Pacific Islands · SAILING

Sailing in French Polynesia: The 15 Best Days Under Canvas

30 tours  ·  from $115

A catamaran buys shade, a swim ladder and a flat deck in a lagoon built for it. These 15 compare the day sails, the sunset runs and the private charters on price, capacity and whether lunch is really included.

South Sea Sailing Full Day Trip (5 years and above only) - Reef snorkeling and a deserted sand cay
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South Sea Sailing Full Day Trip (5 years and above only)

1.South Sea Sailing Full Day Trip (5 years and above only)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 600 reviews Our pick

Spend about seven hours aboard Sabre, a 78-foot sailing catamaran, cruising the Mamanuca Islands from Port Denarau. Snorkel at a tropical reef, swim from a deserted sand cay, use the paddle boards and slide, and enjoy morning tea, a buffet lunch, soft drinks, water, beer, and house wine. Crew member Saki has earned special praise for warm, helpful service.

“Amazing trip! Easy to navigate with the bus pickup/dropoff. The crew was friendly and extremely hospitable, we had an amazing group of guests we met on board and you have a lot of autonomy on how you like to spend your cruise time.”

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Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo - Ōpūnohu Bay and Moorea’s mountain views
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Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

2.Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 529 reviews · from $157

Spend four hours aboard the Taboo, a small catamaran limited to eight people, visiting Moorea’s lagoon, coral gardens, shark and ray areas, and underwater tiki statues. Guides such as Louis, Max, Leo, Mai, Flo, and Meri may lead the trip. Gear, fruit, juice, maitais, and hotel transfers are included.

“We had an awesome time on the catamaran taboo! We started off our day seeing a massive pod of dolphins! They took us to a few snorkel spots and saw sting rays, black tip sharks, tons of cool fish and even some tiki statues! They also served us fresh fruit, fruit juice, and mai tais! Overall I’d highly recommend taking this tour!”

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Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo - Leaving Mareto Public Beach on Taboo
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Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

3.Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · from $156

Spend about 2 hours 20 minutes aboard Taboo, a compact sailing catamaran limited to eight people. Captain Leo or another local guide takes you along Moorea’s northern coast, through Cook’s and Ōpūnohu bays and beyond the reef. Expect island stories, fruit juice, cocktails, and a sunset stop from Mareto Public Beach.

“Leo was the best guide, captain and an underrated bartender as well! Extremely relaxing and romantic cruise around several of Moorea’s bays and points of interest. Gorgeous views and my wife and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Would highly recommend for a fun, chill and informative sunset cruise!”

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Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling, Lunch & More! - First swim: coral, fish, and changing conditions
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Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling, Lunch & More!

4.Major Tom -Sailing Day Cruise, with Snorkeling, Lunch & More!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · from $164

Spend five to seven hours aboard Major Tom with Ben and the crew, sailing protected Havannah waters near Port Vila. You’ll visit two snorkel sites, enjoy a fresh BBQ buffet, stop at a local island market, and use kayaks or paddleboards when conditions allow. Hotel transfers, gear, water, and onboard toilets are included.

“Really fun day out. We enjoyed the laid back vibes, great snorkelling and fun adventures. The crew were fantastic and really professional. Highly rated.”

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LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : Sailing, Snorkeling & Floating Bar - Getting from your hotel to Vitamin Sea
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LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : Sailing, Snorkeling & Floating Bar

5.LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : Sailing, Snorkeling & Floating Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $327

Spend four hours aboard Vitamin Sea, a 40-foot former racing catamaran, with a small group and a friendly crew that may include Tony, Alex, Ocean, Clement, or Amy. Sail across Bora Bora’s lagoon, snorkel at a quieter coral garden, then sip rum punch at a floating bar in shallow water. Hotel pickup and drinks are included.

“Terrific experience!!! This was the highlight of our trip to Bora Bora. The all-female crew was amazing. So very nice and informative. Great ride, scenery, snorkeling, and drinking from the floating bar. We even got to drive for a bit and made new friends. Highly, highly recommend so sign up today.”

