Coral Gardens Bora Bora
Dive into Bora Bora's vibrant Coral Gardens, a breathtaking underwater world teeming with colorful fish and marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny days, less rain
Coral Gardens Bora Bora
Best Time
Sunny days, less rain
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Bora Bora's vibrant Coral Gardens, a breathtaking underwater world teeming with colorful fish and marine life.
"A superb coral garden to discover during a day on the lagoon. "
Kayak for a Budget Option
Skip expensive boat tours; kayaking to the Coral Gardens offers flexibility and saves money. :kayak:
Book Tours in Advance
Popular lagoon tours, especially those with shark/ray encounters, sell out quickly. Book ahead! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Gardens
Bora Bora Lagoon
Explore a kaleidoscope of colorful corals teeming with diverse marine life. A true underwater paradise.
Swim with Sharks and Rays
Lagoonarium
Encounter docile blacktip reef sharks and graceful stingrays in their natural habitat. An unforgettable thrill!
"I Love Bora Bora" Sign
Underwater
Snap a photo with the iconic underwater sign, a fun and memorable souvenir of your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Lagoon Adventure Early
Consider Your Tour Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak for a Budget Option
Skip expensive boat tours; kayaking to the Coral Gardens offers flexibility and saves money. :kayak:
Book Tours in Advance
Popular lagoon tours, especially those with shark/ray encounters, sell out quickly. Book ahead!
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the stunning marine life and vibrant corals. Essential for unforgettable memories!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate coral ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak for a Budget Option
Skip expensive boat tours; kayaking to the Coral Gardens offers flexibility and saves money. :kayak:
Book Tours in Advance
Popular lagoon tours, especially those with shark/ray encounters, sell out quickly. Book ahead!
Bring Underwater Camera
Capture the stunning marine life and vibrant corals. Essential for unforgettable memories!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate coral ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Coral Gardens as a must-visit snorkeling spot in Bora Bora, praising the well-preserved reef and abundant, tame fish. The clear waters and vibrant corals create an aquarium-like experience. Some note that expensive boat tours might not be necessary, with kayaking offering a more budget-friendly alternative.
"Best snorkeling spot for fish where we were in Bora Bora. Well-preserved reef with lots of fish. I could have snorkeled all day. Clear water with good visibility. The Bora Bora logo is also on the bottom."
sandra moser
"A superb coral garden to discover during a day on the lagoon.
You can also easily reach this motu by kayak, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it!"
DocTst39
"Booking an expensive boat tour of at least €100 wouldn't be worth it.
Our kayak cost 3,000 for 1/2 day and was completely sufficient.
We moved it up to the moto.
There are beautiful corals that you can swim around.
The fish are fed as tamely as in the aquarium.
You can swim through the swarms without them swimming apart.
When the tourist boats come there is a lot of noise and you wonder how they can snorkel with your head up."
Katja Dammmüller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coral Gardens are located within Bora Bora's main lagoon. Access is typically via boat tour from your resort or the mainland. Some visitors opt to kayak for a more independent experience.
Public transport options are limited for reaching specific lagoon spots like the Coral Gardens. Boat tours are the most common and convenient method.
Boat tours are the primary way to explore the lagoon and its attractions like the Coral Gardens. Jet skis are also popular for guided tours.
Many resorts offer direct pick-up for lagoon tours, including those visiting the Coral Gardens, making access seamless.
Yes, renting a kayak or small boat allows for independent exploration of the lagoon and Coral Gardens, offering more flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Coral Gardens itself is generally free as it's a natural reef. However, you'll typically pay for a boat tour or kayak rental to access it.
Prices vary, but expect to pay around €100 or more for guided boat tours. Kayak rentals are significantly cheaper, around 3,000 for a half-day.
Yes, tours range from half-day snorkeling trips to full-day lagoon adventures that may include lunch and other activities like shark and ray encounters.
While possible, booking popular tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee availability.
Tours usually include snorkeling gear, a boat, a guide, and sometimes lunch or drinks. Check specific tour details when booking.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish, vibrant corals, and potentially sea turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays.
Snorkeling is generally safe, especially with guided tours. Always follow your guide's instructions and be aware of your surroundings.
Mornings often offer calmer waters and better visibility. However, the reef is beautiful throughout the day.
Facilities are usually limited to what's available on the tour boats or at motus where lunch is served. It's best to come prepared.
Feeding fish is generally discouraged as it can disrupt the natural ecosystem. Guides will advise on any specific feeding opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater 'I Love Bora Bora' sign is a must-capture. Also, focus on the vibrant coral formations and diverse fish species.
An underwater camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended to capture the stunning marine life and colorful corals.
Mid-morning often provides good light for underwater photography, with clear visibility and vibrant colors.
Generally, no specific restrictions apply, but always be respectful of other visitors and the marine environment.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or by tour operators. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for tours that specifically mention kid-friendly activities or offer shorter durations if your children have shorter attention spans. The chance to see fish up close, and perhaps even gentle sharks and rays, is often a huge hit with kids. Remember to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and ensure everyone has properly fitting snorkeling gear.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing overpriced items on tours. Look for package deals that might include lagoon excursions, or inquire about less-inclusive half-day tours if a full day seems too costly. Even a shorter visit to the Coral Gardens is incredibly rewarding.
💑 Couples
Many tours offer stops at secluded motus for a private picnic lunch, adding an extra layer of romance to your day. Watching the sunset over the lagoon after a day of snorkeling can be incredibly magical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bora Bora's Lagoon
Many visitors choose to experience the lagoon through organized boat tours. These excursions often combine visits to several key spots, including the Coral Gardens, shark and ray feeding areas, and secluded motus (small islets) for lunch. While these tours offer convenience and expert guidance, some travelers find that renting a kayak or a small boat provides a more intimate and budget-friendly way to explore at their own pace.
When planning your lagoon adventure, consider the time of year. The dry season, from May to October, generally offers the most favorable weather conditions with less rain and more sunshine, ideal for water activities. However, visiting during the shoulder months can mean fewer crowds and potentially better deals. Regardless of when you visit, remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve the delicate coral ecosystem for future generations.
Marine Life Encounters
A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to swim alongside gentle marine creatures. Blacktip reef sharks, known for their docile nature, are frequently spotted, as are graceful stingrays gliding through the water. These encounters are often facilitated by tour operators who understand the animals' behavior and ensure safe viewing distances.
+1It's important to remember that these are wild animals in their natural habitat. While generally safe, it's crucial to follow the guidance of your tour guides, avoid touching or disturbing the marine life, and maintain a respectful distance. Using reef-safe sunscreen is also vital to protect the health of the coral and the creatures that depend on it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit