This epic liveaboard snorkeling safari will be spent exploring one of the world’s most coveted tropical locations – French Polynesia, in the stunning South Pacific. This iconic archipelago is made up of one-hundred and eighteen islands, sixty-seven of which are uninhabited, with Tahiti being the most populated. Given that there are so many different islands and atolls to choose from, we will focus our time in the water on the Tuamotus Archipelago which we think is the best for a snorkeling-specific tour such as this. It is made up of eighty islands and atolls and forms the largest chain of islands in the world. Needless to say, this provides the perfect setting for some incredible coral reefs and shark snorkeling.
Like most of the reefs in French Polynesia, the Tuamotos are characterized by fringing hard coral reefs which gently slope away from the island, providing us with a seemingly endless shallow reef to explore. We can expect excellent visibility ranging from 25 – 35 meters (70 – 100 ft) on average and since French Polynesia has created one of the largest shark sanctuaries in the world, as a result, the area has become famous for its healthy shark population. As we cruise over the stunning reefs you can expect to see lots of black and white tip reef sharks as well as grey reef sharks, along with plenty of rays such as Eagle, Blue Spotted, and Manta. Outside of these larger pelagic creatures, there are lots of beautiful reef fish that school over the sloping reefs.
This tour involves drift snorkeling, sometimes in relatively fast-moving water (always with boat support), and is only suitable for those with confidence and experience in similar drift snorkeling conditions.
Roger. March 2024
‘French Polynesia was our fourth trip with Snorkel Venture which is testament to how good their trips are. This one didn’t disappoint; excellent organisation and communication from their office staff, fabulous boat and crew (Daisy’s puddings were amazing) Marcus our guide was so helpful nothing was too much trouble for him and we came away knowing how to use the GoPro’
Marine Life Guide
Please note that this video features the Aqua Tiki II, which is slightly smaller than the Aqua Tiki III.
This tour is partnered with the Manta Trust. Find out how we support the Manta Trust via this tour here.
Please note that the liveaboard’s itinerary/exact route is subject to change, at the sole discretion of the cruise director, based on the weather and ocean conditions.
Day 1 - Meet in Tahiti
The tour begins in Papeete, Tahiti, where we’ll all meet up at our hotel. Upon arrival at Faa’a International Airport (PPT), you will self transfer to our hotel, where you can relax at this stunning ocean-front resort.
In the evening, we will meet for a group dinner on Snorkel Venture, where you can meet your fellow tour members as well as your Snorkel Venture Guide.
Day 2 - Travel to Fakarava and board The Aqua Tiki III
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and catch our group transfer to the airport for our short flight to Fakarava, where our liveaboard adventure will begin as we board the Aqua Tiki III. We’ll receive a full welcome briefing and boat orientation, after which you can check into your cabins and relax with a drink onboard. This will likely be a non-snorkeling day.
Day 3 - 11 - Snorkeling from the Aqua Tiki III
During this safari, we’ll be visiting 3 different regions of the Tuamotu Archipelago – Fakarava, Kauehi, and Toau.
Please note the itinerary below should be used as a guide, our route depends on the tide conditions.
Our first snorkel will be close to the the village of Tetamanu in Fakarava’s South Pass, for some ‘pass snorkeling’. A pass is where water flows into and out of a lagoon and with it excellent chances of encountering large marine life. There are a number of passes to explore around Tetamanu and we’re likely to encounter plenty of different species of shark as well as Napoleon Wrasse, Eagle Rays, and schooling jacks.
We’ll spend a 2nd day moored up close to the remote village of Tetamanu with more time snorkeling the reefs and exploring deserted islands, whilst allowing for some time for lagoon swims in between onboard relaxation.
From Tetamanu we’ll enjoy some early morning sailing northeast to Kauehi Island. Here we’ll explore shallow fringing reefs busy with colorful fish life such as angel and butterflyfish, and various species of wrasse whilst big predators can also be seen in the water column. This is another good location for spotting sharks and other larger pelagic species of fish.
Our next stop will be Toau Atol for more fabulous reef snorkeling. This is also a great location to watch the sunset over the lagoon accompanied by a beach BBQ.
