The 6 Best Shore Excursions in the Pacific Islands

1.1/2 day Tahaa coral garden – departure Raiatea / ideal for cruise passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $144Our pick

From Raiatea, you’ll take a scenic 35 to 45 minute boat ride to Tahaa, walk briefly over dead coral, then drift through a shallow coral garden with colorful fish and clams. Guides such as Gony, Laurence, and Julian lead small groups of up to 10. Bring water shoes, a camera, and basic swimming skills.

“I organized 2 boats in Raiatea for 20 of our friends to experience the drift snorkel in the Coral Garden in Taha'a and we were not disappointed. Our boat driver and snorkel instructor were super friendly, accommodating and exceptionally welRead more”

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2.River Tubing Fiji / Suva Shore Excursion Cruise Ship Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $90Top rated

From Pacific Harbour, you travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the Navua River, then head upstream by longboat. The day includes a Namosi Highlands village visit, a waterfall swim, riverside lunch, and a guided inner-tube ride through gentle rapids. Guides such as Rosie, Douggy, Nick, and Winnie are praised for safety and care.

“Had a wonderful tour with great crew. Had some long boat rides, hiking, toured a village and tubing a river. All of it was great!”

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3.Ultimate Upolu Highlights Tour – Apia Cruise Ship Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $130

Join Shawn or Janette from Samoa Surf and Turf for a six-and-a-half-hour Upolu tour from Apia port. Swim in Piula Cave Pool, visit To Sua Ocean Trench, relax at Lalomanu Beach, and stop at Papapapaitai Falls. The air-conditioned vehicle carries small groups, with water and a snack included.

“Excellent tour with great scenery and local flavor. Good lunch location (on) your dime with beautiful warm ocean water for swimming”

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4.1/2 day “Treasures of Raiatea” by boat – ideal for cruise passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · from $144

Spend 3 to 4 hours with Hava’i and Sea exploring Raiatea by boat. Guide Julien, and sometimes Teiki or Arianne, take you up the Faaroa River, across the lagoon, and to a local pearl farm. Expect a small group of up to 12, island stories, pearl-making details, fresh fruit, and free time afterward.

“We had a remarkable time! The ride up the river was beautiful, peaceful, calm, and we were told about the different plants and fruits and how they’re used in the culture. We also saw a por of dolphins that we watched for a bit on the way Read more”

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5.Shore Excursion: 3-Hour Tongatapu East Coast and Anahulu Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 13 reviews · from $71Best value

Start at Vuna Wharf with a local driver-guide, then visit royal landmarks, Captain Cook’s Landing Place, Ha’amonga’a Maui, Anahulu Beach, and Anahulu Cave. You’ll have time for a swim in the cave’s freshwater pool, though wet steps, soft sand, and island-style vehicles require some care.

“It's worth the time and money. Beautiful impression and very pleasant guide and driver. Flexible duration of stay at cave/beach.”

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6.Apia Port: Cruise Guests’ Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 6 hours · from $155

Spend six hours touring Upolu’s east coast in an air-conditioned van with a local English-speaking guide. Swim at Piula Cave Pool and To Sua Ocean Trench, see Sopoaga Falls, relax at Lalomanu Beach, and visit Apia sights before returning to the cruise terminal. Lunch is extra, and the group is limited to 11.

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