Skip to main content

Introduction to sailing and discovering the lagoon

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Moorea, French Polynesia
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Learn all about traditional Polynesian navigation aboard a hand-made double canoe that seats up to eight. You’ll sail to places in Moorea lagoon that are significant to Polynesian sailing history, and get insights into the culture along the way. You don’t need to be an experienced sailor or paddler as this half-day trip is suitable for beginners. Even spend some time exploring the underwater world by going snorkeling.
  • Tropical fruit and drinks are included
  • Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
  • Snorkeling gear will be provided
  • Transfers can be arranged if requested

What's Included

  • Snorkeling gear
  • Water, fruit juices, coconut snacks, tropical fruits

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Vaapiti Moorea
      Pk 27 3 Hauru, Moorea 98728, French Polynesia

      ⏰ Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Park on the mountain side (not the ocean side). Look out for the small signs that say "Vaapiti" to know where to turn. Use Google Maps and search for "Vaapiti Moorea" for accurate directions.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Operating hours
    .7:30 am

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Chaney_L
    This sailing and lagoon tour in Moorea was honestly one of the best things I did on my trip! The intro to sailing class was super fun — our instructor was so chill, patient, and made everything easy to understand. I actually learned a lot while still feeling totally relaxed the whole time. The views were unreal — the water is every shade of blue you can imagine, and the mountains in the background are just stunning. We got to swim and snorkel in the lagoon, which was such a cool bonus. The boat was super comfortable and it never felt crowded or rushed, just good vibes all around. If you’re visiting Moorea, definitely do this tour. It’s the perfect mix of learning something new, exploring the lagoon, and just enjoying paradise. I’d 100% do it again!

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 144 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    This sailing and lagoon...

    Chaney_L, Oct 2025
    This sailing and lagoon tour in Moorea was honestly one of the best things I did on my trip! The intro to sailing class was super fun — our instructor was so chill, patient, and made everything easy to understand. I actually learned a lot while still feeling totally relaxed the whole time. The views were unreal — the water is every shade of blue you can imagine, and the mountains in the background are just stunning. We got to swim and snorkel in the lagoon, which was such a cool bonus. The boat was super comfortable and it never felt crowded or rushed, just good vibes all around. If you’re visiting Moorea, definitely do this tour. It’s the perfect mix of learning something new, exploring the lagoon, and just enjoying paradise. I’d 100% do it again!

    The best day sailing and exploring the gorgeous lagoon!

    Emily_D, Sep 2025
    We had the best day sailing!! Our hosts were so knowledgable about the history of the island and super friendly! We enjoyed all the spots they took us to snorkel, especially the sharks and rays! They also put together a gorgeous plate of fresh fruit for us to snack on! I especially loved that they let my husband and I assist in putting up the sail! I highly recommend this excursion when your in Mo’orea!

    Beautiful day on the water

    Alicia_M, Aug 2025
    We had a beautiful and relaxing day out on the water. We made multiple stops with a variety of experiences and enjoyed it! The guide clearly loved Moorea. We had a great time.

    Almost perfect, just got cut short

    Nicholas_M, Aug 2025
    Awesome experience and amazing tour guides. Removing one star because we were only on boat from 7:45am-10:45am. Not sure why we needed early, I didn’t ask. Overall great time, just wished we got to explore longer and snorkel longer.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for your feedback! We’re really happy to hear that you had a great time on board and enjoyed the experience with Jr & Nainoa. It's a pleasure to share these moments with such enthusiastic guests! You’re absolutely right to mention the timing of the trip. That day, the exceptionally favorable wind brought us back faster than usual, and we unfortunately didn’t adjust the schedule accordingly. That was an oversight on our part, and your comment has truly helped us become more aware of it. Going forward, we’ll make sure to be more mindful so that every outing makes full use of the time planned, even when conditions are ideal. Thanks again for your constructive feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for an even more complete experience ;) ! Mauru'uru roa Jr

    Amazing tour of the...

    Cherry_B, Jul 2025
    Amazing tour of the lagoon, learning about sailing the canoe, and swimming with the rays and sharks. The crew were so nice and knowledgeable. We had good wind this day so were able to sail and each of us had a go steering or putting up the sail. Perfect day.

    Lovely relaxing and discovering morning

    Carlo_S, May 2024
    I don't really know what I should write, everything has been perfect and the crew was great. I spent a really good morning with them. Recommend, thanks guys!

    Magical and amazing!

    Bonnie_k, Jul 2022
    We were a family of 8 and we went for 2 separate days. One in the morning and one at 2pm. Both were just so special and different. We went to different areas of the island on both days. The sunset was… I’d never seen such a beautiful scene in my life. The brothers were so informative and kind and just above and beyond. A must do in moorea. Also it was private and quiet and not smelly Of gasoline smell

    Snorkeling and Sunset Sailing around the Moorea Lagoon!

    Alexander_S, Jun 2022
    We had an amazing day sailing around the lagoon, snorkeling inside and outside the reef, and swimming with sharks and a very friendly ray. The two brothers were very entertaining hosts, teaching us about Moorea and Polynesian sailing and culture, even leading us to ancient sunken sculptures and providing recommendations for the rest of our trip on Moorea. The fresh local fruit and the punch was also delicious! We would definitely book again.

    Wonderful experience!

    Cliff_J, Jun 2021
    Our family of five (two adults, three kids 13, 11 and 7) had a wonderful time on the tour. It was fascinating to learn about the boat and its construction and we saw lots of amazing sites around the lagoon. The trip was a great experience for our family and we highly recommend it.

    Enjoy laguna and sea under sail!

    Valentina_F, Feb 2020
    Young captains bring you above and beyond any expectation! It was morning journey through blue laguna with coming out to open sea. We swam with stingrays and black-tips sharks, visited under water sculptures garden, and swam in the shall water with thousands of small sparkling-blue fishes. We were witnessing the initiation of sail and those who would like could take captain place during the sailing. Tropical fruits and cold mint tea were just exactly what we needed. Pick-up and return to hotel is provided. Guys are doing great job! Highly recommend this tour to everybody!

    Beautiful!!!

    Kevin_F, Jul 2025
    It was a gift for my brother and his family, they have stars full of eyes and have seen several marine species!!!
    Auto-translated

    A refaire avec une météo idéale !

    Nathalie_C, Jun 2022
    Un grand merci à Raphaël et à Jean Roland qui nous ont transmis leur passion pour leur lagon. Des pauses snorkeling qui nous ont permis de voir tortue, raies pastenagues immenses et requins pointe noire.. Dommage que le temps n'ait pas été au rendez-vous !

    Magique

    Ludovic_B, Oct 2021
    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

    Expérience magique !

    Auriane_P, Jun 2021
    Un magnifique tour du lagon à bord d'une pirogue à voiles : à faire absolument ! L'initiation à la voile et les histoires de nos skippers ont bercé notre navigation dans le lagon aux eaux turquoises remplies de raies, requins, poissons et tikis, pour finir sur un magnifique coucher de soleil.

    From $123.49

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 37 days in advance.

    Compare Similar Experiences

    1 / 3
    Current
    Introduction to sailing and discovering the lagoon


    4 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $123.49
    Sunset sailing


    3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $112.81
    Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing


    3 hours
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $100.93
    Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo


    2 hours 20 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $153.11