10 Outrigger & Kayak Trips in Polynesia Worth Booking

1.Moorea Lagoon Tour by Transparent Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 354 reviews · from $51Our pick

You’ll paddle a transparent kayak across Moorea’s lagoon with a local guide such as Hugo or Christel, stopping to snorkel with rays, fish, and black-tip sharks. The two-hour tour includes gear, fresh water, a waterproof bag on request, and fruit juice. Expect a small group, some paddling, and weather-dependent visibility.

“Very nice experience. It was not windy so we could really see even in the deepest parts of the water. Amazing colors, amazing tour, amazing memories.”

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2.Bora Bora Snorkel Cruise by Polynesian Outrigger Canoe with BBQ Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 195 reviews · from $296

Spend about six hours circling Bora Bora’s lagoon by motorized Polynesian outrigger canoe. Guides such as Sam, Jean, Ruma, and Tarepa lead snorkeling at coral gardens, shark and ray sites, then serve a BBQ lunch on a motu. Expect music, local culture, swimming, hotel pickup, and a small-group setting.

“The boat was very nice. Our guide did not keep track of where we were and spent too much time socializing with other guides. He was going to quit after lunch, but we told him we wanted more snorkeling. I did not feel he made any effort to look for mantas. The lunch was very nice.”

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3.Eco guided excursion to the lagoon of Moorea in transparent kayak 1/2 day morning

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $91

You’ll paddle a transparent kayak from Tiahura across Moorea’s clear lagoon with a small professional team. Look for turtles, rays, black-tip sharks, coral, and tropical fish, then swim between two motus and enjoy fresh fruit juice on a sandbank. Guides may include Nicolas or Caro. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours.

“We had a wonderful time with the guides. They were friendly, knowledgeable and helped us to see a lot of marine life. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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4.The Vanilla tour of Taha’a in a comfortable outrigger canoe

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $156

From Raiatea, cruise around Taha'a aboard Blue Lagoon, a polished outrigger canoe limited to 12 people. Meet pearl growers, visit Fare Vanira vanilla plantation and Pari Pari rum shop, snorkel the Coral Garden, and eat a Polynesian buffet on a motu. Jimmy, Hiti, Fab, or Lorenzo may lead your day.

“Nous avons passé une journée inoubliable lors de notre excursion dans le lagon de Tahaa. L’équipe était tout simplement superbe, attentionnée et professionnelle. Le bateau, magnifique et très confortable, a rendu l’expérience encore plus agréable. Chaque moment passé sur le lagon a été magique, entre les paysages époustouflants et l’ambiance conviviale. Nous recommandons cette excursion à 100% !”

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5.Hauru Lagoon 3-hour Guided Kayak Tour with Snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 50 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Join Moorea Blue Paddle at Tiahura Beach for a three-hour French or English guided kayak trip with Luca or Omelia. Paddle a clear-bottom kayak over coral gardens, watch for turtles, eagle rays, fish, and blacktip sharks, then snorkel between the motus. Fresh juice or seasonal fruit is included.

“Merci pour cette visite pleines de découvertes et de savoirs ! Tortues et raies léopard étaient au rdv, majestueuses et féeriques 😍”

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6.Apetahi day trip around Raiatea on a modern outrigger canoe

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $156

Spend 7 to 8 hours aboard Blue Lagoon, a modern outrigger canoe limited to 12 people. Guide Jimmy and his team take you around Raiatea for dolphin watching, snorkeling at Nao Nao, a gourmet waterside lunch, Taputapuatea Marae, and a weather-dependent trip up the Faaroa River.

“Outstanding excursion, great communication, limited number of guests, comfortable seating, brilliant itinerary and lunch. Highly recommended.”

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7.Activity/Excursion Lagoon Tour to Moorea by Canoe 6 hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $139

Join Torea Nui Transports for a six-hour canoe trip across Moorea’s Cook and Opunohu bays. With guides such as Tavia, Stéphane, and Mamaïa, you’ll snorkel around rays, blacktip sharks, fish, coral, underwater tikis, and turtles, then prepare raw fish with coconut milk and enjoy lunch on a motu.

“Paradise landscape super friendly atmosphere adorable guides perfect on many points to recommendAuto-translated”

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8.Eco guided excursion to the lagoon of Moorea in a transparent kayak Afternoon 2h

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $60

Spend two gentle afternoon hours with Moorea Blue Paddle on Tiahura Beach. Your guide leads you by transparent kayak to turtle and ray habitats, a snorkeling area, and a sandy motu for homemade fruit juice. The small group is limited to 12, with guides such as Caro, Nicolas, and Lucas sharing safety tips and local insight.

“Very much enjoyed this excursion. The water is so clear so you can see everything beneath the kayaks. The instructors always made sure we were safe. Saw so many turtles!! And even an octopus. Had a brilliant time!”

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9.Discovery in Kayaking of the Faaroa River in Raiatea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $117

Start at 8:30 a.m. near Taputapuapea and paddle the Faaroa River for about three hours. Your local guide shares stories about Raiatea, the river, plants, and daily life. Expect a gentle outing with comfortable strapped backrests, a small group of up to eight, and a possible stop for fresh coconut water.

“Booked 24 hrs before. Attempted to contact via messaging on app to confirm details without reply. Went to meeting point only to find out they did not have space for us. We were offered a later time (1pm when we booked an 8:30). Didn’t work for us. Thankfully we were able to book other options at the welcome center not with this company.”

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10.Kayaking Rental – Coral Garden – Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $36Best value

Set out from Taha’a E-Paddle Adventure on a stable single kayak after a safety briefing. Paddle about 45 minutes to the Coral Garden, snorkel with optional equipment, and return through the lagoon. Kayaks include rod holders for fishing in approved areas. You must be able to swim.

“The kayaks were very stable and comfortable so we could enjoy the beautiful Coral Garden. The small plus the optional snorkeling equipment is of very good quality which is very appreciable. Super activity I recommend.Auto-translated”

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