Overview
The Tuamotu Islands, sublime coral rings scattered in the blue waters of the South Pacific, offer exceptional scenery and snorkeling. During this week of pure escape, we’ll sail between three coconut-fringed atolls aboard a catamaran privatized for our group of 10.
Each day, we’ll snorkel the crystal-clear waters of the atolls to discover the Polynesian reefs, a paradise for sharks, Napoleons, manta rays and sea turtles.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a tailor-made trip designed for snorkeling fans! In the heart of the Fakarava World Biosphere Reserve, our itinerary includes the exploration of three of Polynesia’s most spectacular and unspoiled atolls. We’ll snorkel at over 12 different sites, including Fakarava’s legendary South Pass.
- From snorkeling to life on board, from landings on wild islets to swimming in pristine lagoons, we’ve planned everything to offer you the experience of a total escape, in contact with the untouched nature of the atolls.
- The Tuamotu Islands offer unparalleled underwater experiences. We’ll snorkel at a variety of sites, including coral drop-offs filled with reef fish, sandy lagoons visited by Napoleon and blacktip sharks, manta ray cleaning stations, as well as exploring passes by drift snorkeling.
- For our small group, we have chartered the Aqua Tiki III, a comfortable 20-meter catamaran with only 5 cabins. All cabins, with a capacity of two people, offer private bathrooms and toilets.
Itinerary
Pick up at Tahiti Faa'a Airport and transfer to our hotel. Group dinner and night in Tahiti.
Flight to Fakarava and embarkation on the Aqua Tiki III
During 7 full days, we will explore the Tuamotu Islands from the Aqua Tiki III (3 to 4 snorkels per day). Our itinerary will include the atolls of Fakarava, Kauehi, and Toau.
Disembarkation and Flight back to Tahiti
Accommodation
For our small group of 10, we have chartered the Aqua Tiki III, a comfortable, boutique liveaboard catamaran cruising the crystal‑clear waters of French Polynesia. With just five spacious cabins (each with a private bathroom) and cozy social spaces, including a cocktail bar and lounge, it offers an intimate, relaxed way to explore the remote atolls.
Aqua Tiki III Cabins
All Aqua Tiki III cabins have a private bathroom with a hot shower and are air-conditioned for 3 hours per day. The Modular Cabins are arranged with two single beds. The Twin Cabin has bunk beds. The VIP cabins are arranged with double beds.
Deck Map
You can view real-time availability and choose your cabin during the booking process.
Pricing, Inclusions & Policies
21-30 June 2027, 10 days-9 nights: 6950$/pers. VIP Cabin: +150$/pers.
Prices are based on double occupancy. All inclusive from Tahiti Faaa Airport.
If you’re traveling alone and are willing to share a cabin with another solo traveler, but don’t see this option in the cabin selection pop-up, please contact us.
Cost Includes
- 8 nights full-board accommodation onboard the Aqua Tiki III, from 22 to 30 June 2027
- 1 night accommodation in Tahiti, on 21 June 2027
- Your guides and all snorkeling activities throughout the trip
- All meals, drinking water and syrups throughout the stay
- All transportation and transfers from/to Tahiti Airport, including flights between Tahiti and Fakarava
- Unlimited satellite internet connection (Starlink)
Cost Excludes
- International air tickets from your home to Tahiti Faaa Airport
- Snorkeling equipment
- Waterskiing and wakeboard (€25 per session)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Trip insurance
- Gratuities and tips
Payment Plan (per person) :
| Payment | Amount & Due Date |
|---|---|
| Initial deposit* | USD 850 – Due at booking (confirmation) |
| Interim payment | USD 1,000 – Due on 21 September 2026 |
| Balance payment | Balance – Due on 23 March 2027 |
Cancellation policy (per person) :
| Time | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| ≥ D-365 | Deposit converted into a credit note valid 24 months (non-cash refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person. |
| D-364 to Interim Payment Due Date | Forfeiture of the deposit (non-refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person (financial/processing fees). |
| Interim Payment Due Date to D-90 | Cancellation fee = deposit + interim payment (non-refundable). If cancellation occurs after the Interim Payment Due Date, the interim payment remains due whether already paid or not. |
| D-90 to D-60 | Cancellation fee = 75% of the Total Trip Price (maximum refund 25%). |
| D-59 to D-0 | Cancellation fee = 100% of the Total Trip Price (no refund). |
Photos from our previous French Polynesia liveaboards on this itinerary
Reviews from our previous trips to Misool
Tim & Mihee, Daytona Beach, Florida (USA)
“It just doesn’t get any better than this, period”
My wife and I are both avid snorkelers and have snorkeled all over the world with several different companies and venues and WE can honestly say that Planet Snorkeling and Guillaume are at the top of their game and second to no one when it comes to planning and executing their snorkeling adventures. Our trip with Guillaume as group leader was way beyond expectations, and his knowledge, compassion, and sincere desire to please made this snorkeling trip one of our best and one we will remember for the rest of our lives. And we highly recommend Planet Snorkeling to anyone, young or old, newbie or seasoned and even non-swimmers as well. It just doesn’t get any better than this, period. (June 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
This trip takes place in the Tuamotu Archipelago, a region made up of coral atolls with large inner lagoons surrounded by reefs. This unique geography creates a wide variety of snorkeling environments, from calm lagoon reefs to more dynamic sites influenced by the movement of water between the lagoon and the open ocean.
