Moana Explorer Program and Kids Sail Free
A South Pacific Marine Conservancy
Moana Explorer Program
Unique South Pacific Discovery for Young Explorers
Precious Caroll
(302) 399-4255
The South Pacific is a dream destination—and aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your family to strengthen bonds and create memories you’ll cherish forever through our Moana Explorer program.
Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this one-of-a-kind program invites children and teens, ages 6-15, to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning.
Offered in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservation foundation, this one-of-a-kind program invites children and teens, ages 6-15, to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning.
Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games, and other adventures. Depending on their itinerary, your children might learn about underwater life through board games, create natural jewelry, conduct water experiments, go on a treasure hunt, enjoy water games in the onboard pool, go stargazing, design their own Polynesian tattoo, and more. And, there is no fee* for this special family program! It’s all part of our extraordinary all-inclusive value.
Kids Sail Free!
Kids sail free as a third or fourth guest in the stateroom. Pricing for the third guest in the same stateroom is as follows: 17 years old and under, sail FREE; 18 years of age or older, 30% of adult cruise fare + taxes and fees will apply. Triples, quads and connecting rooms are available in select staterooms, are capacity controlled and subject to change at anytime without notice.
Dates Available
Tahiti & the Society Islands
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
Close your eyes and picture a landscape of dreams. A strand of tiny islets shimmering in the South Seas—emerald peaks, ringed by iridescent reefs and infused with the floral aromas of Eden itself. It’s no wonder that the enchantments of the Society Islands have become the stuff of legend, forever capturing the hearts of those fortunate enough to happen upon these shores. Paul Gauguin Cruises' signature 7-night itinerary features overnights in Bora Bora, Moorea, and Papeete, and calls upon the Garden Isle of Huahine as well as our private island, Motu Mahana, nestled off the shores of Taha’a.
More Society Islands & Tahiti
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
Set your heart aglow and immerse your senses with jaw-dropping views painted in dreamlike colors, for here is an adventure you will never forget. Scenic, sacred, and sublime, the captivating splendor of the Society Islands has long been a muse for artists and authors—Matisse was greatly influenced by “the light and enchantments of the sky” on isles such as Moorea and Huahine, and Michener declared Bora Bora the most beautiful island in the world. This voyage is distinguished by a visit to the sacred isle of Raiatea, a day at our private island, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, and an overnight in Papeete at the journey’s end.
More Tuamotus & Society Islands
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
This itinerary combines the über-romantic delights of the Society Islands with even more time to enjoy the coral-reef euphoria of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Featuring overnights at Bora Bora’s famed lagoon, Fakarava’s UNESCO-listed Marine Biosphere, and Papeete’s pier within walking distance to the city’s waterfront promenade. Add the allure of exploring Rangiroa’s “aquarium,” a beach day on our private island, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, a visit to the Eden-like island of Huahine, and a call in sacred Raiatea, and ready yourself for an immersive and enriching exploration of paradise.
Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
Somewhere deep in the South Pacific, towering mountains rise from a cobalt sea, their jagged cliffs plunging down to rugged shores, their flanks carpeted in deep green jungle. These are the Marquesas—Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Nuku Hiva—among the youngest islands in French Polynesia as well as the least visited. This two-week journey is balanced with visits to the renowned atolls of Fakarava and Rangiroa, and the pristine sands and gin-clear waters Bora Bora, Huahine, Motu Mahana near Taha’a, and Moorea in the fabled Society Islands. An overnight in Papeete concludes this extraordinary voyage.
Society Islands & Tuamotus
Roundtrip Papeete, Tahiti
Embarking on a journey through the Tuamotus and Society Islands unveils a paradise of pristine atolls and turquoise waters. In the low-lying Tuamotus, plunge into Fakarava’s UNESCO-listed Marina Biosphere Reserve and snorkel Rangiroa’s translucent lagoon laced with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The Society Islands enchant with the catch-your-breath beauty of Huahine’s rainforested jungle and the sacred history of Raiatea. Central to this odyssey is a double overnight stay in Bora Bora as well as overnights in Moorea and Papeete, and a blissful day on our private island Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a.
What Makes Paul Gauguin Cruises Special
Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. The Gauguin delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy spacious suites and staterooms (nearly 70% with private balconies), a watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service.
If you are new to Paul Gauguin Cruises, I hope you find this introduction valuable. If you are already familiar, perhaps this will ignite Polynesian memories. In any case, please do reach out if you'd like information about Paul Gauguin Cruises. I highly recommend it!
If you are new to Paul Gauguin Cruises, I hope you find this introduction valuable. If you are already familiar, perhaps this will ignite Polynesian memories. In any case, please do reach out if you'd like information about Paul Gauguin Cruises. I highly recommend it!
Private Retreats
Part of what makes a voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises so special is to be able to access some of the world’s most idyllic, unspoiled beaches which larger ships cannot reach.
Motu Mahana | Off the coast of Taha’a, there is Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private South Seas island, where you’ll spend a day (or maybe two, depending on your itinerary) doing exactly as you please.
Bora Bora | You can spend as much time as you'd like during the day on our private beach in Bora Bora (subject to availability as conditions allow).
Authentic French Polynesia
The Gauguin sails accompanied by her own troupe of Tahitian hosts and entertainers, Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, that bring the spirit of Polynesia to life. Enjoy a retelling of ancestral legends through dance, delight in traditional songs onboard and on Paul Gauguin Cruises' private motu, and learn local crafts during hands-on demonstrations. In addition to Les Gauguins & Les Gauguines, on every voyage we invite local performers onboard to entertain you. Couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary can even attend a Polynesian blessing ceremony.
All-Inclusive Luxury
The islands of French Polynesia have been Paul Gauguin Cruises' home for more than 25 years and their expertise in revealing them with artful authenticity is unmatched. Spend more time enjoying your cruise vacation with the destination expert, and less time worrying about every little detail when it’s all been taken care of—from gourmet dining in three different restaurants, to beverages, including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, and hot beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship, onboard gratuities, 24-hour room service, butler service for categories B and higher, watersports marina for kayaking and paddleboarding, and so much more.
New Connecting Rooms!
Discover staterooms with triple accommodations and connecting rooms—perfect for families and friends traveling together!
TRAVEL + LEISURE Article
Read the testimonial of Naomi Tomky, who cruised to this popular honeymoon destination with her young daughters — and It Turned Out to Be the Perfect Family Vacation. Tahiti and Bora Bora may be traditional honeymoon destinations, but they also make the ultimate playground for young kids.
Please note: The Moana Explorer Program is available on select summer and holiday sailings, and must be booked on board. Certain itineraries may offer additional activities for a small fee. Program offered in English and French.
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2025 Winner: Best Small Cruise
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