Bora Bora Lagoon Tour: Polynesian Crafts & Ray Swim

Make flower wreaths, weave palm fronds, swim with stingrays on your own private motu

A full-day private activity on a family motu in Bora Bora where you learn Polynesian crafts, discover medicinal plants, swim with stingrays and sharks, snorkel around the coral garden, and eat lunch on the island. The day mixes hands-on workshops with water time, guided by someone who speaks English or French and includes hotel pickup.

The experience

The day starts on the motu itself, where you walk through plantings of fruit trees and coconut palms while learning what Polynesians have done with them for generations. You move through different stations: making flower wreaths by hand, braiding shell bracelets, practicing the weaving techniques that vary by season and island. A guide shows you the medicinal plants that grow there and how they're used. You'll also learn about the va'a, the traditional outrigger canoe, on the family motu where the day is based.

The water part comes next. You swim with stingrays and sharks in their natural habitat, then move into snorkeling around the island and through the coral garden with gear provided. Lunch is served on the motu itself, so you eat where you've been learning and swimming all morning. The whole day runs about six and a half hours, and pickup from your hotel is included.

What’s included

• Lunch on the private motu.
• snorkeling equipment.
• hotel pickup.
• a guide in English or French.
• alcoholic beverages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bora Bora cultural lagoon tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn hands-on Polynesian crafts (weaving, lei-making, shell work) combined with swimming and snorkeling, all on a private island with a guide who adjusts the day to your interests.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 exactly do you learn to make during the craft workshops?

You make flower wreaths and shell bracelets by hand, learn different weaving techniques that change with the seasons, and discover how to use coconut palms and medicinal plants the way Polynesians do. The guide shows you these practices one at a time at different stations on the motu.

Is it safe to swim with stingrays and sharks?

Yes. The stingrays and sharks swim in the lagoon around the motu as part of their natural habitat, and swimming with them is a standard part of the day's water activities. Snorkeling gear is provided for the coral garden exploration afterward.

What's included in the lunch on the motu?

Lunch is included and served on the private motu where you spend the day. The description notes Polynesian dishes made with fruits. Specific menu details aren't listed, but the meal is part of the full-day package.

Do you need to know how to snorkel before you go?

No prior experience is needed. The snorkeling is described as a fun discovery around the island and coral garden, and all equipment is provided. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant.