Bora Bora Pearl and Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling, Sharks, Rays and a Black Pearl — Four Hours on the Bora Bora Lagoon

Four hours on the lagoon covering manta rays, blacktip sharks, stingrays, and a black pearl harvest

This four-hour tour on a traditional Polynesian motorised outrigger canoe combines the two experiences most visitors to Bora Bora want most: snorkeling with the lagoon’s marine life and harvesting a Tahitian black pearl. Three snorkeling stops covering manta rays, stingrays, and blacktip sharks, followed by a pearl experience at a pearl oyster storage zone where every member of the group dives for and opens their own oyster.

The crew runs the tour with ukulele music and a family spirit that comes through consistently in reviews. A family of six including children aged 4 and 7 described it as the highlight of their entire Bora Bora trip. The traditional pirogue sets the tone — this is not a commercial speedboat operation. It is a local family showing you their lagoon.

How the tour unfolds

Four hours from the Tiare Market beach, covering the lagoon’s best marine life and ending with your pearl.

1. 01
   Departure from Tiare Market beach — Meet on the beach in front of Tiare Market at Matira at 9am. The vessel is a traditional aluminium motorised outrigger canoe. The captain checks your booking details and the crew welcomes you aboard to the sound of ukulele.
2. 02
   Island tour by pirogue — The outrigger circles the island passing the hotels, Faanui Bay, and the scenic coastal landmarks. Your guide covers the history and stories of the island along the way.
3. 03
   Snorkeling at the manta ray cleaning station — The first snorkeling stop visits the cleaning station where manta rays come to have parasites removed by smaller fish. The captain knows the site well. Reviews mention multiple manta sightings, dolphins, and a large moray eel at this stop.
4. 04
   Snorkeling with stingrays and blacktip sharks — The second stop visits the sandbank where stingrays rest in the shallows and blacktip reef sharks patrol the edges. Both species are completely safe when approached calmly and are among the most memorable encounters in the Bora Bora lagoon.
5. 05
   Black pearl experience — The final stop is at a pearl oyster storage zone. You snorkel among the oyster lines, choose your own oyster, and bring it back to the boat. The team opens each oyster and reveals your pearl. Everyone leaves with a pearl to take home.

The pearl explanation and opening takes place on board — every guest leaves with their own Tahitian black pearl

What’s included

Who is this tour for

• Families — one review covers a family of six including children aged 4 and 7 who described it as the highlight of their entire trip. Children aged 6 to 11 receive a 25% discount. Infants under 5 travel free.
• Anyone who wants marine life and a pearl in one booking — manta rays, sharks, stingrays, and a black pearl harvest in four hours. No need to book separately.
• Travelers who want a local experience — traditional pirogue, ukulele music, family crew. Reviews consistently describe it as warm, personal, and distinctly Polynesian rather than commercial.
• Anyone with limited time — four hours covers the lagoon’s main marine highlights and the pearl experience without committing to a full day. Pairs well with an afternoon activity.

Is this tour good for families?

Yes, one of the best family options on the island. A family of six including a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old completed the full tour without issue. Children aged 6 to 11 receive a 25% discount and infants under 5 travel free. The traditional outrigger is stable and the crew is experienced with young guests. The pearl opening at the end gives children a tangible souvenir they were directly involved in finding. For families with children who cannot snorkel yet, the pearl opening can be done from the boat without entering the water.

Good to know before you book

• Meeting point — beach in front of Tiare Market at Matira at 9am. No hotel pickup. Motu resort guests need to arrange their own transfer to the main island.
• Book 103 days ahead on average — the longest lead time of any pearl tour on this site. Book as early as possible, especially for peak season.
• Last-minute booking possible — unlike most tours with this lead time, last-minute spots occasionally become available. Worth checking if your dates are close.
• Traditional vessel — the tour runs on a traditional aluminium motorised outrigger canoe, not a speedboat. The experience is more immersive and more local as a result.
• Maximum 20 travelers — larger than the two-hour pearl tour but still a manageable group size.
• Not wheelchair accessible — boarding the outrigger requires mobility. Stroller accessible for the land portions.
• Confirmation — within 48 hours of booking subject to availability.