Bora Bora Pearl Farm Tour

The Bora Bora Pearl Farm Tour — A Full Day on the Lagoon

The pearl demonstration takes place on board — the captain’s wife is the pearl expert and guide

This is one of the most complete single-day tours available in Bora Bora. Six hours on and around the lagoon covering the island’s most iconic sites, two snorkeling sessions including manta rays and sharks, a full black pearl experience at a working pearl farm, and a Polynesian BBQ lunch on a private family motu. Run by a local family with deep knowledge of the lagoon and its marine life.

The pearl farm visit is the centerpiece. On board the boat, the captain’s wife gives a detailed explanation of black pearl cultivation, the grafting process, and what makes a Tahitian pearl valuable. You then dive for your own oyster, open it, and leave with your pearl. Jewelry crafting from the opened shells is included. The day covers what most visitors spread across three or four separate bookings.

How the day unfolds

Meet at the beach in front of Tiare Market at Matira at 9am. Return at approximately 5:30pm.

1. 01
   Lagoon tour and island sites — The day starts with a boat tour of the lagoon taking in the island’s hotels, the Te Ava Nui passage, Faanui Bay, Matira Beach, the WWII cannon sites, and the Vaitape quay. Your guide covers the history and stories of the island throughout.
2. 02
   Snorkeling with manta rays — The first snorkeling stop is at the manta ray cleaning station. The captain knows the lagoon and positions the boat to maximise the chance of a sighting. Masks, snorkels, and safety equipment are provided.
3. 03
   Snorkeling with sharks and rays — The second snorkeling stop visits the sandbank where blacktip reef sharks and stingrays congregate. Two species in one stop, both completely safe when approached calmly.
4. 04
   Black pearl experience — On board the boat, the pearl expert gives a full explanation of black pearl cultivation and what to look for in a quality pearl. You then dive for your own oyster from the pearl platform and open it to reveal your pearl. Jewelry crafting from the opened shells is included at no extra cost.
5. 05
   Polynesian BBQ lunch on the private motu — Lunch is served on the family’s private motu. BBQ fish and chicken, fresh fruit, juice, and cold drinks. A coconut opening show and fresh coconut milk tasting follow lunch, along with a linen bandana tie-dye activity.
6. 06
   Return to Matira — The boat returns you to the meeting point at Matira by approximately 5:30pm.

The pearl education session takes place on board — covering cultivation, grafting, and how to assess quality

What’s included

Who is this tour for

• Anyone who wants to do it all in one day — manta rays, sharks, pearl farm, lunch on a motu, cultural activities. One review describes it as covering what normally takes three to four separate bookings.
• Pearl enthusiasts — the pearl education on this tour is more in-depth than the shorter two-hour version. The captain’s wife is described in reviews as a professor of black pearls. You leave understanding what you harvested.
• Couples and small groups — family run, maximum 20 travelers, and the hospitality is consistently described as warm and personal rather than commercial.
• Anyone who wants a genuine local experience — no upsells, no tourist traps. Multiple reviews specifically mention this. The family owns the motu and runs every aspect of the day themselves.

Is this tour good for families?

Yes. Children aged 6 to 11 receive a 28% discount. Infants under 5 travel free. The day includes activities that work across ages: snorkeling, the pearl opening, the coconut show, and the tie-dye activity. The moderate fitness requirement applies to the snorkeling sections. The motu lunch and cultural activities are suitable for all ages. Maximum group size is 20.

Good to know before you book

• Meeting point — meet at the beach in front of Tiare Market at Matira on the main island at 9am. There is no hotel pickup for this tour.
• Book 58 days ahead on average — this tour fills well in advance. Secure your spot as early as possible.
• Full day commitment — departure at 9am, return at approximately 5:30pm. Plan the rest of your day around it.
• Moderate fitness required — the two snorkeling sessions involve open water swimming. Non-swimmers should check with the operator before booking.
• Not wheelchair accessible — boarding the boat requires mobility. The tour is stroller accessible for land portions.
• Confirmation — within 48 hours of booking subject to availability.
• Pearl mounting — jewelry crafting from opened shells is included. Having your pearl professionally mounted is available at extra cost on the day.