Snorkeling in Raiatea: Modern outrigger canoe day trip

Lagoon sailing, coral gardens, and a sacred archaeological site in one day

Snorkeling in Raiatea takes you around the island on Blue Lagoon, a modern outrigger canoe, with a guide who speaks English or French. You'll stop at Nao Nao Coral Garden for snorkeling in clear water among coral and fish, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Marae de Taputapuatea, and sail into Faaroa Bay (the only navigable river in French Polynesia), where lush vegetation lines the water. The day runs seven to eight hours and includes snorkeling equipment, water, juice, chips and seasonal fruit, and a gourmet break by the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day trip around Raiatea by canoe

• Sail along west coast of Raiatea
• Observe dolphins in lagoon
• Stop for snorkeling at coral garden
• Visit Marae de Taputapuatea UNESCO site
• Sail and explore Faaroa Bay and river

The experience

Raiatea's west coast unfolds from the deck of Blue Lagoon, a comfortable modern canoe with a trampoline that lets you sit over the lagoon itself. Your guide reads the water and the conditions: dolphins appear often enough that you'll keep your eyes on the horizon, and the route adapts to what the day offers. You'll pass Tevaitoa, a town backed by wild bays, green cliffs and waterfalls that drop straight into the sea.

The snorkeling happens at Nao Nao Coral Garden, a motu in the south where the reef stays untouched by crowds. Multicolored fish move between coral formations, and the water is clear enough to see the whole garden from the surface. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you'll spend enough time there to move at your own pace rather than on a schedule.

Marae de Taputapuatea, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, is an archaeological site built with a respect for its sacred purpose that shapes how you move through it. The afternoon continues into Faaroa Bay, where the landscape shifts to something like the Amazon: dense vegetation pressing down to the water's edge. Weather permitting, the canoe heads inland along the river itself, the only one in French Polynesia you can navigate by boat.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• water, juice, chips and seasonal fruit.
• a gourmet break by the water.
• a live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Raiatea Blue Lagoon

Is this one for you?The canoe moves at the rhythm of the lagoon and the river, no rushing between stops, so this suits travelers who want to spend real time in the water and at each site rather than tick off a list. The day asks you to be comfortable on a boat and entering the water to snorkel, but the pace itself is relaxed.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 snorkeling like at Nao Nao Coral Garden?

Nao Nao Coral Garden sits on a motu in the south of Raiatea and stays preserved from crowds. You'll snorkel among coral formations and multicolored fish in clear water, with snorkeling equipment provided and time to explore at your own pace.

Can I see dolphins on this day around Raiatea?

Dolphins appear often in the turquoise and deep blue lagoon, especially along the west coast. Your guide watches for them and adjusts the route to the conditions, so sightings depend on the day, but they're a real possibility.

What happens at Marae de Taputapuatea?

Marae de Taputapuatea is a major archaeological site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. You'll visit it on foot with your guide, who approaches it with respect for its sacred significance.

Does the canoe go up the river in Faaroa Bay?

Yes, weather permitting, Blue Lagoon sails inland along the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. The vegetation is dense and lush, creating a landscape very different from the open lagoon.

What food and drink are included?

The day includes water, juice, chips and seasonal fruit throughout, plus a gourmet break taken by the water.

How long is the full day, and what's the pace like?

The day runs seven to eight hours total. The pace is set by sailing and stops rather than walking. You'll spend time snorkeling, visiting the marae, and drifting through Faaroa Bay, so it's unhurried rather than rushed.