Moorea: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Cocktails & Cook’s Bay

Summary

Sailing moorea’s north coast at sunset with cocktails and mountain views

You’ll board Taboo for a mellow evening sailing along Moorea’s north coast—with a local guide mixing up maitais as you pass Cook’s Bay and drift outside the reef. Expect mountain silhouettes, tropical fruit juice or cocktails in hand, and that hush when everyone turns to watch the sun drop behind Tiahura’s motu.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto Taboo just as the sky started to shift—those soft pinks and golds you get in Moorea, kind of impossible to describe. Our captain, Manu, greeted us with this easy smile and handed out maitais (I still can’t pronounce it right). The air smelled salty-sweet, almost like pineapple fields mixed with ocean. There were maybe eight of us total, all sort of quiet at first, until someone pointed out the jagged green peaks behind Cook’s Bay. I’d seen photos but seeing them from the water… well, it hits different.

As we sailed along the north coast toward Cook’s Bay, Manu told us stories about the mountains—something about ancient legends and how the shapes got their names. I tried to remember one but got distracted by flying fish skipping alongside us. The catamaran glided past the reef; you could hear nothing but water slapping against the hull and a bit of laughter from a couple up front. We each had our own spot to sprawl out—no crowds or loud music, just that slow-motion feeling you get when you realize you’re somewhere special.

Outside the barrier reef, everything felt wider and quieter. The light kept changing—one minute golden on Tiahura’s motu, next minute this deep orange that made everyone stop talking for a second. Manu poured more juice (or rum if you wanted), and someone passed around pineapple slices that tasted colder than they should have been. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed; honestly, I’m not even a “sunset cruise” person usually. But floating there with my feet dangling off Taboo and watching Moorea turn blue-violet behind us—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moorea sailing and sunset cruise

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

Top questions

How long is the Moorea sunset catamaran cruise?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but sunset cruises typically last around 2 hours along Moorea’s north coast.

Does the tour include drinks or snacks?

Yes, your cruise includes a maitai cocktail, tropical fruit juices, and water for all guests.

Where does the catamaran sail during the sunset cruise?

The route follows Moorea’s north coast toward Cook’s Bay and then heads outside the barrier reef near Tiahura’s motu.

Is this cruise suitable for people with mobility issues?

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

Will there be a local guide on board?

Yes, a local guide/captain leads the tour and shares stories about Moorea during the cruise.

Are children allowed on this sunset catamaran tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with certain health concerns; check directly for age policies.

What’s included

Your evening includes sailing on Taboo catamaran with a local guide along Moorea’s north coast toward Cook’s Bay and outside the reef, plus a maitai cocktail (or fruit juice) and water served on board as you watch sunset over Tiahura’s motu before returning to shore together.