Snorkeling BBQ and Things to do on a Private Motu in Bora Bora

Exploring Bora Bora’s Lagoon with a Snorkeling BBQ and Cultural Tour

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the beauty of Bora Bora’s famous lagoon, this Snorkeling BBQ and Things to do on a Private Motu tour might just catch your eye. While I haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a pretty appealing picture for anyone eager to see the island’s vibrant marine life and enjoy some relaxed cultural activities.

What really makes this experience stand out is how it combines snorkeling with marine life encounters—think sharks, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish—with a laid-back, Polynesian vibe. Plus, the inclusion of authentic cultural demonstrations like pareo dyeing and coconut shows adds a nice local touch.

One thing to consider is the price point of around $157.90 per person, which seems fair given the full-day nature, equipment, and included meals. But it’s worth noting that this is a group experience, capped at 25 travelers, so if you’re after privacy or a more exclusive feel, that’s something to keep in mind. This tour tends to suit those who want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation—perfect for travelers interested in a comprehensive Bora Bora experience without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience blending snorkeling, cultural activities, and a beachside BBQ.
• Includes useful amenities like snorkeling gear, bottled water, and snacks.
• 6-hour duration offers a well-paced day without feeling rushed.
• Positive reviews highlight memorable encounters with manta rays, sharks, and stingrays.
• Price reflects a full-day, guided activity with several included extras.
• Limited to 25 travelers, fostering a friendly, small-group atmosphere.

An Honest Look at the Snorkeling & Culture Tour in Bora Bora

When considering a tour like this, what immediately catches the eye is the promise of exploring Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon with trained guides. The fact that it offers a mix of snorkeling, cultural demonstrations, and a private motu lunch makes it quite attractive for those wanting a balanced day of fun and local flavor. Let’s break down what you can expect and why it might fit into your Bora Bora itinerary.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Do

Discovering Bora Bora’s Lagoon

The tour begins at the Tiare Market meeting point around 9:00 am. From there, you’ll head out to experience the wonderful lagoon, which is what gives Bora Bora its legendary status. Highlights include viewing past en waves, blacktip sharks, and tropical fish. The description mentions a canoe tour with snorkeling stops—though the itinerary suggests that the initial ride is more of a tour, the real snorkeling starts once you’re at the designated stops.

Many reviews speak highly of the chance to swim with manta rays, reef sharks, and stingrays. One reviewer even said, “This tour really deserves a higher rating, it was such an incredible experience around the best spots of Bora Bora lagoon like the Coral garden or the possibility to swim with Reef sharks.” Clearly, marine encounters are a centerpiece here.

Coral Gardens and Marine Encounters

The lagoon is exceptionally clear, making it ideal for snorkeling. Visitors can expect to see vibrant coral gardens and a variety of tropical fish. Several reviews mention swimming with sharks and rays, with one particularly remarkable experience being the sight of majestic manta rays. The guides are described as professional and knowledgeable, ensuring safety and fun.

Cultural Activities and Crafting

After the snorkeling, the tour includes cultural demonstrations, such as the dyeing of pareo (Polynesian wrap skirts) and coconut show. The pareo dyeing is free, but a small fee (about 1000 francs) is charged for a personal pareo. These activities allow visitors to connect with local traditions in a relaxed setting, and many reviews express appreciation for the authenticity.

The Private Motu Lunch & Relaxation

One of the highlights is the lunch served on a sandy motu (private island)—either in the water or on the beach. You can opt for the full-day version which includes this meal, giving you time to unwind, soak up the scenery, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lunch is described as delicious, with some reviewers mentioning how much they enjoyed dining in such a paradisiacal setting.

Fun Cultural and Leisure Activities

Post-lunch, you can participate in free activities like the coconut show and pareo dyeing, which add a splash of Polynesian culture to the day. These moments provide a more personal, laid-back experience compared to the high-energy marine encounters.

What We Loved About This Tour

Authentic Polynesian Atmosphere: The guide-led activities and traditional demonstrations help immerse you in local culture, not just marine exploration. This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour; it’s a chance to feel the spirit of Bora Bora.

Marine Life Encounters: Multiple reviews highlight swimming with manta rays, sharks, and stingrays, making this a memorable experience for anyone interested in marine wildlife or snorkeling.

Balanced Schedule: The 6-hour duration makes it a full but not overwhelming day, with enough time for activities, lunch, and relaxation. It’s a well-rounded itinerary that doesn’t feel rushed.

Good Value for Money: For around $157.90, you’re getting guided excursions, snorkeling gear, lunch, and cultural experiences—a package that many find directly comparable to other lagoon tours in Bora Bora.

A Few Considerations Before Booking

While this experience is generally well-reviewed, it’s worth noting that weather can impact the day. The tour is weather-dependent, and if poor weather cancels the activity, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, since it’s a group experience capped at 25 people, those looking for privacy or exclusivity might find it less ideal.

Plus, some activities like pareo dyeing involve a small additional fee, and those expecting a luxury, private experience might find the group setting a little too casual for their taste. But for most, this style fosters camaraderie and shared adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is especially suited for adventurous travelers wanting a full-day experience in Bora Bora that combines marine wildlife encounters with a taste of Polynesian culture. It’s great for those who enjoy guided activities in a small-group setting, and for families or couples looking for a balanced mix of fun and culture. If you’re after a memorable, comprehensive day that covers the essentials of Bora Bora’s lagoon and local traditions, this could be a perfect fit.

The Bottom Line

This snorkeling BBQ and cultural tour offers a solid mix of marine adventure, cultural insight, and relaxation in a setting that’s hard to beat. The reviews suggest it’s well-organized with friendly guides, offering moments that many travelers cherish—like swimming alongside manta rays or participating in traditional craft activities.

While it’s not a private, luxe experience, it’s priced fairly considering the full-day itinerary and included amenities. It’s best suited for travelers who want a lively, engaging, and authentic Bora Bora outing without spending a fortune on exclusivity. If you’re looking for a way to see the lagoon’s highlights while soaking up Polynesian culture, this tour offers a balanced, worthwhile day.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from a designated meeting point at Tiare Market, making it convenient to start the day without worrying about logistics.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 6 hours, giving you a full but manageable day of activities.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and an optional full-day lunch. The cultural activities like pareo dyeing and coconut show are included, though some may have a small extra fee.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are not refundable. The tour is weather-dependent, and you’ll be offered a different date or a refund if canceled due to weather.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the activities are generally suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. It’s a good option for travelers wanting a mix of adventure and culture.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 25 travelers, ensuring a friendly, small-group atmosphere without feeling crowded.

If this sounds like the kind of day you want to spend in Bora Bora—swimming with rays, learning some local traditions, and relaxing on a private motu—then this tour is worth considering. It’s a well-rounded option that many reviewers have found memorable and enriching, making it a solid choice for your Bora Bora itinerary.