Black Pearl Farm Activity in Bora Bora: Choose & harvest your own

Watch your black pearl emerge from the oyster and take it home with you

A black pearl farming activity in Bora Bora where you snorkel to oyster lines on a motu, choose an oyster to harvest, watch it open to reveal the pearl, and take it home. Boat transfer from your hotel or Vaitape quay, snorkeling gear, and a guide in English, Spanish or French are included; the experience runs about two hours and ends with local fruit and drinks overlooking the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.

The Experience

The boat picks you up at your hotel reception pontoon or at Vaitape quay and takes you to the motu Taufarii, where the team introduces you to how Polynesian black pearls form and how pearl farming works. Then you board again and snorkel out to the oyster lines—they sit at just one meter deep—where you browse the strings and choose the oyster you want to harvest. The water is clear enough that you might spot manta rays while you're out there.

Back on the motu, the team opens your oyster in front of you to reveal what's inside. Some pearls are dark and lustrous; others are smaller or differently shaped. Whatever emerges from your oyster is the one you keep—packed in a small sand bottle or a velvet pouch to take home. The activity wraps with fresh tropical fruit and cold drinks, and you get a view across the lagoon toward Mount Otemanu while you sit in the natural setting.

The whole experience takes about two hours from pickup to drop-off. You'll need to be comfortable in the water and able to snorkel, though the depth is minimal. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with a beach towel, bottled water, and all fees.

What’s included

• Boat transfer from your hotel reception pontoon or Vaitape quay.
• snorkeling equipment and beach towel.
• introduction to pearl farming history and techniques.
• snorkeling near oyster lines where you choose and harvest your own oyster.
• pearl extraction and opening.
• the pearl you collected, packaged in a sand bottle or velvet pouch.
• fresh tropical fruit and cold drinks on the motu.
• live guide in English, Spanish or French.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bora Bora Pearl Farm - Dive for it

Is this one for you?Pearl farming tours in Bora Bora often leave you watching while someone else does the work—this one puts you in the water choosing the oyster and standing beside the team as it opens, so you're the one who discovers what's inside and walks away with the actual pearl.

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

335 verified traveler reviews

5 ★330

4 ★3

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I really choose which oyster to harvest, or is one picked for me?

You browse the oyster lines yourself while snorkeling and select the one you want to harvest. The team helps, but the choice is yours.

Is snorkeling experience required, or can beginners do this?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels and snorkeling equipment is provided. The oysters are at one meter depth, so it's accessible to beginners who are comfortable in the water.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Boat transport from your hotel or Vaitape quay, snorkeling equipment, beach towel, bottled water, the pearl extraction, and local fruit and drinks are all included. All fees and taxes are covered.

How long does the whole activity take?

The experience runs about two hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including the boat transfer, snorkeling, pearl opening, and refreshments on the motu.

Can I choose which language the guide speaks?

The guide is available in English, Spanish, or French. Confirm your preference when you book.