PRIVATE Full Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

Start your Moorea day on the water. This private catamaran trip gives you six and a half hours around Moorea’s lagoon and outer reef, with the freedom to shape the day around sailing, snorkeling, beaches, turtles, rays, coral gardens, and underwater Polynesian tikis. I like the private format, which lets couples and families set the pace, and I like that snorkels, tropical fruit, and refreshments are included. The main drawback is the price: at $1,565.99 for up to four people, this is a major splurge unless you can share the cost with a small group.

The boat is called Taboo, and the experience is operated by Voila Moorea. Captain Léo receives especially warm praise, while Léo and Kevin are named as the skippers on one private outing. The start time is 7:25 a.m., so you get an early beginning on the lagoon, but you should be ready for a full morning and afternoon on the water rather than a quick snorkeling stop.

Key things to know before booking

• A private catamaran for up to four: Your group has the boat and crew to itself, with no unrelated passengers joining the outing.
• A flexible Moorea itinerary: You can choose how to divide your time between sailing, snorkeling, reef areas, and a quiet beach stop.
• Snorkel equipment is provided: You do not need to arrange your own mask and snorkel for the activity.
• Turtles, rays, coral gardens, and tikis: The underwater sights can include marine life and Polynesian statues beneath the lagoon.
• Fruit and refreshments are included: Bring your own picnic food if you want a full beach lunch.
• A high-cost, high-personalization day: The listed rate is $1,565.99 per group of up to four, not per person.

Why a private Taboo charter changes the day

Most boat outings follow a fixed route. This one gives you more say. The final plan is left open, so you can tell the crew what matters most: extra snorkeling, more sailing beyond the reef, a slower beach stop, or time looking for marine life.

That freedom matters on a small island like Moorea. You may have one person in your group eager to snorkel, another who prefers the views from the boat, and children who need breaks between water stops. A private boat lets the crew adjust the rhythm instead of asking everyone to follow a standard schedule.

The private setup also makes the trip a sensible choice for a couple celebrating something special or a family that wants simple logistics. You are not trying to keep up with a large group, and you can spend more time in the places your own party finds most interesting.

There is a tradeoff. You pay for privacy and control, not just for transport across the lagoon. If you mainly want a short snorkeling excursion at the lowest possible cost, a shared boat would likely make more financial sense. This experience earns its price only if you value the boat to yourselves and expect to use the flexibility.

Setting out from Moorea at 7:25 a.m.

The day begins at 7:25 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point. Pickup is offered, but the supplied information does not specify the exact pickup area or how far the service extends, so confirm that detail before booking.

An early start is useful here. It gives you a long window for sailing and several water stops during the approximately six-and-a-half-hour outing. Morning light also makes Moorea’s steep mountain scenery especially appealing from the water, though the exact views depend on the route and conditions.

The catamaran itself is Taboo. You are booking a boat-based day rather than a land tour with a brief cruise attached. That means the boat, the crew’s local choices, and the weather will shape your experience as much as the named stops do.

Because the route is flexible, do not expect a strict list of timed attractions. Think of the schedule as a private conversation with the crew. You decide what you most want to see, and the skippers can help arrange the day around those priorities.

Sailing beyond the reef for Moorea views

One suggested part of the outing is sailing beyond the reef. This gives you a different view of Moorea than you get from shore. Instead of focusing only on the water below, you can sit back and see the island from offshore, with the catamaran providing a broad viewing platform.

Sailing time is valuable for groups that want a balance between activity and rest. Snorkeling can be exciting, but it also takes effort, especially for children or anyone who is not a strong swimmer. The boat lets you enjoy the setting without being in the water every minute.

The practical point is that this is not a nonstop snorkeling race. You can ask for a relaxed pace and use the sailing portions to enjoy the scenery, fruit, and refreshments. If you want to maximize time in the water, tell the crew that early so the plan reflects it.

Snorkeling among turtles, rays, and coral gardens

Snorkeling is the heart of the experience for many people. Equipment is provided, and the planned possibilities include lagoon areas, coral gardens, and spots where you may see turtles and rays.

One particularly unusual feature is the chance to look for Polynesian tikis beneath the water. These statues give the snorkeling stops an added cultural element. They are not simply pretty reef locations, but underwater points of interest connected to Polynesian imagery.

The strongest praise centers on the crew’s choice of snorkeling areas. Captain Léo is credited with taking groups to good spots and helping them see more of Moorea’s lagoon. Léo and Kevin are also named together as skippers on one private tour, suggesting that staffing can vary.

You should keep your expectations sensible. Marine life is never guaranteed, and the exact animals and visibility will depend on the day. The itinerary mentions turtles, while one outing also included sharks and rays, but you should treat those as possible sightings, not promises.

A private boat is helpful if your group has different comfort levels in the water. You can spend longer at a favorite site or move on when someone has had enough. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed swimming requirements or a full accessibility description. Ask the operator about your group’s specific needs before reserving.

