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

Bora Bora is at its best from the water, and this private catamaran trip gives you the whole boat for your group of up to two. You will sail across the lagoon with the engine off, watch for sting rays and eagle rays beneath the nets, and stop for swimming, snorkeling, and drinks.

I like the quiet, personal feel of a private captain and hostess, plus the chance to shape the day around your interests. I also like that the experience includes a Polynesian lunch on a private motu, not just a boat ride with a quick snack. The main drawback is the price: at $2,730.51 per group, this is a major splurge, even with lunch, drinks, transport, and a private crew included.

Key points

• Private catamaran for up to two: You get the boat and crew to yourselves, with room to adjust the day to your interests.
• Engine-off sailing: The captain hoists the sails, turns off the motor, and lets you enjoy Bora Bora with less noise.
• Snorkeling with rays: Gear is provided, and you may see sting rays and eagle rays near the catamaran nets.
• Private motu lunch: The midday meal gives the six-hour outing a distinctly Polynesian setting.
• Mount Otemanu from the lagoon: The mountain views are one of the strongest reasons to spend the day on the water.
• Pickup and drinks included: Hotel transport, bottled water, other beverages, alcohol, snacks, and lunch are part of the package.

Bora Bora from your own catamaran

This is not a shared lagoon cruise where you follow a fixed route with a large group. The boat is private for your party of up to two, and the captain can shape the day around what you most want to do: sail, swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply stretch out on the catamaran nets.

That privacy matters in Bora Bora. The lagoon is famous for its color and mountain views, but your enjoyment can drop quickly when a boat feels crowded or rushed. Here, you have room to sit on the sunbeds, move between the hulls and nets, and ask for time in a bay that catches your eye.

The trip begins around 9:00 a.m. and lasts about six hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which removes one practical worry on an island where arranging transport can take time. The exact pickup details are confirmed after booking, subject to availability.

Sailing with the engine off

The most memorable part of the outing may be the simplest. Your captain hoists the sails, shuts down the engine, and lets the catamaran move under wind power. You hear less mechanical noise and get a better sense of the lagoon as a place, not just a backdrop for photographs.

The boat has sunbeds placed on the nets, giving you a comfortable spot over the water. From there, you can watch the lagoon below and look for marine life passing through. Sting rays and eagle rays may be visible through the nets, adding a pleasant surprise to the sailing portion before you even enter the water.

Music is also played through the catamaran sound system. That gives the outing a relaxed holiday mood, though it is worth remembering that music is part of the atmosphere. If you prefer quiet sailing, ask the crew to lower or turn off the sound when the sails are up.

The hostess helps with photographs and shares information about Bora Bora. That is useful on a private trip, since you are not left to manage the boat, the camera, the drinks, and the timing on your own. The attention to small details is a major strength of this experience.

Mount Otemanu and the lagoon views

You will get some of the best views of Mount Otemanu from the water. The mountain rises behind the island and gives the lagoon its familiar shape, but its appearance changes as the catamaran moves past different bays and reef areas.

A private boat gives you time to stop for photographs rather than grabbing a quick picture while moving between scheduled points. Bring a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes, since the boat provides open views but also puts you close to the water.

The route also takes you near the reef where the lagoon meets the ocean. This is a useful part of the outing because it shows a different side of Bora Bora than the calm inner lagoon. You can compare the sheltered water with the reef edge, while keeping the mountain and island views nearby.

The tour description does not promise a particular weather condition or a fixed route for every departure. That is normal for a sailing day. Wind, sea conditions, and your interests can affect how much time you spend sailing, swimming, snorkeling, or in the bay.

Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet bay

The crew stops in a scenic bay for swimming and refreshments. This is where the private format pays off most clearly. You do not have to compete with a large group for space at the swim stop, and you can spend more time in the water if that is your priority.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. You can use it to look at the marine life around the reef and lagoon, while the crew helps make the stop comfortable. The available information does not promise a particular species list beyond sting rays and eagle rays, so treat the wildlife as a natural possibility rather than a guaranteed show.

The ray sightings are especially appealing for people who want more than a standard swim. You might see them from the boat nets, then get a closer look while snorkeling or swimming, depending on conditions and the crew’s chosen stop.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, say so when you meet the crew. The itinerary is flexible, and the private setup makes it easier to communicate what you want. If you prefer to stay dry, the catamaran still offers plenty to do, from sailing and photography to sunbathing and watching the water.