One of the main highlights of the trip is snorkeling in the passes, the channels that connect the inside of the atoll with the open sea. These passes can be drift-snorkeled: you are dropped at one point, then carried by the current along the reef before being picked up by the boat further along the pass.
During incoming currents, the water is usually clearer, with excellent visibility and beautiful opportunities to observe coral formations and reef fish. During outgoing currents, visibility can be lower, but the activity level may be higher, with more pelagic action such as sharks, tuna, and other predators moving through the pass.
In addition to the passes, we also snorkel on reefs fringing both the inner lagoon side and the outer ocean side of the atolls. Some sites may include shallow sandy “pools” or sheltered areas, which often have less coral but can be excellent for looking for smaller marine life and macro subjects.
French Polynesia is our most recommended destination for shark encounters. During this itinerary, we regularly see five species: blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks. Depending on the sites visited and a bit of luck, other shark species may also be encountered.
Our route also includes manta ray cleaning stations, where manta rays can be observed in relatively shallow water. In the passes, it is also common to see sea turtles, especially when drifting along the reef with the current. Some locations, particularly the South Pass of Fakarava, are known for their impressive communities of Napoleon wrasse, often seen in good numbers.
Beyond the larger species, the reefs and passes are full of life, with diverse reef fish, schooling snappers, groupers, large moray eels, jacks, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and many other tropical species. We may also come across smaller marine life such as nudibranchs and other macro subjects in sheltered areas and lagoon sites.
No specific fitness level is required. This trip is suitable for anyone comfortable in the water, confident using snorkeling equipment, and able to snorkel unassisted.
During our trips, you can snorkel at your own pace, and if you feel tired at any point, you can always return to the boat.
Please note, however, that this trip involves boarding or disembarking from boats and dinghies, landing on beaches and rocky shores, and exiting the water using ladders. If you have mobility concerns or specific questions, feel free to email us in advance, and we’ll be happy to provide more details.
Your domestic flight from Tahiti to Fakarava is included in this tour. Depending on the flight schedule, the route may be either direct or include one short technical stop in Rangiroa. The direct flight takes approximately 1 hour, while the routing via Rangiroa usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Your Planet Snorkeling tour leader travels with the group, helping with check-in and airport logistics.
Upon arrival in Fakarava, the boat will either be waiting at the airport jetty, located just in front of the arrival hall, or at another nearby jetty about 10 minutes away by road. In that case, a short shuttle transfer will be arranged to reach the boat.
The flight itself is part of the experience, offering breathtaking views over the Tuamotu atolls and their turquoise lagoons.
Navigation inside the atolls is generally calm, as most of the sailing takes place within protected lagoons. Conditions can occasionally become choppier when sailing against the wind, but these sections are usually manageable.
There may be more movement when crossing between atolls in the open ocean, although these crossings are limited in duration. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend bringing your usual motion sickness medication, just in case.
The navigation is part of the adventure, allowing access to some of the most remote and pristine atolls of the Tuamotu.
Should you wish to extend your stay in French Polynesia, we can arrange custom trip extensions. The Society Islands, in particular, are easy to access from Tahiti and offer great snorkeling opportunities. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help tailor your experience.
Yes, Satellite WiFi (Starlink) is available for free on the Aqua Tiki III.
