The name Bora Bora alone conjures up almost mystical images of pristine white sand beaches, hammocks swinging in a light breeze between graceful palm trees, and palapa huts jutting out into impossibly turquoise water. None of this is make-believe. The island, part of French Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean, is a natural marvel. And if the beauty of the land and coastline of this atoll wasn’t enough, there’s another remarkable world beneath the waves too.
A snorkeling tour in Bora Bora is the best way to get better acquainted with the reefs and lagoons that make this place so special. When snorkeling is not enough of a draw on its own, there are plenty of tours that throw additional water or land-based activities too. Choosing an eco-friendly tour respectful of this fragile natural environment is essential. Therefore, here are five of the best Bora Bora snorkeling tours based on a number of factors, including eco-friendliness, the duration, health and safety precautions, value for money and the reviews of previous guests.
From $92/per person
Bora Bora’s marine environment is vibrant and harbors an impressive array of life. Blacktip sharks, sting rays, moray eels and all manner of colorful, tropical fish may possibly be seen during the snorkeling on this tour. While some of those creatures may sound daunting to anyone who’s not well acquainted with the ocean, plenty of health and safety precautions are made. You’ll get the chance to visit a variety of snorkeling spots during this three-hour excursion by motor boat. Hotel pickup and all snorkeling equipment are included in this and all other tours listed here.
From $118/ per person
Garnering a long string of glowing reviews is this excellent snorkeling tour departing at least once each day of the week, with morning and afternoon tours usually available. Your guide is not only experienced, but passionate about the creatures underwater, and will help you identify various species of ray, coral, turtles and dolphins. Tohora means whale in Tahitian and Maori. During the right season for their migrations, it’s also possible to see these incredible creatures and listen to their calls. This snorkeling tour often lasts around three hours or more.
From $145/ per person
For anybody looking to spend much more time out on (and in) Bora Bora’s lagoon, there’s this excellent value six-hour tour available daily, departing in the mornings. You’ll get the chance to visit and snorkel in the best locales of the lagoon, looking out for manta rays, blacktip sharks and multitudes of different fish. Once you’ve spent enough energy exploring the underwater world, head to a private beach for a barbecue lunch. After lunch, hike to the island summit followed by some live music and other glimpses of Bora Bora culture.
From $140/ per person
Another excellent lagoon tour is this half-day option that focusses solely on the exploration and interaction with Bora Bora’s abundant marine life. Visit the manta ray feeding ground, jump in the water and swim with the eagle rays and observe a pristine coral outcrop from a safe and respectful distance. Water in the Bora Bora lagoon is usually crystal clear. Back on the boat you can refuel on local fruits and snacks. This tour includes roughly four different snorkeling spots in total allowing a broad experience of what Bora Bora has to offer.
From $224/ per person
If you want to combine time spent in the water snorkeling with relaxation on a romantic tour designed particularly with couples in mind, this is the best option. You’ll travel around 25 miles in total, visiting snorkeling sites which blacktip sharks and stingrays are known to frequent. This tour is particularly geared towards respecting the marine life and allowing it to roam unencumbered through its home environment. You will also get a Polynesian buffet lunch of freshly prepared and barbecued dishes. This tour lasts six hours.
