Snorkeling in Tahiti: Sea Scooter Through Wrecks and Coral

A sea scooter lets you cover more lagoon without the effort of swimming.

Snorkel Tahiti's protected lagoon near Punaauia on an underwater scooter, exploring wrecks, coral gardens and tropical fish in a small group of two to seven people. The two-hour activity includes a professional guide, fins, mask and snorkel, bottled water and snacks. Pickup is included, and the calm, sheltered waters suit anyone prone to seasickness.

The experience

Two hours on a sea scooter covers ground a swimmer would exhaust reaching. You'll start near Punaauia and motor into the lagoon about ten minutes to the site locals call the Aquarium, where your guide positions you at wrecks (a plane and a boat), and a coral garden full of tropical fish. The scooter does the forward motion. You steer and look, which means beginners and experienced snorkelers alike can spend the time spotting rays, turtles and small sharks instead of fighting the current. The waters here stay calm and protected, a detail that matters if the ocean usually makes you queasy.

Your guide stays with the group throughout, pointing out the creatures that hide in the coral and helping you find the discrete ones. Between July and November, humpback whales sometimes pass through the area, visible from the boat before or after the water time. The group stays small, never more than seven, which keeps the sites from feeling crowded and gives the guide room to tailor the pace to who's in the boat that day.

Fins, mask and snorkel come with the booking, along with a shorty wetsuit, bottled water and snacks. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on the group. Photos and videos of the dive are included, and coffee, tea or fruit juice rounds out the morning or afternoon.

What’s included

• Sea scooter rental.
• fins, mask, snorkel and shorty wetsuit.
• professional guide in English, Spanish or French.
• bottled water and snacks.
• coffee, tea or fruit juice.
• photos and videos of the activity.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Friday, Saturday and SundayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (7 to 77 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 3 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 this if you want to cover more of the lagoon without the physical effort of swimming the whole time, or if you're new to snorkeling and want a guide to show you where the creatures hide. The small group size and calm, protected waters make it equally suited to someone who gets seasick on open ocean.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

38 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★0

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 wrecks will I see on this snorkel?

The site includes a plane wreck and a boat wreck, both sitting in the coral garden the guide calls the Aquarium. Your guide will position you to see them and point out the fish and other creatures living around the metal structures.

How far from Tahiti's main town is the snorkel site?

The starting point is near Punaauia, and the Aquarium site sits about ten minutes by boat into the lagoon from there. The calm, protected waters mean the boat ride itself is gentle even for travelers who get seasick on open ocean.

Do I need snorkeling experience to book this?

The activity is open to beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. The sea scooter does the work of moving you through the water, so you can focus on looking rather than swimming hard. Your guide assists throughout and helps you spot the creatures that are hardest to find.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the booking. The guide will arrange the details based on where you're staying in the area.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring a towel and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. The operator provides fins, mask, snorkel and a shorty wetsuit. Sunscreen is a good idea, though you'll spend most of the time in the water.

Can I see humpback whales on this snorkel?

Humpback whales pass through the area from July to November, and you may spot them from the boat before or after the water time. They're not guaranteed, but your guide will watch for them and let you know if any are nearby.