Bora Bora Snorkeling: All You Need to Know + FAQ (2026 Update)!

Welcome to Bora Bora in French Polynesia!

 

Looking for the best Bora Bora snorkeling spots? Then you have come to the right address!

 

Bora Bora has more than 30 snorkeling spots; we’ll show you the most important ones with INSIDER tips.

 

By the end, you’ll be a Bora Bora snorkeling expert!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bora Bora Snorkeling Beauty: Snorkeling in Bora Bora is seen as some of the best snorkeling in the world. Crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and big and small marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, manta rays and tropical fish, make it a snorkeling paradise!

 

• Locations: Bora Bora has more than 30 snorkeling spots. Some locations are even just outside your overwater bungalow!

 

• Swimming with Manta Rays and Sharks: Bora Bora is famous for snorkeling with manta rays and blacktip reef SHARKS in the island’s turquoise lagoons.

 

 

Overview of Bora Bora snorkeling spots

The Society Islands (Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha’a, and ten others) are famous for their lagoons and snorkeling spots.

 

CNTraveler even calls Bora Bora one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world!

 

On top of that, Bora Bora is one of the TOP LUXURY honeymoon destinations in the world, attracting thousands of newlyweds every year.

 

The island has some of the WORLD’s BEST snorkeling spots right outside your overwater bungalow, offering romantic experiences in the vibrant waters of the Pacific Ocean!

 

In fact, there are many amazing tours and excursions in Bora Bora that will blow your mind!

 

Review on Tripadvisor: “There was even a cool setup on the sea floor spelling out Love Bora Bora written in nicely arranged stones on a large area of sandy bottom. Do not miss this amazing excursion while you’re visiting Bora Bora”.

 

Now, the answer you have been waiting for is, what are the best Bora Bora snorkeling spots?

 

 

Coral Reef locations beginners and experts

Before we take a deep dive into each snorkeling spot, we give you an overview of the 10 BEST Bora Bora snorkeling locations below.

 

Make sure to have your snorkeling equipment ready for an unforgettable experience!

Snorkeling Spot	Depth (Meters/Feet)	Fish You Can See	Distance from Overwater Bungalows	Organized Tour Required (Yes/No)
Coral Gardens	3-10 meters (10-33 ft)	Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Wrasse, colorful corals	10-15 minutes	No
The Aquarium	2-5 meters (6.5-16 ft)	Reef Sharks, Tropical Fish, Moray Eels	5-10 minutes	No
Matira Beach	2-8 meters (6.5-26 ft)	Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingrays	Shore access, 0 minutes	Booking link
Motu Tane Coral Garden	5-12 meters (16-40 ft)	Butterflyfish, Lionfish, Stingrays	10-15 minutes	Yes
Turiroa	2-6 meters (6.5-20 ft)	Surgeonfish, Small schools of colorful reef fish	15-20 minutes	No
Anau Lagoon	3-7 meters (10-23 ft)	Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Butterflyfish	20-30 minutes	Yes
Pofai Bay	3-5 meters (10-16 ft)	Small Reef Fish, Occasional Rays	15 minutes	No
Tupitipiti Point	15-30 meters (50-100 ft)	Sharks, Barracudas, Large Schools of Fish	30-40 minutes	Yes
Tapu	5-12 meters (16-40 ft)	Grey Sharks, Rays, Tropical Fish	20 minutes	Yes
Bora Bora Pass (Teavanui Pass)	5-20 meters (16-65 ft)	Large Schools of Fish, Rays, Sea Turtles	30-40 minutes	Yes

Now, let’s take a closer look, starting with our favorite and then going down!

 

1) Coral Garden (Interior lagoon of the luxury resorts)

 

Definitely, number one for snorkeling enthusiasts is the Coral Garden.

 

The story behind this spot is quite cool.

 

The luxurious St. Regis Bora Bora and Four Seasons Bora Bora are all located around the Bora Bora turquoise lagoon.

 

This lagoon forms the Coral Garden due to its calm and clear water.

The depth ranges between 1 and 5 feet and provides super easy access to coral reefs that are rare worldwide.

 

You’ll be able to see tropical fish, corals, and stingrays. But don’t expect any macrolife; that is for outside the lagoon (see below)!

 

Check out our interactive widget below for the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora!

What can you see at the Coral Garden?

