Bora Bora Lagoon Tour: Legends and Sacred Sites

Sail past three motus and hear the legends woven into Bora Bora's sacred sites

An afternoon lagoon tour of Bora Bora departing at 1:30 PM, with a French-speaking guide sharing Polynesian myths and history as you sail past Mount Otemanu, Vaitape, and three island motus to Fare Rua Marae. The route crosses Teavanui Pass and skirts the lagoon's most storied landscapes, mixing cultural discovery with the island's exceptional geography.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lagoon tour and cultural legends

• Start tour at Bay of Povai
• View Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia
• Sail towards Vaitape
• Visit Fare Rua Marae
• Pass through Teavanui Pass
• Explore Ahuna, Tapu, and To’opua motus
• Listen to Bora Bora legends

The experience

The tour departs at 1:30 PM from the Bay of Povai, where Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia frame the opening view. From there, the boat heads toward Vaitape, then to Fare Rua Marae: a place rooted in Polynesian history and traditions where your guide introduces the stories that shaped the island. The route then crosses the famous Teavanui Pass and skirts three motus: Ahuna, Tapu, and To'opua, each one part of the lagoon's geography and its legends.

Your guide speaks French and shares the myths as you move through the water: tales like the bell of Hiro and the story of Marama, Hiro's son. These are not museum facts but narratives tied to the places you're passing, so the landscape itself becomes part of the telling. Bottled water and fruit are provided, along with coconut water, and the pace is set for comfort rather than rushing between stops.

The three-hour tour keeps the group small and the atmosphere personalized, which is what allows the guide's commentary to land and the lagoon's quieter corners to reveal themselves. Pickup is included, and the afternoon timing means you're on the water when the light is warm and the island's peaks stand sharp against the sky.

What’s included

• Bottled water, fruit, and coconut water.
• French-speaking guide.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 13:30

Book up to8h before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideFrench

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Moana Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks French, so this tour suits travelers comfortable following commentary in that language. The small group and personalized pace make it work for anyone who wants to absorb the island's stories without the rush of a larger boat tour.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the main stops on this Bora Bora lagoon tour?

The tour sails from the Bay of Povai past Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, then to Vaitape and Fare Rua Marae, a sacred site with deep Polynesian roots. It crosses Teavanui Pass and circles three motus (Ahuna, Tapu, and To'opua) each woven into the island's legends and history.

What stories does the guide share during the tour?

Your guide recounts Polynesian myths and legends tied to the places you pass, including the tale of the bell of Hiro and the story of Marama, son of Hiro. The commentary connects the island's history and traditions to the lagoon's landscape, so the sites themselves become part of the narrative.

What time does the tour depart and how long does it last?

The tour departs at 1:30 PM and runs for three hours. The afternoon timing means you're exploring the lagoon when the light is warm and the island's peaks are most visible.

What is included with this tour?

The tour includes a French-speaking guide, bottled water, fruit, and coconut water. Pickup is also included, and the small group size keeps the atmosphere personalized throughout the afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited physical fitness?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You spend the time on the boat, and the pace is set for comfort rather than strenuous activity.