Snorkeling excursion
Explore one of the most beautiful lagoon in Tahiti on a boat trip to discover the wildlife in snorkeling with passionate guides
Out of whale season (November to July), we offer boat excursions and snorkeling tours to discover our rich wildlife. The excursion will be also a chance to explore the beautiful emerald coast and appreciate the extraordinary “blue palette” of the lagoon between Paea and Papara, on the West coast of Tahiti.
First, we stop at the Mara’a surf spot, known for its shallow reef break, where only experienced local surfers can compete. Then, we’ll explore different snorkeling spots in the lagoon to encounter different tropical fish and sea turtles. Occasionally, we meet on our way the playful spinner d
We organize half-day or full-day excursions on request. Day trips are indeed an occasion to reach the “motus” (small islands) of Mataiea, the lovely bay of Taharu’u and the “rahui” area of Atimaono (regulated fishing area). See a video of the day excursion at Mataiea here!
Meeting : 9am or 1pm
Duration : 3 h
Departure : Paea Marina (pk26,7)
1. Reception
You board the boat directly. We provide snorkeling equipment if you don’t have your own. It is essential that you know how to use this equipment (fins, mask, and snorkel).
2. Chanel of Mara’a
We head towards Mara’a Pass, a fabulous surfing spot, where we sometimes encounter spinner dolphins resting in the lagoon or playing in the courant. These magical encounters are not guaranteed, but the chances of seeing them are greater in the morning. These dolphins do not tolerate swimmers, and for safety reasons, we do not offer swimming opportunities.
3. Snorkeling
During this boat tour, you will have the opportunity to snorkel for at least one hour in the lagoon at two sites: “Pointe aux Tortues” and “Mara’a Aquarium”. Participants will be accompanied by a guide who will describe the main families of fish and identify the species encountered.
A simple snack will be provided during the trip, but feel free to share your specialties with us.
All year round, it is possible to meet sea turtles (green turtles, hawksbill turtles), seabirds (different species of nodis, frigates, boobies, terns, petrels, phaeton, shearwaters) offshore or in the lagoon. And of course many species of fish including different species of rays or more occasionally harmless reef sharks.
The Marine Mammals Sanctuary of French Polynesia hosts 21 species of whales and dolphins in a territory as large as Europe. Apart from the humpback whales present between August and November, several species of cetaceans are present in the lagoon or off the outer reef slope. Around Tahiti, among the sedentary species, we find mainly spinner dolphin
Our guides and pilots are experienced professionals. Our priority is to ensure your safety, to ensure that you have a pleasant time while respecting the well-being of animals. A guide will systematically accompany you in the water to ensure your safety and make you aware of the species and ecosystems encountered.
The boat… It can accommodate up to 12 passengers. It is equipped with a 250 horsepower engine and 2 side ladders. You will be protected from the sun and the rain thanks to an awning.
Pregnant women… The jolts sometimes felt during navigation are not recommended. Please ask your doctor for advice.
Children… Minor children are under the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians.
The sea conditions… We leave for several hours at sea and we may encounter harsher conditions than in the lagoon. So please come prepared with a rain coat and un protection (sunglasses, cap, sunscreen if possible one that is not harmful to coral).
Encounters… Mother nature is unpredictable, so we cannot guarantee neither sighting nor swimming with the cetaceans. Nevertheless, we will put all our energy into making it happen.