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

Summary

Snorkel alongside manta rays and eagle rays in Bora Bora’s clear lagoon with a local guide sharing hidden coral gardens and real stories

You’ll float above coral gardens teeming with life and swim alongside manta rays in Bora Bora’s lagoon, guided by a local who knows every hidden corner. With small groups and no animal feeding, you’ll see everything as it really is — plus hotel pickup and cold drinks included. Expect laughter between strangers and moments of real stillness you might remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step onto a boat and the water’s so blue it almost looks fake? That was my first thought leaving the dock in Bora Bora. Our guide, Manu, handed out fins and made some joke about how clumsy tourists always drop them overboard (I almost did). The air had that mix of salt and hibiscus — not too heavy, just enough to make you breathe deeper. We set off with six others, all a bit quiet at first, but that changed fast.

The first stop was this spot Manu called “the cleaning station,” where manta rays glide through like they own the place. I’d seen photos before, but seeing their shadows pass underneath me… honestly, I forgot to breathe for a second. He swam beside us, pointing out which fish were following the rays. Someone asked if we’d feed them — Manu shook his head, said everything here happens naturally. I liked that. The water felt cool on my skin but not cold; sunlight flickered on the sand below.

After that came the coral garden — wild shapes everywhere, little electric-blue fish darting around. I tried to remember their names but gave up after “parrotfish.” One woman from Paris kept laughing into her snorkel every time she saw something new (it’s contagious). At one point I surfaced just to listen: wind in the palms on shore, faint voices from another boat somewhere far off. It didn’t feel rushed at all — we moved when everyone was ready.

We stopped again for eagle rays (sleek and quick — blink and you miss them), then one last spot Manu picked based on the current. There was cold bottled water waiting back on board, which tasted better than any fancy drink right then. Heading back toward shore, sun drying salt on my arms, I realized I’d barely checked my watch once. Still think about those manta rays sometimes — how quiet it got underwater when they passed by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning snorkeling tour in Bora Bora

• Board shared snorkeling boat
• Visit manta ray snorkeling spot
• Snorkel at inner reef coral garden
• Stop at eagle ray snorkeling location
• Snorkel at fourth spot based on conditions
• Cruise and enjoy lagoon views

Top questions

How long does the snorkeling tour in Bora Bora last?

The snorkeling tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours by boat around the lagoon.

Are masks and snorkels provided for the tour?

No, due to health precautions you should bring your own mask and snorkel; fins are provided.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Bora Bora?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What marine life can I expect to see during this snorkeling trip?

You may see manta rays, eagle rays, various tropical fish species, and natural coral gardens.

Is animal feeding part of this snorkeling experience?

No feeding is done; all animals are observed in their natural environment only.

How many people are usually on each shared boat tour?

The group size is small with a maximum of 7 people per tour for a more personal experience.

Is there an age limit or fitness requirement for this activity?

Travelers should be moderately fit; not suitable for those over 80 or with poor cardiovascular health.

Are drinks included during the snorkeling trip?

Bottled water and soft drinks are provided onboard during the excursion.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off around Bora Bora’s lagoon, use of fins plus bottled water and soft drinks onboard throughout your 3.5-hour shared boat tour—just remember to bring your own mask and snorkel for comfort. Your local guide joins you in the water at each stop for assistance or just to share what’s swimming by.