French Polynesia is made up of more than 100 islands, each offering unique landscapes, colorful reefs and immersive cultural experiences. From the clear turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea to the UNESCO-protected waters of Fakarava and the sacred marae of Raiatea, couples can explore multiple destinations in one seamless voyage with Paul Gauguin Cruises. Use this multi-island cruise guide to chart your course.
Les Gauguines
Bora Bora and Moorea: Iconic Beauty and Shared Discovery
Bora Bora is often called the world’s most romantic island, and the title feels well-earned. Mount Otemanu rises dramatically from the center of the island, casting soft shadows over a lagoon so clear it seems like it’s straight out of a movie. Days unfold gently — think private beaches, calm waters and colorful skies that linger long after the sun has disappeared.
Just across from Tahiti, Moorea offers a quieter, more reflective charm. Its heart-shaped outline and twin bays, Opunohu and Cook’s Bay, curve inward as if protecting the land between them. Scenic drives, lush mountains and tranquil lagoons invite exploration without urgency, and romance shows up in shared views, long conversations and the sense of being fully present together surrounded in all this beauty.Most Paul Gauguin Cruises' itineraries offer an overnight in Bora Bora and Moorea, allowing plenty time for exploration.
Snorkeling in Taha'a
Taha’a and Motu Mahana: Secluded Scented Paradise
Taha’a, known as “Vanilla Island,” carries the subtle scent of its most famous crop on the breeze. Surrounded by coral reefs and dotted with quiet motus, it feels totally removed from the outside world. A day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island, allows for endless indulgences in paradise. Whether you’re swimming, relaxing or enjoying a laid-back barbecue by the water, this part of French Polynesia embodies barefoot luxury.
Rangiroa
Rangiroa and Fakarava: Lagoons and Wild Wonders
Rangiroa is one of the world’s largest atolls, its vast lagoon shifting through shades of blue with the light. Within it lies the famous Blue Lagoon — a lagoon within a lagoon — creating a natural sanctuary perfect for quiet reflection. Snorkeling here reveals an abundance of bustling marine life while the scale of the atoll provides a contrasting sense of calm.
Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is another can’t-miss diving site, also part of the Tuamotus Archipelago. Its protected waters teem with life, and exploring them together — through snorkeling, diving or quiet observation — creates shared moments of awe and connection with nature that feel timeless. Optional snorkeling and diving shore excursions are available, or you can use the complimentary snorkeling gear provided onboard the m/s Paul Gauguin to explore at your own pace throughout your voyage.
Marquesas
Raiatea and the Marquesas: Culture, History and Bold Landscapes
Raiatea, part of the Society Islands and often called the spiritual heart of French Polynesia, holds deep cultural significance. Ancient marae, including Taputapuatea, a sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site, speak to centuries of navigation, ceremony and tradition. Walking these grounds together carries a quiet gravity, inviting reflection not only on history but on journeys, intention and the paths we choose together.
The Marquesas stand apart with rugged cliffs, rain-forested valleys and centuries-old stone tikis that evoke bold, untamed beauty. For couples drawn to culture, storytelling and artistic inspiration, the Marquesas offer romance that is truly immersive, a place where nature feels immense and history alive.
Piano Bar
Thinking About Your Own Polynesian Love Story?
What truly elevates the romance of French Polynesia is the ability to experience its many islands in a way that feels effortless. Traveling with Paul Gauguin Cruises — long regarded as the expert in French Polynesia — makes it possible to experience multiple islands in a single voyage.
Designed specifically for this region, their small-ship, all-inclusive journeys allow couples to move seamlessly from island to island, accompanied by Les Gauguines — local Tahitian hosts who share their culture, stories, music and traditions along the way.
With Paul Gauguin's wide range of thoughtfully curated 7-to-14-night itineraries, you have the freedom to shape a celebration of love that unfolds across some of the most captivating corners of the South Pacific. Let our agency take care of the details — from selecting the ideal itinerary to securing the best available value — so you can enjoy a thoughtfully planned journey that lets the romance unfold naturally, from the first island to the last.
