Moorea: Lagoon Snorkeling Tour & Motu Cooking Class with Lunch

Summary

Swim Moorea’s lagoon, meet rays & sharks, cook on a motu

You’ll swim Moorea’s clear lagoon with stingrays and black-tip sharks, snorkel among coral reefs, then learn to make poisson cru during a relaxed barbecue lunch on a motu. With hotel pickup included and a small group led by a local guide, you’ll get both adventure and real Polynesian flavors — plus plenty of time just soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway across the lagoon before I realized how clear the water was — like someone had turned up the brightness. Our guide, Manu, pointed out the peaks of Opunohu Bay behind us and joked that the mountains looked like sleeping giants. I could smell sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s bag (maybe pineapple?). The boat wasn’t crowded — just 10 or so of us, everyone a little quiet at first except Manu, who seemed to know every fish by name.

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about swimming with stingrays but when we stopped in shallow water and they slid right up beside us — well, I definitely hesitated. Manu laughed and showed me how to let them brush past my legs without freaking out. The black-tip sharks kept their distance but you could see their fins slicing through the blue. Snorkeling here is different than anywhere else I’ve tried; there’s this gentle hush underwater and flashes of yellow fish everywhere you look. My mask kept fogging up but honestly, it made everything look dreamier.

Afterwards we landed on a little motu for lunch. The sand was almost too bright to look at and someone played ukulele while we learned to open coconuts (I failed spectacularly). Manu taught us how to make poisson cru — raw tuna with coconut milk and lime — and Li laughed when I tried to say “ia ora na” in Tahitian. Lunch was grilled right there, feet in the water, and I still think about that first bite of fresh fish mixed with salt air. We took our time heading back; nobody really wanted it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moorea lagoon tour and cultural lunch

• Hotel pick-up
• Visit Cook's or Opunohu bay
• Cruise through Moorea's lagoon
• Meet stingrays and black-tip sharks
• Snorkel among fish and coral reefs
• Learn to open a coconut
• Prepare "poisson cru" with guide
• Enjoy barbecue lunch on motu
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Moorea snorkeling & lunch tour?

The tour lasts around 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Moorea day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels.

Will we swim with stingrays and sharks?

Yes, you’ll have guided swims with friendly stingrays and black-tip sharks in shallow water.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A barbecue lunch is served on a motu (islet), including poisson cru prepared during a cooking class.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Masks, snorkels, and beach towels are included for your use during the tour.

How many people are on the boat?

The group size is limited to 12 passengers maximum for comfort.

Can children join this Moorea lagoon tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What if it rains during the tour?

The tour operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe; dress appropriately for weather changes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Moorea, all snorkeling gear and beach towels you’ll need, guidance from a local professional throughout the trip, plus drinks and a full barbecue lunch with poisson cru prepared fresh on a motu before returning you back at your hotel later on.