Moorea: Traditional Sailing Tour & Lagoon Snorkeling with Local Stories

Summary

Sail Moorea’s lagoon taste fruit steer a va’a hear old stories

You’ll join a small group on Moorea’s lagoon aboard a traditional va’a canoe—helping hoist sails, steering with guidance from your local host, and pausing to snorkel or snack on fresh tropical fruit. Listen to real Polynesian legends as you float over clear water and meet rays below. That feeling of freedom? It lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

“You can pull harder if you want,” Manu grinned, handing me the thick rope—my palms already salty and a bit unsure. The lagoon around Moorea was this wild blue-green, kind of shifting every time the clouds moved. We’d barely left shore when I realized the wind really does have its own mind out here. There was this moment—quiet except for the slap of water on the hull—where I forgot I was supposed to be learning anything at all. Just felt the sun on my neck and Manu humming something under his breath (he said it was an old canoe song, but honestly, I couldn’t catch a single word).

We stopped near a sandbar where the water turned so clear it looked fake. Manu handed out chunks of pineapple and coconut, still cold from the cooler. He told us about his grandfather’s first crossing to Tahiti—how they’d read stars instead of maps. I tried steering the va’a for a bit (not gracefully), and Manu laughed when I mixed up left and right in French. There were rays gliding underneath us, shadows slipping past my toes dangling in the water. It smelled like salt and sunscreen and something sweet from the fruit.

I didn’t expect to feel so… light? Maybe it was being out there with just a handful of strangers, or maybe it was hearing Manu talk about “freedom” on the sea like it’s something you can actually hold onto for a while. He took some photos with his GoPro (I’m probably squinting in half of them), but that feeling—drifting between motus, sun warming your back, stories floating in the air—I still think about that part sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traditional sailing and lagoon discovery

• Board the Vaapiti double sail canoe
• Learn ancestral sailing gestures
• Hoist sails and steer the va'a
• Explore lagoon's historical and natural spots
• Stop to observe tropical fish and rays
• Enjoy local fruits and snacks on board
• Receive GoPro images of the outing

Top questions

How long is the traditional sailing tour in Moorea?

The tour lasts about 4 hours, either in the morning or afternoon.

Do I need sailing experience for this Moorea lagoon tour?

No sailing experience is needed; everyone can participate.

Are snacks included during the sailing trip?

Yes, local fruits, coconut snacks, and drinks are provided onboard.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this Moorea tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for guests who want to swim.

What kind of boat is used for this Moorea sailing excursion?

You’ll sail on Vaapiti—a double sail va’a (traditional Polynesian canoe).

Will we visit special spots or just sail around?

You’ll stop at sandbanks, motus (islets), submerged tiki sites, and places rich in sea life.

Can children join this traditional sailing tour?

The activity is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are service animals allowed onboard?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the outing.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup at the pier in Moorea, all sailing instruction with your local guide Manu aboard Vaapiti, stops at sandbars and motus for swimming or snorkeling (gear included), plus cold drinks and plenty of fresh tropical fruit snacks before returning to shore—with GoPro photos shared after if you want them.