To each his own, I think the BB motu is beautiful, but it's just a white sand beach with really nice water and some good snorkelling. Good for vegging out. It was too windy there the first week of Pip.

I've done the circle Raiatea trip, and I've done the 4x4, outrigger canoe combo. On balance, I think the latter is better for the first-timer. It's not a bus tour, so you are close to the plantations you drive through, and the river cruise is fun and interesting. Plus you get to see a very large ancient temple. But the other trip is great too, but be aware you will be in a boat most of the time (with a terrific half hour of snorkelling in the middle.)

I love the shark and ray feeding on BB, and the 4x4, I think the choice with the motu is that the snorkelling trip is only offered one day in the morning, so they overlap the other day.

Do the dolphin trip, it's great, you will see lots of beautiful scenery. Be aware, however, that there is a chance you will not see dolphins. But in December, it may be whale season, so there's that to think aboutl