Sailing and diving in Moorea: Private va'a adventure
Sail a custom-built va'a and snorkel at hidden reefs and sandbanks
A private sailing adventure aboard Vaapiti, a traditional Polynesian va'a in Moorea, where you choose your own itinerary: snorkel at secret spots, dive near submerged tiki, or watch rays and sharks in their habitat. The crew teaches you how to hoist the sails and steer the vessel while you move between sites steeped in history and rich in marine life. The outing runs 4 hours and suits all ages and fitness levels, with no sailing experience required.
Options for this experience
4 optionsWhat’s included
- Snorkelling equipment.
- bottled water and refreshing drinks.
- fresh fruit and local snacks.
- instruction in traditional Polynesian sailing techniques.
- use of the va'a for the full duration.
Times
- Every day except Tuesday 07:30 14:00
- Tuesday 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Vaapiti
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
What makes this different from a standard boat tour is that you're not just watching. You're part of the crew. Vaapiti was built specifically for sailing, diving, fishing and the freedom of being on the water, and the captain invites you aboard to share that passion. You'll learn ancestral Polynesian sailing gestures, help hoist the sails, and take the helm of the va'a yourself. Between moments at the wheel, you snorkel at places the crew knows: sandbanks, reefs where rays glide past, spots where sharks hunt, and submerged tiki carved into the seafloor. The stops aren't fixed. You and the crew decide together where to go based on conditions and what calls to you that day.
The boat holds up to eight passengers plus two crew, so it stays intimate even at full capacity. A cooler of fresh fruit, cold drinks and local snacks travels with you, and snorkelling gear is provided. The standard outing is 4 hours, but you can ask to stay longer if the day is working and you want more time in the water or under sail. Kids ride free (infants sit on a lap), and the crew speaks English and French, so language isn't a barrier to understanding what you're seeing or learning.
Is this one for you?Choose your group size based on headcount, then decide between the 4-hour half-day sail or the extended option if you want more time on the water.
Compare the 10 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English 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.
Can I choose what we do on the day, or is the itinerary set?
You and the crew tailor the experience together. You can focus on snorkelling, sailing, fishing, or a mix of all three, and the crew will take you to the spots that match what you want and what conditions allow that day.
What's it like snorkelling in Moorea from this boat?
Vaapiti stops at secret spots (sandbanks, reefs and submerged tiki), where you'll see rays, sharks and the marine life that lives on the reef. Snorkelling gear is provided, and the crew knows where the best visibility and wildlife are.
Do I need sailing experience to go?
No experience is required. The crew teaches you ancestral sailing techniques and how to handle the va'a as you go, so you learn by doing.
How many people can come, and what's included?
The boat takes three to eight passengers depending on which option you choose at checkout. Snorkelling equipment, fresh fruit, drinks and local snacks are included for everyone.
Sailing and diving in Moorea: Private va'a adventure
4h · EN · FR
from US$ 557 per group
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.