Reviewed · MOTU PICNIC TRIPS

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

5.0 · 9 reviews From $2,730 Operated by Sailing Bora Bora
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A private full-day catamaran on Bora Bora is interesting because you are not fitting your day into a schedule made for strangers. You are on your own boat with a captain and hostess, and you can spend the time exactly where the lagoon feels best that day. It is the kind of trip that turns the water itself into the main event, not a side stop.

I really like the privacy here. A group of up to two gets the boat, the crew, and the attention, so the day feels personal instead of rushed. I also love that snorkel gear is provided, plus you get time to swim and look over the reef where lagoon meets ocean.

One consideration: this is priced for small groups, so it can feel expensive per person if you are not splitting the cost with a partner. You are paying for a full, private operation, not a seat on a shared cruise.

Key highlights to know before you go

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Your own catamaran and crew, so you set the pace
  • Snorkel gear provided for reef and marine-life viewing
  • Sailing with the engine off at times, so it feels more like real sailing than touring
  • Otemanu Mountain views from the water, with great photo angles
  • Ray spotting through the catamaran nets near the reef area
  • Polynesian lunch on a private islet (motu) with drinks and snacks included

Why this private Bora Bora catamaran feels different

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Why this private Bora Bora catamaran feels different
In Bora Bora, most boat days come down to one thing: where you are during the best light, and how comfortable you feel on the ride there. This trip is built around the simple advantage of a private vessel. You are not stuck waiting for a dozen other people to get organized, and you are not trying to find your own spot on a crowded deck.

The boat experience also matters. You get sunbeds set on the catamaran nets, so you can actually relax without fighting for shade. Then the captain runs the sailing moments for real, hoisting the sails and turning off the engine when conditions allow. That change is huge in practice. The lagoon sounds different. The whole day feels calmer and more in sync with the water.

Also, the crew structure is a nice touch. The hostess is on hand for service and for taking photos, and she shares what you are seeing. That is a small thing, but it turns your time into more than just scenery. It helps you look at the lagoon with context, not just awe.

The Vitamin Sea sailing segment: comfort, photos, and real lagoon time

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - The Vitamin Sea sailing segment: comfort, photos, and real lagoon time
Your morning starts with pickup and then heading out for a lagoon-focused sail. When you reach the Vitamin Sea Bora Bora area, the vibe shifts from traveling to actually being on the water. You lay down on the sunbeds on the nets, get ready for sailing, and listen to the music on the sound system as the boat moves through the lagoon.

This is also where the day gives you some of its signature visuals. From the water, you get excellent views of Otemanu Mountain. It is one of those Bora Bora landmarks that looks iconic from shore, but gains drama and scale when you are floating in the lagoon facing it.

The hostess adds value through interaction. She is there for service and for capturing photos, and she also shares knowledge of Bora Bora while you are out. Even if you love travel photos, this helps. It means you are not constantly swapping roles with a stranger, and you spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the moment.

Practical note: the day is mostly on the water, so your comfort setup matters. Plan to wear a swimsuit that works with being on the deck, and keep a cover-up or dry layer handy for when you want a break.

Snorkeling and reef time, without the usual chaos

This trip is built for getting into the water, not just watching from the deck. Snorkel gear is provided, so you do not have to pack or rent your own set. The captain takes you close to the reef where the lagoon meets the ocean, and then you stop in a bay for swimming and refreshments.

What I like about this approach is how it solves two common snorkeling problems at once. First, you are not stuck doing short, supervised swims in random spots. You have actual time to float, look around, and reset. Second, the private format makes the whole process less stressful. You can focus on looking for marine life instead of managing the flow of a larger group.

You also get a unique way to spot animals without putting on a full snorkel dive show. Near the reef area, you can see sting rays and eagle rays through the catamaran nets. That is one of those moments where the day feels special because it is not only about what you do underwater. It is about what comes close to the boat while you relax.

Small drawback to keep in mind: since this is all about the lagoon, your water conditions matter. If the sea is choppy, it can be less comfortable to stay in the water for long periods. The upside is that you still have the nets sunbeds and deck time as backup.

Lunch on a Polynesian motu: why this part is worth the day

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Lunch on a Polynesian motu: why this part is worth the day
The lunch is a big part of the value equation, not an afterthought. You sit down for a Polynesian meal at a private islet (motu). That setting changes the whole feel of the day. Instead of eating on a moving boat or near a marina, you get a calmer moment where the water around you is still the main character.

