1h30
Day 11

Moorea Island

A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

Available excersions:

Slow paced belvedere & pineapple valley by e-Bike: USD 90/person. Duration: 3h30

Lagoon & ocean tour: USD 180/person. Duration: 3h30

Aito Off-Road safari: USD 105/person. Duration: 3h30

ATV guided tour: USD 249/person. Duration: 3h00

Island drive & belvedere: USD 65/person. Duration: 3h30

Lagoon discovery with snorkelling: USD 105/person. Duration: 3h30

Aquablue - Under walk: USD 125/person. Duration: 3h30
Day 12

Papeete, Tahiti Island

Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Tours marked with are special prices.

Start	End	Max. No. Guests	Accommodation	Price p.p.
Jan 02 2027	Jan 13 2027	330	Single rooms	AU$10,830
Jan 02 2027	Jan 13 2027	330	Double rooms	AU$10,830
Nov 06 2027	Nov 17 2027	330	Single rooms	AU$10,830
Nov 06 2027	Nov 17 2027	330	Double rooms	AU$10,830
Dec 18 2027	Dec 29 2027	330	Single rooms	AU$9,090
Dec 18 2027	Dec 29 2027	330	Double rooms	AU$9,090
Jan 08 2028	Jan 19 2028	330	Single rooms	AU$9,860
Jan 08 2028	Jan 19 2028	330	Double rooms	AU$9,860
Nov 11 2028	Nov 22 2028	330	Single rooms	AU$9,270
Nov 11 2028	Nov 22 2028	330	Double rooms	AU$9,270
Dec 16 2028	Dec 27 2028	330	Single rooms	AU$9,270
Dec 16 2028	Dec 27 2028	330	Double rooms	AU$9,270