Moorea: Sunset Catamaran Cruise to Cook's Bay & Reef

Sail into Moorea's Sunset on a Catamaran Built for Two

You board Taboo catamaran on Moorea's North coast and sail toward Cook's Bay, then beyond the reef into open water. The cruise includes a Maitai cocktail, tropical juices, and water, with time to watch the sunset over Tiahura's motu. The boat keeps groups small and the pace relaxed. You're out for the light and the water, not a checklist of stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Moorea catamaran sunset cruise

• Board the catamaran Taboo
• Sail inside and outside reef barrier
• Admire Cook's Bay landscapes and legends
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Watch sunset at Tiahura's motu
• Have a drink and relax onboard

The experience

The captain of Taboo (a cozy sailing catamaran moored on Moorea's North coast) waves you aboard with a Maitai already waiting. He's done this run maybe a thousand times, and it shows in the way he reads the wind before the sails even catch it. You're not on a tour boat with forty people. Taboo keeps groups small enough that you can actually hear the water and the rigging creak. The boat heads first inside the reef, where the water turns that impossible turquoise, then pushes out past the barrier to where the ocean opens up and the mountains of Moorea shrink behind you into silhouette.

Cook's Bay slides into view on the starboard side: the one James Cook himself sailed into, the one that looks like someone carved it out of the island with a giant hand. Your guide points out the legends tied to the landscape, the way the peaks frame the water, and you're holding a tropical fruit juice or another drink, watching the light change. There's no schedule to keep, no next stop waiting. The catamaran moves at the pace the wind allows, and that's the whole point. You're out here for the moment itself, not to check a box.

As the sun drops toward Tiahura's motu, the small island off the coast, the sky does what it does in French Polynesia: it turns colors that don't have names in most languages. The water goes gold, then pink, then something between purple and gray. You're still on the deck of Taboo, still holding a drink, and the boat is quiet except for the sail and the ocean. By the time you head back toward the mooring, the stars are already out, and the island lights are starting to show on the water.

What’s included

Your cruise includes a Maitai cocktail, water, and tropical fruit juices served on board. You'll sail on Taboo catamaran along Moorea's North coast, passing Cook's Bay and venturing outside the reef barrier to view the natural landscape and sunset over Tiahura's motu.

Options for this experience

5 options

No transfer option is neededGuide in English or French · No fixed timeMeet us at the departure point: you don't need a transfer and will meet us directly at the departure point, the "Voila Moorea" boat mooring

Transfers for the Hilton Moorea areaGuide in English or French · No fixed timeTransfers for the Pihaena area: pick up from and drop off at the Hilton Moorea, Motu iti, Vaipipiha residence, Fare Om... Pickup is included

Manava area transfersGuide in English or French · No fixed timePickup is included for Maharepa and Paopao area: pick up from Manava, Cooks Bay Hotel, Kaveka...

See 2 more options

Hibiscus area transfersGuide in English or French · No fixed timePickup is included for Papetoai and Tiahura area: pick up from and drop off at M. Beach Lodge, M. Island Beach, Hibiscus, Tipaniers, M. Sunset Beach, Fare Club, Niu Beach, Lagoon Dream...

Sofitel area transfersGuide in English or French · No fixed timePickup is included for Maharepa, Tiaia and Temae area: pick up from and drop off at Sofitel, Poerani, Bel Air residence, Golf... (Temae path: meeting at the golf)

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (under 10)

GroupUp to 8 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Voila moorea

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want a quiet evening on the water without a crowded tour boat: Taboo keeps groups small so you can actually hear the ocean and watch the light change. The boat sails at the pace the wind allows, which is what makes the sunset feel unhurried instead of rushed.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 10).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do we sail inside and outside the reef?

Yes. The cruise sails inside the reef first, then goes outside the barrier reef to see the natural environment and views toward Tiahura's motu.

Is this suitable for people with health concerns?

The cruise is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. It is suitable for all other fitness levels.

Can we see Cook's Bay on this cruise?

Yes. The boat sails toward Cook's Bay on the North coast of Moorea as part of the route.

What time does the sunset cruise depart?

The exact departure time is not listed. Check with the operator for the schedule.