Our last snorkeling day will be around Fakarava where we’ll take some time to snorkel the famous Garuae Pass in the north.
Day 12 - Disembarkation and departure
Upon disembarkation, we fly together back to Tahiti. The tour ends upon return to Tahiti airport.
There are late-night flights from Tahiti to Los Angeles or we can arrange hotel stays for those wanting to extend their trip.
InterContinental Resort Tahiti
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is located on the Faa’a part of Tahiti, putting you close to the attractions and interesting dining options. It’s surrounded by sparkling waters and offers outstanding on-site amenities, and even has its own sea-water lagoon. This upscale resort is the perfect place to unwind from a long trip and get read for the adventure that’s about to come.
Resort Guide
Aquatiki III
This a very comfortable sailing catamaran. Measuring twenty meters long, it easily accommodates ten guests with its five comfortable cabins. Each of the private air-conditioned rooms (3 hours/day) is equipped with comfortable beds and private restrooms complete with hot water showers. You should note that the guest cabins are relatively compact – as is the nature of a catamaran. The community space is carefully laid out with plenty of indoor and covered & uncovered outdoor places to lounge. All of our meals will be prepared for us by the amazing onboard chef and of course the boat will be fully stocked with soft drinks and alcohol.
2 Modular Double Cabins and Twin Cabins
These two cabins feature a bed that can be separated by a solid barrier, or used as one single bed. The rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water showers and air conditioning available for three hours each evening.
2 VIP Double Cabins
These slightly more spacious cabins feature an island bed and have a sea view. The rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water showers and air conditioning available for three hours each evening.
It is a good idea to keep in mind that this is a liveaboard trip, and while this boat is spacious and the twin hulls do keep it very stable, space is more limited than our resort style safaris and there will always be a bit of motion while on the ocean. If you have any sort of issues with claustrophobia or sea sickness please let us know, so that we can discuss suitability of the trip and how we’ve dealt with this in the past with guests.
Vessel Guide
On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing, a Request to Book Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance.
My name is Graham and I’ll be your personal consultant for this tour, I’ll manage your booking right up until you meet our tour leader in destination. I’ll be on hand to assist with everything from additional nights before and after your tour and making sure you are on time for our ‘Welcome Dinner’ to guidance on what to bring and the snorkeling conditions you are likely to experience. We share an email inbox at Snorkel Venture, you can fill out the form below or drop me an email at hello@snorkelventure.com. I look forward to assisting you on this tour.
Make an Inquiry or Book this Tour
2027 Tour Dates
18 – 29 April
30 April – 11 May
Tour Price:
Double/Twin cabin- US $9,450 per person sharing
2028 Tour Dates
04 – 15 May
16 – 27 May
Tour Price:
Double/Twin cabin- US $9950 per person sharing
How to book your place:
Initial deposit to secure your booking is $800 per person
12 months before departure interim payment of $1000 per person
6 months before departure interim payment of $1,000 per per
Balance due 3 months before departure
Please note for single supplement bookings we ask for 2x the deposit for each payment.
Inclusions:
- 1 nights in Tahiti Hotel with welcome dinner and breakfast
- 10 nights onboard Aqua Tiki III Liveaboard with full board and unlimited snorkeling (typically 3-4 sessions per day)
- All land & beach excursions
- Return flights from Tahiti to Fakarava with 23 KG’s / 50 Lbs luggage
Please note that noise form the engines and water purifiers can be heard while on liveaboard trips.
Exclusions:
- Pick up from Tahiti Airport on arrival. 25 USD (day rate) / 35 USD (night rate) paid in USD to licensed taxi
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Tips
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Health Insurance (compulsory)
*Note: Fees and surcharges are subject to change
Please note our cancelation policy: All deposits are non-refundable.
1 Year or more: 150 USD penalty per person, the balance will be given as a credit note for use within 2 years
12 months or less: Loss of deposit and interim payment
90 – 28 days: 25% Refund (includes your final balance payment)
28 – 0 days: No Refund
*We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your deposit in the event that you have to cancel your trip.
