Moorea snorkeling and sailing: private catamaran Taboo

Sail, snorkel among rays and sharks, then rest on an overwater net with fruit and a mai tai

A private half-day catamaran tour on Moorea departs near Opunohu Bay and sails the north coast with multiple snorkeling stops in shallow coral gardens where you swim alongside blacktip rays, sharks and colorful fish. The boat—a comfortable sailing catamaran named Taboo—includes snorkeling gear, fresh tropical fruit, mai tai cocktails or mocktails, and an overwater net for lounging between swims. Hotel pickup is included, and the guide speaks English and French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Moorea snorkeling and sailing tour

• Board private catamaran Taboo
• Sail along Moorea's North coast
• Snorkel with rays, sharks, and fish
• Explore underwater Tikis
• Relax on catamaran with fruits and drinks

The Experience

The catamaran Taboo leaves near Opunohu Bay and sails leisurely along Moorea's north coast, making several stops in the lagoon for snorkeling. You'll have a mask, snorkel and fins provided, and the water is shallow enough that you can see the coral garden floor clearly. Blacktip rays glide past, reef sharks move through the shallows, and schools of tropical fish dart between the coral—sea turtles and dolphins show up often enough that the operator mentions them as part of the routine. The guide is there to point out what's happening and keep everyone safe, speaking English or French depending on your group.

Between snorkeling stops, you rest on Taboo's overwater net or in the shaded areas on deck, where the crew brings out fresh tropical fruit and your choice of mai tai cocktails or mocktails. The boat has cozy mattresses and is designed to feel intimate rather than crowded—you're booking the whole catamaran, so it's just your group. The sailing itself is part of the day; you're moving under canvas along the coast rather than motoring to a series of stops.

The tour runs three to four hours total, including the sail out, the snorkeling stops and the return. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the boat. Bring a towel and sunscreen; the snorkeling gear and water are provided.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins).
• fresh tropical fruit plate.
• mai tai cocktails or mocktails.
• water.
• hotel pickup.
• English or French-speaking guide.
• use of the overwater net and shaded deck areas.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Voila moorea

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel in a calm lagoon without fighting crowds or joining a larger group—the private catamaran means you control the pace and the stops. The shallow coral gardens and regular sightings of rays and sharks make it worth choosing over a beach snorkel, and the sailing itself is part of the day rather than just transport between sites.

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Top questions

What kind of sea life will I actually see while snorkeling on this Moorea tour?

Blacktip rays and reef sharks are regular sightings in the shallow coral gardens where Taboo stops. Colorful tropical fish school through the coral, and sea turtles and dolphins appear often enough that they're part of the expected day. The water is clear and shallow, so you can see the coral floor and the fish moving through it.

Is the catamaran Taboo crowded, or is it really just my group?

You're booking the entire boat, so Taboo is private to your party. The operator emphasizes an intimate cruise experience away from the crowds, and the boat is sized and equipped—with an overwater net, shaded lounging areas and cozy mattresses—for comfort rather than capacity.

What's included in the price for this Moorea snorkeling tour?

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins), fresh tropical fruit, mai tai cocktails or mocktails, water, hotel pickup and the guide are all included. You don't need to bring or pay for snorkeling gear or arrange your own way to the boat.

How long does the half-day tour actually take from pickup to return?

The tour runs three to four hours total, including hotel pickup, the sail along the north coast, the snorkeling stops and the return to your hotel.

What's the difference between the group options if I'm booking this private catamaran?

Taboo is private to your party regardless of size, but you choose how many people are in your group at checkout: one to four passengers, or five to eight passengers. The boat and the experience are the same; the price adjusts based on group size.