Snorkeling in Raiatea: Tahaa Coral Garden with guide

Swim among colorful fish then explore Tahaa’s pearl farm on a guided cruise

Snorkel the Tahaa Coral Garden, a shallow reef site off Raiatea, aboard a boat departing from Uturoa Harbor with a local guide leading the underwater portion. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, soft drinks and tropical fruits. A free visit to a pearl farm in Tahaa is part of the itinerary. The guide speaks English and French, and children from age 1 are welcome.

The experience

The boat leaves Uturoa Harbor and sails west toward Tahaa, passing Bora Bora on the horizon after about ten minutes. Your guide shares local history and culture during the crossing, then heads to the motu Tautau, where the Coral Garden sits in shallow water. This is where you enter the water with snorkeling equipment and swim among the colorful reef fish for roughly two hours. The guide leads the underwater portion, so you follow rather than navigate on your own.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Soft drinks and tropical fruits are served during a rest break before the return to Uturoa. Since August 2024, the itinerary includes a free visit to a pearl farm in Tahaa, a working operation where you see how pearls are cultivated. The whole outing runs four hours from departure to arrival back at the harbor.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• soft drinks and tropical fruits.
• local guide in English or French.
• free visit to a pearl farm in Tahaa.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 11 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Infant (1 to 3 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 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

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Papa Zoulou

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Uturoa Harbor, so you don't need a rental car to reach it: public transport gets you there, and the guide handles the water portion, which settles the question of how to snorkel safely if you're new to it or staying without a vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 11 years); Child (4 to 5 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

How do I get to the boat if I don't have a rental car in Raiatea?

The boat departs from Uturoa Harbor, where public transportation options are available nearby. If you are staying in Uturoa or nearby, the harbor is reachable by local transport. Confirm the exact pickup or meeting point when you book.

What is the Coral Garden like underwater?

The Tahaa Coral Garden at the motu Tautau is a shallow reef site where colorful fish live among the coral. The water is calm enough for swimming, and your guide leads the group through the underwater portion so you stay together and see the reef safely.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or do I have to use the equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the booking. You may bring your own if you prefer, but the operator provides masks, fins and snorkels as part of the package.

Is alcohol available on the boat?

Soft drinks and tropical fruits are included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately at checkout if you choose to add them.