Bora Bora Eco Snorkel Cruise Including Snorkeling with Sharks and Stingrays

If you’re dreaming of an adventure in Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon, the Eco Snorkel Cruise by Moana Adventure Tours offers a compelling way to get up close with the stunning underwater world. With a focus on responsible wildlife encounters and small-group intimacy, this tour promises a memorable, authentic experience.

What we love about this trip? First, the knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the lagoon’s marine life and local culture. Second, the opportunities to see sharks and rays swimming freely in their natural habitat — a rare treat for snorkelers. Third, the beautiful coral garden that teems with tropical fish and vibrant corals. The only potential hitch might be weather dependency, as sightings of larger animals like whales or dolphins are subject to seasonal conditions. This tour suits anyone eager to explore Bora Bora’s marine ecosystem safely and personally, especially those who appreciate expert guiding and smaller groups.

Key Points

• Authentic marine encounters with sharks, rays, and tropical fish
• Expert guides who know the lagoon intimately and share local insights
• Multiple snorkeling stops with a focus on safety and environmental respect
• All equipment and transport included, with options to bring your own gear
• Small group size (maximum 12 travelers) ensures personalized attention
• Ideal for all levels of snorkelers, from beginners to seasoned swimmers

The Experience: What to Expect on the Bora Bora Eco Snorkel Cruise

The Itinerary Breakdown

This roughly 2.5-hour tour is well-paced for maximum enjoyment without feeling rushed. The experience begins in the flagship lagoon of Bora Bora, famous for its calm, clear waters and vibrant marine life. Your day kicks off with a walk-in snorkeling at the first stop, where knee-high waters allow you to stand among stingrays and blacktip sharks. It’s a surreal feeling to be so close to these creatures, and many reviewers, like Layne W, describe it as “the most amazing coral garden I’ve ever seen.”

In this initial phase, guides like Duck or Monu provide all essential info to ensure respectful and safe interactions. One reviewer mentioned Duck’s mix of friendliness and humor, making even the safety instructions engaging. The guided aspect is a highlight, as guides are not just watching over you but also sharing their knowledge about the animals and ecosystem.

Coral Garden

The next stop is the Coral Garden, a vibrant underwater world bursting with tropical fish and coral formations. You’ll snorkel in calm, clear waters, discovering a colorful palette of marine life that lives in harmony within the reef. The coral here is teeming with life, providing shelter for countless species, making it a photographer’s paradise.

As one reviewer enthusiastically put it, the coral garden is “the most beautiful I’ve seen,” with a diverse display of fish and corals that look almost surreal underwater. This stop is perfect for those who love observing marine biodiversity in a peaceful setting.

Along the Way and Potential Sightings

Depending on weather conditions and the season, the guides will try to maximize your chances of seeing larger marine creatures such as sea turtles, dolphins, whales, or leopard rays passing by. Several guests, like Johnny G and Chris A, appreciated the bonus sightings of dolphins and manta rays. These encounters are unpredictable but add a special element of surprise.

Booking Details and Logistics

Included in the $109.53 per person are hotel pickup, mask & snorkel equipment, and bottled water. While many travelers prefer to bring their own gear, the provided equipment is generally sufficient for the stops. The tour caters to most travelers, with small group sizes (max 12) ensuring a personal experience. It’s advised to book roughly a month in advance, as the popularity is high, with many guests booking about 27 days beforehand.

The timing allows for a relaxed exploration, with stops separated to give everyone enough time to snorkel and observe. The tour is flexible regarding weather, with a full refund or rescheduling if conditions prevent wildlife sightings or if the tour is canceled.

Guides and Customer Service

Guests consistently mention guides like Duck, Nico, and Marama for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. One reviewer expressed gratitude for Nico’s punctuality and helpfulness, highlighting the importance of a guide who makes the experience smooth and informative. Another shared how Marama went above and beyond, making their snorkeling truly unforgettable.

What to Bring and What to Expect

To make the most of the trip, pack essentials like sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and a towel. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of bringing your own gear if possible, but the provided masks and snorkels are adequate. Since the tour is eco-focused, guides emphasize respectful interactions with marine life, encouraging guests to keep a safe distance and avoid touching the animals.

Real Guests’ Insights and Highlights

Several reviewers underline the safety and comfort of the tour. One shared that the experience felt very secure, thanks to guides like Joseph and Sam, who sang to their group and kept the mood light. Another mentioned that the smaller boat size allowed a more intimate and relaxed environment, unlike crowded excursions.

The diverse marine sightings are a major draw. Guests report seeing sharks, rays, fish, and occasionally sea turtles and dolphins. Even when some stops didn’t produce the expected wildlife, the final stop often made up for it, with reports of sharks, manta rays, and eagle rays passing by unexpectedly.

The personal stories are heartwarming. For instance, one guest, Arthur, reconnected with a guide from a trip 13 years ago, demonstrating the tour’s ability to create meaningful moments. Others appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guides who shared local customs along with marine facts.

Value for Money

At just over $100 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of equipment, hotel pickup, and the small-group experience. Many guests express that the quality of the guides and the unique wildlife encounters make it worth every penny. Several reviewers say they would do it again and highly recommend it for anyone wanting a genuine wildlife adventure.

The Sum Up

This Bora Bora eco snorkel cruise delivers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore the lagoon’s marine world with experts who genuinely care about wildlife and the environment. The small group size, friendly guides, and multiple snorkel stops make it a comfortable, engaging experience that’s suitable for all skill levels.

While weather can influence what animals you’ll see, the guides do their best to maximize your chances. Many reviews highlight memorable moments with sharks, rays, and vibrant coral gardens, making this tour a standout in Bora Bora’s activities.

If you’re after an authentic, respectful encounter with marine creatures, value a personal touch, and love discovering underwater life in calm, pristine waters, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those who want a meaningful connection to Bora Bora’s incredible lagoon.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered, making it easy to start your adventure without extra planning.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy each snorkeling stop without feeling rushed.

What equipment do I need to bring?
It’s recommended to bring your own mask and snorkel if possible, although equipment is provided. Sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel are also advised.

Can I see sharks and rays?
Yes, many guests report swimming with sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays, though sightings depend on weather and season.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The calm lagoon waters and guided supervision make it suitable for all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced snorkelers.

How many people are on each tour?
The group size is limited to 12 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 27 days in advance. The tour is popular, so early booking is recommended.

Are marine encounters guaranteed?
While wildlife sightings are common, they are naturally unpredictable. The guides do their best to maximize your chances, but no sightings can be guaranteed.

In summary, the Bora Bora Eco Snorkel Cruise is a well-priced, small-group adventure that combines expert guidance, respectful wildlife encounters, and stunning underwater scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, it offers a personal, memorable way to connect with Bora Bora’s vibrant lagoon.