Our trip to Bora Bora started with a bit of a whirlwind.

We had just finished traveling through New Zealand and flew overnight from Auckland to Papeete. Originally we planned to stay near the ferry terminal until Sunday so we could catch the daytime ferry to Bora Bora, but because we crossed the international date line our schedule shifted back a day and we ended up catching the overnight ferry instead.

By the time we arrived in Bora Bora we had essentially been awake for nearly 48 hours between flights, ferry travel, and getting settled. We were completely exhausted, and at one point Alex even walked about two miles to pick up the rental car so we could get around the island.

Not long after arriving, we met Haunui, our Airbnb host. He stopped by the property to introduce himself and show us around, which was a really warm welcome and helped us get familiar with the house and the area.

During that conversation he casually mentioned that he had a boat and offered to take us out snorkeling on the lagoon later in the week.

At the time there was no mention that his family actually operated lagoon tours. It sounded more like a friendly local offering to show us around the water.

of course we said yes!

We planned the outing for the following Saturday, about a week after arriving on the island. Whether it was just a simple boat ride or something more organized didn’t really matter to us. We love being on the water, and exploring a new place with someone who has lived there their entire life is always special.

Locals know the lagoon better than anyone. They know where certain fish gather, where the best snorkeling spots are, and all the little places visitors might otherwise miss.

It wasn’t until later that we realized we were actually experiencing the private lagoon tour their family runs around Bora Bora.

And that ended up making the whole day even more memorable.

Keishi Lagoon Tour First Stop: Bora Bora Snorkeling with Sharks

From the shark and stingray area we took a scenic ride across the lagoon to our second snorkeling location, often referred to as the Coral Garden or Aquarium snorkeling spot.

This area is known for having dense coral formations and a wide variety of tropical fish.

As soon as we entered the water it really did feel like swimming inside an aquarium.

Colorful fish moved through the coral in every direction and the reef stretched across a large section beneath us. Our guide mentioned that visibility here can sometimes get murky depending on weather and currents, but during our visit the water was incredibly clear.

Another thing we noticed was how calm the water was. There was very little current, which made it easy to float above the reef and explore at a relaxed pace.

One fun surprise here is something you might not expect while snorkeling.

On the sandy bottom someone created a large “I Love Bora Bora” rock formation along with a smaller heart-shaped version nearby. If you’re comfortable diving down, it makes for a fun underwater photo.

The depth here felt roughly 15 to 20 feet from the surface, which was shallow enough to clearly see the coral and fish while still deep enough for the reef to thrive.

We spent quite a while drifting above the reef before eventually climbing back into the boat and heading to the next stop.

Pro Tip: Flower crowns are tropical accessories that add a pop to any photo, and are a MUST have for a Bora Bora vacation. Luckily, we have a complete break down and guide on Where to get flower crowns in Bora Bora!

Yes, absolutely.

Spending time out on the lagoon is one of the best ways to experience Bora Bora. The water, coral reefs, marine life, and views of Mount Otemanu all come together to create an experience you simply can’t get from land.

What made this tour especially memorable for us was that Keishi Lagoon Tour was run by a local family.

From snorkeling with sharks and rays to enjoying fruit picked that morning from the family garden, the tour felt relaxed and personal rather than rushed or crowded.

If you visit Bora Bora, setting aside a day to explore and take this tour of the lagoon is something you won’t regret.

If you’re planning a trip to Bora Bora and want to experience snorkeling in the lagoon yourself, you can book the Keishi Lagoon Tour directly through their website or through trusted travel platforms like Viator or Tripadvisor.

Booking directly with the company is a great way to support the local family who runs the tours, while platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor can be helpful if you prefer to reserve activities through larger travel marketplaces.

Both options allow travelers to book the same lagoon snorkeling experience that includes stops at the blacktip shark encounter, the Bora Bora coral garden, and a picnic on a private motu.

👉 Book directly with Keishi Lagoon Tour
👉 Book the Keishi Lagoon Tour on Viator
👉 Book the Keishi Lagoon Tour on Tripadvisor