Snorkeling in Mara'a Lagoon, Tahiti: Preserved Reefs & Dolphins

You're the only snorkelers in a lagoon most tourists never reach.

Snorkel the Mara'a Lagoon in Paea, Tahiti on a 28-foot boat with a biology-focused guide, stopping at two coral-rich sites: Turtle Point and Mara'a Aquarium. The operator is the sole provider in this preserved area, so the lagoon stays uncrowded. The boat searches for dolphins near the pass on the way in (encounters are not guaranteed), then anchors at your snorkeling spots where you use your own equipment with the guide in the water. Bottled water, tea and coffee are included. The activity runs November through July.

The experience

The boat Stenella departs from the Mobydick Tahiti harbor in Paea, located 27 kilometers west of Papeete on the coast road. You'll recognize the spot by the Quartier Aquatika sign after the ILM research center. The lagoon itself sits in an area the operator describes as still preserved from tourism, because they're the only provider working here, the reef stays quiet and the marine life stays less wary. The 28-foot boat is covered, which matters on the water.

Once aboard, the guide navigates toward the pass to search for dolphins in their natural habitat. This is an animal safari, so encounters aren't guaranteed (the operator estimates roughly a 50% chance), and if dolphins do appear, the boat doesn't launch into the water because the species is easily frightened. From there you move into the lagoon itself and anchor at one of two snorkeling sites: Turtle Point or Mara'a Aquarium. Both are coral gardens dotted with fish, skates, turtles and seabirds. The guide stays in the water with you, and submersible viewing platforms are available if you want to observe without full submersion.

The whole outing takes three hours. You bring nothing except sunscreen and a towel. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, tea and coffee are provided. Children from age 4 are welcome. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on the group. If you want to add a diving baptism (introductory scuba), that's available for an extra charge and adds another 90 minutes to the day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• tea and coffee.
• guide in English, Spanish or French.
• use of submersible viewing platforms if you prefer to observe without full submersion.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Feb 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

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.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Mobydick Tahiti

Is this one for you?The three-hour duration fits a morning or afternoon slot without consuming your whole day, leaving time for other activities in Paea or elsewhere on Tahiti's west coast. The boat searches for dolphins on the way in, so if marine mammals are a priority, this is the structure that builds that in. If you're focused purely on coral and reef fish, the snorkeling stops are where the day centers.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they 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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide works in the water with you at both snorkeling sites and equipment is included, so beginners are welcome. Children from age 4 can participate, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

What's the chance of seeing dolphins on this snorkeling trip?

The boat searches for dolphins near the pass at the start of the outing, and the operator estimates roughly a 50% chance of spotting them. If they do appear, the boat doesn't enter the water because the species is easily disturbed, so you observe from the vessel.

What exactly is Mara'a Aquarium?

Mara'a Aquarium is one of two snorkeling sites in the lagoon, named for its abundance of coral formations and marine life. It's a coral garden where you'll see fish, skates, turtles and seabirds, and it's one of the stops where the boat anchors so you can snorkel with the guide.

How far is the harbor from Papeete airport?

The Mobydick Tahiti harbor in Paea is 27 kilometers from Papeete airport, located on the west coast road. Look for the Quartier Aquatika sign after the ILM research center. On weekends, park in the school lot on the mountain side of the road.

When does this snorkeling activity run?

Snorkeling trips operate from early November through late July. The operator also runs whale-watching trips from July to November during the season when whales migrate through the area.

Can I add scuba diving to this snorkeling trip?

Yes. A diving baptism (introductory scuba) can be added on request for an extra charge of 4,000 XPF and extends the outing by 90 minutes, bringing the total to around four and a half hours.