Bora Bora: 4WD Island Tour & Lagoon Snorkeling Combo

Summary

Circle Bora Bora’s wild side by 4WD then snorkel with rays and sharks in the lagoon

You’ll circle Bora Bora by 4WD with a local guide, stopping for panoramic views, craft demos, and fresh fruit tastings before taking a break for lunch. Then board a boat for snorkeling among stingrays and black-tip reef sharks in crystal-clear lagoon waters—plus time drifting over vibrant coral gardens. You’ll come away with salty skin, new stories, and maybe a little sunburn.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we rattled up to the first lookout, I’d already lost track of how many shades of blue I’d seen. Our guide, Manu, grinned at us from the driver’s seat — he seemed to know every bump in the road around Bora Bora. He pointed out Matira’s curve below, where the lagoon almost glows. The air smelled faintly sweet, like wet leaves and something floral I still can’t name. We stopped at a tiny workshop in Faanui Valley where a woman showed us how she dyes sarongs (I tried to say “mauruuru” and she laughed — probably deserved it). The tie-dye colors were so bright they looked like they’d been painted on with sunlight. At the next stop, we tasted pineapple that was somehow both tart and syrupy at once.

I didn’t expect to see old WWII canons up there — you just don’t picture that kind of history on an island like this. Manu told us stories about American soldiers trading chocolate for coconuts with locals; his uncle had been a kid back then. After a few more stops (and way too many photos), we had about an hour to grab lunch near Vaitape. It was hot, so I just sat under a palm tree for a while watching scooters zip past, trying not to think about my sunburn.

The afternoon was all about water. We met our boat captain at the pier — he barely said a word but smiled a lot, which felt right somehow. Out on the lagoon, everything slowed down except my heart when I first saw those stingrays gliding over white sand. Slipping into the water was weirdly calming; you could hear your own breathing through the snorkel and nothing else but distant laughter from someone braver than me. The rays brushed past my legs (cold jelly!); black-tip reef sharks circled nearby but kept their distance like polite neighbors.

Coral Gardens was our last stop — I lost time floating above neon fish darting through coral fans while sunlight flickered down in ribbons. It’s hard to explain how quiet it feels out there except for your own bubbles and maybe your heartbeat if you listen close enough. Sometimes I still think about that view when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4WD island tour and lagoon cruise

• Pickup from Vaitape Pier or hotel
• Begin 4WD island tour with guide
• Stop at East Matira lookout
• Visit Faanui Canon lookout
• Explore Faanui Valley workshop
• Taste tropical fruits at plantation
• Admire Amanahune Bay lookout
• Lunch break at chosen restaurant
• Transfer to lagoon for boat cruise
• Snorkel with stingrays in lagoon
• Observe black-tip reef sharks
• Snorkel at coral garden
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Bora Bora combo tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup is included—just check if you’re staying at Conrad or Pearl Beach as you may need to confirm details.

How long does the day trip last?

The full experience takes most of the day: about four hours touring by 4WD plus extra time for lunch and an afternoon boat cruise.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Nope—snorkel equipment is provided (except fins), so just bring swimwear and sunscreen.

What wildlife might I see while snorkeling?

You’ll likely see stingrays up close, black-tip reef sharks near the boat, plus lots of colorful fish at Coral Gardens.

Is lunch included in the price?

No—the tour gives you about 1.5 hours for lunch at your choice of restaurant (cost not included).

Are there any physical requirements?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; just let your guide know if you prefer to stay on the boat during snorkeling stops.

Where does the tour start from?

You’ll be picked up from Vaitape Pier or your hotel in Bora Bora—details are arranged after booking.

Can kids join this tour?

The tour is suitable for most ages—just check specific needs with your guide if traveling with young children.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off around Bora Bora, all guided transport by open-sided 4WD vehicle and boat, visits to scenic lookouts and local craft workshops, fresh fruit tastings at a plantation stop, use of snorkel equipment (except fins) for swimming with rays and sharks in Coral Gardens’ lagoon waters, plus free time for lunch between land and sea adventures before returning late afternoon.