Sunset Cruise in Raiatea: 100% Sailing Catamaran

Drift across the lagoon under sail alone, no engine sound.

A sunset cruise in Raiatea aboard the catamaran Sailinity, a large spacious sailboat limited to 8 passengers for an intimate atmosphere. You sail the calm lagoon with views of Bora Bora and the Bay of Apu, where a professional crew serves soft drinks and homemade punch as the light turns golden. The experience runs 2 to 2.5 hours and is led by an English or French-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and enjoy Raiatea lagoon

• Board spacious catamaran Sailinity
• Sail from Raiatea to Taha’a
• Enjoy drink and observe motu in Bay of Apu
• Admire Bora Bora silhouette during sunset
• Return to Raiatea on catamaran

The experience

What sets this apart from the motorboat cruises around Raiatea is the sailing itself. The catamaran Sailinity runs on wind, not an engine, so the only sound is water and rigging. The boat is large enough to feel stable and spacious, but the passenger count stays at 8 maximum, which means the crew can adjust the sail plan and the route to what the group wants. A sailor joins the skipper once you have six people on board, so someone is always watching the comfort of the moment.

The route takes you out across the lagoon toward the Bay of Apu, where a small motu sits in the shallows. On the way, Bora Bora's peak stays visible across the water, and as you approach Apu the light begins to shift. By the time you reach the motu, the sun is low enough that the water turns translucent gold and the sand glows. You drop anchor, the crew brings out soft drinks, sparkling water, local juices and a homemade punch for each person, and you watch the colors deepen. The return sail back to Raiatea happens in this same light.

The crew speaks English or French and adapts the pacing to the group, whether you want to sit quiet and photograph, or talk through what you are seeing. A rinse shower is on board for hands and glasses. Bring a light layer or a cover-up for the wind once the sun drops, and sunscreen for the crossing.

What’s included

• Soft drinks (water, sparkling water, local juices).
• one homemade punch per person.
• music on board.
• USB-C phone charger.
• rinse shower for hands and glasses.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:50

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Infant (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sailinity Excursions

Is this one for you?You sail the boat yourself only if you ask the crew to teach you. Otherwise you sit and watch the catamaran move under sail while the professional crew handles the rigging. This suits anyone who wants the quiet and the view without the work, and families with children from age 6 who can sit still for two hours on the water.

Traveler reviews

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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 (12 to 17 years); Infant (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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 is the difference between this cruise and a motorboat tour of the same lagoon?

Sailinity runs entirely under sail, so there is no engine noise. The catamaran is also larger and more spacious than typical motorboats, and the crew size and passenger limit are designed to keep the atmosphere calm and personalized rather than crowded.

Can I see Bora Bora from the Raiatea lagoon?

Yes. Bora Bora's silhouette is visible across the water during the sail to the Bay of Apu, and the view is one of the highlights of the route, especially as the light changes toward sunset.

What happens at the Bay of Apu?

The Bay of Apu holds a small motu, a shallow-water island that catches the end-of-day light. The boat anchors there, and the crew serves soft drinks, juices and a homemade punch while you watch the sunset colors on the water and sand.

Is there a restroom on board?

Some departures include a restroom on board. Confirm which option you are booking at checkout, as this varies.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring sunscreen and a hat for the crossing, and a light layer or cover-up for when the sun drops and the wind picks up. The crew can rinse your hands and glasses on board, but you may want to bring a small towel.

How many people sail on this cruise?

The boat holds a maximum of 8 passengers. From 6 people on board, a sailor joins the skipper to help manage the sails and look after the group.