Underwater World

Bora Bora's lagoon is one of the best snorkeling areas in the world — the shallow, warm, crystal-clear water and the diversity of underwater life make it a paradise for beginners and advanced alike. No neoprene needed (26–29°C year-round), visibility up to 40 meters, and the animals are accustomed to humans.

The Best Snorkeling Spots

• Coral Garden — The most famous snorkeling spot in Bora Bora: a shallow, protected coral reef inside the lagoon. Here, parrotfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and moray eels swim among living corals. Depth: 1–5 meters. Best visited in the morning (calm water, best visibility). Accessible via lagoon tour or boat.
• Matira Beach (North End) — Directly accessible from the beach: at the northern end of Matira Beach lies a small reef with colorful fish. Free and ideal for spontaneous snorkeling.
• Stingray Spot — In the sandy shallow areas of the lagoon live dozens of stingrays (Pastinachus sephen) that are accustomed to humans. They glide right past you and can even be petted. The animals have their sting tips shortened — the risk is minimal as long as you remain calm and respectful.
• Resort Beaches — Most luxury resorts have excellent house reefs right in front of their overwater bungalows. As a hotel guest, you can snorkel with turtles and reef sharks directly from your deck.

Shark Swimming — Safe and Fascinating

A highlight of any lagoon tour: In the deeper part of the lagoon live blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks. You snorkel alongside these elegant predators at 3–5 meters depth — an adrenaline rush that is safe, as these shark species do not see humans as prey. The animals are accustomed to the boats and snorkelers and show neither aggression nor fear. The guides know the animals and ensure a safe experience.

Bora Bora is among the top diving destinations in the South Pacific. The combination of a warm lagoon (for relaxed dives) and the current-rich outer reefs (for big fish encounters) offers the perfect experience for every level. The dive centers are excellently equipped, the guides experienced, and the safety standards high.

Dive Spots

• Teavanui Pass — The main pass of the lagoon and the most exciting dive spot: Here, lagoon and ocean waters meet, attracting big fish. Manta rays (wingspan up to 4 meters!) glide elegantly through the water, accompanied by schools of barracudas, jacks, and Napoleon wrasse. Drift diving — medium to high experience recommended.
• Manta Point — The most famous dive spot in Bora Bora: a cleaning station for manta rays on a coral ledge at 15–20 meters depth. Between May and November, mantas are almost guaranteed here. You hover at the reef edge and watch as the majestic creatures glide past you for cleaning.
• Anau — A simpler but beautiful dive spot on the east side of the lagoon: colorful corals, turtles, moray eels, and occasionally eagle rays. Ideal for beginners and advanced divers.
• Tapu — A drop-off on the north side of the lagoon: descending from 5 to 60 meters in a wall. Grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and barracudas patrol along the wall. For experienced divers.
• White Valley — A sandy channel between coral formations where lemon sharks and stingrays gather. The "white" sandy area contrasts spectacularly with the turquoise water above.

Practical Information

• Dive Centers: Several certified dive centers on the main island (Bora Bora Diving Center, Eleuthera Diving, Top Dive). PADI and SSI certified.
• Prices: Single dive: 8,000–12,000 XPF (67–100€). Discovery Dive (beginner): from 12,000 XPF (100€). 5-dive package: approx. 35,000 XPF (293€).
• Visibility: 20–40 meters, best visibility in the dry season (May–October).
• Water Temperature: 26–29°C — Shorty or 3mm neoprene is sufficient.

The waters around Bora Bora host a rich and diverse marine fauna — from tiny clownfish to massive manta rays. Here are the stars of the lagoon and the outer reefs:

The Big Stars

• Manta Rays — The kings of the lagoon: giant manta rays with wingspans up to 4 meters glide majestically through the Teavanui Pass. Their elegance is breathtaking. Best time: May–November at the cleaning stations.
• Blacktip Reef Sharks — The most common sharks in the lagoon: elegant, shy, and harmless to humans. Up to 1.5 meters long, recognizable by the black tips on their fins. Ubiquitous when snorkeling and diving.
• Lemon Sharks — Larger than the blacktips (up to 3 meters), yellowish-brown and also peaceful towards humans. Common in the lagoon, especially in the deeper channels.
• Stingrays — The gentle giants of the shallow areas: wingspans up to 1.5 meters, velvety skin, and a curiosity that brings them right up to humans. Petting is a tradition on Bora Bora — respectful and gentle.
• Sea Turtles — Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles populate the lagoon. Often seen at the resort reefs, where they feed on algae from the corals.

At the Reef

• Parrotfish — In vibrant blue, green, and pink hues, they nibble on corals, producing the white sand of the motu beaches — yes, the sand was once coral in the belly of a parrotfish.
• Clownfish — The famous "Nemos" live in symbiosis with sea anemones. Found in several spots in the lagoon.
• Moray Eels — Various species of moray eels live in rock crevices and coral caves. They look menacing but are shy. Do not reach into crevices!
• Napoleon Wrasse — The massive, blue-green wrasse (up to 2 meters!) is one of the most impressive reef inhabitants. Curious and often surprisingly approachable.

Seasonal

• Humpback Whales (July–November) — Migrating humpback whales can be observed from boats, occasionally even within the lagoon. Whale-watching tours are offered seasonally.
• Dolphins — Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins regularly play in front of the reef. Best observed from a boat.