Va'a sailing tour in Moorea: Traditional Polynesian canoe

Steer the va'a yourself, learning maneuvers Polynesian navigators used centuries ago

A 4-hour sailing tour on a traditional va'a in Moorea's lagoon where you take part in hoisting sails and steering the double-hulled canoe while your guide shares stories of Polynesian seafaring. The boat was hand-built over four years and is the first double-sail va'a approved in Polynesia. Morning and afternoon departures available; snorkeling gear, drinks and local snacks included; suitable for ages 4 and up with no sailing experience needed.

The Experience

The va'a—a traditional double-hulled sailing canoe—leaves from Moorea's shore in either the early morning (7:30 to 11:30) or afternoon (14:00 to 18:00). Your guide built Vaapiti over four years and sails it himself, so you're learning from someone who has spent years mastering the ancestral techniques. You'll handle the sails, take the helm, and feel the difference between modern boats and a design that carried Polynesian sailors across open ocean. The guide shares the history and legends behind these gestures—why the sails are rigged a certain way, what the old navigators knew about reading wind and water.

The route takes you to some of Moorea's most secluded spots: shallow sandbanks where tropical fish gather, coral gardens where rays and sharks move through the shallows, and small motu (islets) with submerged tiki and places the guide knows from years on the water. You stop to snorkel in these locations, and the gear is provided. Between stops, a cooler holds cold drinks, fresh tropical fruits, coconut snacks and other local food prepared for the outing—eating while anchored in the lagoon is part of the rhythm of the day.

No sailing experience is required, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Children from age 4 can come, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. The guide speaks English and French, and if you want, he'll film the outing on a GoPro so you have the footage afterward.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear.
• cold drinks, fruit juices, coconut snacks and tropical fruits.
• GoPro footage of your outing if you wish.
• live guide in English or French.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vaapiti

Is this one for you?Handle the va'a yourself, learn traditional sailing techniques, and discover hidden lagoon spots where you'll anchor to snorkel and taste local food—the ocean becomes your experience, not your scenery.

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Top questions

What is a va'a and why is this one special?

A va'a is a traditional double-hulled Polynesian sailing canoe. Vaapiti is the first double-sail va'a approved in Polynesia and was hand-built by your guide over four years, so it combines ancestral design with modern safety standards while staying true to the original sailing method.

Can I actually sail the boat, or do I just watch?

You take part in the maneuvers—hoisting the sails and steering the va'a yourself. The guide teaches you the ancestral techniques as you do them, so you're learning by handling the boat, not from the sidelines.

What will I see and do during the 4 hours on the water?

You'll sail to some of Moorea's most beautiful lagoon spots, including sandbanks, coral gardens, and small motu with submerged tiki. At each stop you snorkel with provided gear to see tropical fish, rays and sharks in the shallows, and you'll anchor to eat fresh fruit and local snacks between locations.

Do I need sailing experience or be in good shape to do this?

No sailing experience is required, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Children from age 4 can join, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling gear, cold drinks, fruit juices, coconut snacks and fresh tropical fruits are all included. The guide also films the outing on a GoPro if you want the footage afterward.

What time does the tour depart?

You can choose either a morning departure (7:30 to 11:30) or an afternoon departure (14:00 to 18:00), both lasting 4 hours.