LUXURY PRIVATE Catamaran Bora Bora : Full-Day Trip

Paradise is better from the water. This private six-hour catamaran trip gives you a relaxed way to circle Bora Bora, with time for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, photos, and quiet hours on the deck. I especially like the private format, which lets your group set the pace, and the included hotel pickup, drinks, snacks, and alcohol. The biggest consideration is price: at $2,917.48 for up to nine people, this makes the most sense for a full group.

I also like that the captain can turn off the engine and hoist the sails, giving you a proper sailing experience rather than a simple motorboat transfer. The open nets, views of Mount Otemanu, and stops for rays and snorkeling add real variety. Six hours can pass quickly, though, especially if you want both plenty of water time and a relaxed lunch break.

Key Details Before You Book

• A private 40-foot catamaran for up to nine people: The price is shared by your group, so the per-person cost drops sharply when you fill the boat.
• A 9:00 a.m. start with hotel pickup and drop-off: You do not need to arrange a separate transfer to the marina.
• Sailing with the engine off: Your captain may raise the sails and let the boat move quietly across the lagoon.
• Swimming, snorkeling, and ray watching: You can be active in the water or remain on deck and enjoy the scenery.
• Drinks, alcohol, snacks, and bottled water included: Lunch at a restaurant is not included, so check the day’s plan before departure.
• A strong record of satisfaction: The experience is rated 5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it.

What the Private Bora Bora Catamaran Day Feels Like

This is less a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise and more a private day on the lagoon. You board with only your own family or friends, then work with the captain and crew to find the right balance of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, sun, music, and rest.

That private setup matters in Bora Bora. You are not working around a boatload of strangers who all want something different. If the children need a break, you can stay on the boat. If your group wants more time in the water, the day can lean that way. If everyone simply wants to stretch out on the nets with a drink, that works too.

The catamaran has sunbeds and netted areas at the front. These nets are especially pleasant when the boat is moving, since you can look down into the clear water. The itinerary also notes that sting rays and eagle rays may be visible through the nets. You will want to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole day looking through a screen.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Once the sails are raised and the engine is off, the sound system can shift the mood from sightseeing to a floating day party. The crew can also take pictures and share information about Bora Bora, which is useful when you want a few good group photos without handing your phone to a stranger.

Sailing Past Mount Otemanu and the Lagoon

The first major pleasure is simply moving around Bora Bora by boat. From the lagoon, you get wide views of the island and Mount Otemanu, the dramatic peak that gives so many Bora Bora photographs their shape.

The view changes as the catamaran moves. You might begin with the famous mountain in the background, then pass toward the outer reef where the calm lagoon meets the open ocean. That meeting point gives the day a sense of scale. You are not just anchored in front of one resort beach. You are seeing several sides of the island from the water.

The best part for me is the sailing itself. When the captain hoists the sails and cuts the engine, the trip becomes quieter and more graceful. The boat glides rather than rumbles. You hear the water, feel the breeze, and get a better sense of why a catamaran is such a good fit for Bora Bora.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: sailing depends on conditions. The experience includes the chance to sail, but the exact amount of time under sail is not fixed. The crew will make the sensible call for the day.

Swimming and Snorkeling in a Scenic Bay

The boat stops in a bay for swimming and refreshments. This is where the private arrangement becomes most useful. You can get in when you are ready, stay in the water as long as suits your group, and return to the boat for a drink or a rest.

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this excursion. The itinerary includes time near the reef and notes sightings of sting rays and eagle rays. That does not guarantee a particular animal on a particular day, but it gives you a good chance to see marine life without spending the entire excursion in the water.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer. The provided information confirms snorkeling stops, but it does not specify equipment details, so ask before departure if you need gear supplied.

The water stop should suit mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while less confident swimmers can enjoy the view from the boat. Children and older family members can take part at their own pace, though every person should make their own comfort and safety decisions in the water.

The limitation is that this is not presented as a specialist marine biology trip. The focus is a pleasant private day with snorkeling included, not a long technical session at multiple named sites. If your top goal is detailed reef study, ask the operator what conditions and snorkeling locations are expected on your date.

Life on the Catamaran Nets and Deck

The boat itself is a major part of the experience. You can lie on the sunbeds, stretch out on the forward nets, listen to music, and watch Bora Bora slide past. For couples, this can feel peaceful and unhurried. For families, the layout gives people room to choose separate activities without splitting up.