It is also paired with the right support: beverages, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included. There are also refreshments and snacks throughout the day, so you are not waiting for a single meal to keep you going.

If you care about taste and atmosphere, this stop is the reason to choose a private catamaran day over a cheaper group cruise. The motu setting turns lunch into a mini experience, and because the boat is private, you do not feel rushed to finish and move along.

What to watch for: with a full day schedule, you still want to pace yourself. If you plan to snorkel earlier, you might prefer a slower lunch with breaks, not right before the main swim time. The day gives you enough downtime options on deck that you can spread out your energy.

How the 6-hour timeline works for your day

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - How the 6-hour timeline works for your day
This is listed at about 6 hours starting at 9:00 am. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, the schedule is usually easier than you might expect, especially if you are staying somewhere with limited convenience for transfers.

A 6-hour private boat day is long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but not so long that you are exhausted by mid-afternoon. You have time for sailing, a reef close-up, a swimming bay, lunch on the motu, and still plenty of deck relaxation.

My practical advice: build your morning around this plan. Eat a decent breakfast before pickup if you can, and bring essentials like sunscreen and a hat for deck time. Even with snacks included, it is smart to arrive ready to enjoy the first hours. Once you are out on the water, it is hard to improvise.

Also consider the photo strategy. The Otemanu views are best from specific angles, and the crew can help with photos. It makes sense to ask for a quick photo moment when the boat is positioned well, then return to soaking up the day.

Value check: what you are really paying for

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Value check: what you are really paying for
The price is $2,730.51 per group, up to 2 people. That is a serious number, so you should look at what is included and what it replaces for you.

Here is what you are buying:

  • a private catamaran with professional guidance
  • hotel pickup and drop-off
  • snorkeling gear
  • lunch plus beverages, including alcoholic beverages
  • refreshments and snacks during the day
  • a day built around swimming and lagoon time, not just a cruise

If you compare this to paying separately for multiple experiences, you can see the logic. You are not just paying for transportation. You are paying for a full-day private operation with food and gear, in a place where day tours quickly add up.

Still, you should be honest with your own situation. If you are traveling as a solo person, the “up to two” setup means the cost can feel heavy because there is no second passenger to split with. If you are a couple or two close friends, it is easier to justify because the private format is the whole point.

In other words: this is high value when you want privacy and you will actually use the day for snorkeling and relaxing. If you mostly want a quick look from the boat, a cheaper shared option may fit better.

Who this tour suits best in Bora Bora

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Who this tour suits best in Bora Bora
This private catamaran fits best when you want the lagoon experience to feel like yours. I especially think it works well for:

  • couples who want a full, private day without juggling other schedules
  • people who take snorkeling seriously and want gear provided
  • travelers who love photography and want help capturing it from the water
  • small groups who would rather pay for comfort and attention than compromise

It is also a good choice if you want a balance of action and downtime. You get sailing, reef time, and swimming, but you also get real deck comfort on the nets and the option to watch marine life without constant exertion.

Should you book this private catamaran and motu lunch?

LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran : Full-Day Sail & Polynesian Motu Lunch - Should you book this private catamaran and motu lunch?
If you want Bora Bora to feel private, you should strongly consider booking. The combo of snorkeling gear provided, ray viewing through the nets, and lunch on a motu is exactly what makes a private boat day feel worth it. The fact that the experience holds a 5-star score across 9 ratings also points to consistent quality, especially around attention to detail and how the crew manages the day.

Book it if you and your travel partner will use the day fully, meaning you plan to swim, snorkel, and actually enjoy time on deck. Skip it if you are cost sensitive and would rather spend less for a more basic shared-boat version of the same lagoon scenery.

FAQ

How long is this private catamaran full-day sail?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour, and only your group participates.

What is the group size limit?

The group limit is up to 2 people.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear is provided.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with beverages, bottled water, refreshments and snacks throughout the day, and alcoholic beverages.

Do I need to print a ticket, and when will I receive confirmation?

You can use a mobile ticket. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you are a couple or two friends, and I can help you sanity-check the timing and decide if a private motu lunch day makes sense for your Bora Bora priorities.

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