Bora Bora Lagoon: Group Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays & Coral Gardens

Summary

Swim with manta rays in crystal lagoons plus coral gardens led by locals

You’ll slip into Bora Bora’s lagoon with local guides who know every ripple and reef. Swim alongside manta rays at their feeding ground, drift over coral gardens alive with color, and spot eagle rays if you’re lucky. With all gear provided and pickup included, you can just focus on floating — and maybe laughing at yourself trying to pronounce “triggerfish” in French.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that shadow?” our guide Teva asked, pointing just ahead of the boat. I squinted under my mask — honestly, I thought it was just a trick of the light at first. But then this huge manta ray glided up from the blue, so close I almost forgot to breathe. Teva laughed (he probably sees this every day), but for me, it felt like time stopped for a second. The water was cool but not cold, and sunlight flickered through the surface onto my arms. There were only six of us bobbing around, so it never felt crowded or rushed.

After that first stop, we cruised across the lagoon — wind in our faces, salt on my lips — to a coral garden that looked straight out of a movie. Fish everywhere: bright yellows and electric blues darting between the branches. Teva dove down and pointed out something called a clown triggerfish (I’d never heard of it before; he said the name in French too but I couldn’t catch it). He kept an eye on everyone, especially one older couple who weren’t super confident swimmers — he’d gently guide them along or just float nearby so they felt safe. You could tell he really cared.

I didn’t expect how much I’d love just drifting there, listening to nothing but my own breathing and the distant hum of the boat’s engine. At one point we spotted eagle rays gliding past — their spots almost glowing in the sunlight. Soda tasted weirdly good after all that saltwater (they handed us cold drinks and towels back on board). The whole thing lasted about half a day but it honestly felt longer — in a good way. Sometimes I still think about that blue light under the surface.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day lagoon snorkelling tour

• Board boat with sun canopy
• Cruise to manta rays feeding ground
• Snorkel with manta rays
• Cruise to first coral garden
• Snorkel at first coral garden
• Cruise to second coral garden
• Snorkel at second coral garden
• Look for eagle rays if possible
• Guide assists in water as needed

Top questions

How many people are on this Bora Bora snorkeling tour?

The group size is limited to 8 passengers per boat for an uncrowded experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, quality snorkeling equipment including fins is included for all participants.

Are hotel pickups included in the price?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included as part of your booking.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

No prior experience is required; guides assist beginners throughout the tour.

What marine life might I see during this day trip?

You may encounter manta rays, eagle rays, and a variety of colorful reef fish at several lagoon spots.

How long does the tour last?

This is a half-day group snorkeling tour visiting 3-4 locations depending on conditions.

Are drinks or snacks provided onboard?

Soda/pop and bottled water are offered during the excursion.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your half-day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Bora Bora, all snorkeling equipment (fins too), beach towels to dry off after each swim, cold bottled water and sodas onboard, plus a local guide who leads every snorkel stop so you can focus on spotting rays instead of worrying about logistics.