• Surgeonfish
• Corals
• Parrotfish
• Clownfish
• Sailfish

 

How do you get to Bora Bora Coral Garden?

 

The best way to have a snorkelling session at the Coral Gardens is through a guided tour, as local expert guides can take you to the most beautiful locations of the turquoise lagoon!

2) The Aquarium

Next, we have the Aquarium (no, it’s not a natural aquarium)!

 

Behind the Sofitel Private Island lies a beautiful spot for snorkeling, often called a NATURAL AQUARIUM (and that’s saying something). You might even encounter spotted eagle rays gliding gracefully through the water.

 

You can swim directly from the beach at Sofitel Private Island toward the coral reef to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature!

What can you see?

• Lemonpeel angelfish
• Butterflyfish
• Surgeonfish
• Giant moray eel
• Bluestreak cleaner wrasse

 

How to get there

To visit The Aquarium, you can join a snorkeling tour; almost all of them include a stop there.

 

You can also take a glass-bottom kayak from Matira Beach or swim from the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, about 330 yards (300 meters) away.

 

Tripadvisor review: “Great snorkeling, rays & sharks, great Polynesian lunch at a picnic table in the water with rays & sharks (small ones).”

Insider tips for a great experience

• Visit during low tide for the most transparent water and best visibility.
• Bring an underwater camera.
• Keep a distance from the giant moray eel.

3) Matira Beach in Bora Bora

Matira Beach is one of the best beaches in French Polynesia, famous for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Nearby, you can find a small sand island perfect for a relaxing break after snorkeling.

 

It’s also one of the few public beaches in Bora Bora, making it easily accessible to everyone.

 

The beach has two key access points: the northern and southern entrances.

 

One popular technique at Matira Beach is the drift snorkel, which allows you to float and enjoy the underwater scenery and let the current take you from one side of the beach to another!

 

Snorkeling at Matira Beach North Access (1)

For the best snorkelling at Matira Beach, head to the northern access of Matira Beach. Once in the water, swim about 50 meters (150 feet) west, moving away from the shore.

 

Soon, you will see the underwater world when you reach the rocks and corals.

 

Snorkeling at Matira Beach South Access (2)

The southern access also offers opportunities, although they’re more challenging. We recommend you take a snorkeling excursion to reach the best spot at Matira Beach!

 

The best spots here are around the underwater rocks near the southern tip of Bora Bora’s main island.

 

Though the waters are shallow and sometimes dirty due to currents, you’ll still have plenty of fish and coral formations.

 

KEEP IN MIND: the higher the current, the more fish you’ll see, as they can eat more plankton in the water!

 

 

4) Motu Tane coral garden

The Motu Tane coral garden is a hidden gem for snorkelers compared to some of Bora Bora’s more well-known snorkeling spots.

 

This secret place is close to the private island of Motu Tane, which gives it a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere to popular snorkeling locations like the Coral Gardens or Matira Beach.

 

After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious Polynesian meal on the picturesque motu.

What makes Motu Tane unique?

While other places like Matira Beach and the Bora Bora Pass are famous for their public access and marine life, Motu Tane’s coral garden offers a more personal and hidden encounter with nature.

 

What you can see at Motu Tane

At the Motu Tane coral garden, you’ll see a lot of marine life, including:

• Clownfish dancing among the anemones
• Bright parrotfish gliding past the coral
• Schools of colorful butterflyfish creating an underwater spectacle
• Sleek surgeonfish moving elegantly between the coral branches
• Vibrant coral reefs in shades of orange, red, and purple provide a stunning backdrop to your snorkeling adventure

More information is at the Bora Bora government website.

Getting to Motu Tane Coral Garden

As with the other Bora Bora snorkeling spots, the best way to reach Motu Tane is by boat as part of an organized snorkeling excursion.

 

You can ask your tour operators to include the Motu Tane Coral Garden in your itinerary!

 

5) The marked trail at Turiroa

This is a bit of a particular Bora Bora snorkeling spot!

 

Unlike other Bora Bora snorkeling spots, where you might go with a local tour operator, Turiroa is the only place with a clearly marked underwater path.

How do I access the Turiroa trail?

To start your snorkeling adventure at Turiroa, follow the signs from the Turiroa Village Beach that lead you to the water.

 

Once in the water, swim along the marked path that guides you to the best spots for seeing turtles, fish, and corals.

