Bora Bora: Outrigger Canoe Snorkel Cruise & Island BBQ Lunch

Summary

Lagoon colors, coral gardens, and island BBQ in Bora Bora

You’ll float through Bora Bora’s famous lagoon by outrigger canoe, snorkeling coral gardens with a local guide who shares stories along the way. Swim with rays and colorful fish before relaxing on a private motu for a traditional Polynesian BBQ lunch. Expect laughter, warm water, small surprises—and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s humming softly as they hand me a mask — I look up and it’s our guide, Manu, grinning like he knows what’s about to happen. The outrigger canoe rocks gently under us, sunlight flickering off the lagoon in these wild shades of blue I can’t really describe (I tried counting them but gave up at seven). There’s salt on my lips already and sunscreen on my fingers; the air smells like seaweed and grilled something from another boat drifting by. I’m not sure if I’m nervous or just excited — maybe both — as we slip overboard for our first snorkel stop. The water’s warmer than expected. Fish dart everywhere, yellow stripes and electric blues, and Manu points out a stingray gliding past like it owns the place.

We’re six couples in total, plus Manu who seems to know every inch of this lagoon around Bora Bora. He tells stories between stops — about his grandmother fishing here, about the old names for each motu. At one point he laughs when I try to pronounce “fa’aroa” (I probably butchered it), but he says it means “to explore,” which feels right for a day like this. There’s no feeding the sharks or rays here; Manu makes that clear. He says it’s about respect — letting the marine life do their thing without interference. Sometimes you see more animals, sometimes less; today we get lucky with a couple of blacktip sharks circling below us, but honestly just floating there with the sun on my back is enough.

I didn’t expect lunch to be such an event. We pull up to a little motu — private islet — where someone’s already grilling fish and chicken over coconut husks. There’s salad with lime dressing, breadfruit chips that crunch weirdly but taste good after swimming all morning, and fresh pineapple so sweet it almost hurts your teeth. Manu shows us how they wrap fish in banana leaves before grilling (he shrugs when I ask for the recipe). It’s quiet except for laughter from another table and the sound of waves lapping at the sand. After eating too much I just lie back in the shade for a while watching clouds drift past Mount Otemanu across the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bora Bora lagoon snorkel and lunch

• Snorkel at best lagoon spots
• Swim with tropical fish
• Tour the 26-mile lagoon
• Visit secluded motu island
• Enjoy Polynesian BBQ lunch
• Learn about local cuisine and culture

Top questions

How long is the Bora Bora snorkel cruise?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

How many people join each canoe cruise?

The excursion is semi-private with a maximum of 5 other couples per canoe.

Are snorkeling equipment and lunch provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment and lunch are included.

Will we definitely see sharks or rays?

Sightings are common but not guaranteed; marine life varies each day.

What should I bring for the day trip?

Bring sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and towel.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour respect marine life?

Yes, guides do not feed animals or disturb coral; respect is emphasized.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Bora Bora, all snorkeling gear you’ll need (so no worries if you forgot your mask), guidance from a local expert who shares stories as you go, plus a full island-style BBQ lunch served on a private motu before heading back in the afternoon sun.