Bora Bora: Lagoon Safari Snorkeling & Motu Lunch Tour

Summary

Swim with rays snorkel coral gardens motu lunch in Bora Bora

You’ll swim alongside friendly stingrays and reef sharks in Bora Bora’s lagoon before snorkeling through vivid coral gardens with your local guide. Enjoy a relaxed Polynesian-style picnic lunch on a private motu islet—grilled chicken, fresh fruit, coconut bread—plus time for weaving demos or just soaking up the view. Expect warmth from both people and sun; this day is more about small moments than big thrills.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared?” our guide Teva grinned, and honestly, I was — just a little — as the first blacktip reef shark slid past my knees in the shallow blue off Bora Bora. The boat had barely stopped rocking when we slipped into the lagoon, masks fogging up from nerves or maybe just the sun. There was this hush underwater except for my own breathing and the weirdly gentle swish of stingrays brushing by. Teva kept pointing things out — “look there, parrotfish!” — like he’d grown up knowing each fish by name (he probably did). I tried to say ‘maeva’ like he taught us; he laughed and said it sounded more like ‘mayonnaise’. Close enough.

The day trip lagoon safari from our place in Bora Bora felt both slow and busy at once. After swimming with sharks (which sounds way wilder than it feels), we drifted over to a patch of coral garden that looked fake — colors so bright you’d think someone cranked up the saturation. The water tasted faintly salty-sweet and warm on my skin. Fish darted everywhere. I lost track of time chasing after a butterflyfish until someone called me back for lunch. We landed on this little motu where the sand stuck to my feet and everything smelled like grilled chicken and coconut milk. Lunch was laid out on woven mats: rice salad, poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), fruit that dripped down my wrist. I ate too much cake because apparently that’s what happens when you’re happy and sunburnt.

Afterwards, some folks tried their hand at weaving palm fronds — I mostly watched, still thinking about how quiet it had been under the water earlier. There was a breeze coming off the lagoon that made me want to nap right there on the sand. Teva showed us how to open a coconut without losing a finger (I failed spectacularly). On the ride back, everyone got quiet for a bit, just watching those green peaks get closer as we circled back toward our resorts. I still think about that feeling sometimes — salt drying on my arms, hair tangled from wind, brain oddly clear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day lagoon safari and snorkeling

• Pick up from resort
• Boat tour on Bora Bora lagoon
• Swim with stingrays and reef sharks
• Snorkel in coral garden
• Visit manta ray sanctuary
• Lunch and activities on motu islet
• Return to resort

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Bora Bora lagoon safari tour?

Yes, pickup from your resort or place of stay is included.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A Polynesian-style picnic with rice salad, grilled chicken, raw fish in coconut milk (poisson cru), seasonal fruits, coconut bread & cake.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided for you during the tour.

Can dietary preferences or allergies be accommodated?

Yes, lunch can be adapted for allergies or dietary needs if you let them know in advance.

Are there any physical requirements for joining?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

How long does this full-day lagoon safari last?

The experience takes most of the day including transfers—expect to be out from morning until late afternoon.

Will we definitely see manta rays during the safari?

Manta ray sightings aren’t guaranteed—they appear sometimes but not always.

Are drinks included on this tour?

Bottled water, fruit juices, and soda are included throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your resort or hotel in Bora Bora, all snorkeling equipment provided by Rohivai Tours’ local crew, bottled water and soft drinks along the way, plus a traditional Polynesian picnic lunch served on a motu—with options adjusted for dietary needs if you ask ahead—before returning you comfortably at sunset.