LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch

Bora Bora looks best from the water. This private catamaran outing gives you six hours to sail the lagoon, snorkel near coral reefs, swim in a scenic bay, and eat a Polynesian lunch on a private islet. I especially like the private boat and crew, plus the chance to shut off the engine and sail under the power of the wind. The main drawback is the price: $2,730.51 for up to two people is a major splurge.

I also like the flexible pace. You can spend more time swimming, settle onto the catamaran nets, or simply watch Mount Otemanu from the lagoon. Pickup, drinks, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and hotel drop-off are included, which makes the high cost easier to judge. Still, six hours passes quickly, and this experience is best for couples or close companions who value privacy more than a lower per-person price.

Key points to know before booking

• Private catamaran for up to two people: You get the vessel and crew to yourselves, with no larger group sharing the day.
• Sailing with the engine off: The captain hoists the sails, letting you enjoy a quieter stretch of lagoon travel.
• Several ways to enjoy the water: Snorkel, swim, sunbathe on the nets, or watch for sting rays and eagle rays below.
• Polynesian lunch on a private islet: The meal gives the outing a proper break on land rather than keeping you aboard all six hours.
• Strong views of Mount Otemanu: The mountain is a central visual feature, especially from the open water.
• Pickup and refreshments included: Hotel transport, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, snacks, and lunch are part of the package.

Why this private Bora Bora sailing day costs so much

The price is $2,730.51 per group of up to two, not per person. Split between two people, that works out to about $1,365.26 each. That is a serious amount, even by Bora Bora standards.

The value comes from what you are not sharing. This is not a seat on a busy boat with a fixed route and a full passenger list. Your group has a private catamaran, a captain, and a hostess. The day can be shaped around your interests, within the available route and conditions.

Several inclusions also matter. Hotel pickup and drop-off remove the need to arrange separate transport. Bottled water, other refreshments, alcoholic drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and lunch are included. You are paying for the vessel, crew, food, drinks, transport, and privacy in one package.

I would see this as a special-occasion experience rather than a practical way to tour Bora Bora. If you want the lowest-cost way to see the lagoon, this is not it. If privacy, personal service, and a slower day on the water matter most, the price becomes easier to defend.

The experience receives a top rating from a small set of nine published ratings, with particular praise for careful service and the way the captain and staff handle the day. That praise fits the format: a private boat allows the crew to focus on your group instead of managing a large crowd.

Starting at 9:00 am with hotel pickup

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am. Hotel pickup and return are included, but the exact pickup arrangement is not specified, so you should confirm the meeting details after booking.

Starting in the morning gives you a useful block of daylight for the lagoon, snorkeling, lunch, and sailing. The listed duration is approximately six hours. That makes this a substantial outing, but not an all-day-to-evening cruise.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since this experience is booked, on average, about 109 days ahead, advance planning is sensible. That is especially true if you are visiting Bora Bora for only a short stay or want this on a particular day.

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That is a major practical advantage for couples who do not want to adjust their day around strangers. It also makes the outing a good fit for people who prefer a calm boat ride and personal attention.

Sailing across the lagoon under canvas

The most memorable part may be the change in pace when the captain hoists the sails and turns off the engine. A motorboat gets you across the lagoon quickly. A sailing catamaran gives you a quieter ride, with the sound of the water and wind doing more of the work.

You can stretch out on the sunbeds placed on the catamaran nets. These nets sit forward over the water, giving you an open view below. You might see sting rays and eagle rays through the netting while the boat moves across the lagoon.

The boat also has a sound system, so music plays during the sail. That creates a more relaxed, celebratory mood, though it may not suit someone hoping for a completely quiet trip. The private format lets you communicate your preferences to the crew.

The hostess can take photographs and share information about Bora Bora. That is useful when you want to enjoy the setting without constantly reaching for your phone. You should still keep your own camera protected around spray and salt water.

The catamaran provides several ways to spend the time. You can lie on the nets, sit back with a drink, watch the shoreline and reef, or move around the boat for different views. It is a better setup for lounging than a narrow open boat.

Seeing Mount Otemanu from the water

Mount Otemanu is one of the defining sights of Bora Bora, and this trip gives you repeated views from the lagoon. The angle changes as the catamaran moves, so you see the mountain with water in the foreground rather than only from a hotel or road.

The open setting also makes the views feel less confined. There are no boat windows to frame the scene, and the catamaran’s position on the lagoon gives you room for photographs. The hostess is available to take pictures, a useful touch for couples who want images together.

The route also reaches the area where the lagoon meets the ocean. This is a notable change from staying in the calmer inner waters. You get a sense of Bora Bora’s wider setting without needing a separate ocean excursion.

The exact route is not fixed in detail. That is part of the appeal, since the crew can customize the day around your interests. It also means you should not treat every named location as a guaranteed sequence of stops. Weather, water conditions, and the group’s preferences can affect the timing.

