Unique in Bora Bora ! Go cruising on your own, without a boat license.
You don't need experience to have fun.
Possibility to bring your picnic and your soft drinks.
The sole activity where you can feel like in a lost paradise.
Tour Options
Half day tour 3 hours
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: From 9am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 4:30pm.
Meeting at the office 30mn before (8:30am or 12:30pm).
Poids max: Two adults can ride on a boat as long as they do not exceed together a total weight of 225 kg.
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Glacière avec pain de glace
Carburant
Not included
Pourboires
Nourriture et boissons
Pickup Locations & Times
The boats for rent are located in Matira, on the beach of the HOTEL MAITAI.
Upon request, we'll be pleased to offer free roundtrip car transfer from the main island.
If staying in a Resort located on a motu (except Four Seasons & St Regis), you'll just need to take the shuttle boat of the hotel and we’ll meet you upon arrival at the pier.
IN ANY CASE PLEASE SPECIFY WHERE YOU ARE STAYING AND IF YOU NEED A PICK UP. Thank you
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
233 reviews
5
198
4
17
3
6
2
1
1
11
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Avoir la condition physique nécessaire permettant de monter et descendre du bateau
Cette activité nécessite du beau temps. Si elle est annulée pour cause de mauvais temps, il vous sera proposé une autre date ou un remboursement intégral.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental take?
Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental lasts about 3h 30min.
How much does Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental cost?
Prices start at $211 per person for this Bora Bora experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. The boats for rent are located in Matira, on the beach of the HOTEL MAITAI.
Upon request, we'll be pleased to offer free roundtrip car transfer from the main island.
If staying in a Resort located on a motu (except Four Seasons & St Regis), you'll just need to take the shuttle boat of the hotel and we’ll meet you upon arrival at the pier.
IN ANY CASE PLEASE SPECIFY WHERE YOU ARE STAYING AND IF YOU NEED A PICK UP. Thank you Pickup points include Oa Oa Lodge.
What languages is Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental offered in?
The experience is available in EN, FR.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Self-drive Bora Bora Boat Rental worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 233 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by La Plage Tours.
Reviews(233)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Carl_A
September 26, 2026 · via Viator
Unforgettable experience!
We are so happy we booked this! It was one of the highlights of our entire French Polynesia trip and our favorite experience in Bora Bora. Our only regret is booking a half day instead of a full day!
The staff was wonderful from start to finish, from the woman who picked us up at the dock to the check-in team and the gentleman who explained how to operate the boat. Their commitment to safety really stood out. They gave us clear instructions, a phone so we could stay in touch, and a small GPS tracker so they could locate us if we needed help. All of that made us feel safe and confident heading out on our own. This was only my second time operating a boat like this, and it was much easier than I expected!
The boat was lovely, larger than we anticipated, and easy to drive. The canopy also provided welcome shade from the Bora Bora sun. Having the freedom to explore the lagoon at our own pace, with Mount Otemanu as the backdrop, was incredible. We snorkeled in crystal clear blue water, enjoyed a picnic on a beach with no one else around, and I flew my drone for some amazing shots while my wife looked for seashells.
The marine life was unforgettable! We snorkeled with manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, a blacktip reef sharks, and so many colorful fish. Being able to take our time and enjoy it all together made the experience even more special.
For us, this was so much better than joining a crowded boat tour. Between the beautiful surroundings, the freedom to explore, and the fantastic staff who made us feel comfortable and well prepared, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We’ll be raving about this for years. Rent a boat, be your own tour guide, and give yourself the full day, you’ll wish you had more time!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We are delighted to know that our amazing staff make your experience a memorable day !
With the current weather conditions, you were truly lucky to enjoy such beautiful moments on the lagoon.
Bora Bora certainly gave you one of its most exceptional sides!
Mauruuru roa !
Stéphanie and the Dream Team :)
C
C2321PCpatrickh
September 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Haha
Book early and book a full day rental to cruise around the lagoon
Operator response
Ia Orana,
Thank you very much for your comment!
We’re glad you enjoyed your activity with our company and all the services we provide.
It will be a pleasure to welcome you back !
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
E
Elena_S
September 20, 2026 · via Viator
The staff were friendly,...
The staff were friendly, but unfortunately, the instructions on how to operate the boat motor and navigate the lagoon were not clear. There are no navigation markers, and even though we asked several times for more detailed explanations, we still didn’t feel properly prepared. I strongly recommend watching some YouTube videos beforehand to get a general idea of how everything works.
When we asked specific questions, instead of explaining things more clearly, we were basically told, “If you don’t understand, you should cancel.” Since they are the only company renting these types of boats in Bora Bora, there isn’t really any competition.
A better option may be to contact the company directly and rent their pontoon boat. It costs almost twice as much, but it is much easier to operate—more like driving a car.
The Coral Garden was impressive and definitely the highlight. However, there are not many other places where you are actually allowed to anchor. The eagle ray/stingray stop was just OK. The water was deep with a fairly strong current, so it was difficult to really enjoy seeing the rays except from a distance.
In my opinion, taking an organized tour to the Coral Garden (also called the Aquarium) would probably be much less stressful and just as enjoyable.
Operator response
Ia Orana Elena,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
Regarding the boat operation and navigation, we are sorry if our explanations were not as clear as they could have been. Our main goal is always to make sure our guests feel comfortable and confident when driving the boat and exploring the lagoon.
