Tahiti snorkeling tour: Turtles, rays and shipwrecks

Two and a half hours in the water with turtles and rays on either side

A 2.5-hour snorkeling activity in Tahiti's lagoon where you enter the water at a natural spring and explore three submerged wrecks (one plane, two boats) with a guide who identifies the fish, rays and turtles you encounter. The boat ride follows the Tahitian coast, snorkeling gear and instruction are provided, and the guide speaks English or French.

The experience

The boat leaves from a point near Tahiti and heads along the coast toward Sapinus, where you'll enter the water at a spot where fresh water springs from the seabed. This is where the turtles gather. From there, the guide takes you to the aquarium: a series of three wrecks (a plane and two boats) sitting on the seafloor, surrounded by hundreds of brightly colored fish. The white sand bottom and the relief of the wrecks create a landscape that changes what you're looking at every few minutes.

You stay in the water for the bulk of the 2.5 hours, moving between the spring and the wrecks at a pace the guide sets. The snorkeling equipment is provided and fitted before you enter, and the guide stays with the group to point out species and explain what you're seeing. Eagle rays, dozens of varieties of fish, and the turtles that congregate near the spring are what you're there to watch. The guide speaks English or French, so the names and details come as you swim.

Children from age 3 are welcome, and infants sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The activity suits all fitness levels. You're snorkeling, not swimming hard, and the guide controls the pace. Public transportation options run near the departure point if you're not renting a car or arranging your own ride.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• guide instruction in English or French.
• boat ride along the Tahitian coast.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (19 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (14 to 18 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tahiti Activities Center

Is this one for you?The 2.5-hour pace is steady water time, so you need to be comfortable snorkeling for stretches: the guide controls the speed and stays with the group, which works for all fitness levels and ages from 3 up.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years); Child (3 to 13 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 will I see while snorkeling in Tahiti's lagoon?

Turtles gather at the natural spring where fresh water rises from the seabed. Eagle rays and hundreds of varieties of colorful fish inhabit the area around three submerged wrecks (a plane and two boats) sitting on white sand.

How long does the snorkeling activity last?

The full outing is 2.5 hours, which includes the boat ride along the coast and the time spent in the water at both the spring and the wrecks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included and fitted before you enter the water. The guide also provides instruction on what you're seeing.