Bora Bora Snorkel with Sharks and Stingrays: Lagoon Wildlife

Walk among stingrays and sharks in the shallows, then mask down in the coral garden

A guided snorkel in Bora Bora's lagoon where you wade in knee-deep water to encounter stingrays and black-tip sharks, then swim the coral garden to see tropical fish in clear water. The guide teaches you how to approach the animals with respect and no feeding; depending on season and weather, you may also spot sea turtles, dolphins, leopard rays or mantas. Shared or private departures; pickup from your hotel is included. Children from age 4 are welcome; bring your own mask and snorkel if you have one, or use the provided gear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and marine life exploration

• Walk in shallow lagoon waters
• Search for sharks and stingrays
• Swim with tropical fish
• Snorkel at Coral Garden
• Spot sea turtles, dolphins, whales

The Experience

What makes this snorkel different from a reef tour? You spend the first part of the morning in the shallows—water at knee height, white sand under your feet—walking among stingrays and black-tip sharks instead of watching them from a boat. The guide gives you the knowledge and approach to move safely and respectfully around the animals; no feeding happens here, and the focus stays on how the reef works and how Polynesian culture is woven into the lagoon's life. The water is clear enough that you can see the sand and the animals moving across it.

After the shallow encounter, you move to the Coral Garden, where you mask and snorkel in calm water to watch the tropical fish living in the reef structure. The fish are colorful and numerous, and they stay because the reef shelters them. Depending on the season and weather, the route takes in three different zones of the lagoon, and you might see sea turtles, dolphins, whales, leopard rays or mantas along the way. The whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Your guide speaks English or French and handles all the timing and logistics; hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel. Mask and snorkel equipment are provided, though many snorkelers bring their own. The tour runs shared or private depending on what you book at checkout.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or French.
• mask and snorkel equipment.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup and return.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Moana Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Wade into Bora Bora's lagoon to encounter stingrays and sharks up close with a guide trained in respectful wildlife interaction—shallow water and expert guidance mean you can participate fully without prior diving or swimming experience.

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Top questions

Can I snorkel in Bora Bora if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide teaches you how to use the mask and snorkel, and the coral garden has calm, clear water where you can practice. The shallow stingray and shark encounter happens in knee-deep water, so you stand the whole time and can touch bottom if you need to.

What's the difference between the stingray encounter and the coral garden part?

In the shallows, you wade among the stingrays and sharks on the sand in water at knee height. In the coral garden, you put on a mask and snorkel and swim over the reef structure to watch the tropical fish that live there. Both are snorkeling, but the first is a walk and the second is a swim.

Will I see dolphins or sea turtles?

Dolphins, sea turtles, whales, leopard rays and mantas are spotted depending on the season and weather conditions, but they are not guaranteed. The stingrays and black-tip sharks are the main animals you encounter in the shallow part of the tour.

Is this tour safe for children?

Children are welcome from age 4. The shallow stingray and shark encounter happens in knee-deep water, so young children can stand and walk the whole time. The guide teaches respect for the animals and stays with the group throughout.

What do I need to bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel. Mask and snorkel equipment are provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer. The guide provides bottled water during the tour.

How long is the whole tour?

The snorkel runs 2.5 hours from pickup to return, including the shallow encounter with stingrays and sharks, the coral garden, and travel time between zones.