On a small islet just east of the main island and directly across from the InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort, you'll find a gorgeous coral reef. Some aptly call it the "aquarium." Best of all, it's not too deep, making it accessible to snorkelers and scuba divers alike. While it's possible to kayak with your own set of snorkeling gear from the main island, it's best to venture to the Coral Gardens with a guide as part of a lagoon tour, such as those offered by Moana Adventure Tours and Vavau 4x4 Adventures.
Keep a lookout for resident black and white tip reef sharks, stingrays and sea turtles swimming through the blue. In the crevices of the corals, search for reef fish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, anemones and their resident clownfish, parrotfish and the signature smile of a moray eel.
Many Bora Bora visitors say the Coral Gardens were the best thing they'd experienced on their trip, beating the snorkeling in other South Pacific islands. Because the fish are used to human presence, many visitors also liked getting such a close-up view of the sea life – though others found this a bit unnatural.
To reach the Coral Gardens, most operators will pick you up from your accommodation or a central meeting point and take you to the Coral Gardens by boat. You can also rent your own boat and moor for free at one of the buoys strung near the snorkeling and diving site.