Snorkel· Tetiaroa· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Tetiaroa Reef-Edge & Lagoon Snorkel (Motu Rimatu'u)
17° 2.2′ S · 149° 33.6′ W · approximate
Tuamotu-quality snorkelling at the reef wall off Rimatu'u, where the coral face drops from the mooring area to 80 ft and beyond, plus a turquoise natural pool inside the lagoon opposite Bird Island.
Practical
Approximate: placed on the south reef edge off Rimatu'u, from the OpenStreetMap reef outline and Rimatu'u coastline (Wikidata centre of the motu -17.02917, -149.56). Cruisers snorkelled right by their mooring at the reef edge: varied fish and pretty hard coral, but a big surge breaks 25–30 m from the moorings (Sugar Shack 2019; Sete Mares 2011). Inside, swim in the lagoon's natural pool opposite Bird Island (Tahiti Tourisme). Rules: Bird Island is a reserve, so watch from the water's edge and never land; since 2014 a regulated fishing zone (ZPR) closes half the lagoon to all fishing (Tetiaroa Society plan); coconut crabs (kaveu) may not be taken. Crossing the reef by dinghy needs expert timing between sets.
Best for
Wall snorkel and lagoon swim on a Tetiaroa day trip
Season
Settled trades only; dangerous in south or west swell
Nearby
- Tetiaroa Outer-Reef Day Stop (off Motu Rimatu'u)0.1 NM away
- Tetiaroa Bird Island & Turtle Sanctuary (Tetiaroa Society)0.9 NM away
- Tetiaroa Atoll1.8 NM away
- The Brando Resort (Tetiaroa)2.2 NM away
- Point Venus Underwater Trail (Pointe Tefauroa)27.7 NM away
- Point Venus Beach (Matavai Bay)27.8 NM away
- Point Venus Lighthouse & Black-Sand Beach27.8 NM away
- Super U & Champion Mahina (Point Venus junction)28.5 NM away