Before departure, our team explains how to operate the boat and also informs guests that there can be some current in the lagoon. There are also navigation markers, which are clearly indicated on the navigation map we provide.
That said, we understand that following the proper course can be challenging once you are out on the water, especially for someone who has never driven a boat in the lagoon before.
For this reason, we provide a phone on board, and our team is available throughout the trip should you need any assistance or have any questions while navigating.
Again, we are sorry if the experience did not fully meet your expectations. We are, however, glad to hear that you enjoyed the Coral Garden, which is certainly one of the highlights of the lagoon.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate your comments and will take them into consideration to continue improving the information and guidance we provide to our guests.
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
S
Sally_B
September 20, 2026 · via Viator
Beautiful day and fun...
Beautiful day and fun exploring the waters and beaches of Bora Bora. Great morning out on the water!
Operator response
Ia Orana Sally,
Thank you very much for your comment!
We’re glad you enjoyed your activity with our company and all the services we provide.
It will be a pleasure to welcome you back !
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
A
ashlyn
September 17, 2026 · via Viator
Fun Times!
We rented a small boat but we were notified the day before that our boat was having a mechanical problem so they upgraded us to a pontoon and I am so glad they did! I have a big husband (6’5”) and those boats are tiny! We had a great time cruising the lagoon in the pontoon!
Operator response
Ia Orana,
Thank you very much for your comment!
We’re glad you enjoyed your activity with our pontoon boat. We always do our best for you to feel comfortable and to be able to do the activity :)
It will be a pleasure to welcome you back !
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
A
Angela_M
September 12, 2026 · via Viator
It’s so nice to be able...
It’s so nice to be able to go explore the lagoon on your own and swim at different areas. The boat is so comfortable to drive and get in and out of. The lagoon is absolutely beautiful and it’s a perfect way of seeing it.
Operator response
Ia Orana Angela,
Thank you very much for your comment!
We’re glad you enjoyed your activity with our company and all the services we provide.
It will be a pleasure to welcome you back !
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
J
John_B
September 4, 2026 · via Viator
Overcharged and under powrted
We had pre paid for three single boats. When we got there they only had one single and pontoon boat. We were tools that we were getting a deal to get the pontoon. We didn’t argue but after we checked the price of the two boats we paid for was more than the one pontoon. We should have been given some sort of refund. The 6 horse power motor was grossly under powered for the pontoon. Not happy with how we were treated
Operator response
Dear Guest John,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you left with this impression of our service, as this was certainly not our intention.
On the day of your booking, our reservation and operational planning had been made for four guests, while six guests arrived. Neverthestless, our transfer service was provided as planned and no additional cost, as included in our service. Once you arrived at our office, we unfortunately encountered an unexpected mechanical issue with one of our boats. Despite this unforesees situation, we still had the availability to accommodate your group with three boats, and we immediately looked for the best possible solution.
We therefore offered you two options :
The first option : each guest could have their own boat, with one of the boats being upgraded to a pontoon boat.
The second option : as you were travelling together, four of you could share a pontoon boat, while the remaining guests could use a smaller boat.
Our intention was simply to offer you different possibilities so that your group cold still enjoy the activity despite the unexpected mechanical issue. There was absolutely no intention to mislead, overcharge or take advantage of you. We undersdand that the situation may have been perceived differently from your side, and we regret any confusion this may have caused. However, we did our best on the day to accommodate your group and provide a suitable solution rather than cancel your activity.
We appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration, particularly regarding how clearly we communicate the differet options in such unexpected circumstances.
Kind regards
Stéphanie
D
Donny_P
September 3, 2026 · via Viator
Boat is very small and...
Boat is very small and only wiith a 6 hp motor very unstable and extremely difficult to get into or out of
Operator response
Ia Orana,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re sorry to hear that the boat did not fully meet your expectations.
However, we would like to clarify that the 13-foot Quintrex and its 6 HP engine are clearly listed on our website. In fact, these are among the first details provided when making a booking. Furthermore, as you do not hold a boating licence, you were not authorized to rent a boat equipped with a more powerful engine.
Regarding the ladder, we acknowledge that it is relatively small and that it may take a little time to get used to when boarding or getting off the boat. However, our team systematically explains how to use it, as well as the safety instructions, before every departure and remains available to answer any questions.
If you were looking for more space and comfort, the pontoon category would have been more suitable for your needs. This option could have been booked directly through our team.
We understand that this type of boat may not be suitable for everyone, but we make sure to provide clear and comprehensive information so that every customer can choose the boat that best suits their experience and expectations.
Wishing you the best,
All the team.
L
Lea_K
August 19, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing!
This was absolutely amazing! Definitely go for the full day option!
We drove around the whole island and saw lots of of fish, severely kinda of sting rays, blacktip sharks, and colorful reefs!
Bring stuff to wear to shelter you from a sunburn though! The boat has some shade, but it is not very effective in keeping everyone on the boat in the shade :D
Operator response
Ia Orana,
Thank you very much for your comment!
We’re glad you enjoyed your day driving your own boat on the lagoon!
It will be a pleasure to welcome you back !
Wishing you the best,
From all the team La Plage.
C
Compass02629728031
July 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
great day
great experience and would do it again
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear you had a great experience. It was a pleasure welcoming you, and we hope to seeyou again for another day on the beautiful Bora Bora lagoon !
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