The coral garden and underwater tikis

The coral garden deserves extra attention because it combines two types of sightseeing. You get the natural appeal of reef life, along with the unusual sight of tikis below the surface.

For you, that can make the snorkeling feel more memorable than simply stopping at a pretty patch of coral. Look for the way the crew describes each site, and ask about the meaning or background of the statues if that interests you. Léo is praised for explaining the history of the places visited, which adds context without turning the boat trip into a formal lecture.

This is also where a private outing can feel more personal. You can ask questions, pause to look closely, and decide how much time you want to spend at the site. On a shared excursion, the group often moves on according to a fixed clock.

The limitation is that the available details do not identify the exact snorkeling locations or guarantee a particular coral garden. The flexible itinerary is an advantage, but it also means the final route may change with weather, sea conditions, and the crew’s judgment.

Beach time and your own picnic

A quiet beach stop is another possible part of the day. This offers a change from the catamaran and the water, especially if you want time to stretch out, eat, or enjoy the shore at a slower pace.

Bring your own food if you want a proper picnic lunch. Tropical fruit and refreshments are included, but the experience description does not promise a full meal. One past outing included a delicious lunch, yet you should not assume that lunch is supplied on every departure.

This is an easy detail to overlook, and it can affect the whole day. A family with children may want sandwiches, snacks, and extra water. A couple may be happy with fruit and drinks, but it is still wise to plan ahead because the tour lasts about six and a half hours.

The beach stop is not guaranteed as a fixed scheduled stop. Since the itinerary is private and adjustable, ask for it when discussing your priorities. If snorkeling is your main goal, you may prefer to trade some beach time for another reef stop.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew receives the clearest praise in the available feedback. Captain Léo is repeatedly singled out for creating a relaxed day, selecting good snorkeling areas, and explaining the history of the places along the route.

That combination matters. A boat captain who only handles the route may get you from place to place, but a good guide helps you understand what you are seeing. On this trip, the added explanations about Moorea and the lagoon can turn a series of water stops into a more connected experience.

Léo and Kevin are listed together as skippers on one French-language account, and Léo and Liza respond to feedback for the operator. The precise crew for your date may differ, so do not assume every trip will have the same people.

The overall rating is 5 out of 5 from 30 reviews, with 100 percent recommending the experience. That is a strong record, and the praise is unusually consistent: the captain, choice of sites, relaxed pace, scenery, snorkeling, and food touches come up again and again.

Still, a perfect rating does not remove the basic risks of a boat day. Wind, rain, visibility, and sea conditions can affect the route. The operator requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions results in a different date or a full refund.

Is $1,565.99 good value for four people?

The listed price is $1,565.99 per group of up to four. Split four ways, that works out to about $391.50 per person. For two people, the same booking would cost about $783 per person, so this tour becomes much easier to justify with a full group.

That price includes the private catamaran, crew, snorkeling equipment, tropical fruit, and refreshments. It also buys flexibility, privacy, and a long six-and-a-half-hour outing. You are not paying only for a seat on a boat.

I think the value is strongest for four people who would otherwise book several separate activities or who place a high value on a private day. Families may also appreciate avoiding a crowded boat and being able to adjust the pace.

For a couple, this is a luxury purchase. It may be worth it for a special occasion, but you should compare it with shared snorkeling trips before committing. The important question is not simply Can I afford the price? It is Will my group use the freedom enough to make the price worthwhile?

Who should book this Moorea catamaran tour?

I would consider Taboo a good match for:

• Couples who want a private day on the lagoon.
• Families who need control over timing and activity level.
• Small groups of up to four who can divide the cost.
• Snorkelers interested in turtles, rays, coral gardens, and underwater tikis.
• People who want both active water time and relaxed sailing.
• Visitors who value a guide’s explanations about local places and Polynesian statues.

I would hesitate if you want a cheap, short boat ride, a guaranteed list of exact stops, or a guaranteed sighting of a particular animal. I would also ask about pickup, swimming needs, and the day’s food plan before finalizing the booking.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

My verdict on the Taboo sailing day

Book this tour if you want Moorea from the water and care more about personal attention than bargain pricing. The combination of a private catamaran, flexible routing, strong crew praise, snorkeling, fruit, and a possible beach picnic creates a well-rounded day.

I especially like the chance to choose your priorities instead of following a fixed script. Ask for the coral garden, underwater tikis, and time to look for turtles and rays, then leave room for sailing and a quiet beach stop.

For the best value, bring three other people and pack your own picnic food. If the weather is good and you want a private Moorea experience with room to set the pace, Taboo is a convincing splurge.

FAQ

How long is the Moorea Taboo catamaran tour?

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:25 a.m.

Does the tour end at the meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private booking is for up to four people, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels are provided for use during the tour.

What might I see while snorkeling?

Possible sights include turtles, rays, sharks, coral gardens, and Polynesian tikis beneath the water. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are food and drinks included?

Tropical fruit and refreshments are included. You should bring your own food if you want a full picnic meal at the beach.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.