Private Solar Boat Snorkel Experience

About This Experience

Parataito Explorer takes your group of up to five out for four hours on a solar-powered catamaran, with a certified guide on board. You can be picked up or meet the boat at the operator's base. The itinerary lists three stops of about 30 minutes each: a manta ray spot, a shallow sandbank, and the Coral Garden. The rest of the time goes to cruising the lagoon between them, and with no other guests on board the pace follows your group.

At the manta stop the guide goes into the water with you to look for manta rays moving near the reef; they are wild and not always there. The sandbank is shallow enough to stand on, a place for photos and a swim. The Coral Garden is the main snorkel for fish and coral. Recent reviews mention reef fish, stingrays and blacktip reef sharks along the way, and none of these animals is guaranteed.

At $523 for the boat for up to five people, the cost per head drops quickly for a family or two couples, and the trip is rated 5.0 from 47 reviews. Guests often mention how quiet the electric boat is compared with gas engines. A couple on their own still pays the full boat price, so a shared half-day boat costs much less for two. Fins are listed as not included, so bring your own if you want them. The listing does not recommend the trip for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

The price covers private transportation, a certified guide speaking English and French, soda, bottled water, local fruit, snorkel equipment, a JBL speaker for music, and photos and videos taken above the water. Gratuities are extra. One review notes the four-hour length fit well around a cruise ship stop. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Highlights

• About 30 minutes at a manta ray spot with the guide in the water
• About 30 minutes standing and swimming on a shallow sandbank
• About 30 minutes snorkeling the Coral Garden
• Cruising the lagoon on a quiet solar-powered catamaran
• Chances to see blacktip reef sharks and stingrays, as many guests report
• A boat with no other guests, for your group of up to five

What's Included

• ✓ Private boat for up to five people, with transportation
• ✓ Certified tour guide speaking English and French
• ✓ Snorkel equipment (fins not included)
• ✓ Soda, bottled water and local fruit
• ✓ Overwater photos and videos of your trip
• ✓ JBL speaker on board for your music

Not Included

• Fins
• Gratuities

What to Bring

• Swimsuit, worn under your clothes
• Your own fins if you want them
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A waterproof camera for underwater shots

Good to Know & Caveats

• Manta rays, sharks and stingrays are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.
• The price is per boat for up to five travelers, whatever their age.
• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• You can be picked up or come to the operator's base; agree which when you book.
• The listing rates it suitable for all fitness levels.

Meeting Point

The operator can pick you up, or you can meet the boat at the Parataito Explorer base. Confirm which option suits you when you book.