6 Top-Rated Leeward Islands Tours

The Leeward Islands in French Polynesia are a paradise for travelers seeking diverse and memorable tours. With crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine life, it’s no surprise that this region ranks among the best for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie craving the thrill of flying over a lagoon or a history lover eager to explore Bora Bora’s scenic spots, the Leeward Islands offers something for all. We particularly love the Bora Bora Adventures ATV / Quads Tour for its scenic mountain views, and the private Flyboard Tour for an unforgettable water-sport thrill. These experiences capture the region’s appeal—adventure, beauty, and a touch of luxury all rolled into one.

While this list highlights some of the most exciting tours, it’s important to pick one that matches your interests, budget, and fitness level. From exploring on electric bikes to snorkeling with sharks, you’ll find options that suit different travel styles. Below, we’ve summarized each tour in detail to help you decide which adventure fits your trip best.

1. Bora Bora Adventures ATV / QUADS Tours

This 3-hour adventure takes you to the peaks and scenic spots of Bora Bora in a fun and active way. Starting with a safety briefing, you’ll hop on an ATV or quad bike for a guided tour that includes stops at Mont Popoti and Fa’anui, with plenty of photo opportunities and free time to soak in the views. The tour covers scenic mountain vistas, making it ideal for those who want a taste of the island’s rugged beauty without hiking.

What makes this tour stand out is the variety of pickup and drop-off locations—eight in total, including luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and InterContinental. The guides are well-versed and will share local insights along the way. With a 4.8/5 rating from 10 reviews, travelers praise the fun pace, safety, and unforgettable scenery. This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration with a bit of adventure.

Bottom Line: If you want to see Bora Bora’s panoramic views on a fast-paced, guided ride, this ATV tour offers great value and a lively way to explore.

2. Bora Bora: Private Flyboard Tour

For about one hour, this private flyboard experience offers an adrenaline rush and spectacular views of Bora Bora’s lagoon. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be taken by speedboat to your launch site, where you’ll learn to fly above the water powered by water jets. The sensation of hovering over the lagoon is both fun and slightly surreal.

This tour is unique because it combines the thrill of water sports with personalized instruction. The limited number of reviews—just two, both perfect 5/5 ratings—reflects how well-organized and enjoyable it is. Guides speak English and French, making it accessible for most travelers. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a memorable, active experience that’s easy to fit into a short stay.

Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a bucket-list activity that combines excitement with incredible lagoon views, the flyboard tour delivers. It’s especially suited for adventure-seekers and water sports fans.

3. Bora Bora: Private 1/2 day lagoon safari tour

This 4-hour private boat trip offers a deeper dive into Bora Bora’s marine world. Starting from one of 15 pickup locations—including luxury resorts and local beaches—you’ll cruise around the lagoon, snorkeling among tropical fish and coral gardens. The tour also includes encounters with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks, making it a favorite for marine life lovers.

What sets this safari apart is its intimacy and flexibility. You can relax on your private boat or snorkel at three different stops, each providing a different underwater spectacle. The guide is knowledgeable and shares insights into the marine ecosystem. With a perfect 5/5 rating from one review, visitors have appreciated the personalized experience and the opportunity to see a wide range of sea creatures up close.

Bottom Line: For a relaxed, family-friendly adventure with excellent snorkeling and marine encounters, this lagoon safari is a superb choice.

4. Bora Bora: Complete lagoon tour in 2 hours

This two-hour cruise offers a whirlwind tour of Bora Bora’s lagoon, with stops at key scenic and historic sites. Starting from Vaitape, you’ll cruise past iconic landmarks, stopping briefly to take photos and learn the stories behind the landscape. The compact itinerary makes it perfect for cruise passengers or those with limited time.

What makes this tour stand out is the mix of storytelling and sightseeing, giving a rounded overview of the island’s highlights. It’s a good way to get a quick sense of Bora Bora’s beauty without committing to a full-day excursion. The tour includes marine life viewing, with opportunities to see coral gardens and tropical fish.

Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive view of Bora Bora’s landscapes and history, this tour provides a well-rounded, scenic experience.

5. Huahine – VAE / E-BIKE Guided Tour

Spanning an entire day, this E-bike tour lets you explore the island of Huahine at a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for families or travelers who want to enjoy local culture and nature without strenuous hiking. You’ll cycle through lush landscapes, visit villages, and learn about Polynesian traditions from your guide.

What makes this tour special is its focus on eco-tourism and community engagement. Participants are encouraged to contribute to sustainable tourism while enjoying scenic views and cultural stories. The tour is flexible enough for all fitness levels, and the guide’s storytelling adds a personal touch.

Bottom Line: For those wanting a mix of cultural insight and nature, with the flexibility of a full day on electric bikes, this eco-conscious tour hits the right notes.

6. Raiatea: Boat tours and swimming around Tahaa Island

This 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive day trip from Raiatea to Tahaa, famous for vanilla, pearls, and rum. The trip includes visits to local producers, three guided swims (including coral gardens and shark sightings), and a private meal on a secluded motu. You’ll travel across the reef, snorkel among tropical fish, and relax on a pristine beach.

What makes this tour special is the combination of cultural visits, marine activities, and a private Polynesian meal. The tour is intimate, with plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full-day, all-inclusive experience with a mix of sights and marine encounters.

Bottom Line: For a rich, multi-faceted day that combines local flavor and underwater adventure, this Tahaa tour is a top choice for ocean lovers and culture seekers alike.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your interests, time constraints, and fitness level. If you love active outdoor exploration, the ATV and E-bike tours (Bora Bora ATV and Huahine E-bike) are excellent choices. For marine life enthusiasts seeking snorkeling and shark encounters, the lagoon safari (Lagoon Safari) and boat tours (Tahaa Island) offer immersive underwater experiences.

Adventurers craving water sports should consider the Flyboard Tour (Flyboard) for its thrill factor. Meanwhile, those with limited time or cruise ship schedules might prefer the 2-hour lagoon tour (Lagoon Tour), which covers highlights quickly.

Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and avoid missing out.

Final Thoughts

The Leeward Islands offer a remarkable variety of tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. For thrill-seekers, the Flyboard tour is hard to beat, while those wanting a relaxed cultural experience might prefer the Huahine E-bike tour. Marine life lovers will find the lagoon safari and boat trips rewarding, and history buffs or cruise passengers will appreciate the quick lagoon tour.

Whatever your choice, these tours are a great way to make the most of your time in this beautiful region. Book early, plan according to your interests, and prepare for a memorable adventure in French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands.