DESTINATION: TAHITI • HUAHINE • TAHA'A (MOTU MAHANA) • BORA BORA • MOOREA
South Pacific Society Islands
Tese islands are the pulse of French Polynesia. Shaped by myths and legends and surrounded by turquoise lagoons, they are the quintessential image of a South Seas paradise. Tahiti bustles as the economic heart of French Polynesia and serves as the gateway to other islands. Bora Bora’s formidable peaks and blue-marbled lagoon make it one of the most romantic islands on Earth. Snorkelers can touch velvety rays, swim with sharks, or drift among coral gardens full of kaleidoscopic fish. Moorea is famous for its ruggedly beautiful profile—a crown of sawtooth peaks that rise out of the lagoon like the legendary Bali Hai they are said to have inspired. Huahine’s hidden temples, stone fish traps, and sacred blue-eyed eels lend mythical intrigue to a quiet island that’s been able to preserve its cultural roots. Grab a chilled tropical drink from the floating bar or try your hand at weaving a palm basket from Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises' private islet off the coast of Taha'a—and your exclusive playground.
FAKARAVA • RANGIROA Tuamotus
Te Tuamotus are every diver’s dream—secluded coral atolls surrounding lagoons dense with exotic fish and precious corals. Here, too, are black pearl farms, quaint villages, and blissfully quiet beaches. Divers call Rangiroa’s bountiful green lagoon “God’s Aquarium.” Fakarava is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, home to rare plants, birds, and crustaceans, as well as exceptional dive sites. Changing currents attract a variety of marine life, from wild dolphins to sharks, turtles, and manta rays.
FATU HIVA • HIVA OA • TAHUATA • NUKU HIVA Marquesas Islands
Tese islands are wild and remote. Steamy jungles cloak mountains that rise straight out of an indigo ocean. Ancient archaeological sites abound with temples and tikis that inspire sculptors to create traditional wood carvings. Marvel at Fatu Hiva’s spectacular cliffs and ravines, tap into your inner anthropologist at Hiva Oa’s massive stone tikis, stroll an ancient royal walkway on Tahuata, and revel at the sky-high waterfalls on the mystic island of Nuku Hiva.
Cook Islands AITUTAKI • RAROTONGA
Peace and quiet prevail on these blissfully isolated islands of silk white sands and pendulating palm trees. Snorkel over giant clams in Aitutaki’s exceptionally large triangular lagoon, laze on uninhabited motus, or tap into the tranquil life of the coastal villages. On Rarotonga, hike over jungle-wrapped mountains and lush green valleys to a flat coastal plain that eases into white-sand beaches and a crystalline lagoon.
Tonga VAVA’U
Tonga is the only Polynesian/Melanesian territory never to have been colonized, so its unique culture can be experienced around every corner. Te pace is easy, the trade winds balmy, and the song of the surf as melodic as the a cappella songs of its people. Meander in the only botanical garden in Vava’u, or attend an interactive Polynesian Cultural Show.
2 Paul Gauguin Cruises | 2021 Voyages VITI LEVU • VANUA LEVU • BEQA ISLAND Fiji
Te islands of Fiji straddle both Polynesian and Melanesian cultures. On Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, waterfalls gurgle through rainforests, natural swimming pools glisten, and mangroves form natural breakwaters against the sea. Witness a tongue-numbing kava ceremony or check out traditional fire-walking on Beqa Island.
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