Private Bora Bora Lagoon & Water Lunch Experience

Bora Bora, often called the jewel of French Polynesia, is famous for its stunning lagoon, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury resorts. This private lagoon and water lunch experience promises a personalized adventure, combining marine exploration with a traditional Polynesian feast. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, the value lies in the exclusivity, expert guidance, and authentic touches that make this tour stand out.

What we love about this experience is its flexibility—you can customize the stops, enjoy high-quality snorkeling gear, and indulge in delicious local cuisine amid breathtaking scenery. The guides are highly knowledgeable, making sure you see the best of the lagoon without feeling rushed. Also, the private setup means you won’t be sharing your adventure with large crowds—just your group and the expert captain.

One potential consideration is the weather, as the tour’s success hinges on good conditions. If rain or storms roll in, the tour might be rescheduled or refunded, but the team’s communication is clear and helpful. This tour suits travelers who value intimate encounters with nature, good food, and personalized service—perfect for honeymooners, families, or anyone wanting a special day in paradise.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Experience: Tailor your stops and enjoy a secluded day on the water.
• Expert Guides & Snorkeling: Knowledgeable guides ensure safe, respectful encounters with manta rays, sharks, and colorful coral.
• Delicious Water Lunch: A traditional Polynesian BBQ served on a private motu, with drinks including French wine and Champagne.
• All Equipment Included: Snorkeling gear, towels, and flippers provided to maximize comfort and fun.
• Round-Trip Transfers: Convenient pickup from your accommodation simplifies logistics.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour relies on good weather, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if canceled.

An In-Depth Look at the Bora Bora Lagoon & Water Lunch Tour

The Itinerary: How the Day Unfolds

This four-hour private cruise starts with a pickup from your Bora Bora accommodation, making logistics smooth and stress-free. From there, your captain, an experienced and friendly guide, takes you sailing around the island, providing a personalized touch that’s hard to find on larger group excursions. The intimacy of a private tour means your itinerary is flexible—if snorkeling with manta rays or sharks is a priority, your guide will make it happen.

The first stop often includes snorkeling in coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, where the guide adapts to your skill level. Reviewers rave about the guide’s knowledge—“Ken,” for instance, is praised for his friendliness, care, and local insights. Many mention that he’s attentive to beginners, helping them overcome fears and enjoy the marine life fully.

Next, your boat heads toward shallower waters to observe fauna like eagle rays and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. The snorkeling gear supplied ensures comfort, and you’ll be guided respectfully to avoid disturbing the environment. Expect to see manta rays, reef sharks, and a spectrum of tropical fish, with reviews highlighting how breathtaking the coral reefs are—“the coral reef was the highlight with so many vibrant colors and many fish,” wrote a guest.

The Private Water Lunch: A Feast in Paradise

One of the most memorable moments is the traditional Polynesian BBQ on a secluded motu. This private island setting, with “feet in the water” seating, provides a unique backdrop for your meal. The food is served fresh and local, with options such as salads, fish kebabs, chicken, and an abundance of tropical fruits and bread. It’s a feast that feels both authentic and indulgent.

Many reviewers emphasize the quality of the meal—“the lunch on the private motu was amazing,” and “the food was better than any resort dinner I’ve had”—highlighting how the setting elevates the experience. Beverages, including French wine, Champagne, soda, and bottled water, are included, allowing you to relax and toast to the stunning surroundings.

The setup includes deck chairs, a covered pandanus shelter, and lavatories, ensuring comfort in this idyllic setting. “The water lunch was so unique and amazing,” one guest shared, illustrating how this part of the tour isn’t just about the scenery but also about enjoying a genuine Polynesian feast in a spectacular location.

Snorkeling & Marine Encounters: The Heart of the Tour

The main draw for many is the chance to snorkel with manta rays and reef sharks—something you might not easily access on your own. The guides are praised for their professionalism and ability to find and approach marine life respectfully. “Snorkeling was out of this world,” reports one visitor, recalling encounters with huge manta rays and colorful fish.

The tour is tailored to your preferences—whether you want to observe sea creatures in shallow waters or venture into deeper areas, your guide will accommodate. This flexibility is especially valuable given that some reviews mention that the guide will avoid crowded spots, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The Overall Value

While $518.65 per person is certainly an investment, it includes virtually everything—snorkeling equipment, beverages, lunch, and transfers—making it easier to budget. The personalized nature of the experience, the quality of service, and the chance to see marine life in its natural environment make it worth considering for those seeking a more exclusive adventure.

The reviews highlight that the tour is well-organized, with many guests appreciating the professionalism of the guides—whether it’s “Glen,” “Ken,” or “Tupuna,” each is lauded for their friendliness, knowledge, and care. The boat itself is spacious, with enough shade, towels, and flippers provided, so comfort is a priority.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a private, customizable day that combines marine adventure with a cultural feast. It’s great for honeymooners, families, or groups of friends looking for quality time together. If you’re an underwater enthusiast eager to swim with manta rays or sharks, you’ll love the focus on marine encounters. And if authentic, fresh food served in a stunning setting appeals to you, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable in the water. The tour is private, so you can customize the activity level.

What’s included in the price?
All snorkelling gear, beverages including wine, soda, bottled water, and a traditional water BBQ lunch are included. Round trip transfers are available from your accommodation.

Can I customize the stops and activities?
Absolutely. The tour is tailored to your preferences, including snorkeling locations and marine encounters.

What should I bring?
Bring reef shoes (recommended by reviewers), sun protection, and personal belongings. The boat provides towels and flippers.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a new date or full refund.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure.

Is the lunch on the motu included?
Yes, the Polynesian BBQ, served “feet in the water,” is part of the experience, with fresh, local ingredients.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Expect manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, and vibrant coral gardens, with guides working to find the best spots.

How do I book or cancel?
Booking is straightforward with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Contact details are provided by the tour operator.

Final Thoughts

The Private Bora Bora Lagoon & Water Lunch Experience offers a uniquely personal way to explore one of the world’s most beautiful islands. The combination of expert-guided snorkeling, a secluded water lunch, and the flexibility to tailor your day makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking authenticity and comfort. While it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, the inclusive nature of the experience—gear, drinks, lunch, and transfers—enhances its value.

If you’re after an intimate, well-organized adventure that captures the essence of Bora Bora’s marine environments and Polynesian culture, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid crowds and truly savor their time in paradise.

For travelers who prioritize quality, personalized service, and unforgettable marine encounters, this experience checks all the boxes. Just remember to pack reef shoes, keep an eye on the weather, and prepare for a day of breathtaking sights, fantastic food, and memories to last a lifetime.