Bora Bora excursion help

[olesiabr]

Yay! It's finally time to pick excursions!

In Bora Bora, which ship sponsored snorkeling tour is better: "Rays and snorkeling by jetboat" or "stingray ballet and snorkel safari"?

We have plenty of OBC but I wouldn't be opposed to a private tour if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks so much!

[olesiabr]

...and in Moorea, does anyone have any input on the difference between "Catamaran sail and snorkel" vs "Lagoon discovery with snorkel'? There is quite a difference in price between the two.

Thanks again

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Hi, I've done both on Moorea, and there is little similarity.

 

The catamaran trip is on a, uh, catamaran, with a max of about a dozen people. Very nice boat, they provide cocktails. You sail out of the bay towards the barrier reef and then they anchor and everybody gets to snorkel if they wish. Deep water, but no current as I remember. I can't remember if they provide flotation devices if you need them. Very nice and relaxing. My husband just stayed on the boat and enjoyed the view.

 

The lagoon discovery is in a typical small group boat. They take you to an area where they feed stingrays and you can watch (can't remember if you get in the water with them or not), then they take you to an area near a motu where you can snorkel. We saw a pregnant ray, that was a treat.

 

On Bora Bora the Stingray Ballet is similar, but much better, in my opinion. They take you to an area where there are stingrays and small black-tipped sharks. You get out of the boat and can walk in chest-deep water. They feed the rays and you can participate. Then they take you to some nearby coral heads where you can snorkel--again, no current to speak of, but deeper water, and you have to be careful snorkelling around coral heads since sometimes they are very shallow.

 

Haven't done the jetboat version.

[olesiabr]

Thanks, the catamaran trip on Moorea sounds much nicer.

 

I have heard good things about the private excursion Pure Snorkeling on Bora Bora as well...

[FlightMedic555]

We've used Pure Snorkeling 4 times, most recently in June. I would recommend them hands down. They use a very fast ski type boat and take no more than 6-8 people. You get in the water at 4 or so locations and the guide is simply spectacular.

[vjr]

I also recommend the Stingray Ballet. My husband and I went on a few snorkeling excursions when we were in Bora Bora last December, and this was by far, our favorite. We have not tried Pure Snorkeling but is sounds like something we may want to when we return next year.

[olesiabr]

Thanks for all the input...It's so much fun to plan these itineraries!

[Caprisailing]

I've taken the Stingray Ballet and it was just amazing !! I'll be doing it again when I'm there in November