 

What Can You See at Turiroa?

You can expect to see a lot of marine life on the Turiroa trail, including:

• Sea turtles
• tropical fish
• coral reefs
• stingrays

 

Why Choose Turiroa?

• Underwater marked path
• Family-Friendly
• Great for Beginners

 

6) Anau Lagoon

The Anau Lagoon is another one of the best Bora Bora snorkeling spots!

 

This spot is famous for its manta rays.

 

Given that the lowest point in the water is only 6 meters, you’ll be able to see the manta rays up close!!

 

Highlights of Anau Lagoon Snorkeling:

• Manta Rays: The highlight of Anau Lagoon is the chance to see manta rays. These gentle giants glide gracefully through the water, feeding on plankton, offering an awe-inspiring sight for snorkelers

 

• Coral Reefs: The lagoon also features coral formations, home to smaller reef fish and marine life.

 

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings will give you the best visibility and a higher chance of spotting manta rays, as this is their feeding and cleaning time.

 

7) Pofai Bay

 

Pofai Bay is a calm Bora Bora snorkeling spot on the island’s western side.

 

With shallow waters (1 to 3 meters) and clear visibility, it’s perfect for beginners and families with kids.

 

The area features small coral patches and reef fish such as butterflyfish and damselfish, making it a peaceful alternative to more crowded sites.

 

Its proximity to Matira Beach makes it easily accessible, and the best time to snorkel is in the morning when the water is calm and visibility is best.

 

8) Tupitipiti Point

 

Tupitipiti Point is a unique snorkeling and diving location on Bora Bora.

 

Tupitipiti Point is famous for its dramatic underwater topography and marine life.

 

Situated on the southern tip of the island, the snorkeling spot features steep DROP-OFFS, coral walls, and underwater CAVES, making it one of the most adventurous spots in the area.

 

Tupitipiti Point offers crystal-clear waters for snorkelers, where you can observe colorful coral formations and schools of tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish.

 

The area is known for seeing reef sharks, eagle rays, and sometimes a turtle.

 

 

9) Tapu Bora Bora snorkeling

 

Motu Tapu is famous for its stunning coral formations and marine life, making it one of the best Bora Bora snorkeling sites.

 

Only accessible by boat from your hotel or the main island, you can explore underwater caves teeming with life.

 

Here, you will see the BEST MACRO LIFE: SHARKS, sea turtles, and MANTA RAYS.

 

Review Tripadvisor: “There was so much to love about this trip: lovely guides, amazing scenery, swimming with Stingray, sharks, and all the fish. The lunch was delicious, too. Make sure if you are looking to book the whole day tour; trust me – you will not want the day to end“!

10) Bora Bora Pass, aka Teavanui Pass

 

One of the most thrilling snorkelling experiences in Bora Bora can be found at Bora Bora Pass, an underwater gateway teeming with marine life.

 

This pass CONNECTS THE LAGOON TO OPEN OCEAN.

 

What to Expect at Bora Bora Pass

You’ll be taken to Bora Bora Pass by boat, usually on a guided tour.

 

Due to the strong currents, being a confident swimmer is needed to enjoy this experience, as this will also be a drift snorkeling experience.

 

Snorkeling here is unlike anywhere else in Bora Bora, offering the opportunity to see breathtaking marine life.

 

At the Bora Bora Pass or the Teavanui Pass, you’ll see large schools of tropical fish, including butterfly, surgeon, and parrotfish species.

 

As you float with the current, you will see RAYS gliding through the water, SEA TURTLES swimming by, and even REEF SHARKS in the distance. It’s a true underwater wonderland.

 

INSIDER TIP: The best time to visit Bora Bora Pass is during SLACK TIDE—when the tide is neither coming in nor going out—because this reduces the strength of the current, making the snorkeling experience a lot easier.

 

What Can You See at Bora Bora Pass?

• Tropical fish (butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish)
• Rays (including the famous manta rays)
• Sea turtles
• Reef sharks
• Colorful corals

 

 

Bora Bora shark snorkeling (blacktip reef sharks)

Snorkeling with black tip reef sharks in Bora Bora is very much possible!

 

First, you should know which sharks surround the Bora Bora turquoise lagoon.

