REVIEW · MATIRA BEACH BORA BORA
Bora Bora: Snorkeling and Fishing Tour with Lunch Option
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Bora Bora Service · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Black-and-white boat, manta rays overhead. This Bora Bora tour turns your day into a mix of snorkeling and fishing in the lagoon, with guide Alex steering you toward the best wildlife spots.
I love the chance to see big lagoon animals like manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, and sharks, plus a coral garden while you’re in the water.
I also like how much the tour handles for you: hotel pickup/drop-off, towels, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling and fishing gear. That means you show up, get suited up, and spend your time on the water instead of logistics.
One drawback to consider: the whole experience depends on the pickup meeting spot—double-check your dock and timing, because a missed guide pickup can ruin the day.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning for
- How the Bora Bora Snorkeling-and-Fishing Day Really Plays Out
- Meeting Alex: Pickup, the Boat, and Getting to the Right Water Fast
- Snorkeling in Bora Bora: What You’re Likely to See and Why It Matters
- Coral garden snorkeling: the steady reward
- Big-ray snorkeling: why patience pays
- Sharks and stingrays: spotting with boundaries
- The Fishing Plan: Lagoon or in Front of the Pass
- What you might target
- What to expect in practice
- Lunch on a Motu: When the Full-Day Option Makes Sense
- What’s Included (So You Can Pack Smart)
- What you should bring
- Rules in the Water: Small Boundaries That Protect the Magic
- Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
- Price and Value: Is $812 per Group up to 2 Fair?
- Quick Checklist for Your Best Day on the Water
- Should You Book This Bora Bora Snorkeling and Fishing Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?
- What snorkeling gear is provided?
- Is lunch included?
- What are the fishing options?
- What animals might I see while snorkeling?
- What languages does the guide speak?
- What should I bring?
- Is the tour private?
- Is it safe for everyone?
Key highlights worth planning for

- Private group up to 2: it’s built for a more personal experience, not a crowded cattle call.
- Wildlife variety in one outing: manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, sharks, and coral garden snorkeling.
- Fishing options tied to local geography: lagoon fishing or fishing in front of the pass of Bora Bora.
- Alex, your guide: English, German, or French support to help you get more out of each stop.
- Comfort and convenience on the boat: towels, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, plus all snorkeling and fishing gear.
How the Bora Bora Snorkeling-and-Fishing Day Really Plays Out

In Bora Bora, the magic is simple: clear water, reef life, and the lagoon’s changing moods depending on where you are. This tour is designed to get you into that water with a guide who can move you between spots where you’ll have different kinds of chances—snorkeling for rays and sharks, and fishing in areas set up for pulling in local species.
The tour runs about 4 hours, and you can choose the focus (snorkeling, fishing, or a route that includes both depending on the option). The snorkeling portion is listed as 3 hours, which tells you the organizer isn’t planning to rush you through the fun.
The big idea for you: you’re not just “going to the water.” You’re going with a plan for where the reef action tends to happen—then you get geared up, dropped in with a guide, and brought back with the day mostly handled.
Meeting Alex: Pickup, the Boat, and Getting to the Right Water Fast

You’ll start with hotel pickup and drop-off, which matters a lot in Bora Bora. Travel time can eat a half-day quickly, so having someone collect you and return you to your hotel keeps the day feeling full.
The tour specifies a black-and-white Bayliner, 18 feet, and you should wait on your dock for the pickup. That’s a small detail, but it’s one of those “save your day” things. If you’re dock-based (many resorts are), it’s straightforward. If you’re not, you’ll want to confirm exactly where you’re expected to meet.
Your guide Alex is listed as speaking English, German, and French, so you can actually understand what you’re looking at and what to do in the water. And yes, the tour includes Wi-Fi on board—useful for checking in with home or just keeping your phone organized while you’re out.
If you’re prone to seasickness, plan ahead. The tour specifically recommends motion sickness medication for those who need it. Bora Bora lagoon days can still involve boat movement, and you’ll enjoy snorkeling more if you’re comfortable.
Snorkeling in Bora Bora: What You’re Likely to See and Why It Matters

