Snorkeling at La Source, Tahiti: Sea Scooter with Turtles & Rays

La Source puts you underwater with an electric scooter, not a boat overhead.

Snorkel at La Source, a reef site 15 minutes from Punaauia in Tahiti, using a sea scooter. An electric thruster that lets you move through the water faster and with less effort than swimming alone. In a small group of 2 to 6 people, you'll observe turtles in large numbers, eagle rays, barracudas, reef sharks and tropical fish across coral gardens. The guide accompanies you throughout, and the activity takes about 2 hours. Pickup is included. The tour runs daily and suits all fitness levels.

The experience

La Source sits outside the lagoon, reachable by a 15-minute boat ride from Punaauia. The sea scooter, a handheld electric thruster, takes just a few minutes to learn and then carries you through submerged territories with comfort and control, letting you cover more ground and conserve energy compared to swimming or traditional snorkeling. You'll spend most of the time in the water with your guide, moving between coral gardens and open reef where turtles feed and rest year-round.

The turtles are the draw: they're present every day in large numbers, often eating corals or being cleaned by smaller fish. Beyond them, the site holds eagle rays, barracudas, trunk fish and reef sharks: all visible on most days. The guide points out what's there and keeps the group safe. Depending on the season, you may also spot dolphins or, from August through November, humpback whales passing through the deeper water beyond the pass.

You'll be in a group of no more than 6 people, which keeps the experience intimate and away from crowded sites. The outing includes snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel and a shorty wetsuit), bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea, fruit juice and photos or videos taken by the guide. Pickup is included. The activity runs every day and is accessible to beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask, snorkel and shorty wetsuit).
• bottled water and snacks.
• professional guide in English, Spanish or French.
• coffee, tea and fruit juice.
• photos and videos taken by the guide.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Friday, Saturday and SundayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 70 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by 'ATAE : Safari Océan ~ Tahiti

Is this one for you?Book the shared boat if you're comfortable in a small group of 2 to 6 people and want the full reef experience without the cost of a private charter. The sea scooter itself is what sets this apart: it lets you move through the water with ease and cover more ground than traditional snorkeling, so you'll see more turtles and reef life in the same 2-hour window.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

54 verified traveler reviews

5 ★53

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide 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's the difference between the sea scooter and regular snorkeling in Tahiti?

The sea scooter is an electric handheld thruster that propels you through the water with minimal effort, letting you cover more distance, stay underwater longer and move between sites faster than swimming alone. It takes a few minutes to learn and works for all fitness levels.

How many turtles will I actually see at La Source?

Turtles are present in large numbers every day of the year at La Source, often feeding on corals or being cleaned by small fish. The guide positions the group to observe them without disturbing their behavior.

What other animals might I encounter besides turtles?

La Source regularly holds eagle rays, barracudas, trunk fish and reef sharks. Dolphins are possible depending on the day, and humpback whales pass through from August to November, visible in the deeper water beyond the reef pass.

How far is La Source from where we start, and how long does the boat ride take?

La Source is located outside the lagoon about 15 minutes by boat from the departure point near Punaauia. The full activity, including the boat ride and time in the water, takes around 2 hours.

Is this activity suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

Yes. The sea scooter takes only a few minutes to learn, and the activity is designed for all fitness levels and experience. Your guide will accompany you throughout and help you get comfortable with the equipment.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel and shorty wetsuit), bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea, fruit juice and photos or videos are all included. Pickup is also included. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The guide will advise on what else to prepare.