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Escape To Paradise With A Private Motu Picnic

Imagine floating in the turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora, a plate of fresh Polynesian fruit in one hand and Mount Otemanu rising in the distance. That’s the centerpiece of the Dream Day Private Luxury Tour, a full-day experience that pairs a private motu picnic with lagoon snorkeling and a sunset cruise. At $2,016 per group (up to two people), it’s a splurge — but one that earns a perfect 5-star rating from past travelers. This article walks through the day piece by piece, so you know exactly what you’re getting, who it’s best for, and where the practical pitfalls hide.

Rated 5 stars by 100% of Viator travelers — consistently praised for exclusivity and seamless logistics.

Emily’s Take

Yes, the private motu picnic is worth the price if you’re a couple craving a day of total privacy and lagoon immersion. But the tour is strictly limited to two participants, so it’s not a fit for families with kids — or for anyone needing wheelchair access.

Best for
Couples
Honeymooners
Anniversary trips
ActivitySkill LevelCostDurationKey Tip
Dream Day Private Luxury TourBeginner (snorkeling)$2,016 per group (up to 2)5.5 hoursTell your guide your priorities (mantas, coral gardens, more swim time, or more cruising) before departure.

The Dream Day Private Luxury Tour

The tour is built around five distinct segments, each designed to show off a different side of Bora Bora’s lagoon. Here’s the order of the day, straight from the operator’s itinerary.

1
Morning Lagoon Discovery

You’ll cruise into manta ray and eagle ray areas, with the guide choosing the best zones based on conditions and wildlife behaviour. This is your first chance to get in the water — the rays are used to boats and often swim right up. Stingray encounters at Bora Bora’s sandbar are a popular standalone activity, but here they’re woven into a private day.

2
Coral Garden Snorkeling

A stop at a lush coral garden filled with tropical fish. You’ll have time to snorkel at your own rhythm — no rush, no other groups. The water is calm, and visibility is typically excellent. A waterproof action camera is handy here; the reef fish are colourful and close enough to film without a dive.

3
Private Motu Lunch

The highlight: a Polynesian meal served on a private motu (small islet). Drinks, light bites, and a full lunch are included. The setting is completely secluded — just you, the lagoon, and the sound of the waves. No other tourists in sight.

4
Reset Break

You’re returned to your hotel for a short rest, shower, or change of clothes. This break is a smart addition — after a morning on the water, you’ll want to freshen up before the sunset portion.

5
Sunset Cruise

Late afternoon, you’re picked up again for a romantic sunset cruise with snacks and beverages on board. The golden light over Mount Otemanu is the kind of view that justifies the whole day. Bora Bora’s sunset cruises and private beaches are a category unto themselves, and this private version is the most exclusive.

Dream Day Private Luxury Tour
Private Tour · Bora Bora
A full-day private tour for two that includes lagoon snorkeling, a Polynesian lunch on a private motu, and a sunset cruise. The value is in the exclusivity and the seamless logistics — but it’s not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travellers, and limited to two participants. Pickup from select hotels is included.
E
Michael and I booked this for our anniversary and left Lily and Ethan with grandparents. The private motu lunch was the most relaxed meal we’ve had in years — no kids, no rush, just the lagoon. But if you’re travelling with children, you’ll want a different option. Bora Bora has plenty of kid-friendly activities that are easier to manage with a group.
— Emily Carter

Practical Tips for Your Private Motu Picnic

The tour is straightforward, but a few details make the difference between a magical day and a frustrating one. Here’s what to pack, when to book, and what to watch out for.

What to Bring

The operator recommends a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen for the snorkelling portions. A light layer is useful for the sunset cruise when the breeze picks up. A dry bag and a change of clothes are smart — you’ll be in and out of the water. Charge your phone early for golden-hour photos; the light over the lagoon is stunning. If you want to capture the motu from above, a compact drone like the DJI Mini 3 is small enough to bring on the boat and delivers 4K HDR video.

Booking and Timing

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts about 5.5 hours, including the reset break. Free cancellation is available, so you can book with confidence even if your plans shift. The operator offers instant confirmation. While the tour runs year-round, the best weather for snorkelling and sunset views is typically May through October when the trade winds keep the lagoon calm.

If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Bora Bora’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to the lagoon and the main resorts.

Health and Safety

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with serious medical conditions, and it’s not wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps — there are no dedicated child seats. The activity level is low (snorkelling only), but you should be comfortable in the water. All snorkelling gear is provided.

Practical tip

Let your guide know your priorities when you board — whether you want more time with the mantas, extra minutes at the coral garden, or a longer sunset cruise. They can adjust the pace accordingly.

Watch out for

If you’re prone to seasickness, the afternoon reset break is a good chance to take medication. The sunset cruise is calm, but the morning lagoon run can be bumpy in windy conditions.

Before You Go: Bora Bora Private Tour Questions

Is the private motu picnic worth $2,016?

For a couple seeking exclusivity and a day of lagoon immersion, yes. The price covers a private guide, transport, snorkelling, a full Polynesian lunch, and a sunset cruise — all without other tourists.

If you’re on a tighter budget, consider a half-day lagoon tour that includes a group motu lunch. You’ll lose the privacy but save a significant amount.

Can I bring my kids?

The tour is limited to two participants, so it’s not designed for families. The operator’s policy states infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travellers.

For a family-friendly outing, look into Bora Bora’s kid-friendly activities that include shallow-water snorkelling and shorter boat rides.

What if the weather is bad?

The operator monitors conditions and may adjust the itinerary or reschedule. Free cancellation gives you flexibility if a storm is forecast.

Bora Bora’s microclimate means that even a rainy morning can clear up by afternoon. The reset break is a natural buffer for weather changes.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Snorkelling is done in calm, shallow areas, but basic swimming ability is recommended. Life jackets are available on request.

The coral garden and ray areas are typically waist-deep, so even non-swimmers can stand. The guide stays with you the whole time.

What’s included in the Polynesian lunch?

The meal typically includes fresh fish, tropical fruits, breadfruit, and local dishes. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are provided.

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you inform the operator in advance. The menu is set, but the guide can adjust for allergies.

A Day That Rewrites Your Definition of Paradise

The private motu picnic isn’t just a meal on an island — it’s a full-day immersion in the lagoon’s best moments, from the stingrays to the sunset. For couples, it’s the kind of splurge that creates a memory you’ll replay for years. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, our guide to a sunset catamaran cruise with a private chef offers another way to experience Bora Bora’s magic.

References

Wander in Paradise. “Dream Day Private Luxury Tour Bora Bora.” wanderinparadise.com.

For more inspiration on what to do in Bora Bora, browse our guides to flower plantation tours, spotting colourful fish, and jet ski circuits around the volcano — all written from the perspective of a family that’s explored every corner of the island.

Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora

Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.

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Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, a travel writer who’s on the road most of the year—sometimes with my husband Michael and our kids, Lily and Ethan, and other times traveling solo so I can focus closely on one place. When you travel with me through my writing, you’ll notice I move slowly, walking local streets, stopping at markets, and paying attention to how a place really feels once you’re there.When I’m traveling with my family, I’m always thinking about what will work well for you if you have kids, and what often gets overlooked. When I’m on my own, I spend more time in neighborhoods, along coastal paths, or in historic areas where daily life unfolds naturally. I focus on practical details, everyday food, and real experiences, so you know what you’ll actually see, hear, and experience when you arrive.

And oh, I may earn a small commission from affiliate links, which helps support the site at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support!

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