Planning a trip to Moorea? This Sunset Boat Trip offers a serene way to soak in the island’s beauty, with glowing skies, friendly guides, and memorable moments. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a truly special experience.

What we love most? The chance to witness Moorea’s breathtaking sunset views, the opportunity for snorkeling with marine life, and the presence of local guides who are born and raised on the island. The small group size—capped at 12 travelers—means a personalized, intimate experience that’s quite rare for a sightseeing tour.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency; if the weather isn’t cooperating, the sunset might be less spectacular, but the guides do their best to ensure a worthwhile trip regardless.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a chilled, authentic encounter with Moorea—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxing way to end an island day. If you’re after lively nightlife or big-group adventure, you might want to explore other options, but for tranquility and marine encounters, this trip hits the spot.

Key Points

  • Authentic local experience: Guides are native Moorea residents, sharing stories and legends.
  • Stunning sunset views: Ideal time for photography and soaking in the island’s natural beauty.
  • Snorkeling opportunity: Swim with marine life like sharks and stingrays, mostly alone with the creatures.
  • Small group setting: Max 12 travelers for a more personalized experience.
  • Relaxing and flexible: Even if the weather is cloudy, guides aim to maximize your enjoyment.
  • Value for price: At $106.59, including drinks and snorkeling, it offers a balanced mix of adventure and leisure.

The Experience: What to Expect from the Moorea Sunset Boat Trip

Starting Point and Timing

You’ll meet at Quai des croisières, around 4:00 pm. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect late-afternoon activity that transitions smoothly into evening. The meeting point is convenient, near public transportation and with free parking, so getting there is straightforward.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a scenic cruise around Moorea’s waters, where your guides will point out notable sights, legends, and stories about the island’s landscape and history. Expect to pass by the majestic mountains that Moorea is famous for—these peaks glow with the warm hues of sunset, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.

The main highlight is watching the sunset, as the sky turns from blue to deep orange, casting a golden light over the mountains and water. Reviewers mention “the most beautiful lights of the day,” emphasizing how memorable and photogenic this moment is.

Following sunset, the tour usually stops for snorkeling. According to one reviewer, this is a unique chance to snorkel during sunset—a time when marine life is active and the water is calm. You might see sharks and stingrays, with guides helping you photograph these creatures. The experience is described as peaceful, with most of the marine life around you, and you’ll have ample time to swim or relax in the water.

Marine Life Encounters

Reviews highlight how guides take visitors to specific areas where sharks and stingrays congregate. One guest shared, “He helped me to photograph them,” indicating attentive guidance. Because the tour is often solo with marine animals, you get an intimate encounter far from crowded beaches or busy boat trips.

Drinks and Refreshments

This tour includes bottled water, sodas, local cocktails, and alcoholic beverages, allowing you to toast the sunset in true Polynesian style. The availability of drinks adds to the relaxed vibe, making this a perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Guides and Personal Touch

The guides—Yo and Rae, as one reviewer mentions—are praised for their friendly, professional, and attentive approach. They are also very knowledgeable about Moorea’s legends and geography, making the experience more meaningful. Several guests appreciated their patience and willingness to accommodate late arrivals or last-minute questions, which added to the overall positive vibe.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a cap of 12 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate, friendly environment. This allows for better interaction with guides and fellow travelers, creating a warm, social atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “It was just my husband and me,” making it a very personalized experience.

Weather Considerations

While the weather can influence the sunset’s brilliance, guides do their best to find the best spots regardless of clouds. One traveler mentioned, “Although the sunset is just OK, it’s not the fault of the guides—they can’t control the weather.” Even in less-than-perfect conditions, the crew ensures a relaxing and enjoyable trip, especially with marine encounters and the scenic cruise.

The Value and Practicalities

At $106.59 per person, including drinks, snorkeling, and expert guidance, this tour offers solid value. The two-hour experience packs in scenic views, marine life, and local culture, making it far more than a simple boat ride. The small group size enhances the value, ensuring personal attention and fewer crowds.

Parking is free, and the meeting point is centrally located, easing logistics. The tour’s flexibility—offering a sunset experience with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy Polynesian cocktails—appeals to travelers who want a relaxed yet engaging activity.

Cancellation Policy and Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind in case your plans change. If the weather isn’t suitable, the tour might be canceled, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This Moorea Sunset Boat Trip is best suited for travelers who appreciate quiet, scenic moments, love marine life, and want to experience Moorea from the water with authentic local guides. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to unwind as the day ends with a drink in hand and a view that Instagram dreams are made of.

The combination of stunning vistas, marine encounters, and personalized service makes this a memorable addition to your Moorea itinerary. However, if you’re after energetic, large-group activities or are highly weather-dependent, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including families and solo travelers. Since it’s a relaxing 2-hour cruise, it’s suitable for a wide age range.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
The tour doesn’t specify providing gear, but often tours like this include snorkeling equipment. You might find it helpful to bring your own mask and snorkel for comfort and hygiene.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 4:00 pm, making it an ideal choice for catching the sunset and post-tour drinks.

Is there transportation from my hotel?
Pick-up is not included but can be requested. The meeting point is accessible by public transportation and parking is free.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a boat, bring a swimsuit, and consider a light cover-up or towel for sun protection and after swimming.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the snorkeling?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but guests typically have enough time to swim and photograph marine life during the 2-hour trip.

Are drinks included?
Yes, bottled water, soda, and local cocktails are provided as part of the experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The knowledgeable local guides, the chance to snorkel during sunset, and the intimate group size are among its biggest draws.

The Moorea Sunset Boat Trip offers a peaceful, beautiful way to end a day on this stunning island. With friendly guides, incredible sunset views, and marine encounters, it’s a well-rounded experience that balances relaxation and adventure. Its small-group setting makes for a personalized and memorable outing, especially suited to travelers craving tranquility and authentic Polynesian charm.

If you’re looking to capture the magic of Moorea’s evening skies while enjoying a swim with rays and sharks, this tour provides excellent value and a genuine taste of island life. Just remember, the best moments depend on the weather, so stay flexible and ready for a spectacular sunset or a cozy, calm cruise.

Ready to experience Moorea in a way that’s both tranquil and exhilarating? Book this sunset boat trip and toast to island life.