Offshore fishing Tahiti: Teahupo'o wave with Polynesian boat

Seven hours trolling the reef, then the deep water around fish aggregation devices where marlin, tuna and wahoo hunt

Offshore fishing around Tahiti's Teahupo'o wave on a traditional Polynesian fishing vessel with a floor built for spotting marine life. You troll with stand-up rods, throw-cast and hand-reel for pelagic fish (marlin, swordfish, tuna, dogtooth and mahi-mahi), while watching for whales, dolphins and sharks. Groups run up to twelve passengers. The boat stops at the wave itself during the ride.

The experience

The boat leaves the reef and heads offshore to the fish aggregation devices (FADs) where the hunt concentrates. You work stand-up rods, throw-cast lines or hand-reel depending on what bites and what the guide reads in the water. The target list runs long: blue and black marlin, sailfish, swordfish, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, barracuda, mahi-mahi and bonus tuna. The deck is built low and open so you can watch the animals move beneath and around the boat: dolphins, whales, sharks and the smaller reef life that signals where the bigger fish are feeding.

Snacks, hot tea, homemade lemonade and fresh fruit come throughout the day. The guide briefs you on technique before you cast, and handles photos and video contact exchange at the end. Because the boat is also the official taxi for Teahupo'o during big-wave events, it stops at the wave itself on the way back so you can see the break and the surfers if conditions are running.

What’s included

• Complete fishing equipment: rods, lures and harnesses.
• snacks, hot tea, homemade lemonade and fresh fruit.
• briefing, photo and video contact exchange.
• stop at the Teahupo'o wave on the return.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 48 h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Natura - Captain Ju

Is this one for you?This is a private boat you book for your group, up to twelve, so you control who fishes and how long each person spends on the rod. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French and teaches technique before you cast, so beginners and experienced anglers both work the same grounds. The difference is in how you read the water and work the line.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

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.

What fish are actually caught around Teahupo'o?

The offshore grounds around Tahiti hold blue and black marlin, sailfish, swordfish, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, barracuda, mahi-mahi and bonus tuna. Smaller reef fish come earlier in the day as the boat works its way out. What bites depends on the season and the water conditions the guide reads.

Do I need fishing experience to book this trip?

No. The guide teaches stand-up rod technique, throw-casting and hand-reel work before you start. Equipment (rods, lures and harnesses) is provided, and the guide handles the briefing on what to expect and how to work each method.

What happens if we see whales or dolphins?

Whales, dolphins, sharks and other marine animals are common around the offshore grounds. The boat's low, open deck is designed so you can watch and photograph them. The guide will point out what you're seeing and adjust course if a pod moves through the fishing zone.

Can we really stop at the Teahupo'o wave on the way back?

Yes. The boat is the official taxi vessel for the wave during big-wave competitions and serves surfers and spectators year-round. On the return trip, it stops at the break so you can see the wave and watch surfers if conditions are running that day.

How many people can fish on one boat?

The boat holds a maximum of twelve passengers. A private boat for five people costs €870, then €67 per additional passenger up to the twelve-person cap. You can pay the difference for extra guests on the day if you want to add people after booking.