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From Tahiti: Tetiaroa Island Tour by Sailing Catamaran - Meeting at 5:45 AM in Papeete
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From Tahiti: Tetiaroa Island Tour by Sailing Catamaran

6.Tetiaroa Island Tour by Sailing Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 156 reviews · 11 hours · from $227

Spend 11 hours sailing, or motoring, from Papeete to Tetiaroa on a French Polynesian catamaran. You get breakfast, a guided walk to Bird’s Island, free beach time, a local lunch, reef snorkeling, and punch on the return. The early start and long crossing demand energy, but limited island access keeps the setting peaceful.

“I loved the island, the guides were great! Although, they didn’t speak much English so it was hard to get the full details. The catamaran they used was a smaller one because they had 2 tours that day. It took 4 hours each way, which I think is too much for one day. The journey was too long. I was under the impression it would take 2.5 hours. For four hours I can’t say the same day journey is worth it, but the island is beautiful.”

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Fiji: South Sea Sailing Experience with Lunch & Drinks - Morning tea sets an easy pace
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Fiji: South Sea Sailing Experience with Lunch & Drinks

7.South Sea Sailing Experience with Lunch & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 155 reviews · 7 hours · from $124

Spend a full day aboard South Sea Cruises’ Sabre catamaran, sailing from Fiji’s western resorts to a Mamanuca reef and deserted sand cay. Expect guided snorkeling, paddleboards, a water slide, gourmet morning tea, buffet lunch, soft drinks, and two hours of beer and wine. Crew members such as Moses and Suka are known for warm Fijian hospitality.

“The Saber is a wonderful boat and the crew is super. I’ll do it again if we come back to Figi.”

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Introduction to sailing and discovering the lagoon - Sandbanks, motu, and the changing Moorea lagoon
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Introduction to sailing and discovering the lagoon

8.Introduction to sailing and discovering the lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $126

Join Vaapiti for a four-hour sailing lesson and lagoon outing aboard DE Vaapiti, a handmade double canoe for up to eight people. Guides including Jr, Nainoa, Raphael, and Jean Roland share Polynesian navigation, help you raise the sail and steer, and take you to sandbanks, snorkeling sites, submerged tikis, rays, sharks, and other lagoon spots.

“Superbe expérience. Nous avons passé une matinée extraordinaire sur le lagon : tortues, raies, requin, statuts. Nous avons pu hisser la voile et naviguer nous-même la pirogue. Les prestataires, 2 frères passionnés et surtout nés à Moorea (et ça fait toute la différence) vous ferons découvrir les moindres recoins du lagon, l'histoire de Moorea à travers des annecdoctes. N'hésitez pas à reserverser cette sortie magique”

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LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : The Sunset Escape - The sunset view over Otemanu Mountain
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LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : The Sunset Escape

9.LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : The Sunset Escape

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · from $267

Sail around Bora Bora at sunset aboard the 46-foot Vitamin Sea catamaran. Your captain and hostess serve chilled drinks, light snacks, and sparkling wine while you relax on padded nets or chaise lounges. Hotel dock pickup is included, and crew members such as Thelma, Alex, and Camille are known for warm service and local insight.

“We were so excited to go on this sunset sail. I was with my 80 year old parents. It is VERY hard to get them in the low dingy that picks you up. It is also hard to get them off. I didn't realize that the catamaran didn't have a bathroom or any covered space. I have been on a lot of catamaran's and there was no shade! We left before the sun actually set and only half of the boat could see any of it because of the sails. They should have turned the boat so everyone could see. They also didn't offer any water or drinks until we…”

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PRIVATE Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo - What happens aboard Taboo
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PRIVATE Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

10.PRIVATE Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews

Spend 3 to 4 hours aboard the private catamaran Taboo with a captain and guide such as Léo, Flo, Max, or Mai. You will sail or motor around Moorea’s lagoon, snorkel with rays, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and tropical fish, visit an underwater Tiki site, and enjoy fruit, juice, water, and selected drinks. Pickup can be arranged.

“We had a really fun, interesting day with Jade and Max. What an incredible skill these two having navigating us around all the rainstorms yesterday showing us all the perfect spots with gorgeous fish, turtles, coral. And thank you for giving advice about restaurants and other things to do.”

