6 Hour Private Boat Activity with Snorkeling & Lunch

Private 6-Hour Boat Adventure in Moorea: Snorkeling, Bays, and a Lagoon Lunch

If you’re dreaming of exploring Moorea’s famous turquoise lagoons, swimming with rays and sharks, and enjoying a personal touch, this 6-hour private boat tour is a perfect choice. For around $360 per person, you’ll spend the day cruising through iconic bays like Cook and Opunohu, with a knowledgeable guide (Yannick and Cloves are often praised) leading the way. You’ll snorkel at prime spots, marvel at the lush scenery, and top it all off with a waterfront lunch.

What we love about this experience is its personalized nature—it’s just your group, ranging from two to six people, making it intimate and flexible. Plus, the expert guides are often highlighted for their kindness and knowledge, bringing a local’s insight to the waters and islands. The chance to see a variety of marine life, from stingrays to turtles, with the possibility of dolphin shows or whale sightings in season, makes it truly special.

One small consideration is the price—$362 per person adds up, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or solo—but given the private setting, snorkeling quality, and included lunch, many find it excellent value. This tour works best for travelers looking for a luxurious, personal adventure rather than a large group or crowded boat experience. If you appreciate guided expertise and pristine scenery, you’ll find this tour suits you well.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Up to 6 people, ensuring a relaxed and personalized day.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Swim with stingrays, sharks, turtles, and colorful fish.
• Famous Bays: Cruise through Cook and Opunohu bays for breathtaking views and wildlife.
• Includes Lunch: Waterfront meal with options like grilled or raw fish, plus tropical fruits.
• Expert Guides: Known for kindness, knowledge, and genuine engagement.
• Seasonal Opportunities: Possible dolphin shows and whale watching (August to November).

Exploring Moorea’s Waters: A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Out: Comfort and Convenience

Your day begins with a pickup at your hotel—most likely the Manava Beach Resort & Spa—making it easy to start your adventure without logistical headaches. The boat, designed for privacy and comfort, can hold 2 to 6 travelers, perfect for a family, friends, or a couple seeking an exclusive experience. The tour kicks off around 9:00 am, giving you the morning to enjoy the best of Moorea’s famously clear waters.

The use of snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear, unless you prefer to. The boat’s relaxed pace means you’ll have plenty of time at each stop, with no rush, so we can really take in the scenery and marine encounters.

The Scenic Cruise through Cook and Opunohu Bays

Once underway, you’ll cruise through Moorea’s two most celebrated bays. Cook Bay, with its towering cliffs and lush landscape, offers a stunning backdrop for photos, while Opunohu Bay is equally scenic, often less crowded and full of peaceful beauty.

Travelers highlight the spectacular views as a major highlight—”The landscape is just incredible,” one review states. You’ll get a chance to see why Moorea’s waters are considered some of the best in the South Pacific, with vivid turquoise and emerald hues stretching as far as the eye can see.

Snorkeling at Prime Spots

Next comes the snorkeling—an activity that many reviews rave about. Expect to float above coral reefs teeming with multicolored fish and to get up close with stingrays, turtles, and blacktip sharks. “We swam with stingrays and sharks—an experience you won’t forget,” one happy guest shared.

The guides are praised for their knowledge, often explaining the different marine species and ensuring safety while allowing travelers to interact meaningfully with the wildlife. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might witness dolphin shows or see whales during the season (from August to November). These encounters add a magical, almost surreal touch to a day already packed with natural beauty.

The Lunch and Relaxation

After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a waterfront restaurant—either Coco Beach, Kaywest Moorea, or Taoahere Beach House, depending on availability. The meal is typically a choice of grilled or raw fish dishes, served with seasonal tropical fruits. The included beverages—water, fruit juice, Hinano beer for those over 18—help you cool down and hydrate after your aquatic adventures.

Guests often comment on how delicious the food is, and the setting—overlooking the lagoon—is unbeatable. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, take photos, and savor some local flavors in a stunning environment.

Additional Water Activities & Photo Opportunities

The day doesn’t end with lunch. You’re encouraged to take photos, either with your own phone or the guides’ cameras, capturing memories of your underwater encounters and scenic vistas. The ability to interact closely with marine life—rays, sharks, turtles—is often highlighted as priceless. Many reviews mention how caring and knowledgeable the guides are, making the experience not only fun but also safe and educational.

End of the Tour and Return

The tour wraps up back at your starting point, typically around 3:00 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore Moorea further on your own. The private nature means you can tailor your day and ask questions, making this a highly adaptable adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Compared to larger group excursions, this private tour offers a more intimate experience with less rushing, more personalized attention, and the flexibility to choose your preferred activities. The expert guides—noted for their kindness and knowledge—make all the difference, turning a boat ride into an informative and engaging experience.

What truly elevates it is the combination of scenic cruising, snorkeling at top spots, and a delicious waterfront lunch. Reviewers often mention that this was “the best experience” of their trip, thanks to the quality of the coral reefs and marine encounters. Their comments about seeing dolphins, turtles, and rays highlight how rich and varied the marine wildlife is here.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the cost—at over $360 per person, it’s an investment. For some, this might be on the higher end of a day trip, particularly if traveling alone or as a couple. Also, the experience relies heavily on good weather and calm seas; rough conditions could limit snorkeling or viewing opportunities.

Who Should Book This?

This tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized service and want to experience Moorea’s waters without the crowds. It suits those seeking a luxurious, educational, and fun day with marine encounters in a tranquil setting. Perfect for couples, small groups, or families who want a memorable, intimate adventure that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and gourmet lunch.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re after a private, flexible, and comprehensive Moorea experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate expert guides, beautiful scenery, and up-close encounters with marine life. You’ll love the feeling of exclusivity, the stunning bays, and the delicious waterfront lunch—making it a highlight of your trip.

On the flip side, if budget isn’t a concern and you prefer a more energetic or less tailored experience, there are other options. But for a personalized, scenic, and marine-rich day, this private boat adventure delivers in spades.

In the end, this tour offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty that’s hard to beat in Moorea. It’s a luxurious way to connect with the island’s stunning environment—and make memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

Can I book this tour for fewer than 6 people?
Yes, the tour is designed for groups of 2 to 6 travelers, which means you can book it with fewer people if you prefer a more intimate experience.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the private boat, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, seasonal tropical fruits, juice, beer (for over 18), and a waterfront lunch with a choice of main dish and beverage.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?
The tour confirmation is subject to weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable, the tour provider might reschedule or cancel for safety reasons.

Is there any transportation included?
Pickup is offered from your hotel, but private transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

What marine animals might I see?
Expect to see stingrays, blacktip sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. Occasionally, dolphin shows and whale sightings happen seasonally (from August to November).

How long does the snorkeling last?
The itinerary allows ample time for snorkeling at different spots, with the guides providing explanations and safety guidance.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their kindness, knowledge, and ability to enhance the experience with insightful commentary.

What if I want to do more or less on the tour?
Since this is a private tour, you can communicate your preferences with your guides—whether you want more snorkeling, relaxing on the boat, or extra time at certain sights.

Embark on this private Moorea boat trip and enjoy an authentic, beautifully-tailored adventure with stunning views, lively marine encounters, and a delicious lagoon-side lunch. Perfect for small groups or couples seeking a special day on the water.