Bora Bora Lagoon Snorkeling: Private Boat, 3.5 Hours

Set your own pace across the lagoon's best snorkeling spots

A 3.5-hour private snorkeling tour of Bora Bora's lagoon by boat, with hotel pickup included, stops at 3–5 locations where you choose how long to stay at each. You'll see manta rays, eagle rays, sharks, moray eels and coral gardens in their natural habitat, with all snorkeling gear, towels and light refreshments provided; the boat carries a small cabin for shelter and dry storage.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private half-day snorkeling tour

• Pick up from accommodation
• Visit 4-5 snorkeling spots
• See manta rays and eagle rays
• Explore coral gardens
• Stop at outer reef to see sharks
• Enjoy light refreshments on board
• Leisurely cruise between spots
• Return to accommodation

The Experience

The boat picks you up from your Bora Bora accommodation in the morning or afternoon and heads straight to the lagoon. You're not on a fixed schedule — the guide works around what you want to see and the conditions of the day. Between four and five separate stops are typical, though the exact number depends on how long you linger at each one. At every spot you drop in to snorkel among coral gardens, watch for manta rays and eagle rays gliding past, and spot sharks, moray eels and barracuda moving through the water. The animals are wild and undisturbed; there's no feeding or baiting.

Because it's a private tour, the boat and guide are yours alone. You can spend twenty minutes at a spot or an hour — there's no group rhythm to keep. Between stops you cruise at a leisurely pace, taking in the lagoon itself. Light refreshments and water are available throughout the morning or afternoon. The boat has a small cabin where you can store belongings in a dry area or take shelter if weather turns.

At the end of the 3.5-hour tour, the guide drives you back to your accommodation. All snorkeling equipment, towels and refreshments are included; you bring only yourself and a willingness to get in and out of the water using the boat's ladder.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment and towels.
• light refreshments and water throughout the tour.
• hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
• a professional guide fluent in English or French.
• a small cabin on the boat for dry storage and weather shelter.
• 10% discount on purchases at Deep Sea Pearls.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by H2O BORA BORA

Is this one for you?The private boat means you're not waiting for a group or moving on anyone else's schedule — linger at a coral garden or follow a manta ray as long as you want, then move to the next spot when you're ready.

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Top questions

What kind of marine life will I actually see snorkeling in Bora Bora's lagoon?

Manta rays, eagle rays, sharks, moray eels and barracuda are common sightings, along with coral gardens full of tropical fish. What appears on any given day depends on the season and conditions, but the guide knows where to find them and will adjust the route to maximize your chances.

How does a private boat tour differ from a shared group snorkeling tour?

On a private tour, you have the boat and guide to yourself, so you control the pace — spend as long as you want at each of the 3–5 stops instead of moving with a group schedule. The guide tailors the itinerary to what you want to see and adjusts for weather or conditions in real time.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All snorkeling equipment, towels, light refreshments and water are provided. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You need only bring yourself, swimwear and a towel if you prefer your own; the boat has a small cabin for storing belongings and taking shelter if needed.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer or have never snorkeled before?

The tour welcomes all people, though you should be able to get in and out of the water using the boat's ladder. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. The guide can show you how to use the snorkeling gear and will stay with you, so first-time snorkelers are welcome.

Can I book a morning or afternoon departure, and how far in advance?

The tour runs both morning and afternoon — you choose which at checkout. Hotel pickup is included, so the guide will collect you from your accommodation at the scheduled time. Book as early as possible to secure your preferred time slot.