Underwater hiking in Bora Bora: everything you need to know before booking

Bora Bora. The name alone conjures up images of turquoise lagoons, multicolored corals, and stingrays gliding silently beneath the surface. But how can you explore this underwater world if you can't swim? If diving intimidates you? If you're traveling with 6-year-olds or grandparents?

The answer is underwater hiking , the activity that revolutionized access to the seabed of French Polynesia. And at Aqua Safari, we've been practicing it since 1995.

What is underwater hiking?

Underwater hiking is simply walking along the bottom of the lagoon , your head protected by a helmet powered by compressed air. You descend a ladder, place your feet on the sand, and find yourself 3 meters deep, surrounded by tropical fish, coral, and rays.

No oxygen tank on your back. No mask on your face. No need to know how to swim. You breathe normally, as if you were in open air, and you stroll through one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

That's why underwater hiking has become the most accessible water activity in Bora Bora and one of the most popular on TripAdvisor and Viator.

Who is this activity for?

That's the great strength of underwater hiking: it's truly accessible to everyone .

• You can't swim? No problem. You just need to be able to walk.

• Do you have children? The activity is open to children aged 6 and up.

• Do you wear glasses? The helmets are big enough to hold them.

• Are you anxious about going underwater? Our state-certified guides are there for you every step of the way, by your side underwater.

• Are you of a certain age? There is no age limit; our oldest divers are over 80!

The only requirement: being able to walk and climb down a ladder.

What you will see in the Bora Bora lagoon

Aqua Safari's underwater hiking site is located in a well-maintained and protected coral garden , away from busy areas. As soon as you set foot on the sandy bottom, you are greeted by exceptionally rich marine life:

• Clownfish nestled in their colorful anemones

• Butterfly fish with striking graphic patterns

• Brightly colored triggerfish

• Damselfish flitting among the corals

• Long, graceful fluke fish

• And the undisputed star: the stingray , which regularly circles around hikers as if it were part of the team.

You can even hand-feed the fish, an experience our customers describe as magical and unforgettable.

How does the excursion unfold?

The entire excursion lasts approximately 2 hours , including 30 minutes underwater. Here is the complete itinerary:

1. Transfer from your accommodation: Your guide will pick you up by boat directly from your hotel or from the Vaitape jetty. The transfer is included in the price, regardless of your accommodation on the island.

2. Safety Briefing On board, your state-certified guide will explain the activity, the necessary procedures, and the safety instructions. The briefing is available in French and English.

3. Equipment You put on your equipment: the helmet is placed on your shoulders once you are in the water. No complicated wetsuit — just your swimsuit is enough.

4. Immersion You descend the ladder and enter the lagoon. Your guide accompanies you underwater throughout the dive, for your safety and to show you the best things to see.

5. Souvenir Photos: Your guide will capture high-definition photos throughout your underwater excursion. A photo package is available as an option at the end of the tour, the perfect souvenir of your Bora Bora adventure.

6. Return You go back up, enjoy a towel, a drink and a snack on the covered platform, then you are taken back to your starting point.

Private tour or group tour: which to choose?

At Aqua Safari, you have a choice between two options:

The group tour

You'll join other travelers for a guided excursion. It's the ideal option for solo travelers, friends, or families who want to share the experience in a friendly atmosphere. It's also the most affordable option.

The private tour

The excursion is reserved exclusively for you, with a maximum of two people in the water at the same time. It's the perfect choice for:

• Honeymooning couples seeking a romantic and intimate experience

• Families with children who need individual attention

• More apprehensive individuals who prefer to be supervised without the presence of other participants

The private tour takes place at your own pace, in less frequented sites, with a guide entirely dedicated to you.

What is included in the price

Whether you choose the private tour or the group tour, the price includes:

• Boat transfer from your accommodation

• The complete equipment (helmet, accessories)

• The safety briefing

• Accompaniment by a state-certified guide

• A towel, drinks and snacks

The photo package is available as an additional option.

Can we cancel if the weather is bad?

Yes. Aqua Safari offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for group tours, and up to 72 hours before for private tours. In case of adverse weather conditions, we will offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

How to book?

Booking is done directly online on our secure platform, available 24/7. You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours.

You can also contact us by phone or WhatsApp at +689 87 288 777 , every day from 8am to 5pm (Polynesian time), or by email at aquasafariborabora@gmail.com .

Why choose Aqua Safari?

Since 1995, Aqua Safari has been the leading family-run company for underwater hiking in Bora Bora . Our guides are all state-certified, passionate about the lagoon and sharing its treasures with visitors from all over the world.

With over 350 reviews on TripAdvisor and a rating close to 5 stars, our clients come from very different backgrounds, families, honeymooning couples, solo adventurers, seniors and all leave with the same thing: an unforgettable memory of Bora Bora.

Ready to dive in? [Book your underwater hike online → HERE]

Article written by the Aqua Safari Bora Bora team — state-certified guides since 1995.