This part is where Bora Bora earns its reputation. The snorkeling experience is described around a few target themes: manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, sharks, and a coral garden. That’s not just a “maybe.” It’s the core purpose of the itinerary.
What I like about this format for you is the variety. Instead of one stop and done, you’re set up to experience different water conditions and different reef-life behaviors. In one highly praised experience, the route started in lighter, almost swimming-pool colored water and then shifted to clearer deeper water, before searching bays and lagoons for manta rays. That kind of progression is smart: it helps you match the conditions to the animals you want to see.
Coral garden snorkeling: the steady reward
A coral garden stop is where you slow down. You get to watch how the reef structure affects fish movement, and it’s usually the easiest place to settle in if you’re newer to snorkeling.
Big-ray snorkeling: why patience pays
For eagle rays and manta rays, timing and positioning matter. Rays don’t work like a water park where they show up on schedule. Your guide’s job is to interpret the lagoon patterns and get you into the right zones. With a good guide, you’re not just floating—you’re getting moved to where the chances are better.
Sharks and stingrays: spotting with boundaries
The tour description includes sharks and stingrays as part of what you can see. That means you’ll want to follow the rules closely. The tour doesn’t allow you to touch marine life, and in water where bigger animals are present, that restraint is part of keeping the experience safe for both you and the animals.
The Fishing Plan: Lagoon or in Front of the Pass
The fishing element is one of the most interesting parts of this tour, because it’s tied to Bora Bora’s geography. You can fish in the lagoon or in front of the pass—the pass is the channel system where water movement changes how fish behave.
That matters because the pass can mean stronger current and a different buffet for fish that feed near reef edges. The tour description is clear that fishing may happen either “in the lagoon” or “on the other side of the reef,” specifically for the species you’re trying to catch.
What you might target
The fishing list includes groupers, snappers, tuna, wahu, GT, and bluefin trevally. That’s a strong spread, and it gives you a realistic reason to book the fishing component: you’re not just “trying a line.” You’re aiming for common lagoon-and-reef fish types that local guides know how to work.
What to expect in practice
Fishing isn’t guaranteed the way snorkeling sightseeing feels when the visibility is good. But having a guide and the right equipment makes the difference between a random cast and a focused attempt. The tour provides fishing gear, so you’re not stuck sourcing local rods or tackle.
If you do care a lot about fishing results, ask your guide early in the day which area they plan to fish—lagoon versus in front of the pass—because that’s where your odds can shift.
Lunch on a Motu: When the Full-Day Option Makes Sense
Lunch is optional, and the tour offers both half-day or full-day options. The full-day version includes lunch on a motu (a small island). This is one of those choices you’ll feel in your body: snorkeling and fishing is active, and a motu lunch can turn the day from “great but rushed” into “we actually had time to slow down.”
If you’re the type who loves the idea of a tropical picnic and time on the island rather than constant water movement, go full-day. If your goal is maximum water time and you’re fine packing snacks, half-day can be the better match.
Either way, you’re provided soft drinks. The tour also suggests bringing snacks, which is a good call for keeping your energy steady between swims or after fishing.
What’s Included (So You Can Pack Smart)
This is the practical side that often makes a paid tour feel worth it.
You’re covered with:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Snorkeling and fishing gear
- Towels
- Soft drinks
- Wi-Fi
- A live guide (Alex), in English, German, or French
- The included spirit of the day—expect jokes and lots of positive energy
What you should bring
Even with gear provided, you’ll want to come ready:
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Swimwear
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Plan for dry storage by bringing a waterproof bag for personal items
The waterproof-bag tip is especially useful on a boat day. You’ll likely want your phone for photos, but you don’t want to babysit it every time you move.
Rules in the Water: Small Boundaries That Protect the Magic
The tour includes clear rules that make the whole experience work.
- No smoking
- No touching marine life
- No touching plants
Those rules aren’t just legal-sounding. They protect animals, reefs, and you. Touching coral or marine creatures can damage fragile reef systems and can also put you at risk. Keeping your hands to yourself is part of what lets the tour offer sightings of rays and sharks without turning the day into chaos.
Also note the comfort requirements: participants should be comfortable in water. If you’re anxious in open water, don’t treat that as a minor issue. It affects how you snorkel, how you breathe, and whether you can enjoy the wildlife when it passes close.
Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)
This experience is designed for adults and for people who can handle being in the water comfortably.
It’s not suitable for:
- Children under 2
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
So, if you’re traveling with young kids or you’re dealing with pregnancy or physical limitations, you’ll want to look at different options.
It’s also a good fit if you:
- Want private attention (private group up to 2)
- Care about seeing wildlife like manta rays and eagle rays
- Want a guide-led plan that includes both snorkeling and the fun of fishing attempts
If you just want a quick beach swim, this might be more effort than you need. But if you want a focused Bora Bora marine day, this is the right kind of structured.
Price and Value: Is $812 per Group up to 2 Fair?
The price is $812 per group up to 2 for a tour around 4 hours. That sounds high at first glance, but it’s a private setup, and the price includes a lot that you’d otherwise pay for separately: pickup/drop-off, guide time, and both snorkeling and fishing gear.
Here’s the value equation for you:
- If you’re going as a couple or two friends, the “per person” cost often feels more reasonable because it’s priced per group, not per seat in a big boat.
- You also get included extras like towels, soft drinks, and Wi-Fi, which are small perks that make the day feel less “roughing it.”
Also consider lunch. Lunch is optional, so the base tour value depends on which option you choose. If you want the motu lunch experience and you’re okay paying more for full-day time, that can help justify the overall cost. If you’re focused on water time, you might prefer the half-day format.
Quick Checklist for Your Best Day on the Water
Before you go, I’d do a simple prep pass:
- Pack sunscreen, hat, and waterproof bag
- Wear your swimwear under your clothes if you can
- Bring snacks even though soft drinks are included
- If you’re prone to seasickness, take your motion sickness medication ahead of time
- Double-check your dock meeting point so the pickup is smooth
That dock detail is not glamorous, but it’s the kind of thing that turns a good day into a great one.
Should You Book This Bora Bora Snorkeling and Fishing Tour?
I’d book it if you want a private Bora Bora marine day that mixes snorkeling wildlife with the hands-on fun of fishing—guided by Alex, with pickup, gear, towels, and soft drinks handled for you. The animal list (manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, sharks) is specific enough that you can plan your expectations around real targets, not vague promises.
I’d think twice if your biggest priority is certainty, because fishing is always less predictable than snorkeling. Also, make sure you’re comfortable in the water and that the tour fits your health needs—this one isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and it’s not for very young children.
If you’re a couple or small group looking for an efficient, guided marine experience in Bora Bora, this is a solid option.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is listed as 4 hours.
Does the price include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
What snorkeling gear is provided?
The tour includes snorkeling gear, along with towels and soft drinks.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional. You can choose a tour option with lunch (half-day or full-day options are offered).
What are the fishing options?
You can fish in the lagoon or in front of the pass of Bora Bora.
What animals might I see while snorkeling?
You may see manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, sharks, and there is also a coral garden for snorkeling.
What languages does the guide speak?
The live tour guide is listed as speaking English, German, and French.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a camera, snacks, and sunscreen. A waterproof bag is also recommended for personal items.
Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s described as a private group.
Is it safe for everyone?
It’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with back problems. Participants should also be comfortable in the water.