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Sunset sailing - Snorkeling with rays, sharks, and turtles
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Sunset sailing

11.Sunset sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · from $115Best value

Meet the Vaapiti crew at 3 p.m. for about three hours on Moorea’s lagoon. You’ll hear Polynesian sailing stories, swim with rays, sharks, turtles, and colorful fish, and may help hoist the sail. The small boat carries up to eight people, with fruit, juices, local snacks, and a cocktail included.

“Very good experience, an outing in the lagoon, with a snack and a sunset. Extra snorkeling stops. The boat is very nice and changes motorboats used in the majority of excursionsAuto-translated”

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Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing - Sailing Into Moorea’s Clear Water
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Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing

12.Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · from $115

Join Polynesian Spirit for a three-hour sailing trip around Moorea’s lagoon, with morning or afternoon departures, hotel transfers, fruit, drinks, and snorkeling at Motu Tiahura. Captain Hervé is named in guest feedback as a warm, experienced guide. The boat takes no more than five people, giving you a quieter outing than large lagoon cruises.

“Tour company never showed up for tour. They didn't call, email or cancell. Just left me hanging. Still waiting for a refund from Viator.”

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Excursion to Tetiaroa by Catamaran Visit Lunch Snorkeling - Starting at Papeete Marina before sunrise
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Excursion to Tetiaroa by Catamaran Visit Lunch Snorkeling

13.Excursion to Tetiaroa by Catamaran Visit Lunch Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 52 reviews · from $235

Leave Papeete at 6:00 a.m. aboard a fast maxi catamaran for Tetiaroa, with breakfast, a guided island walk, lagoon snorkeling, and a Polynesian lunch. The crew limits numbers for more room aboard, and you return after about 11 hours with a cold punch in hand.

“Really excellent excursion! The departure point was easy to find, the boat was really nice, and the crew was kind. The food served on board was delicious!! The island itself was beautiful and it was really nice to have some free time to walk Read more”

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PRIVATE Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo - Sailing with Captain Leo and the Taboo crew
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PRIVATE Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

14.PRIVATE Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews

Sail privately on Moorea’s Taboo catamaran with Captain Leo, cruising Cook’s Bay, the outer reef, and Ōpūnohu Bay before sunset. Your group of up to four gets hotel pickup, island stories, panoramic coastal views, and drinks, including cocktails and mocktails. Allow about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

“This was a highlight of our vacation. Conditions were spectacular with low wind and some clouds. Everyone on board had a fantastic experience (2 friends, adult child, my spouse and me. The meeting point is a little tricky but if you read thRead more”

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LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran Bora Bora : Half-Day Trip - Paradise Bay and the Floating Bar
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LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran Bora Bora : Half-Day Trip

15.LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran Bora Bora : Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews

Sail Bora Bora’s lagoon aboard Vitamin Sea, a private 40-foot former racing catamaran. Your captain and host tailor the four-hour outing around sailing, snorkeling, marine life, music, drinks, and a floating bar in Paradise Bay. Hotel pickup, beverages, snacks, and bottled water are included.

“Guides were super knowledgeable and friendly! Whole trip went smoothly and we saw some cool animals while snorkeling. Very luxuious and relaxing experience we will remember :)”

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New in Sailing

★ 5.0Sunset sailing trip on the Lagoon of TahitiFrom $1315 reviews
★ 5.0Private Half Day Sailing Excursion on the Lagoon of Tahiti4 reviews
★ 5.04 Days and 3 Nights in Catamaran on Raïatea and TahaaFrom $5,4173 reviews
★ 5.0PRIVATE Sunset Tour: Moorea Snorkeling on a Catamaran named Taboo6 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sunset Cruise on a Catamaran named TabooFrom $2614 reviews
★ 5.0LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch9 reviews
★ 5.0LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran Bora Bora : The Sunset Escape12 reviews
★ 4.7private sunset sailing tour3 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Catamaran Sailing & SnorkellingFrom $3145 reviews

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