Maupiti · French Polynesia

Lagoon Tours
in Maupiti

Swim with manta rays, snorkel the coral garden, and picnic on a white-sand motu. Your local guide, born on this island, takes you beyond the tourist trail.

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Why choose us

An authentic experience
on Maupiti's lagoon

Ariihau is a native of Maupiti and leads every tour on the lagoon. Manta rays, snorkeling, fishing and Polynesian culture: experiences far from mass tourism.

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A preserved lagoon

Maupiti is home to one of the most pristine lagoons in French Polynesia: a natural sanctuary for white-spotted manta rays, sea turtles and exceptional marine biodiversity.

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A guide born on the island

Born in Maupiti, Ariihau knows every pass, every coral bed and every fishing spot on the lagoon. His tours are unlike any tourist circuit.

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Responsible tourism

All our boat trips respect the protection rules for manta rays, sea turtles and coral. Observe without disturbing, immerse without destroying.

Our tours

Four ways to experience Maupiti

From manta ray snorkeling to a meal on a motu, each tour tells the island differently.

Full-day lagoon tour Maupiti, manta ray snorkeling and coral garden in French Polynesia ⭐ Bestseller
⏱ 7h15 👤 From 1 person

Full-day lagoon tour

The complete Maupiti experience: manta ray snorkeling, coral garden, a meal cooked on a white-sand motu and a Polynesian cultural activity. The most immersive boat trip on Maupiti's lagoon.

9,000 XPF per person
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Half-day snorkeling Maupiti, manta rays and coral reef
⏱ 3h15 👤 From 1 person

Half-day snorkeling

A morning on the lagoon to observe manta rays from the surface and snorkel the coral garden. The ideal tour for a morning, even with no prior snorkeling experience.

6,500 XPF per person
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Traditional fishing trip on Maupiti lagoon, Polynesian fishing techniques
⏱ 7h15 👤 From 1 person

Traditional fishing trip

Learning traditional Polynesian fishing techniques on Maupiti's lagoon: handline, trolling and longline. Local fruit and homemade coconut bread at the end of the trip.

9,000 XPF per person
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Night lagoon tour Maupiti, sunset and nocturnal wildlife in French Polynesia
⏱ 2h30 👤 From 1 person

Night lagoon tour

A night trip on Maupiti's lagoon at sunset. The marine world transforms after dusk: a unique boat experience to discover the lagoon from a different angle.

6,500 XPF per person
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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our tours in Maupiti

The most common questions about our boat trips, manta rays and snorkeling.

Can you swim with manta rays in Maupiti?

Yes. Maupiti is one of the rare places in the world where you can observe manta rays from the surface of the lagoon. In good weather, visibility is excellent: manta rays move at just 2 to 3 metres depth, perfectly visible from above. Diving down to approach them is not permitted, to avoid disturbing them in their natural habitat. Our boat trips take you directly to their feeding areas, present year-round and particularly active in the morning.

Do you need to know how to swim to take a boat trip in Maupiti?

No, our tours are accessible to everyone, including non-swimmers. Life jackets are available on board. Children are welcome from age 6 on all our lagoon trips.

How much does a boat tour in Maupiti cost?

Our boat tours in Maupiti start from 6,500 XPF per person for the half-day and night trip. The full-day and fishing trips are 9,000 XPF per person. Prices include the boat transfer, snorkeling gear and local fruit.

How do I book a tour in Maupiti?

Several ways to book directly: via the contact form on the site, by email, or by WhatsApp at +689 87 70 43 36. Ariihau replies within 24 hours to confirm the date and time of your tour.

What is the best time to visit Maupiti?

Boat tours are possible year-round. The dry season, from May to October, offers the best navigation and underwater visibility conditions. Manta rays are present in the lagoon all year.

What is there to do in Maupiti?

Maupiti is best experienced on the lagoon and its motus. The main activities are boat tours to swim with manta rays, snorkeling in the coral garden, visits to white-sand motus and traditional fishing. On the island, you can cycle or ride a scooter around it, hike to Mount Nuupure for a panoramic view of the lagoon, and experience local life at a family guesthouse. Maupiti is the ideal island for those who want to combine preserved nature and authentic Polynesian culture.

Does Ariihau lead tours in English?

Yes, Ariihau speaks fluent French and English. All our tours in Maupiti can be conducted in both languages.

Another question? Contact Ariihau directly.

Ariihau, local guide born on Maupiti, founder of Arii Tours Maupiti
Our story

Ariihau, born
on the lagoon

My name is Ariihau, or simply Arii. Born in 2001 in Maupiti, I grew up on this lagoon. I know its passes, its coral beds, its fishing spots and its legends.

I started running tours because I wanted people to see Maupiti the way I see it, not just as a backdrop. I talk about my culture, about life here, about how we have always organised ourselves around the sea.

This is my island and I am happy to share it with you.

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Book your tour in Maupiti

Boat trips, manta rays, snorkeling and Polynesian culture. Ariihau is waiting for you on the lagoon.

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