2 Dives in the morning for certified divers in Bora Bora

When it comes to marine adventures, Bora Bora is often considered one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. If you’re a certified diver looking to explore its vibrant underwater life, this tour promises a memorable experience. It offers two guided dives in the morning, carefully matched to your skill level, with plenty of opportunities to see rays, sharks, and tropical fish.

What makes this experience especially appealing are the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides and the convenience of hotel pickup and all-inclusive gear. However, it’s worth mentioning that the group size is intentionally small, which can be both a plus and a consideration depending on your preferences.

This tour is best suited for divers who want a well-organized, intimate exploration of Bora Bora’s reefs and reef outside the lagoon, along with those who appreciate the chance to see magnificent creatures like manta rays up close. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable underwater, have recent diving experience, and are eager to maximize your time in the water.

Key Points

• Small group size (up to 5 divers), ensuring personalized guidance and safety.
• All necessary equipment provided, plus optional Nitrox at no extra cost.
• Two dives at different locations, typically one in the lagoon and one outside the reef.
• Includes hotel pickup and transfers, making logistics easier.
• Snacks and refreshments served between dives to keep you energized.
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 263 reviews, with 99% recommending it.

What You Can Expect from This Bora Bora Dive Experience

Starting the Day: Hassle-Free Pickup and Briefing

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a huge convenience — no need to worry about transportation logistics. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or a resort, the team offers pickups from most locations, ensuring you’re ready to go bright and early around 7:30 AM. The meeting point is at Bora Diving Center, a central spot that keeps things straightforward.

Once aboard their specially designed aluminum boat — with its roof, ladders, and protective features — you’ll notice the emphasis on safety and comfort. Many reviews mention how smoothly the organization runs, with divers appreciating the clear communication beforehand about pickup times and dive expectations.

The First Dive: Reef or Lagoon, Your Choice

The first stop usually alternates between a reef in the lagoon or outside the reef, depending on weather conditions. This flexibility is key, as the guides prioritize safety and optimal viewing. Expect the first dive to last around 45-60 minutes, with depths reaching about 15-20 meters (roughly 50-65 feet).

This part of the tour is ideal for spotting a wide variety of tropical fish, eels, and possibly sharks. The shallow reef area is perfect for experiencing vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of marine life. Several reviews describe the reef as full of colorful fish and impressive corals, making it a great warm-up for the second site.

The Second Dive: The Outer Reef or a Different Location

After a brief break with snacks, hot tea, and cookies, you’ll head out for the second site. This one is often outside the lagoon, which means a slightly more open water experience and the chance to see larger animals. This could include manta rays, blacktip reef sharks, or even eagle rays, depending on what the guides are aiming for that day.

What makes this part special is that the guides are experienced at finding the best spots for wildlife encounters. As a certified diver allowed to go to 18 meters, you’ll appreciate the depth range and the chance to see the best of Bora Bora’s marine ecosystem.

Unique Encounters: Manta Rays and Sharks

A major highlight, according to numerous reviews, is the opportunity to witness manta rays gracefully gliding overhead — often multiple times during the dive. Several divers mention encounters with up to 6 or 7 manta rays, swimming just a few feet above them, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Sharks, particularly blacktip reef sharks, are also common sightings. These encounters are generally safe, thanks to the professionalism of the guides who keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the wildlife. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are careful not to bait sharks or chase mantas, which underscores their respect for nature.

Post-Dive Comfort and Organization

Between the two dives, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere featuring refreshing water, hot tea, and cookies. This downtime is perfect for exchanging stories and marveling at what you’ve just experienced. The boat ride itself is enjoyable, offering good views and a stable platform to gear up.

The guides and crew are consistently praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. Many reviewers, like Branko and James, specifically mention how well-organized and reassuring their guides are, making even first-time divers feel at ease.

The Equipment and Extras: What’s Included?

All necessary diving gear is provided, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks. For certified divers with Nitrox certification, the tour offers free Nitrox — a great bonus for those wanting longer or less tiring dives.

The small-group format enhances the experience, as guides can give personalized attention, helping with equipment adjustments or safety checks. The company’s commitment to respecting marine life is also evident, which is reassuring for environmentally conscious travelers.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $235.69 per person, this experience offers good value considering what’s included — two dives, equipment, refreshments, and hotel transfers. For experienced divers eager to explore Bora Bora’s underwater world, the cost aligns well with the quality of the guides, the safety standards, and the chance to see manta rays and sharks in their natural habitat.

Given the numerous glowing reviews, most divers feel they received a fair deal, especially since multiple mention how well-organized everything was. The opportunity to see such iconic marine creatures in a pristine environment makes the price worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for certified divers who want a focused, small-group outing with expert guides. It’s especially suited for those eager to see manta rays, sharks, and vibrant coral reefs in Bora Bora’s waters. If you’re comfortable diving up to 18 meters and have recent experience, you’ll find this tour offers a balance of adventure, safety, and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.

While not designed specifically for children, the minimum age is 12, so older teens with diving certification will also enjoy it. It’s equally ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a well-organized marine adventure.

If your goal is to spend a few hours exploring Bora Bora’s underwater realm with a knowledgeable crew, this tour ticks all the boxes. The small-group setup ensures personal guidance, making it a good choice whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone with recent certification. The chance to see manta rays, sharks, and myriad tropical fish in their natural environment is a big draw, especially for those looking to tick off iconic species from their bucket list.

On the downside, the experience isn’t suited for non-certified divers or those seeking a more leisurely snorkel. Also, weather-dependent, so flexible plans might be needed during certain seasons. Still, if you’re after a professionally run, environmentally respectful, and visually stunning underwater outing, this tour is hard to beat in Bora Bora.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour?
Yes, this experience is designed for certified divers allowed to go to 18 meters (60 feet) and who have a dive card showing recent diving activity (less than a year ago).

What is included in the price?
All necessary diving gear, hotel pickup and drop-off, and refreshments like water, hot tea, and cookies between the dives are included. Nitrox is free if you’re certified for it.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, starting early in the morning, with two dives and some downtime in between.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old and be certified divers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, receiving a full refund.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Will I see manta rays?
Many reviewers report seeing multiple manta rays, sometimes several passing overhead, making it a key highlight for most divers.

Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of five certified divers, the experience allows for personalized guidance and safety.

To sum it up, this Bora Bora diving tour offers a carefully curated, well-executed experience that balances safety, wildlife viewing, and comfort. If you’re a certified diver eager to explore Bora Bora’s underwater treasures, especially manta rays and sharks, this is a tour worth considering. Its highly praised guides and small group size make it stand out, ensuring you get the most out of your time in this tropical paradise.