Swim With Sharks & Stingrays in Moorea: A Simple Guide to an Epic Experience!
Updated: Sep 2
During our time in Mo’orea, one of the absolute highlights was kayaking out to swim with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. It’s easy, affordable, family-friendly, and something you can do without joining a big tour. Here’s exactly how we did it and what you need to know.
Swim with Sharks and Stingrays
We hired a kayak from Tip Nautic on the north-west coast of Mo’orea. Tip Nautic is located on the beach front of Les Tipaniers hotel. The water in this part of the lagoon is incredibly clear and usually calm, which makes the paddle out straightforward — even with kids on board.
It takes about 10–15 minutes to kayak to the sandy area where the sharks and stingrays gather. When you arrive, the water suddenly becomes a bright, shallow turquoise, and you’ll see the shadows of sharks cruising below.
Once we tied up the kayak, we slipped into the water and were immediately surrounded by blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. The sharks kept a calm distance, swimming just below us, but the stingrays were very interactive — they swim right up to you and often glide across your arms, legs, or body. They’re soft, gentle, and surprisingly relaxed around people - they're super friendly, so prepare to get up close!
You’ll have around 30 minutes in the water before kayaking back, and that’s plenty of time to enjoy the moment, take photos, and just soak in the experience.
How Much Does It Cost?
Kayak rental prices at Tip Nautic (approx.):
Single kayak: 1,000 XPF per hour
Double kayak: 1,500 XPF per hour
You only need 1 hour to paddle out, snorkel, and return.
If you want to explore more — like visiting the coral gardens afterwards — you can hire the kayak for up to 3 hours.
Kayak rentals are generally available between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, depending on the season.
Important Tips
Always tie your kayak to a buoy or something secure before getting in the water — otherwise it will drift away with the current.
The sharks here are blacktip reef sharks, which are small and known to be shy and non-aggressive.
Stingrays are used to people and will swim right up and glide over your arms or body.
You can pat the stingrays. DO NOT pat the sharks.
The water is generally shallow, calm, and suitable for confident kid swimmers.
Wear reef friendly sunscreen — the sun reflects off the lagoon and gets intense.
What to Bring
Sun Protection:
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hats + sunglasses
Rash shirts / UV swimwear
Snorkel Gear:
Mask + snorkel (available to rent if needed)
Fins (optional)
Camera Gear:
GoPro
GoPro Underwater housing
Kayaking to see the sharks and stingrays in Moorea is one of those activities that feels adventurous but is actually very doable. It’s affordable, it doesn’t take much time, and it’s a safe and exciting way to experience the marine life this island is famous for.
If you’re heading to Moorea, definitely put this on your list — it’s simple, unforgettable, and so much fun!
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