You’ll slip beneath Bora Bora’s famous lagoon in an underwater scooter—breathing easy while colorful fish glide past your dome. With hotel pickup included and a friendly local guide showing you every step, even non-swimmers get to join in. Afterward, fresh fruit and juice taste sweeter than ever as you dry off in island sun.
“Don’t worry, you’ll breathe like normal — just keep your head inside the dome,” our guide Manu grinned as he handed me the world’s goofiest-looking helmet. I tried to act cool but honestly, my heart was thumping louder than the little outboard that brought us from the dock. The air smelled salty-sweet, and I could see the lagoon changing color every few meters — turquoise here, then almost neon blue where it got deeper. There were only a handful of us on the boat, swapping nervous jokes while Manu explained how this underwater scooter thing worked. He said even his aunt (who can’t swim) did it last week, so that helped.
Getting lowered into the water felt odd — there’s this second where your feet dangle before they touch the platform below. Inside the dome it was quiet, except for my own breathing and a faint hum from the electric motor. I could see my friend through her bubble next to me; she waved and her hair floated up like seaweed. We didn’t have to do anything but steer gently as we moved along this slow loop under three meters of water. Fish darted past in streaks of yellow and black, and now and then Manu would tap on our domes to point at something — once it was a fat sea cucumber wobbling along the sand, which made me laugh so hard I nearly lost my grip.
The whole thing lasted about half an hour but time felt weird down there — slower maybe? When we surfaced again I noticed how bright everything looked compared to that soft underwater light. Back on the platform they handed us sweet pineapple slices and cold juice (I swear nothing tastes better after salty lips). Manu told us stories about growing up on Bora Bora, how his uncle used to spear fish right near where we’d been scootering around. I still think about that feeling — floating between worlds for a bit, not quite swimming but not really on land either.
Yes, pickup is provided from your hotel main dock if there is a pontoon available.
No experience is needed; anyone comfortable sitting can join since you breathe normally inside the dome.
The ride lasts about 30 to 35 minutes along a one-kilometer circuit at up to 3 meters deep.
The minimum age is 7 years old for participants.
Yes, fresh fruits and juices are served after your dive on the floating platform.
Yes, swimming skills aren’t required since you stay inside the scooter with your head dry.
You may want to bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera.
Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel dock if available by pontoon boat, all equipment for your underwater scooter ride with a local guide explaining everything along the way, plus fresh fruits and juice served after you return to the surface.
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