Bora Bora: Black Pearl Farm Tour & Snorkeling with Pearl Gift

Summary

Snorkel coral gardens choose a black pearl taste island fruit

You’ll ride across Bora Bora’s lagoon to a real black pearl farm, learn how pearls are grown, snorkel over coral gardens to choose your own oyster, then watch as your unique black pearl is revealed. Relax with fresh fruit and drinks before heading back—leaving with your very own piece of Polynesia.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Bora Bora by wobbling onto a little boat, but there I was, clutching my bag and grinning at the team waving from the dock. The lagoon looked like someone had turned up the color dial too high—almost fake, honestly. Our guide, Tama, joked about how even locals still get distracted by the blues here. He handed me a towel and pointed out Mount Otemanu peeking through some clouds. I remember thinking, “Is this real?”

Once we landed on motu Taufarii, there was this faint salty-sweet smell from the breeze and a bunch of laughter coming from behind the pearl farm hut. Tama started telling us about black pearls—how they’re not really black at all, more like every shade you’d find in an oil slick. I tried repeating the Tahitian name for one (I definitely butchered it; Tama just grinned). We learned about how they seed the oysters and honestly, it’s way more delicate than I’d pictured. My hands felt clumsy just watching.

Snorkeling over the coral garden was quieter than I expected—the only sounds were my own breathing and distant chatter from the boat. The strings of oysters hung there like weird underwater necklaces. I picked one that looked especially stubborn (no idea why), and Tama helped me bring it back up. Someone shouted that they saw a manta ray but I missed it—still kicking myself about that part.

Back on shore, they cracked open my oyster right in front of me. There was this tiny hush as everyone leaned in—and then suddenly there it was: my own black pearl, small but somehow heavy in my palm. We finished with slices of pineapple so sweet they almost stung my tongue and cold juice while looking out at that impossible lagoon view again. I still keep that pearl in its little sand bottle on my desk now—sometimes I shake it just to hear the soft rattle and remember how quiet everything felt under the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bora Bora black pearl experience

• Boat transfer from hotel or quay
• Introduction to black pearl history
• Snorkel near coral garden
• Choose oyster to harvest
• Open oysters to reveal pearls
• Taste local fruits and drinks
• Receive pearl souvenir
• Return to meeting point

Top questions

How do you get to the Bora Bora Pearl Farm?

The tour includes boat transfer from your hotel or Vaitape quay directly to motu Taufarii where the farm is located.

Do you get to keep a black pearl from this tour?

Yes, each person chooses an oyster during snorkeling and keeps the black pearl found inside as a souvenir.

Is snorkeling equipment provided at the Bora Bora Pearl Farm?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included in the experience.

Are drinks or snacks included during the tour?

You’ll enjoy local fruits and fresh drinks after returning from snorkeling at the farm.

How long does it take to reach motu Taufarii by boat?

The transfer time depends on your pickup point but is typically short within Bora Bora’s lagoon area.

Can infants join this black pearl farm activity?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers; check suitability for young children when booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

The activity suits all physical fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip boat transport from your hotel or Vaitape quay, all entrance fees and taxes covered, use of snorkeling equipment and beach towels, bottled water throughout, plus you’ll keep the black pearl you collect—presented in either a sand bottle or velvet pouch before returning home.