Coral Gardens
Bora Bora, Moorea
Encircled by a lagoon and barrier reef, the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora is known throughout the world for its marine life. A paradise for snorkelers, the Coral Gardens are a section of the reef with calm, shallow waters ideal for beginners. Look for resident creatures such as parrotfish, Japanese moray eels, and more.
The Basics
Luxury resorts own the majority of Bora Bora’s beaches, which limits independent access to the Coral Gardens (depending on where you’re staying). To see the best of the reef, take a boat tour, most of which include round-trip transport from your hotel along with shark and stingray feedings, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Some excursions offer lunch on the beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Certain hotels offer day passes that include access to the Coral Gardens.
How to Get There
The Coral Gardens are located east of the main island, across from the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara resort. Tours ensure that you reach the reef safely.
When to Get There
For the least rain and most sunshine, visit Bora Bora between May and October. For fewer crowds and weather that’s still good, November and April are choice times to go.
Bora Bora’s Best Beaches
Hailed as one of the world’s top beach destinations, Bora Bora is characterized by white sand and translucent waters. One of the island’s few public stretches of sand, Matira Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling and watching the sunset. For uninterrupted ocean vistas, snag a day pass for the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Beach.
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