The 15 Best Motu Picnics & Beach Days in Polynesia

1.Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,518 reviews · from $71Our pick

Start at 11am at Muri Beach with drumming and a glass-bottom boat ride into the marine reserve. Snorkel among fish, giant clams, and Charlie the moray eel, then enjoy a fresh fish barbecue on Motu Koromiri, island music, coconut demonstrations, and pareu tying. Gear is provided, and hotel transfers cost extra.

“Very entertaining day on the reef with great snorkeling food and entertainment would recommend this tour.”

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2.Full day Lagoon Safari & Lunch on a Motu – ST

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 6 hours · from $151

Join a six-hour lagoon safari with local guides such as Manu, Coco, Arii, or Yan. Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays when seen, and colorful fish, then enjoy lunch, coconut demonstrations, and free time on a motu. Hotel boat pickup, equipment, drinks, towels, and return transport are included.

“The most wonderful tour I've ever experienced. We were picked up directly from our hotel beach by boat. The group was small, and all our wishes were taken into account.I went on this tour alone with my two children, and I’m still amazed by how well our tour guide, Malaki, took care of us. He even held my baby so I could get into the water, something I truly appreciated (Thank you so so much). He was absolutely wonderful, explained so much, and was always in a great mood. While we were snorkeling, he even brought out his ukulele and started singing! We saw sharks, rays, dolphins, mantas, and so…”

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3.Full Day Combo ATV & Jet Ski with a Polynesian BBQ on a Motu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 373 reviews

Spend about six hours circling Bora Bora by ATV and jet ski with guides such as Manu, Tahi, H, Caleb, or Tama. Ride three off-road trails, visit WWII cannons and scenic viewpoints, cross the lagoon, stop at a motu, and enjoy grilled fish, chicken, raw fish, fruit, and a coco show. Pickup is offered, and one booking covers one ATV and one jet ski for two people.

“The scenic views during the ATV ride were amazing. You get to view the entire island both by ATV and Jet Ski! Definitely a must do during your vacation!”

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4.Bora Bora Snorkel Cruise by Polynesian Outrigger Canoe with BBQ Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 195 reviews · from $296

Spend six hours circling Bora Bora’s lagoon by motorized Polynesian outrigger canoe. Guides such as Sam, Jean, Ruma, and Tarepa lead stops for coral gardens, black-tip sharks, stingrays, manta rays, and tropical fish, followed by a BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and beach time on a small motu.

“The boat was very nice. Our guide did not keep track of where we were and spent too much time socializing with other guides. He was going to quit after lunch, but we told him we wanted more snorkeling. I did not feel he made any effort to look for mantas. The lunch was very nice.”

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5.Blue Lagoon – PRIVATE ISLAND Pink sand beach and wildlife reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 130 reviews · from $156

Travel by boat from Rangiroa to the Blue Lagoon for pink sand, bird island, blacktip sharks, snorkeling, and a local lunch with coconut crab and wine. The crew may include Eleana, Taurama, Momo, or Natua. Expect an eight-hour outing, a maximum of 15 people, and a rough one-hour boat ride each way.

“Wonderful time with great crew and boat in a beautiful place. The only thing that I could add- we did not stop at the end of the day to attempt snorkeling with nurse sharks in town, but we were all tired from day's activities”

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6.Moorea citycoco tour: The most beautiful beaches!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews

Ride a 100% electric citycoco around Moorea’s coastal road, with pickup available and stops at Tiahura, Opunohu Bay, Cook’s Bay, Temae Beach, and Toatea Lookout. The scooters run at 25 to 30 km/h, carry one adult and a child from age three, and offer more than 90 km of range. Guides including Solange, Noël, Manuel, Gerard, and Johan provide pickup and riding help.

“March 2020 WE saw Moorea from the sea We were on a cruise from Easter Island when the Pandemic closed the world This OUR Tahiti Duex Trip started with this Amazing E-Scooter adventure with Coco Rider. Gerard was most helpful, accommodating with his instructions and explanations The equipment was fun for a leisurely ride circumnavigating the island I was so impressed with the road courtesy of the locals I explained to Gerard I have logged over 100000 mi on my Honda Goldwing Trike Riding is riding Highly recommend Coco Rider to visitors to Moorea Note to Gerard: Elvis could learn alot from you”

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7.Full-Day Upolu Island Tour with Waterfalls and Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 8 hours · from $130

Spend eight hours crossing Upolu in an air-conditioned van with local guides such as Janette and Shawn. Swim at Piula Cave Pool, To Sua Trench, Lalomanu Beach, and Togitogiga Waterfall, then see Papapapaitai Falls and the Bahá’í Temple. Lunch is bought separately at a beach restaurant, and snorkel gear is not supplied.

“Perfect day from start to finish. Great communication after booking and prompt pickup. Shaun is an incredible tour guide, knowing so much about Samoa, sharing his stories and answering all of our many questions. The locations we visited were beautiful and lots of fun. Highly recommended.”

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8.Lagoon Tour + lunch with your feet in the water on a Motu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $224

Spend six hours exploring Moorea’s lagoon with guides such as Teva and Tama. Stop for turtles, stingrays, sharks, fish, and possibly manta rays, then eat a plancha-cooked lunch on a family-run motu with your feet in the water. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available.

