In this episode, we talk about an adventure that feels like the definition of a South Pacific passport stamp: gliding over coral gardens in Moorea with Nico from Moorea Water Games at the Sofitel nautical center. If you want help turning a big-dream destination into a well-planned reality, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. This episode blends the thrill of exploring multiple snorkeling sites with the practical details that make the experience safe, comfortable, and reef-conscious.
Normand introduces Moorea the way it deserves to be introduced: electric-blue water, stingrays cruising through the shallows, and lush mountains rising behind the lagoon. He’s not just narrating a travel fantasy—he’s interviewing someone who lives and works on the water every day. Nico explains that Moorea Water Games operates as a nautical center based at the Sofitel, and that their lagoon-facing location puts them in what they consider one of the island’s best snorkeling zones.
The origin story is refreshingly grounded. Nico describes taking over the nautical center years ago, starting with simple rentals like kayaks and paddleboards. But once he paid closer attention to what was happening underwater—corals, fish diversity, and the overall beauty of the reef—he decided to create something different: guided snorkeling that stays small, uncrowded, and intentionally paced. Instead of trying to compete with bigger operations doing similar routes, he built an experience that emphasizes comfort, attention, and variety.
That variety shows up in the multi-stop structure. Nico talks about expanding from a single reef area to a longer tour with three different sites, each offering something distinct. Normand reacts to the differences too: the shallow, warm lagoon areas; the deeper zones and drop-offs; and the surprising temperature shift you can feel as you move closer to deeper water. These are the kinds of details adventure travelers appreciate because they help you imagine the day clearly—and decide if you want a wetsuit, a rash guard, or extra time in the sun afterward.
The signature element is the sea scooter, nicknamed in their tour branding as Scooter Jet. Nico compares it to an e-bike in the water, and that metaphor lands. Sea scooters let guests glide rather than struggle, and that opens the experience to more people: beginners, cautious swimmers, and those who want the adventure without the physical intensity of constant finning. Paired with full-face masks, it becomes a confidence builder, and Normand notes how calm and attentive Nico is with guests in the water.
The marine life adds the “passport to adventure” spark: reef fish, stingrays, and the possibility of turtles around a cleaning station that Nico calls a “turtle spa.” He also notes that ocean days can surprise you—some outings bring unexpected sightings like nurse sharks or large barracuda. Nothing is guaranteed, but that unpredictability is part of what makes a lagoon adventure feel real, not scripted.
Finally, the episode grounds the adventure in responsibility. Nico explains that the lagoon area is described as a marine reserve with rules like no anchoring, plus limits on boats and activities. Their team gives a briefing before departure that includes safety and coral etiquette—don’t step on the reef, follow the guide, and avoid fin damage in shallow zones. Normand underscores the long timeline of coral growth and why protecting it matters.
If you want your passport stamps to come with stories—gliding over coral, spotting stingrays, and learning how to travel in a way that respects the reef—this episode is a strong fit. And when you’re ready to build a French Polynesia itinerary that connects the right islands and experiences with minimal friction, reach out at Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.
