7-Hour Motu Fanfan Day

The Full-Day Bora Bora Experience with Lunch on Motu Fanfan is run by BORA BORA MANU LAGOON EXCURSION. It runs 7 hours, from $144 per person, with free cancellation. Guests rate it 4.9 across 185 reviews.

Overview

The boat stops at several snorkelling spots around the lagoon, and the animals are the main draw: reviewers again and again list sharks, stingrays, eagle rays and, when sightings cooperate, manta rays. One reviewer who could not swim at all said the captain pulled them along with a float until they felt comfortable, and others describe guides who know where the animals are and point out fish and creatures during drift snorkels.

The middle of the day belongs to Motu Fanfan, where lunch is served: grilled chicken and fish, poisson cru in coconut milk, rice, taro, cassava, coconut bread, banana po'e, fruit, water and juice. After eating there is typically time to swim and relax on the motu, which occupies the longest stretch of the day.

The group is capped at 12 travellers, and pickup is included as arranged at booking. It suits confident swimmers and nervous ones alike, families with young children included, though the listing flags moderate fitness and says it is not advisable during pregnancy or with back problems.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at TiareMarketThe pickup point is on the sea side of the road near the TiareMarket supermarket in Bora Bora, marked by a white Manu Taxi Boat sign, where the boat collects guests at the water's edge.
2. Coral GardensThe first snorkel stop runs for 1 hour, with free admission.
3. AnauAnother 1-hour snorkelling stop with free admission.
4. Motu lunch stopRoughly 4 hours on the motu, admission included. This covers the Tahitian lunch of grilled fish and chicken, poisson cru, rice, taro, cassava, coconut bread, banana po'e, fruit, water and juice, plus swimming time.
5. Manu Taxi Boat transferThe final listed hour is the boat transfer back toward the meeting point, with the activity ending where it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up consistently in the listing and in traveller feedback, and they shape how the day actually feels.

• Bring towels. Towels and sunscreen are not included, per the listing. Bring your own sunscreen if you want it, since the day involves long stretches in open sun on the water.
• Non-swimmers welcome. Several travellers who could not swim said crew members pulled them through the water with a life ring or by hand so they still saw the rays and sharks. There is real swimming involved at each stop, so flag any nervousness to the guide early.
• Fins on request. Masks and snorkels are included, with fins available on request in sizes from S/M to L/XL. Ask for a pair at the start of the day if you want them, since there is a fair amount of swimming involved.
• Big lunch. Lunch is a full Tahitian spread, and alcohol is not included. Water and juice come with the meal, and bottled water is provided during the day.
• Afternoon pace. The motu stop is the longest block of the day, and a couple of reviewers felt the afternoon drag, particularly when the guide stepped away to shuttle other guests. One of them suggested a half-day option may suit busy travellers better.
• Great with kids. Multiple reviews praise the crew's patience with young children and beginners, including helping them in the water. Infants must sit on laps on the boat, per the listing.

Common issues. The motu segment is the main complaint: a few reviewers found the afternoon wait long, particularly when the guide stepped away to shuttle other guests back to their resorts. Another felt portioning at lunch favoured locals when the crew served plates. On the operational side, the tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run and depends on good weather; if it is cancelled for either reason, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and calls for a moderate level of fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions