Tahiti · Catamaran excursion · MLP Top Pick

Mokai Vaka —
Best Catamaran Excursion
to Tetiaroa · -10% Discount

MyLittlePolynesia.com · By Clément, Moorea resident · 8 min read
Home Tahiti Mokai Vaka — Catamaran Excursions

-10% instant discount on the best catamaran excursion to Tetiaroa from Tahiti

We negotiated an exclusive 10% instant discount on all Mokai Vaka experiences — and honestly, that's the best excuse to come aboard. The Mokai Vaka is the largest catamaran in all of French Polynesia: 21 metres long, brand new, built in 2025, with a level of service you won't find anywhere else on the fenua. Full-day excursion to Tetiaroa, Polynesian brunch at sea, or sunset over Papeete harbour — this is our #1 recommendation for a day on the water from Tahiti.

A full day at Tetiaroa: an extraordinary experience

This is the Mokai Vaka's signature activity, and the main reason most people come aboard. Tetiaroa is the most pristine atoll in French Polynesia — a submerged ancient volcano less than 60 km from Tahiti, ringed by white-sand motus and a lagoon unlike anything else. Once Marlon Brando's private domain, the atoll is now home to The Brando Resort, the most luxurious hotel in Polynesia, but above all it harbours completely wild beaches, a protected bird island and exceptional snorkelling waters.

Complete guide Tetiaroa Day Trip: Everything You Need to Know History, wildlife, snorkelling, bird island and practical tips — the complete guide to Marlon Brando's legendary atoll, 60 km from Tahiti.

Meeting point is at 5:45 AM at the Papeete marina — the exact location is shared with you the evening before. At 6:00 AM sharp, course set for Tetiaroa. The crossing takes around 2 hours. On the Mokai Vaka, those two hours don't drag: a local breakfast is served as you leave — pastries, fresh fruit, coffee or tea — and with a little luck you'll spot dolphins along the way. On arrival, you reach one of the preserved motus by tender. The crew guides you on a 20-minute walk to the bird island, a natural sanctuary where seabirds, turtles and fish share crystal-clear waters.

Swimming in the lagoon, snorkelling along the coral reef, free time on white-sand beaches — the day unfolds at your own pace. Lunch is served on board at midday. The return journey takes place in the late afternoon, arriving back in Papeete around 5:30–6:00 PM.

Mokai Vaka Tetiaroa excursion — full day at sea from Tahiti

Bigger, newer, more stable — and a whole different level of service

There are several operators running Tetiaroa excursions from Tahiti. Poe Charter, Herevai Charter and Escapade Charter are the best-known — and they do a solid job. But the Mokai Vaka is in a different category. This isn't a matter of ego; it's a concrete reality you feel the moment you step on board.

The boat is entirely new — built in 2025 in La Rochelle, custom-designed for French Polynesia. At 21 metres long and 10.9 metres wide, it is the largest passenger catamaran on the fenua, and that size changes everything: superior stability at sea, genuinely comfortable spaces, a proper on-board kitchen, and the capacity to accommodate up to 150 passengers without ever feeling cramped. Across 231 m² of deck space, everyone has room to breathe.

The on-board service is polished, the crew is well-trained, the meals are carefully prepared. It's the kind of difference you can't see in photos but feel throughout the entire day. For a Tetiaroa excursion — which is often the highlight of a Polynesia trip — paying a little more for a truly premium experience is easy to justify. And with our 10% discount, the price gap with other operators narrows even further.

21.30 m Length
150 Max passengers
231 m² Deck space
Our honest take

We rarely come across a crew this welcoming and this well-trained on a boat of this size. The service matches the vessel: attentive, warm, never intrusive. This is the kind of operator we recommend without hesitation.

Mokai Vaka catamaran Tahiti — the largest catamaran in French Polynesia
Island guide Best Islands to Visit in French Polynesia Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, Huahine, the Tuamotus — our honest review of every island to help you choose where to spend your time.

Polynesian Brunch, Sunset, Private Charter — the complementary experiences

Beyond the full-day Tetiaroa excursion, the Mokai Vaka offers experiences that are genuinely one-of-a-kind in Tahiti. Outings you won't find anywhere else at this level of comfort and service.

