Snorkeling in Tetiaroa by catamaran from Papeete

You snorkel the reef right from the boat, with sharks and reef fish close enough to see without a mask.

A full-day catamaran trip from Papeete to Tetiaroa includes breakfast on departure, a guided walk around the island's lagoon and Bird Island, lunch of raw fish and grilled tuna, and snorkeling along the reef with provided equipment. The maxi catamaran carries a maximum of 25 passengers to ensure space and comfort, with onboard facilities including toilets, showers and two trampolines at the bow. A live guide speaks English and French throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tetiaroa Catamaran Excursion

• Board catamaran and have breakfast
• Travel to Tetiaroa with guide commentary
• Explore island: walk, swim, birdwatch
• Return to boat for lunch
• Snorkel around boat and reef
• Enjoy cold punch before return

The experience

The boat leaves Vai'ete Square with breakfast already served (local pastries, fresh fruit, juice and coffee), so you eat as the catamaran heads out. Fifteen minutes after landing in Tetiaroa, you step onto an island with no visible construction, just an immense lagoon and the famous Bird Island. A guide walks you through the island's history while you're free to swim, photograph the birds or rest on the sand for as long as you want.

Back on the boat, lunch waits: raw fish in coconut milk, hot rice and barbecue-marinated tuna, with fruit juice and cold drinks. After eating, you put on the snorkeling gear provided onboard and enter the water around the boat and along the reef. Reef fish move through the shallows, sharks patrol deeper, and on quiet days you can hear whales calling in the distance. Before the return to Papeete, a glass of cold punch is served on deck.

The catamaran itself is built for this: two large trampolines at the bow, a launching staircase that makes entry easy, and toilets and showers onboard. The operator limits the boat to 25 people even though it holds 50, so you're not crowded and there's room to move between the snorkeling, the island walk and the deck.

What’s included

• Breakfast, lunch and cold punch.
• snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and snacks.
• onboard restroom and shower facilities.
• a live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDepartures at 05:45 and 06:00

Book up to13h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 27

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Poe Charter Tahiti

Is this one for you?Book this if you want snorkeling and island time in one full-day trip. The catamaran departs from Papeete with meals and gear included, so you travel and explore as a group rather than arranging separate activities.

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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: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): 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.

How long is the full day on the water?

The excursion runs 11 hours from boarding at Vai'ete Square to return, including the catamaran ride out, time on the island, snorkeling and all meals.

What exactly do I see when snorkeling around Tetiaroa?

Reef fish, sharks and other marine species move through the water around the boat and along the reef. On quieter days, whales can be heard calling in the distance.

Is snorkeling equipment included or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling gear is provided on board, so you don't need to bring or rent it separately.

What's included in the meals?

Breakfast consists of local pastries, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea served as you leave the dock; lunch is raw fish in coconut milk, hot rice and barbecue-marinated tuna with fruit juice and cold drinks; a glass of cold punch is served before the return.