Bora Bora Lagoon Tour: Coral Garden, Sharks & Motu Lunch

Summary

Swim with rays and sharks then eat fresh on a motu facing Otemanu

You’ll snorkel through Bora Bora’s coral gardens, swim near stingrays and black tip sharks (if you’re brave), then relax on a private motu for lunch facing Otemanu mountain. Expect laughter from your local guide, fresh island food, and that bright blue lagoon view that doesn’t really fit in photos.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d actually swim that close to a shark — but there we were, in Bora Bora’s lagoon, the water so clear you could see your own toes, and suddenly black tip fins just gliding by. Our guide Teva grinned at us like it was nothing. He called out something in Tahitian to his cousin on the boat (I caught maybe two words), then handed me a snorkel mask that still smelled faintly like salt and sunscreen. I hesitated for a second. The fish here aren’t shy — they dart right up, flashing these wild colors you only see in postcards.

The coral garden itself is kind of hypnotic. Not sure how long we floated over it — time gets weird when you’re watching parrotfish nibble away at coral right under your nose. At one point, Teva pointed out a stingray gliding along the sand and said something about their “dancing” being good luck if you spot it before lunch. I laughed but honestly, it stuck with me all day. After about four hours (felt shorter), we cruised slow toward this little motu — “private islet,” Teva explained — where tables were set up right on the sand.

Lunch was this buffet of poisson cru, grilled chicken, rice with coconut milk… simple stuff but somehow perfect after swimming. The smell of grilled fish mixed with that salty air is one of those things I can still remember if I close my eyes. On one side you get Otemanu mountain looking almost fake-blue; on the other, the lagoon just goes neon turquoise forever. Someone played ukulele for a bit while we ate — not a show, just background life happening around us. I tried saying thank you in Tahitian (“mauruuru”) and Teva laughed at my accent but gave me a thumbs up anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lagoon tour with wildlife and lunch

• Explore coral garden with colorful fishes
• Meet stingrays and black tip sharks
• Cruise to private motu islet
• Enjoy local buffet lunch on motu
• Admire Otemanu mountain and lagoon views

Top questions

Is lunch included in the Bora Bora lagoon tour?

Yes, lunch is served buffet-style on a private motu during the tour.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

How long does the lagoon group tour last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours before heading to lunch on the motu.

Will I see sharks or stingrays during this day trip?

Yes, you’ll have guided encounters with both stingrays and black tip sharks in shallow water.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Soda, bottled water, and other drinks are included throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; check health restrictions first.

Does this day trip start from central Bora Bora?

The tour takes place around Bora Bora’s lagoon with pickup options nearby.

What should I wear or bring for this group tour?

A swimsuit, sun protection, and maybe a dry bag; towels are provided by the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment (so no need to pack your own), towels for drying off after swims with rays and sharks, bottled water and sodas throughout the trip, plus a local-style buffet lunch served right on a private motu before heading back across the lagoon.