Bora Bora snorkeling: Manta rays, sharks and coral garden

Five hours in the lagoon with manta rays, reef sharks and a meal in the water

Snorkel Bora Bora's lagoon aboard a comfortable boat with 360-degree views, guided through different blue gradients to encounter manta rays, black-tip reef sharks, eagle rays and vibrant coral gardens filled with tropical fish. The outing ends with a Polynesian barbecue served in the water, surrounded by juvenile fish and possibly baby rays and sharks. A guide in English or French leads the group. Children from age 12 are welcome.

The experience

Five hours on the water means time to move through the lagoon's color gradients and linger at each site. The boat itself is built for snorkeling: comfortable seating and a 360-degree view mean you see what's coming before you enter the water. Your guide knows the local lagoon and can read where the animals are, so you spend less time searching and more time in front of manta rays, black-tip reef sharks, eagle rays and the coral garden. The tropical fish run into the thousands around the coral, and if conditions align, juvenile rays and sharks often appear near the shallows.

The meal happens in the water at a set point in the day, feet submerged in the lagoon with a view across it. Polynesian barbecue, fresh fruit, drinking water and soda come with the booking. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided. Bring a rash guard or light cover if sun exposure is a concern, and wear reef shoes or water shoes for the boat and entry points.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and towels.
• drinking water and soda.
• fresh fruit.
• Polynesian barbecue meal served in the water.
• licensed guide in English or French.
• hotel pickup in at least one option.

Options for this experience

2 options

Excursions lagoonGuide in English or French · 08:30Lasts 4 hours 30 minutes. Meals and drinks are provided. Departure from your place at 5:00 am. Travel by jet boat. Pickup is included.

Lagoon tripsGuide in English or French · 08:30Duration of 2 hours 30 minutes: a 3h30 trip around the island with snorkeling. Drinks are served on board. Departure from your place for 3h30. Travel by jet boat. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 9 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.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Crazy Sea Horse Bora Bora

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to spend a full morning or afternoon in the water with a guide who knows where the animals are, rather than a quick dip. The five-hour window lets you move through multiple sites and settle into the rhythm of the lagoon instead of rushing between stops.

Traveler reviews

4.86★★★★★★★★★★

22 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years); Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

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 animals will I actually see while snorkeling in Bora Bora's lagoon?

Manta rays, black-tip reef sharks, eagle rays and thousands of tropical fish around the vibrant coral garden are the main sightings. Juvenile fish surround the meal site, and baby rays and baby sharks sometimes appear in the shallows, though sightings depend on the day and conditions.

How does the boat work for snorkeling? Do I need to jump off the side?

The boat is designed for comfortable snorkeling access with 360-degree views, so you can see the water and wildlife before entering. Your guide positions the boat at each site and helps you in and out of the water.

Is the Polynesian meal included, and what does it consist of?

Yes, a Polynesian barbecue is included and served in the water in a set location. Fresh fruit, drinking water and soda come with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment and towels are included with the booking, so you don't need to bring your own.