Half-Day Eco Snorkeling Small-Group Tour

About This Experience

This half-day trip from Bora Bora Activities Center runs about three hours. After hotel pickup and a safety briefing, you are fitted with snorkel gear and the boat circles the lagoon, stopping at a few spots to swim. The listing names eco snorkeling with tropical fish, a stop for stingrays and blacktip reef sharks, and the Coral Garden, but gives no times for each stop. Guests usually describe three stops, often a manta ray spot first, then the sharks and rays, then the coral.

The listing describes the water as shallow, and the sharks-and-rays stop sits on a sandbar; guests suggest water shoes because of coral and shells underfoot. At the Coral Garden expect reef fish over coral heads, and on some days a current that pulls you along, so be ready to swim a little. Manta rays, eagle rays and dolphins appear in many recent reviews, but none of them is promised. Between stops the guide talks about Bora Bora's marine life and culture, and soft drinks and snacks are served on board.

The cap of eight guests and a 5.0 rating from 99 reviews make this a good pick for first-time snorkelers and families: infants from age 1 can come, one non-swimmer reported being helped along with a life ring, and the listing calls it wheelchair accessible. At $133 per person it is a short trip with no lunch, so if you want a motu meal or a full day on the water, look at the six-hour options instead. One guest felt water time was cut short when the rest of the group wanted to head back early, which is the trade-off of a shared boat.

Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, so tell the operator exactly where you are staying; one guest missed the boat after not seeing the pickup messages. Snorkel gear, a local guide speaking English and French, water, local juice, fruit and coconut cake are covered. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Highlights

• Snorkeling with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks at a sandbar stop
• Swimming over the Coral Garden among tropical fish
• A loop around the lagoon with views of the island from the water
• Possible manta ray sightings, often reported by guests but not promised
• Guide talk on Bora Bora marine life and culture between stops
• Small group of no more than eight guests

What's Included

• ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off
• ✓ Snorkel equipment
• ✓ Local guide speaking English and French
• ✓ Bottled water and local juice
• ✓ Fresh fruit and coconut cake
• ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Not Included

• Lunch (fruit, coconut cake and drinks only)
• Water shoes (guests recommend bringing your own for the sandbar)

What to Bring

• Swimsuit, worn under your clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes for the sandbar stop
• Your hotel name and a phone you check on the morning of the trip

Good to Know & Caveats

• Sharks, rays and mantas are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.
• Currents over the Coral Garden can be strong on some days, so expect to swim a little.
• The listing says it is wheelchair accessible and that infants and small children can come in a pram or stroller.
• Children from age 1 are accepted, and the listing rates it suitable for all fitness levels.
• Send your exact accommodation to the operator in advance so pickup goes smoothly.

Meeting Point

Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included. Tell the operator where you are staying in Bora Bora when you book, and watch for their messages the day before.