The 10 Best Sunset Cruises in Polynesia

1.Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 245 reviews · from $156Our pick

Spend about 2 hours and 20 minutes aboard Taboo, a compact catamaran limited to eight people. Captain Leo or Neil guides you along Moorea’s northern coast, through Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, inside and outside the reef. Expect island stories, fruit juice, and cocktails, with pickup available and free parking at Mareto Public Beach.

“My husband and I sailed with Leo at the end of December and had a lovely time. Leo is very knowledgeable of the area and sprinkled some facts throughout our tour. Although we had some rain, and it was cloudy, we were able to see the sun peak out while it set. Gorgeous views and all in all, a great time! Definitely recommend!”

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2.LUXURY Catamaran Bora Bora : The Sunset Escape

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · from $267

Sail around Bora Bora aboard the 46-foot Vitamin Sea catamaran for about two hours. Your captain and hostess serve drinks and light snacks as music plays, then position the boat for sunset views of Mount Otemanu. Hotel dock pickup and return are included, though some departures require a short speedboat transfer.

“This was a very relaxing experience. We had our kids with us age 13 and 17 and they also enjoyed it. Nice drinks and snacks, relaxed music and amazing views. The team was so helpful and friendly.”

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3.Bora Bora Sunset Cruise and Dinner at St James restaurant

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 118 reviews · from $296

Spend about two hours on Bora Bora’s lagoon aboard a traditional outrigger canoe, with sparkling wine, fruit, local music, and sunset views. Then enjoy a set dinner at St James in Vaitape. Small groups, main-island pickup, and hotel drop-off are included. The experience is for adults over 18.

“We were greeted by a friendly and enthusiastic team! When arriving on the boat we were offered the local beer. One of the team sang whilst we set sail telling us interesting facts about the islands. The team were great fun and made our time super enjoyable. They even sang Happy Birthday! Champagne and fruit was provided during sunset. It's a super romantic cruise, and definietly recommend for all couples! The dinner at St.James was delicious and had AMAZING cocktails!”

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4.Small Group Stargazing Tour Including Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 69 reviews · from $153

Start with hotel or port pickup, then cruise from Vaitape Pier during golden hour. Guides such as Manu, Nono, Tonya, Cy, and Nicholson have led sunset rides with music, drinks, island stories, and a Polynesian navigation lesson on a private motu. Expect a maximum of 12 people, a three-hour outing, and stairs to the viewing site.

“We went out with Manauu and Tahi they were interactive funny and informative. They told us about life on Bora Bora, sang and gave an informative session . There was a full moon but they were able to show us many constellations and explain the Polynesian migration! We had some bubbly fruit and canopies. 100% recommended”

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5.Sunset sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · from $115Best value

Meet Vaapiti in Hauru at 3 p.m. for a three-hour sunset sail on a traditional-style canoe. Guides including JR, Rollo, Raphael, or RJ may lead you through Polynesian sailing stories, lagoon snorkeling, and wildlife stops with rays, turtles, sharks, and fish. Fruit, juices, local snacks, and a cocktail are included.

“Lots of fun snorkeling and cruising around the area, before watching the sunset. They pivoted quickly when the adventure started with rain, but turned out to be a beautiful night.”

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6.PRIVATE Sunset Cruise : Moorea Sailing on a Catamaran named Taboo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews

Spend about two hours and 20 minutes aboard Taboo, a private catamaran sailing from Cook’s Bay along Moorea’s coast and beyond the reef. Captain Leo shares island stories while you enjoy panoramic views, cocktails or mocktails, and the sunset. Pickup from your Moorea accommodation is offered.

“We had the absolute best time! The weather was a little tough (very windy) however we had a great time and were still able to sail beyond the reef. We enjoyed the sunset with mai tai cocktails. They were extremely easy to communicate with regarding our booking. I highly recommend this excursion.”

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7.Combo Sunset Cruise & Romantic Dinner at St James

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · 4 hours · from $280

Moana Adventure Tours pairs a 75-minute sunset cruise in a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe with champagne and dinner at St James in Vaitape. The boat carries no more than six couples, and guides speak English or French. Main-island hotel transfers are included, but motu resorts must arrange their return ride.

“È stata un'esperienza magnifica. Puntuali al prelievo in hotel. Gita in barca per ammirare il tramonto di incomparabile bellezza. Cena in uno dei migliori ristoranti dell'isola. Un po' caro ma ne è calda la pena.”

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8.SHARED SUNSET LAGOON CRUISE – Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $315

Join Narii aboard the Polynesian-style motorized pirogue Oti’a Are for a relaxed two-hour sunset cruise on Bora Bora’s lagoon. You’ll receive a flower garland, drinks, local fruit, appetizers, and a surprise refreshment. The small boat holds no more than six people, and some departures include ukulele music and singing.

“Narii was an excellent skipper and tour host. We had the boat to ourselves and he was incredibly friendly and informative about the island and its people and mythology. While we expected to be offered a cool drink, Narii also provided us with Read more”

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9.Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $255

Join Sailing Bora Bora for a two-hour sunset cruise around Bora Bora’s clear waters. Your English-speaking crew serves chilled drinks and light snacks while lounge music plays. A hostess can take photos, and hotel pickup and drop-off by speedboat are included. The catamaran carries no more than eight participants.

“It was a wonderful sail and the captain and mate were very friendly. The sunset was gorgeous. The boat is brand new and very comfortable. Soft drinks like soda on board should be added. A few wanted soda and there wasn’t any. Over all a great experience. The mountain view from the Thalasso Intercontinental is the best and the boat didn’t go there. I would add this to the sail for guests that don’t get to see this view from other hotels. Overall we are glad we did it! Gorgeous place for sure!”

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10.Private Sunset cruise on the lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 5 reviews · 2h 30m

Set out from your hotel pier for a private 2.5-hour cruise across Bora Bora’s lagoon. Your French- or English-speaking guide serves a bottle of wine, soft drinks, and local-style appetizers while the sun drops behind the island. A captain may add ukulele music and songs, and champagne is available for an extra charge.

“nous avons tout adoré accueil balade apéritif le service le petit cadeau d'accueil l'emplacement pour le coucher du soleil le confort et la beauté du bateau la disponibilité du capitaine avec ukulélé et chanson. c'était tout simplement féerique”

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