 

According to Ocean Conservancy, the BLACKTIP SHARKS (Carcharhinus limbatus) are safe to swim with, as they are relatively shy and often avoid human interaction.

 

Many snorkelers and divers have had positive experiences swimming with them, so there is no need to worry!

 

According to American Oceans, blacktip sharks biting humans are rare. Most recorded encounters are unintentional, often occurring when a shark migrating through shallow waters mistakes a person’s hand or foot for prey​.

 

Other shark species that you may encounter include:

• Lemon Sharks: Typically found in deeper lagoon areas; they are more significant but still harmless to snorkelers.
• Grey Reef Sharks: Often seen around outer reef areas and passes, like Teavanui Pass, though more frequently encountered during dives than snorkeling.

Guided vs. independent snorkeling

There are two ways to Bora Bora snorkeling. Either you do it ALONE, or you do it in GROUP with a guide.

 

Let’s cover the advantages and disadvantages quickly.

 

Guided Snorkeling

Advantages of Guided Snorkeling

1. Expert Knowledge: When you go on a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about where to go or where the best marine life is; your guide will take care of this.
2. Safety: Safety is a significant benefit of guided snorkeling. Sometimes, people get tired during snorkeling or burn from the sun. Guides are trained to manage these emergencies and understand local conditions like currents, tides, or changing weather.
3. Accessibility: Guided tours often offer access to remote or hidden snorkeling sites (especially if you ask), such as secluded coral reefs or areas teeming with marine life that are not easily accessible on your own.

 

Disadvantages of Guided Snorkeling

1. Social Experience: Group snorkeling can feel crowded or noisy, affecting your immersion in the underwater world. If you prefer solitude or a quieter experience, being part of a group might not be ideal.

 

Independent Snorkeling

1. Flexibility: Independent snorkeling lets you choose your schedule and location. You can explore at your own pace and snorkel just outside your overwater bungalow.
2. Less Crowded: Going independently means you can avoid the crowds.

 

Best weather conditions for Bora Bora snorkeling

1. Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for Bora Bora snorkeling is 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C).
2. Visibility: Visibility in Bora Bora can reach over 30 meters (98 feet) during calm weather, particularly in the dry season.
3. Calm Seas: Snorkeling is best done when the seas are calm, typically during the dry season from May to October. During this period, wave heights and strong currents are lower.
4. Wind Conditions: Light winds are preferable, as strong winds can create choppy waters and reduce visibility. A wind speed of under 10 knots is perfect for snorkeling conditions.
5. Sunlight: Sunny days with little cloud cover are optimal for snorkeling. Bright sunlight gives you more underwater visibility and highlights the vibrant colors of marine life and coral formations.

 

Where to Check Weather Conditions

• Windy: Check the website for wind conditions in Bora Bora: Windy
• Weather.com: Provides detailed weather forecasts, including temperature, precipitation, and wind speed. Weather.com
• Tide Charts: Websites like Tideking provide tidal information.

 

Best Times for Snorkeling in Bora Bora

1. Early Morning (7 AM – 10 AM):
   • Calm Waters: Mornings always have calmer seas, which gives you more visibility and safety.
   • Less Crowded: Fewer tourists are out during the morning.
   • Wildlife Activity: Many marine species are more active at night or early in the day.

 

1. Late Afternoon (3 PM – 5 PM):
   • Warm Waters: The water temperature tends to be warmest in the afternoon, making it comfortable for swimming.
   • Lighting Conditions: The golden hour provides beautiful lighting for underwater photography, enhancing the colors of the coral and marine life.

 

1. Avoid Midday (11 AM – 2 PM):
   • Strong Sunlight: Intense sunlight can lead to overheating, and the glare can reduce visibility in the water.
   • Strong Winds and Currents: Midday can bring stronger winds, leading to choppier water conditions unsuitable for snorkeling.

 

 

Conclusion

Bora Bora is a world-famous destination for snorkeling, offering over 30 spots with marine life, coral gardens, and crystal-clear waters.

 

From the colorful Coral Gardens near luxury resorts to the thrilling Tupitipiti Point for advanced snorkelers.

 

The Aquarium, Matira Beach, and Anau Lagoon are standout locations where you can encounter everything from reef sharks to majestic manta rays.

 

Ready to explore Bora Bora’s underwater paradise?

 

Book your snorkeling adventure today, and tell us about your experience in the comments!

 

FAQ