Snorkeling near the reef and lagoon edge

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to arrange your own mask and fins. The outing includes time near coral reefs and at the point where the lagoon meets the ocean.

This is a good choice if you want snorkeling to be part of a broader day rather than the only activity. You can spend time in the water, then return to the boat for drinks, views, or sunbathing. That mix keeps the day from becoming repetitive.

The marine life mentioned for the route includes sting rays and eagle rays. You may see them from the catamaran nets as well as during time near the reef. Sightings in open water can never be promised, but the route is designed to put you in places where marine life is part of the experience.

The tour is described as suitable for most people, but the provided details do not list specific swimming requirements or accessibility features. If you have mobility, swimming, or medical concerns, ask the operator before booking. The catamaran, water access, and snorkeling activity may not suit every visitor.

A swim stop in a scenic bay

One stop takes place in a striking bay, where you can swim and enjoy refreshments. This is the part of the day that breaks up the sailing and gives you a direct connection with the lagoon.

You can choose to get in the water or remain aboard. The private format is helpful here because you are not forced to follow a large group into the water. If one person wants to swim and the other prefers the boat, the crew can accommodate that more easily than a standard group trip.

Refreshments are included, along with bottled water and alcoholic drinks. That means you can return from the water without needing to carry your own supplies. Still, bring any personal items you need, since the included drinks may not match your preferred choice.

The bay stop also gives the crew room to adjust the pace. Some people will want a longer swim, while others may prefer more time sailing or taking photographs. The itinerary is presented as customizable, so it is worth discussing your priorities early in the day.

Lunch on a private Polynesian islet

Lunch takes place on a private islet, adding a land-based pause to the boat trip. You are not simply eating a packed meal between activities. The setting is part of the experience.

A Polynesian lunch gives the day a stronger sense of place than a generic onboard meal. The supplied details do not specify the menu, so you should ask about dishes, dietary needs, and meal timing if those points matter to you.

The private islet setting is also useful for anyone who wants a change from the catamaran’s open deck. After sailing and swimming, a meal on solid ground can make the six-hour schedule feel more balanced.

Because the exact lunch menu and service arrangement are not provided, do not book this expecting a particular dish or dining style. Think of it as a Polynesian meal in a private-islet setting, with the pleasure coming from both the food and the location.

What the private crew changes

A private captain and hostess shape the tone of the day. The captain handles the sailing and route, while the hostess can take photographs, provide information about Bora Bora, and help with service.

That personal attention is the experience’s strongest feature. A larger excursion may offer similar water views, but it usually cannot give the same level of flexibility. Here, you can discuss whether you want more time at the reef, in the bay, under sail, or on the islet.

The crew also handles the practical details that can make a water outing tiring. Drinks and snacks are available, snorkeling equipment is supplied, and hotel transport is included. The highly praised attention to small details makes sense in this setting, since comfort matters when you are spending six hours aboard one vessel.

There is one tradeoff. A private trip depends heavily on the crew fit and the day’s conditions. The information provided does not name the captain or hostess, so you cannot choose a particular guide. You can, however, explain what you want from the day and ask how the route can be adjusted.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this experience most strongly to:

• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• Two friends who want a private day on the lagoon
• Visitors who value personal service over a lower price
• People who want sailing, snorkeling, swimming, lunch, and sightseeing in one outing
• Anyone who wants strong Mount Otemanu views without joining a large boat group

It may not be the right pick for a solo visitor paying the full group price. It is also less suitable if your main goal is an inexpensive snorkeling trip or a much longer day on the water.

Families may need to ask additional questions before booking. The tour is described as suitable for most people, but no child age limits, swimming details, or accessibility information are provided. The private setup could work well for a family, but the operator should confirm the practical details first.

Booking and cancellation details worth noting

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes within that period are not accepted.

The cut-off is based on local time in French Polynesia. Keep that in mind if you are arranging the trip from another time zone.

Since confirmation depends on availability and may arrive within 48 hours, do not leave this booking until the last minute. The advance booking pattern of about 109 days suggests that popular dates can fill well ahead of your visit.

Should you book the private catamaran?

Book it if you want privacy, attentive service, and a polished day on Bora Bora’s lagoon. The combination of sailing with the engine off, snorkeling near reefs, swimming in a bay, viewing Mount Otemanu, and eating lunch on a private islet gives the day real variety.

The strongest reason to choose it is not any single stop. It is the way the private boat lets you enjoy those stops at your own pace. The main reason to skip it is the cost. At $2,730.51 for two, this is a luxury purchase, not a bargain excursion.

If the price fits your trip and you want one special day that feels personal from pickup through drop-off, this is a strong choice. If you mainly want to get in the water and see fish, compare less expensive shared options first.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. Only your group participates, with the private group limited to up to two people.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $2,730.51 per group of up to two people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served on a private islet as part of the Polynesian lunch experience.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included refreshments include bottled water, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and snacks.

Can the day’s route be customized?

Yes. The private format allows the itinerary to be customized around your group’s interests.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.