Bora Bora Snorkeling: Private Lagoon Cruise with Motu Lunch

Snorkel the lagoon without the crowd, then eat on your own island

A private snorkeling cruise in Bora Bora's lagoon with a local guide, hotel pickup and a secluded motu lunch (on the 6-hour option). You snorkel the coral reef and its marine life on a Cap Camarat boat, learning about the ecosystem and Polynesian culture while the operator protects the reef—no shark feeding, no coral damage. The half-day runs 3 hours; the full day adds a Polynesian meal and beach rest on the private island.

The Experience

Your hotel dock is where the boat picks you up, and from there the captain takes the route across the lagoon's turquoise water. The snorkeling happens at three different eco-tourist zones depending on the season and weather—you're in the water with a mask and fins, looking at the coral reef and whatever marine life is present that day. A local guide in English or French is with you, explaining the biodiversity and how Polynesian culture connects to the lagoon through its history. The operator's approach is strict about marine protection: no feeding sharks or rays, no coral damage, and the whole experience is built around preserving what you're seeing.

On the 6-hour option, after the snorkeling you head to a secluded motu—a private island where lunch is waiting. The meal is Polynesian: salads, grilled fish, grilled meats and local specialties. You eat there, rest on the beach if you want, and the boat brings you back to your hotel. On the 3-hour option, you snorkel and return without the island stop. Either way, drinks—water, juices, sodas, beer—are included throughout.

The boat is private to your group, so the pace and the stops are yours. All snorkeling equipment comes with the tour. One thing to know: marine life sightings aren't guaranteed, and the operator doesn't refund if animals aren't present—the reef is there, the conditions are right, but what you encounter depends on the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your hotel dock.
• all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• a local guide in English or French.
• drinks throughout the day (water, juices, sodas, beer).
• Polynesian lunch on the 6-hour option only.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Moana Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The 3-hour option works if you have a free afternoon and want to snorkel without committing the full day; the 6-hour option is built for couples or small groups wanting the full experience with the island lunch and beach time. Either way, the private boat means you're not sharing the route or the stops with other groups, and the captain adjusts the three snorkeling zones based on weather and season instead of running a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What's the snorkeling actually like in Bora Bora's lagoon?

The lagoon has a coral reef with complex biodiversity—fish, rays, sharks and other marine life depending on the season. You snorkel at three different eco-tourist zones, and a local guide explains the ecosystem and its connection to Polynesian culture. The water is turquoise and shallow enough for snorkeling, and the operator protects the reef by prohibiting shark feeding and coral damage.

How long is the snorkeling part of the day?

The 3-hour option is snorkeling only, while the 6-hour option includes snorkeling, then a motu lunch and beach time. The exact duration in the water depends on conditions and which zones the captain chooses that day.

What happens on the secluded motu?

On the 6-hour option, you eat a Polynesian meal on the private island—salads, grilled fish, grilled meats and local specialties. After lunch you can rest and nap on the beach before the boat returns you to your hotel.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, the captain picks you up directly from your hotel dock and drops you back there at the end. The pickup and drop-off are included in both the 3-hour and 6-hour options.

What equipment do I need to bring?

All snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel—comes with the tour. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel. Drinks and lunch (on the 6-hour option) are provided.

Is this tour suitable if I've never snorkeled before?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. A local guide is with you throughout, explaining the reef and the marine life. If you're new to snorkeling, let the guide know and they can help you get comfortable in the water.