Sunset sailing in Moorea: Polynesian techniques and marine life

Sailing, snorkeling stops, and Polynesian stories as the sun drops toward the horizon

Sunset sailing in Moorea is a three-hour activity aboard Vaapiti, a traditional Polynesian sailing vessel, where you sail, snorkel at four marine stops, and learn the techniques and legends of Polynesian sailors from your guide. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, bottled water and a cooler of fresh fruit, juices and local specialties. Children from age 4 are welcome, and guides speak English and French.

The experience

You're arriving in Moorea with an afternoon free, or you want to see the island from the water instead of the shore. Sunset sailing puts you on Vaapiti, a boat built and operated in Moorea, where the guide shares the knowledge of traditional Polynesian sailing: the techniques, the stories, the way the sailors read the ocean. You'll be involved in the sailing itself when the wind allows. This isn't a passive ride.

The route takes you to four stops: a turtle zone, a stingray and shark spot, an underwater tiki, and a secret spot the guide knows. At each one you'll have snorkeling gear ready and time in the water to watch the marine life move around you. Between stops, you're sailing and listening: to accounts of the great Polynesian navigators, to the legends woven into the culture of the ocean. The rhythm of the afternoon builds toward the sunset, which you'll watch from the boat facing open water.

As the light fades, a cooler comes out: fresh fruit, juices, a cocktail, and homemade local preparations. Bottled water is there throughout. The whole thing runs three hours, timed to end as the sun hits the horizon. Pickup is available if you choose that option at checkout. Otherwise, you arrange your own way to the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• fresh fruit, juices, a cocktail and homemade local snacks.
• a guide fluent in English or French who shares Polynesian sailing knowledge and legends.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or French15:00

Guide in English or French15:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 95 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (4 to 5 years) · Under 4: 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Vaapiti

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to be on the water and involved in sailing, not just watching from a deck. The three-hour window fits a free afternoon, and the four snorkeling stops mean you're in the ocean as much as you're sailing: a balance most sunset cruises don't offer.

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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 (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (4 to 5 years). Under 4: 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 kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling in Moorea?

Turtles, rays and sharks are the main animals you'll encounter at the stops. The guide takes you to a dedicated turtle zone and a stingray and shark spot, plus an underwater tiki and a secret location where marine life gathers.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this sunset sailing?

No experience is required. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guide will show you what to expect at each stop. The activity suits all physical fitness levels, and children from age 4 are welcome.

What happens if the wind is too light for sailing?

The guide will show you sailing techniques if the wind allows. Even if conditions are calm, you'll still visit the four marine stops, snorkel, and enjoy the sunset from the boat with the same food and drinks included.

Is the sunset guaranteed, or could weather block the view?

The excursion is timed to end facing the sunset, but weather in French Polynesia can shift. The guide will position the boat to catch what light is available as the day closes.