The crew includes a professional guide, captain, and hostess service. The hostess can take pictures and share information about the island, while the captain handles the sailing and route. Names that have been praised include Thelma, Nick, Alex, Clement, and Perla. David, one of the owners, has also handled the transfer from the dock in a 40-foot catamaran.

Those personal touches matter on a private charter. A good crew can read the mood of the group and keep the day moving without making it feel rushed. The ratings give this aspect special weight, with repeated praise for the captain and crew. One family group of eight, including grandparents, parents, and children, found the day worked well across generations.

Refreshments are included. You receive bottled water, other beverages, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Kiki’s rum punch has earned a particularly memorable place in the experience, according to one enthusiastic account. Enjoy it responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel later.

Food, Timing, and the Six-Hour Schedule

The experience begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts about six hours. That gives you a solid half-day on the lagoon and still leaves part of the afternoon free for your resort or another Bora Bora activity.

The timing is long enough to include several moods: sailing, scenic cruising, a water stop, refreshments, and time to relax. It is not so long that you must commit to a full dawn-to-dusk program.

Lunch at a restaurant is not included. Snacks and drinks are provided, but they are not a substitute for a full meal for everyone. If someone in your group needs a substantial lunch, ask the operator how the day handles food and whether there is a planned restaurant stop. Do not assume lunch is part of the package simply because the outing covers most of the day.

The start time also suits people who prefer to get the main activity done early. Hotel pickup is included, so the morning should be simpler than organizing a private taxi and finding the departure point yourself. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Is $2,917.48 Good Value?

The headline price is high, but it covers the whole group, not one person. With nine people aboard, the cost works out to about $324 per person. With six people, it is about $486 per person. For two people, it becomes a very expensive private outing.

That calculation tells you who should book it. A large family, wedding group, or circle of friends can share the cost and enjoy privacy, a dedicated crew, hotel transfers, refreshments, and a flexible day. A couple can still find the experience worthwhile for a special celebration, but the price deserves close thought.

The included extras improve the value. You do not pay separately for hotel pickup, bottled water, snacks, alcoholic drinks, or the guide. You are also buying time and control. A private boat means your group does not have to follow a fixed public cruise schedule.

The key question is not simply whether the catamaran is expensive. It is whether you will use the private space and flexibility. If your group plans to spend most of the day on the water, the price can feel justified. If you mainly want a quick snorkeling stop, a less expensive shared excursion may be a better fit.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this trip most strongly to:

• Families with different ages and energy levels
• Couples celebrating a major occasion
• Groups of friends who want music, drinks, and a private boat
• People who want both sailing and snorkeling
• Anyone who values hotel pickup and an easy morning
• Visitors who prefer a flexible day over a rigid sightseeing schedule

It is also a good choice for a group that does not agree on one activity. Some can snorkel, some can swim, and some can remain on the deck with a drink. That freedom is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter.

You may want to reconsider it if you dislike spending most of a holiday budget on one outing, need a full lunch included, or want a highly structured tour with many named snorkeling sites and detailed naturalist commentary.

Booking and Cancellation Advice

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. Most people can take part, and hotel pickup is offered. The experience is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 109 days, so reserve early if your dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Because the price is per group, confirm your final party size before paying. If you have fewer than nine people, calculate the per-person cost first. Also ask about lunch and snorkeling equipment before the morning of the trip, since neither detail is fully specified.

Final Recommendation: Book It for the Company and the Freedom

I would book this catamaran if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day that mixes scenery, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. The most highly praised part is the crew, with names such as Thelma, Nick, Alex, Clement, and Perla receiving warm attention for making the day feel personal.

The trip is not the cheapest way to see Bora Bora, and the lack of included restaurant lunch is worth noting. But the private 40-foot catamaran, hotel transfers, open nets, ray sightings, drinks, and flexible pace create a strong package for families and groups.

For a couple, I would book it only for a special occasion or if a private boat day is one of your top priorities. For a full group, it becomes a much easier call. If you want Bora Bora from the water without sharing your day with strangers, this is a polished and memorable choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private charter accommodates up to nine people.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Bottled water, beverages, snacks, and alcoholic drinks are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a restaurant is not included in the price.