The Polynesian Brunch at Sea

This might be the most original experience in the lineup. Picture this: you wake up one morning in Papeete, step aboard the Mokai Vaka still docked at the harbour, and start sailing across Tahiti's lagoon while a generous Polynesian brunch is served — with the open sea as your only terrace. Soft music, welcome cocktails, local produce, a festive but unfussy atmosphere — it's colourful, joyful and a genuinely beautiful way to spend a morning in Polynesia.

Mokai Vaka Polynesian brunch at sea — festive atmosphere on the lagoon

The deck in brunch configuration seats up to 64 lounge-style spots. This is a far cry from a standard restaurant setting. People move around, chat, settle wherever they like, get up to admire the lagoon. It's relaxed, lively and convivial — exactly what a brunch in Polynesia should be.

Perfect for

A morning with family, a birthday celebration, a group of friends looking for a different start to the day. Also ideal for travellers in transit through Papeete who have just one day and want to make it memorable.

Brunch on board the Mokai Vaka — Tahiti lagoon

The Sunset & Evening at Sea

Some sunsets fade from memory. Others don't. Standing on the Mokai Vaka's deck at the end of the day, drink in hand, watching Tahiti's sky turn orange then violet above the lagoon — that's the kind of moment people come to Polynesia for. The evening configuration blends chill-out spaces with dining for an atmosphere that's both relaxed and refined. Music, cocktails, golden light.

It's also one of the most accessible experiences in the programme — no full day required, no early start. An evening at sea on the largest catamaran in Polynesia, with the effort rewarded in style.

Mokai Vaka sunset and evening at sea — sunset over Papeete harbour

Private Charter — MyMokai

For groups and events, the Mokai Vaka can be fully privatised. Wedding, birthday, seminar, team building, bachelor or bachelorette party — the Mokai Tours team configures the boat around your project. Up to 150 guests, 231 m² of deck space, a professional crew and Tahiti's lagoon as your exclusive backdrop. One of the most unique event venues in all of French Polynesia.

Trip planning 10-Day Itinerary for French Polynesia — Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora Our complete day-by-day guide to French Polynesia — combining the best islands with insider tips, accommodation and transport logistics.

-10% instant discount via MyLittlePolynesia

-10% Exclusive MyLittlePolynesia offer

Your 10% discount is instant — no code, no conditions

As part of our partnership with Mokai Tours Tahiti, you get an instant 10% discount on all Mokai Vaka experiences — Polynesian brunch, full-day Tetiaroa excursion or sunset at sea. To claim it, nothing complicated: fill in our form below with your chosen experience, your preferred date, and attach a screenshot of the final summary before payment on the Mokai Vaka website. We forward it directly to the team, who confirm your booking with the 10% already deducted — no delay.

Claim my -10% discount now
How to claim it — 3 steps

1. Choose your excursion on mokaitahiti.com and go through to the final payment screen.  2. Take a screenshot of that summary.  3. Fill in our form with your dates and attach the screenshot. The Mokai Vaka team will contact you directly with the discount applied.

Free guide Plan your trip to French Polynesia in 10 steps

Budget, islands, itineraries, flights, accommodation — everything you need to know before you book.

Download the free guide

Frequently asked questions

Where do Mokai Vaka excursions depart from?

The Mokai Vaka is based in Papeete, at the marina of the Tahitian capital. All excursions depart from the Papeete marina. The exact address and boarding instructions are provided upon booking confirmation.

How long does the Tetiaroa full-day excursion last?

Plan for a full day. Departure is early morning (generally around 5:30–6:00 AM) from Papeete. The crossing takes approximately 2 hours. After a full day on the atoll, the return journey takes place in the late afternoon, with arrival back in Papeete around 5:30–6:00 PM.

Is the Mokai Vaka suitable for children?

Yes. The boat is spacious and stable, making it particularly comfortable for families with children. The wide deck space and multiple areas give children room to move freely. The Tetiaroa day trip — with its snorkelling and swimming activities — is ideal for families.

What happens in bad weather?

Weather conditions at Tetiaroa can differ from those in Tahiti. The decision to cancel rests solely with the Mokai Vaka crew, based on professional weather forecasts. In the event of a weather cancellation, you are fully refunded or offered a rescheduled date.

How does the 10% discount via MyLittlePolynesia work?

The discount is instant and requires no promo code. Go to mokaitahiti.com, choose your excursion and proceed to the final payment summary screen. Take a screenshot and fill in our partner form with your dates and the screenshot attached. We forward it directly to the Mokai Tours team, who confirm your booking with the 10% already deducted.

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