Snorkeling in Bora Bora: Private Lagoon on Pontoon Boat

Snorkel rays and sharks in your own private corner of the lagoon

Private snorkeling in Bora Bora's lagoon aboard an exclusive pontoon boat with a live guide who shares Polynesian stories. You'll enter the water at shallow sites to see rays, sharks and coral gardens, with all snorkeling gear, drinks and fruit provided. The boat's lounge seating and towed buoy let you rest between water time.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling different from the crowded reef tours is the boat itself: a private pontoon with lounge seating at the front and back, designed so you're not jostling for space or competing for the guide's attention. The guide navigates to specific shallow spots in the lagoon where rays and sharks gather naturally, away from the tourist clusters. You get adjustable masks, snorkels and fins that fit, plus soft drinks and tropical fruit throughout the morning.

The day runs about four hours on the water. You'll spend time in the lagoon snorkeling, then return to the boat to rest, dry off with a towel and eat fruit between swims. If you want a break from the water entirely, the boat has a towed buoy with three seats. Just let the operator know when you book and they'll set it up. The guide speaks English and French, so you'll hear stories about Polynesian culture and the lagoon's marine life as you move between sites.

Entry and pickup are included, so you don't arrange transport separately. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the operator can provide specialized infant seats if you're traveling with small children. Bring sunscreen and a rash guard if you burn easily. The tropical sun reflects hard off the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment with adjustable masks, snorkels and fins.
• soft drinks and tropical fruit.
• towels.
• a towed buoy with three seats on request.
• a live guide in English or French.
• hotel or accommodation pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (13 to 17 years) · Infant (under 13): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Toa Boat Bora Bora

Is this one for you?The boat moves slowly between snorkeling spots, so you're not rushing or covering long distances. This suits anyone who wants to snorkel without the pace of a full-day island tour. The four-hour timeframe fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (13 to 17 years); Infant (under 13): free.

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's the difference between snorkeling here and the group reef tours in Bora Bora?

This is a private boat, so you're not sharing it with other bookings. The guide takes you to shallow lagoon spots where rays and sharks congregate naturally, rather than the busier reef sites where tour groups cluster. You control the pace. Stay in the water as long as you want or rest on the lounge between swims.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No. The operator provides adjustable masks and snorkels fitted to your face, and the guide is there to help. The lagoon spots are shallow and calm, suitable for all fitness levels. If you're nervous in the water, the towed buoy gives you a place to float and rest without getting back on the boat.

What will I actually see underwater?

Rays, sharks, colorful fish and coral gardens. The guide chooses spots where these animals are reliably present. The lagoon's turquoise water is clear and shallow enough that you'll see the bottom and the marine life without needing to dive.

How much time do I spend in the water versus on the boat?

The full outing is about four hours. You'll snorkel at multiple spots, with time on the boat between them to rest, eat fruit and dry off. The exact split depends on how long you want to stay in the water at each site. The guide follows your pace.

Is lunch included, and what if I get hungry?

Lunch is not included, but soft drinks and tropical fruit are provided throughout the morning. If you need a full meal, arrange it before you go or bring snacks to eat on the boat.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The pontoon boat operates in the lagoon, which is protected water. Light rain doesn't stop the tour, but the operator will cancel or reschedule if conditions become unsafe. Check the weather forecast the night before and confirm with the operator on the morning of your booking.