Bora Bora: Private island day with lunch & snorkeling

Summary

A real day alone on a Bora Bora motu — just you, the lagoon, and local flavors

You’ll spend a full day on your own private motu in Bora Bora’s lagoon — welcomed by locals with music and cocktails, tasting fresh Polynesian food with your toes in the water, napping under palms, and snorkeling among tropical fish. It’s quiet, real island time you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence to feel so big when we first stepped off the boat onto that little private island. There was this soft ukulele playing somewhere (I think it was Manu, our host), but mostly it was just the sound of water lapping at the sand. The air smelled faintly sweet — maybe tiare flowers? I’m not sure. We were handed these cold cocktails right away, and I remember thinking, “Wait, is this really all for us?” It felt almost too quiet at first, but then you start to notice everything — the way your feet sink into the sand, how the sun feels different here than back home.

Ken (he grew up on Bora Bora) showed us how to crack open coconuts — he made it look easy, but when I tried it… let’s just say everyone laughed. Lunch was served literally with our feet in the water; Ken squeezed coconut milk right there for his poisson cru. I’m still thinking about that taste — cool fish, creamy coconut, something citrusy. We sat around talking about his childhood on the island and how he learned to weave hats from palm leaves. At some point I just lay back in this giant beanbag under a palm tree and half-dozed off listening to waves and someone humming nearby.

After lunch we took out this two-seater VAA canoe (Ken called it a va’a — I probably said it wrong) and paddled over to a coral garden not far from shore. The water was so clear you could see every little fish darting around your legs. Snorkeling there felt like being inside an aquarium — bright blue parrotfish everywhere and these tiny yellow ones that kept following my fingers. Honestly, time got weird out there; I forgot about my phone completely until we headed back for one last drink before the boat ride home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Island Day in Bora Bora

• Private island experience with Polynesian welcome
• Enjoy Polynesian buffet with local dishes and drinks
• Relax on loveseat with FATBOY beanbag
• Snorkel at coral garden with multicolored fish

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this private island day?

Yes, private transportation from your hotel is included both ways.

What kind of lunch is served on the island?

A typical Polynesian buffet is prepared by a local chef and includes raw fish with fresh coconut milk made in front of you.

Can we snorkel during this experience?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided and you can explore a coral garden near the motu.

Is this suitable for families or only couples?

The private island day is suitable for couples, families, or groups of friends.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes, champagne, red or white wine, sodas, and fresh water are included with your meal.

Will there be any local entertainment?

You’ll be welcomed with live ukulele music and can watch or join in coconut shows and pareo painting demonstrations.

How long do we stay on the private motu?

You spend most of the day on the motu before returning to your hotel by boat transfer.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by boat, welcome cocktails with live ukulele music upon arrival at your private motu in Bora Bora’s lagoon, a traditional Polynesian buffet lunch prepared by a local chef (with champagne or wine), snacks throughout the day, use of snorkeling gear for exploring nearby coral gardens, plus hammocks and shaded spots for relaxing before heading back in the afternoon.