Moorea: Private Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling Tour Taboo

Summary

Sail moorea’s lagoon snorkel with rays and sharks relax on taboo

You’ll sail Moorea’s turquoise lagoon on your own catamaran, snorkeling among blacktip sharks and rays in crystal-clear water before tasting fresh local fruit and sipping cocktails onboard. With pickup included and a friendly guide who shares island stories (and jokes), you’ll end up feeling both exhilarated and oddly peaceful—like you’ve borrowed someone else’s perfect afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever try to say ‘maitai’ with a snorkel in your mouth?” That was the first thing our guide Manu joked about as we climbed onto Taboo, this bright red catamaran bobbing near Opunohu Bay. The sun was already warm but not too harsh, and honestly, I was just happy to kick off my shoes and feel the netting under my feet. There was this faint smell of sunscreen mixed with sea air—kind of familiar, but somehow sharper out here. We set off along Moorea’s north coast, just us and Manu (who seemed to know every ripple in the lagoon), and I caught myself grinning for no reason.

The first stop was this shallow spot where the water looked almost fake—so clear you could see every twitch of a stingray’s wing. I hesitated before sliding in; those blacktip sharks were right there, weaving through patches of sunlight on the sand. Manu handed me a mask (fit perfectly, which never happens) and pointed out how gentle they were. “They’re curious,” he said, “not hungry.” I floated above coral gardens so bright it almost hurt my eyes—parrotfish darting around like they had somewhere important to be. At one point a turtle surfaced way off to our left, just for a second. Nobody spoke much then; we just watched it glide away.

After that we drifted past these old underwater Tikis—Manu told us stories about them while slicing up pineapple so sweet it made my teeth ache. He mixed up cocktails (mocktails for the kids), balancing everything on this wobbly tray like he’d done it a thousand times. The fruit was cold from the cooler and tasted like sunshine—maybe that sounds cheesy but it’s true. I sprawled out on one of those overwater nets, salt drying on my skin, listening to Manu laugh with my partner about French accents gone wrong. Didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after swimming with sharks, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moorea sailing and snorkeling tour

• Board catamaran Taboo near Opunohu Bay
• Sail along Moorea's North coast
• Snorkel with rays, sharks, and fish
• Explore underwater Tikis
• Relax on catamaran's mattresses and net
• Enjoy fresh local fruits and cocktails onboard

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Moorea snorkeling tour?

Yes, transfers are included for guests booking the private catamaran tour.

What wildlife can I see during the Moorea catamaran snorkeling tour?

You may see blacktip sharks, stingrays, colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dolphins.

How long is the private sailing & snorkeling tour?

This is a half-day tour along Moorea's north coast near Opunohu Bay.

Are drinks or food provided on board Taboo?

Yes, fresh tropical fruits plus cocktails or mocktails are served during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

All gear—mask, snorkel, fins—is included for all guests.

Is this Moorea catamaran tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Can people with limited mobility join this sailing trip?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point near Opunohu Bay, all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), refreshing fruit juices or maitai cocktails (or mocktails), plenty of fresh tropical fruits sliced onboard after swimming stops, plus water throughout your private cruise before returning ashore.