A Polynesian lunch on a private motu

Lunch is served on a private islet, known locally as a motu. This gives the middle of the day a change of pace. Instead of eating on the boat while it rocks on the lagoon, you get time on land in a distinctly Polynesian setting.

The meal is included, along with refreshments, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Since the exact menu is not provided, you should ask the operator about food choices if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong preferences.

The private motu setting is one reason this tour feels different from a basic catamaran rental. The lunch is not only a practical break from swimming. It is part of the place you came to experience, with the lagoon and island surroundings continuing the day’s theme.

Still, keep the overall timing in mind. This is a six-hour outing, not an all-day expedition from sunrise to sunset. The morning departure, sailing time, swim stop, lunch, and return all need to fit into that window. If your priority is a long snorkeling session, the lunch and sightseeing portions will leave less time in the water.

What the private crew adds

The crew includes a captain and hostess. The captain handles sailing and navigation, while the hostess is available for photographs, information, refreshments, and general assistance. You get a more attentive experience than you would on a larger shared boat.

A private crew also means the day can feel less rigid. You can indicate that you want more time for photos of Mount Otemanu, a longer swim, or a quieter spell under sail. The tour is designed to be customized, though the final route depends on conditions and the crew’s judgment.

The strongest praise for this experience focuses on attention to detail and the way the staff creates a memorable day. That is worth emphasizing because luxury is not only about the boat. It is also about whether the crew notices when you need a drink, takes a good photograph, explains what you are seeing, and gives the day a comfortable rhythm.

There is no named guide provided for this experience, so you should not expect to request a particular captain or hostess unless Sailing Bora Bora confirms that in advance.

Is the price worth it?

The cost is $2,730.51 per group of up to two. If two people share the booking, that works out to roughly $1,365 each, though the charge is made per group rather than per person.

That is expensive by any ordinary excursion standard. You are paying for exclusivity, not just transport across the lagoon. The price includes a private catamaran, captain, hostess, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, and about six hours on the water.

For a honeymoon, anniversary, proposal, or major birthday, the private format may make sense. You are not simply buying seats on a boat. You are buying control over the pace, space for two, personal service, and a more polished day.

For a budget-conscious visitor, the value is harder to defend. If your main goal is a short swim or a look at Mount Otemanu, a shared lagoon excursion should cost less, though no comparable group option is provided here. This tour makes the most financial sense when privacy and comfort are more important to you than keeping the activity budget low.

The fact that this experience is often reserved about 109 days ahead is useful planning information. It suggests that people booking it tend to arrange the day well before arrival, especially during popular travel periods. If you want this particular private boat, do not leave it until the last few days.

Who will enjoy this six-hour sailing day?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples who want a special day with no strangers on board. The boat is sized for a group of up to two, so the experience is naturally suited to partners rather than families or larger groups.

It also fits you if you like a mix of activities. You can sail, swim, snorkel, watch rays, take photographs, enjoy music, eat lunch on a motu, and relax in the sun. You do not need to choose between an active excursion and a restful one.

It may be less suitable if you want a packed schedule of many separate snorkeling sites. The experience includes snorkeling, but it also gives time to sailing, views, lunch, refreshments, and a swim in a bay. The pleasure comes from the full day’s rhythm rather than from checking off a long list of stops.

It is also not the best choice for someone who dislikes boats, sun, or open water. Most people can participate, but the tour is built around life on a catamaran and time in the lagoon.

Booking details worth knowing

The start time is 9:00 a.m., and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The activity provider is Sailing Bora Bora. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so avoid making tight, nonrefundable plans until your reservation is confirmed.

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

Bring practical sun and water essentials, even though drinks and snorkeling gear are provided. You will want sun protection, a secure way to carry your phone, and any personal items you need for several hours on the water. Ask about food requirements before departure if lunch needs to meet a special diet.

Should you book this private Bora Bora catamaran?

Book it if you want a polished private day for two, value personal service, and can accept the luxury price. The best parts are the engine-off sailing, close views of Mount Otemanu, ray sightings, flexible swim time, and lunch on a private motu.

Skip it if your budget is limited or if you mainly want a quick snorkeling trip. At six hours and more than $2,700 per group, this is a special-occasion purchase. For the right couple, though, the privacy, attentive crew, and mix of sailing, swimming, wildlife, and Polynesian food give you a complete Bora Bora day rather than a simple boat transfer.

FAQ

How long does the private catamaran experience last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and starts at 9:00 a.m.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat is private for a group of up to two people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the lagoon stops.

What is included with lunch and refreshments?

The experience includes lunch, bottled water, other beverages, and alcoholic beverages.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.