Snorkeling in Bora Bora: Sharks, Rays & Coral Gardens

Motu Fanfan's lagoon holds sharks, rays and gardens most visitors never reach

A half-day snorkeling trip in Bora Bora's lagoon with a live guide in English or French, departing around 8:30 am and returning by 12:30 pm. You'll encounter blacktip reef sharks and manta rays in their natural habitat, explore coral gardens filled with tropical fish, and finish on the white sand beach of Motu Fanfan with fresh local fruits. Snorkelling equipment and fins are provided. The boat picks you up and the guide navigates the entire lagoon.

The experience

Motu Fanfan is the destination, but the lagoon around it is where the morning happens. The boat departs around 8:30 to 9:00 am and takes you to three distinct stops: first the sharks and stingrays in shallow water where you can enter and watch them move beneath you, then the manta rays in deeper sections, and finally the coral gardens where the tropical fish congregate. The crew knows the currents and the animals' patterns, so timing matters. They'll position you where the encounter is most likely to happen.

Once you've finished in the water, the boat brings you to Motu Fanfan itself, a small islet with a wide beach of white sand and turquoise shallows. There are deckchairs, local shelters, tables and restrooms on the beach. This is where you dry off and eat: fresh coconut, pineapple, mango and grapefruit, all local. The whole outing runs four hours from departure to return.

Snorkelling equipment and fins in your size (S/M, M/L or L/XL) are included. Bottled water comes with you on the boat. The guide speaks English or French and can answer questions about what you're seeing: the species, the reef structure, the seasonal patterns. A minimum of four people is required for each departure, so the operator will confirm your booking once that threshold is met.

What’s included

• Boat transport and pickup.
• snorkelling equipment and fins in your size.
• bottled water.
• fresh tropical fruits on Motu Fanfan.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 18 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BORA BORA MANU LAGOON EXCURSION

Is this one for you?The early start and four-hour commitment mean you'll be back by early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free. The shallow shark area lets you enter the water at your own pace, and the coral gardens and manta rays reward anyone comfortable in deeper water.

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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 (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

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 are the sharks and rays like in Bora Bora's lagoon?

Blacktip reef sharks and manta rays live in the lagoon year-round. The sharks are typically two to three feet long and accustomed to snorkelers. The manta rays are larger and glide through deeper water. Both are wild animals in their natural habitat, not captive or fed by the tour operator.

How deep is the water where you snorkel?

The shark and stingray area is shallow enough to stand in. The manta ray section is deeper. The coral gardens vary, but snorkelers can see the full structure and the fish without descending far below the surface.

What is Motu Fanfan like as a beach?

Motu Fanfan is a small islet with a large white sand beach and calm turquoise water close to shore. It has deckchairs, local shelters, tables, chairs and restrooms, so you can rest and eat there without roughing it.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

The tour is open to anyone with moderate physical fitness who can enter the water independently. The guide will show you how to use the equipment if you're new to snorkeling, and the shallow shark area is a good place to start.

What time does the boat leave and return?

Departure is around 8:30 to 9:00 am, and the boat returns by 12:30 pm. The operator will confirm the exact time once your booking is confirmed with the minimum group of four.