Bora Bora 4WD Tour & Snorkel Cruise: Lagoon sharks and rays

You snorkel with sharks and rays in the same lagoon where the 4WD took you hours earlier.

A full-day Bora Bora tour that pairs a 4WD safari across the volcanic island with a lagoon snorkel cruise over coral gardens, where you encounter stingrays and black-tip reef sharks in their natural state. The guides emphasize marine conservation—no feeding, no coral damage—and share local history at each stop. Hotel pickup is included, and lunch happens at Lucky House Restaurant between the two activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bora Bora 4WD tour and snorkel cruise

• Pickup at hotel for 4WD tour
• Explore Bora Bora's history and sites
• Visit WWII bunkers and cannons
• Enjoy lunch at Lucky House Restaurant
• Boat cruise over coral gardens
• Snorkel with sharks and rays
• Learn about local culture from guides

The Experience

How do you see both the island and the lagoon without splitting your day between two separate bookings? The 4WD portion starts with hotel pickup and takes you uphill in an open-air safari truck to lookout points where the volcanic peaks frame the lagoon's shifting blues and greens. Your guide walks you through Bora Bora's history—the WWII bunkers and American cannons still visible on the slopes, the settlement patterns, the cultural shifts that shaped the island. The truck circles the island, stopping at several vantage points, so you move through the landscape rather than standing in one place.

After lunch at Lucky House, you board a boat for the lagoon portion. The snorkel cruise takes you over coral gardens where stingrays and black-tip reef sharks move through shallow water. This is not a feeding show or a staged encounter—the guides follow a conservation approach that keeps the animals undisturbed and the coral intact. You enter the water with snorkel gear already provided, search for the rays and sharks yourself, and watch how they behave when humans stay at a distance. The lagoon's clarity means you can see the seafloor and the animals' movements without the murk that makes other snorkeling feel like guessing.

The day runs about seven hours total, with guides speaking English or French depending on your group. Water is available throughout, and the physical demands are moderate—the 4WD ride is bumpy but not strenuous, and the snorkel requires comfort in the water but no diving certification. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel; the sun reflects off both the volcanic rock and the lagoon surface.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English or French-speaking guide.
• snorkel equipment.
• lunch at Lucky House Restaurant.
• water throughout the day.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Moana Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?You get to see the island and the lagoon in one outing without booking two separate tours, which saves time and money—the 4WD and the snorkel are timed to flow into each other, so the day holds together without gaps or backtracking.

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Top questions

What's the difference between this snorkel and the shark-feeding tours I've seen advertised in Bora Bora?

This tour prioritizes marine conservation—no feeding of sharks or rays, no coral damage—so the animals behave naturally and the reef stays intact. You snorkel over coral gardens and search for the creatures yourself rather than watching them gather at a feeding station.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel with the sharks and rays?

You need comfort in the water and moderate physical fitness, but not advanced swimming ability or diving certification. The snorkel happens in the lagoon where depth and conditions are controlled, and guides are present throughout.

What happens if the weather turns bad during the 4WD or the boat portion?

The tour operates in typical tropical conditions, but the operator may adjust the order of activities or reschedule if conditions become unsafe. Check with your guide on the morning of your tour about any weather-related changes.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch at Lucky House Restaurant is included in the tour price. Contact the operator before booking if you have specific dietary needs so they can arrange options with the restaurant.

What should I bring besides sunscreen and swimwear?

Bring a hat, towel, and sunscreen—the sun exposure is significant on both the open-air truck and the water. Water is provided throughout the day, but you may want to bring a reusable bottle or extra cash for drinks at Lucky House.