“Swimming with the sharks and rays was awesome and captain and Tepa were the best host ever, representing Moorea with class and style.”

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9.Snorkeling picnic in 4h30 with lunch in Tahiti

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · from $218

Spend 4.5 hours on a small Tahiti boat with guides such as Tapu, Moana, or Sham. Watch for spinning dolphins, snorkel around wrecks and coral gardens, look for turtles, then eat fresh fish with coconut milk on a white sandbank. Equipment, drinks, local beer, pickup, and lunch are included.

“Wonderful personalised tour from a passionate and informative host. Able to visit "The Aquarium" and get personal with Stingrays. Highly recommended.”

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10.Combo snorkeling + motu lunch + jet ski group tour full day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews

Spend about six hours exploring Bora Bora’s lagoon by outrigger boat, with stops for sting rays, coral gardens, and sharks. Snorkeling gear, a Polynesian lunch on a private motu, and a guided jet ski ride are included. Guides such as Manu, Roberto, Tau, and Ramon have been praised for music, humor, and local demonstrations.

“This was a wonderful excursion. Our guide was very interacting and fun. We were able to experience different parts of the lagoon which was breathtaking. The Corries, swimming with sharks and stingrays and the Polynesian lunch was a treat! I highly recommend this is Garzon and if I ever go back, we will definitely do it again!”

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11.Bora Bora Luxury Tour and Beach Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 6 hours · from $280

Spend six hours with a small adults-only group exploring Bora Bora’s lagoon and reef. Your guide may be Marama, Samuel, Captain T, or Jon. Expect shark and ray viewing, a coral garden, swimming, and a generous Polynesian barbecue on a motu beneath Mount Otemanu.

“Nous avons passé une super journée avec Samuel qui nous a fait découvrir un super lagon de Bora Bora 4 Mantas Requins pointe noir Raie léopard pastenague et un sublime jardin de corail sans oublier un délicieux repas sur un motu de rêve préparer par une polynésienne très sympathique dont le prénom nous a échappé. Michel Mado Mai 2025”

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12.Private Full-Day Lagoon Adventure in Bora Bora with BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews

You’ll cruise Bora Bora’s lagoon in a private outrigger canoe, stopping at a coral garden, shallow stingray waters, and a black-tip reef shark viewing area. Guides such as Aro, Toto, Koko, Ray, Manu, and Coco have led this outing. A Polynesian lunch of grilled seafood, chicken, salads, rice, and tropical fruit is served on a private motu.

“The full day lagoon tour was simply amazing. We were lucky enough to have Ray as our captain/guide. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and overall a great person. On this tour you will get to see the island of Bora Bora from all angles Read more”

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13.Combo ATV & Jet Ski Day Trip with Polynesian BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 6 hours

Spend six hours seeing Bora Bora by ATV and jet ski. A local guide leads you to three viewpoints, World War II guns, and off-road trails before a lagoon ride, sand stop, and Polynesian BBQ on a motu. Guides such as Mo, Jeff, Damon, and Caleb have been praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“The guides were amazing. H took care of everyone. He gave us great history, provided ample time to ride, take pictures and set up a snack that contained some fruit from his own gardens. Damon was our jet ski guide. He led ya to different spots to take pictures and give us information on the area. He took us to our bbq in the motu. The bbq was amazing!!! Better than what they serve at the resorts. You just can’t get that. They had a presentation on how to open a coconut that was both super funny and informative. They thought us how to drink the coconut water and the…”

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14.Luxury Private full day tour & Motu lunch in Bora-Bora

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews

Spend six hours with a private Polynesian guide such as Ray, exploring Bora Bora’s lagoon by comfortable outrigger. Snorkel among rays, sharks, coral gardens, and colorful fish, then eat local dishes at a motu table set in the shallow water. Ukulele or pahu music adds a personal island touch.

“We had the BEST day with Ray on a private tour with lunch! He took us to fabulous snorkel sites and told us lots of Tahitian history. We had so many places to ourselves without crowds. What a great experience and the lunch was delicious with a ukulele serenade by Ray, who is also a great singer! If you can, book this tour!”

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15.Private Bora Bora Lagoon Snorkel Cruise with BBQ Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 6 hours · from $1,605

Spend about six hours on a private Bora Bora boat with an English or French-speaking guide. Swim near rays and blacktip sharks, explore coral gardens, and enjoy a Polynesian-style BBQ on a motu with Mount Otemanu in view. The captain can adjust the route to suit your interests and the day’s conditions.

“Ottima esperienza! Perfetta per un viaggio di nozze. Crociera privata all'interno della blue lagoon di Bora Bora. La guida è stata estremamente disponibile e ci ha tenuto compagnia per 6h, portandoci prima a nuotare con le mante, poi con le razze, quindi a visitare un centro di artigianato, da lì a prendere un caffè e infine su un'isola privata (sulla quale eravamo soli la guida, mia moglie ed io), dove ci ha preparato un ricco pranzo innaffiato da champagne. Consigliata”

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