Aquarium / Jardin de Corail, Bora Bora · 프랑스령폴리네시아 보라보라 석호(모투 피티아우)
Location
Overview
Nicknamed the "Aquarium" by locals, this coral garden sits off the southern tip of Motu Pitiaau and Motu Piti Anau, near Le Meridien in the southern Bora Bora lagoon. Sheltered from surf and current, its crystal-clear water is home to thousands of tropical fish weaving through the reef, giving snorkelers the feeling of drifting inside a giant fish tank. Depths are shallow at roughly 2-5 m with visibility of 20-30 m and warm water of 26-29°C, making it one of French Polynesia's classic beginner snorkels. As of 2026 it remains one of the island's busiest sites and can get crowded at peak tour hours.
A dense coral garden alive with lemonpeel angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and thousands of reef fish
A resident giant moray eel, fed by the guides, that comes in for close-up views
Diverse, largely intact coral formations (branching, tubular and massive corals)
Often combined on a lagoon tour with blacktip sharks and stingray cleaning stations
Calm, glassy water and excellent visibility during the May-October dry season
Good to know
SafetyThis is not a walk-in beach entry: most visitors arrive by boat or lagoon tour, and there is no lifeguard on site. Watch for boat and jet-ski traffic crossing the lagoon, stay with a guide or buddy, and never snorkel alone.
SafetyThe guide-fed giant moray eel is curious and will approach people. It can bite, so keep your distance and never reach out or try to touch it.
SafetyThe water is shallow and it is easy to brush against coral. Standing on or kicking the reef can cause cuts and stings and damages the coral, so stay horizontal and float rather than stand.
SafetyFloating face-down for long periods under strong equatorial sun leads to severe sunburn on the back and calves. Wear a rashguard, and check your posture and breathing regularly to avoid mask fog and panic.
SeasonThe May-October dry season offers the calmest water and best visibility. During the November-April wet and cyclone season visibility drops and tours may be cancelled due to weather. Water stays warm year-round at 26-29°C.
RulesThe lagoon is a living coral ecosystem: do not touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid feeding the fish yourself, and follow licensed guides and operators.
MannersKeep your distance from morays, rays and sharks; do not chase or touch wildlife, and never crowd animals for a photo or disturb their natural behavior.
Practical info
Access is usually by lagoon-tour boat (often lunch-included) departing from Bora Bora's airport or resorts, though you can also kayak from Matira Beach or swim over from nearby resorts. The May-October dry season is best, and gear rental and a guide are typically provided. Tour prices, departure times and what's included vary by season and operator, so confirm the latest details before booking.
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