Snorkeling in Moorea's Lagoon: Transparent Kayak Excursion

Three and a half hours paddling clear water, watching fish below the kayak, snorkeling coral, and floating on a motu

An eco-guided kayak excursion on Moorea's lagoon uses transparent kayaks to let you watch turtles, stingrays and tropical fish through the hull while paddling. The morning outing includes a snorkeling stop at a reef, a break on a sandbank with fresh fruit juice, and time to observe marine life without feeding or disturbing it. A guide leads the route and shares the island's traditional stories.

The experience

The transparent kayak is the whole point: paddling over the lagoon, you watch green turtles and black-tip sharks move through the water below you, along with stingrays and schools of tropical fish around the corals. The hull lets you see what you'd miss from a regular boat or from the beach. You paddle between two motus (small islands), moving at your own pace with the guide steering the route and pointing out what lives where.

A snorkeling stop at a marked reef gives you time in the water itself, face-down in the shallows where the corals and fish are densest. After that, the group lands on a sandbank for a rest (the kind of place that exists only at high tide), where the team serves fresh fruit juice and a homemade snack. This is where the guide shares stories about Moorea's traditions and the lagoon's ecology. Everything served comes in recyclable or biodegradable materials, and the operation doesn't feed the animals, so you're watching natural behavior.

The morning departure is early. You'll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, and the operator asks that you stay on the island the night before so you can make the start time. Minimum two people must book for the trip to run. A backup pharmacy, waterproof bags, paddles, life jackets and fresh water are all provided. Submersible slates help you identify the fish you see.

What’s included

• Transparent kayak, paddles and life jacket to CE safety standards.
• waterproof bag.
• submersible fish identification slates.
• fresh fruit juice and homemade snack on the sandbank.
• fresh water.
• backup pharmacy.
• guide commentary in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 12

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

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MOOREA BLUE PADDLE

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose this if you're comfortable following along in one of those languages. Children from age 2 can join if they sit with an adult, making it a family option, though you'll need moderate fitness and good general health: the paddling and snorkeling aren't strenuous, but they do require some stamina and no joint or heart problems.

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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 (9 to 17 years); Child (2 to 8 years).

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 can I actually see through the bottom of a transparent kayak in Moorea's lagoon?

Turtles, stingrays, black-tip sharks and tropical fish moving through the water around corals. The transparency of the kayak hull lets you watch them at depth as you paddle, without disturbing them or needing to enter the water.

Is there time to snorkel, or do I stay in the kayak the whole time?

The excursion includes a dedicated snorkeling stop at a coral reef where you get in the water. You also rest on a sandbank afterward, where the guide shares stories about the island while you have juice and a snack.

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

The kayak, paddles, life jacket, waterproof bag, fresh water, fresh fruit juice and snack are included. Bring sunscreen (reef-safe), a towel and any personal items. Sunscreen is available for purchase if you need it.

How early does the morning departure happen, and where do I meet the guide?

The exact meeting time is confirmed after you book, but the operator emphasizes an early start. You'll arrange your own transport to the meeting point. Hotel transfers are not included. Staying on Moorea the night before is recommended so you can make the departure time.

What's the maximum weight limit for the transparent kayaks?

The kayaks have a maximum weight capacity of 95 kilograms (210 pounds) per person. Infants can sit on an adult's lap.