Top 5 Bora Bora Cruises: Tours for Unforgettable Beauty

So, you’re thinking about Bora Bora? That’s great! This small island is so beautiful, it really is one of those places that lives up to the hype. I mean, really picture yourself there. The crystal-clear lagoon, that volcano that has the iconic silhouette, those overwater bungalows… well, it is pure paradise. To see it the right way though, from the water, is extra special. Let’s talk about some cruise and tour options that might be right up your street!

1. Lagoon Cruise with Snorkeling and Motu Lunch

Arguably, a classic Bora Bora experience involves hopping on a lagoon cruise! So, this sort of tour generally takes you around the island’s protected lagoon, making stops at top-notch spots where you can do some swimming and get close to marine life. A typical day could start around 9 or 10 in the morning. Usually, they’re smaller boats, and this helps because this means there’s a more intimate and personalized feel to the trip out onto the water. Some operators really like to bring along a guide who’s not just friendly but also super-knowledgeable about the local ecosystem. That’s helpful if you enjoy really knowing a bit about what you’re seeing!

The highlight of most lagoon cruises really is the snorkeling, too. Bora Bora’s lagoon is full of coral gardens and all kinds of colorful fish. The tour guides often know all the spots with the calmest water and clearest visibility, where it’s easier to swim and watch the animals swim on by. This is important if you might feel anxious getting into the water in deep ocean. Keep in mind, snorkeling equipment is almost always provided, and those guides? Well, they can certainly provide instructions for anyone new to snorkeling. Lunch is the main event in the middle of all this fun, so that will probably take place on a secluded “motu” (that’s just what they call islet here.) A lot of tour companies set up a proper Polynesian BBQ there with some local dishes. Think grilled fish, salads, tropical fruits and sometimes maybe even a bit of entertainment like ukulele music! By the end of the day, you’ll be coming back to your hotel that’s very tired but with the sun on your face and some big smile.

2. Catamaran Sailing Tour

Now, how about taking it a step up with a catamaran sailing trip? Typically, catamarans offer a relaxed and smooth sailing experience with plenty of deck space to relax and view, alright? It’s more or less perfect if you really prefer to cruise along without the engine noise and just savor those views and the fresh air on your face. In addition to lagoon tours, snorkeling sites are usually on the schedule, along with maybe some stops at coral gardens that you just couldn’t see otherwise. If you have never been on a vessel that travels by means of a sail instead of engine, this experience is likely worth it.

Most catamarans only operate at specific times, so, for those longer, full-day tours, they will often include things such as a lunch buffet. This lunch will almost always include some drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and perhaps even a chance to just hang out on a private island somewhere. It’s almost like your own little beach party, that. Also, if that all sounds a bit much, bear in mind, shorter sunset sails can equally be perfect for that special romantic moment, watching as the sun slips behind Mount Otemanu. Catamarans sometimes offer specialized packages, too, that can come complete with extras, you know: onboard massages, a photographer, even special food requests can sometimes be possible when booking private cruises!

3. Private Boat Tour

Speaking of which, for those willing to really splurge, it is possible to have a private boat tour, is that correct? It can seem extravagant, of course, however this choice means the whole experience can be completely what you wish for! You get your very own boat, a skipper, and a crew, to show you what Bora Bora’s all about but entirely on your terms! Private boat tours usually include all the must-do activities anyway, like snorkeling and island visits and all that, yet, where they actually really shine is in the tailoring! You get to decide how long to stay in one spot or what specific sites you wish to see, and you decide all this in cooperation with your expert tour guides!

You want to go hunt for manta rays or secluded beaches, alright? Your wish is very much their command! What’s really important is to consider that the type of boat also really can vary too. There are speedboats for getting around rapidly, pontoon boats for just chilling on the lagoon, and fancy yachts with tons of luxury on board, all very dependent on your own particular expectations. With some private cruises, meals can be designed around individual dietary restrictions and preferences; for example, your private chef really will cook just what you would like to eat. To be fair, this type of all-in exclusivity is usually reserved more or less for honeymoons, big anniversaries, or special family occasions, you know? It can very much create lifelong memories.

4. Sunset Cruise

Want to cap off the day with some romance? Alright, a sunset cruise might just do it, is that what you’re after? Usually, the trips depart in the late afternoon and cruise along Bora Bora’s lagoon as that big sun is setting. This really covers everything – skies on fire with pinks and oranges, Mount Otemanu painted in golden light, all very gorgeous, so it’s absolutely a visual treat! You get some spectacular photography done during these moments of natural radiance, too, while at the same time spending it with your companion. That’s almost guaranteed!

More often than not, sunset cruises are built with that cozy feeling, including extras that set a mood. We can see this in complementary drinks, and this sometimes comes with light snacks, that give you some added treats while seeing such beauty from aboard a boat. Sunset cruises can make any couple’s time even more romantic because of what it all stands for – beauty that nature made while with somebody that feels like they understand that exact same sentiment too, so there isn’t anything better to hope for while thinking of one’s next getaway.

5. Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Are you after something that’s chill but lets you glimpse some underwater scenery anyway? This might be it then, a glass-bottom boat tour is what’s very different because it allows guests to explore the underwater beauty without going in, typically. You sit in that vessel while the marine world happens right beneath you, you know? Especially very helpful for anyone not so great at swimming, plus it’s the easy and perfect option for all ages from your youngest to your oldest. Now the boat rides often include seeing the tropical fish and some coral formations and the other local ocean habitants.

You may or may not have a local expert who shares some helpful information of the animal behaviors and what kind of ocean plant life or geology they observe. Even while seeing all this beautiful marine wildlife activity beneath one’s seat and on display the operators of that vessel are extremely careful. Usually what happens too is they always remind their customers that they must admire from inside the boat. If not, not only will it potentially make them swim less safely, but, the underwater environment must be regarded as the animal homes, of which it is up to all of us to ensure it’s safety.