How to Swim with Sharks at Bora Bora

With romantic cottages above the water, crystal clear waters, splendid sandy beaches, the marvelous mountain Otemanu, and many natural wonders, Bora Bora is always awaits its excited visitors. However, there is no doubt that the most famous attractions among tourists are the fascinating sharks. By the way, how to swim with the Sharks in Bora Bora? Let us find out that information here.

Swimming with sharks in Bora Bora

Sharks are the symbol of French Polynesia. They have a privileged place and also an important role in the culture, coral ecosystems, and tourism of the area. There are some places in the world where you have 100 percent chances to swim with the sharks. Bora Bora being one of them. If you are interested by their beauty and you want to find out more about swimming or diving with sharks in this destination, continue reading this article.

How to Swim with Sharks at Bora Bora

If you have not swum in the turquoise waters with overlapping blue and green shades, you have not been to Bora Bora. You do not worry about your safety because a guide is always beside you during this travel, enabling you to pet and feed the sharks and manta rays. But, if fear gets the better of you, so you are able to be satisfied with a view from the boat and admire these wonderful creatures from afar. As May has hottest temperatures and warm waters, this is the best time for this swimming experience.

The first time when you place your head under the blue water and start breathing through your mask, you are going to notice that the lagoons are richer than you could have imagined. There you will see the plethora of fish, stingrays and the sharks. Most importantly, you are going to find the Blacktip reef sharks and the Lemon sharks. They are called as the owners of the lagoon and an attraction you should not miss. You do not be afraid to come as near to them as possible, but only with a guide or expert in sharks.

Is swimming or diving with sharks in Bora Bora safe?

Based on the research, the last deadly shark attack in French Polynesia was recorded over 50 years ago. So, we are able to say that usually, the sharks in Bora Bora are not dangerous. The most common type of the sharks that you will find during your exploration is Blacktip reef shark, which is far from being aggressive. Easily, it allows you to get closer.

Although having a certain degree of fear when it comes to sharks is natural, considering the sharks are wild animals, there are lots of people swimming with the sharks in the lagoon, daily. With the lack of negative interactions reported, it is clear that Sharks attacks are extremely rare. But, to ensure you are safe, you do not feed them, do not try to pet them, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry when in the water with them.

We all know that the sharks in Bora Bora are friendly and used to the presence of people near them, but sometimes the unexpected happens. Out of the blue, the sharks can go a bit crazy and attempt to bite you. But you don’t worry as they are not man-eaters and cannot wound you fatally. Please be cautious all the time and take care of the way you act around these animals. Even, don’t think about going close to them without a guide unless you are expert.

The types of sharks you will find in Bora Bora

As mentioned above, Blacktip reef sharks are the most common type of the sharks founding Bora Bora. The Blacktip reef sharks live under the green lagoons, inhabiting the tropical coral reefs. Need to know that they prefer to swim in inshore waters. They are used to the presence of people, allowing them approach and observe. Usually, this Blacktip reef sharks eat fish and small water animals. Also, they are successful at hunting sea snakes and sea birds. Their most known feature is their fin. It is exposed above the water, letting people to see them coming.

Besides Blacktip reef sharks, you are also going to find Lemon sharks, nice creatures which grow up to three meters in length. Thus, thanks to their brown or olive-gray coloration on the dorsal surface and pale yellowish color on the underside, they are really easy to spot. Also, Whitetip sharks, gray sharks and hammerhead sharks are regular inhabitants of Bora Bora’s waters, promising to make your diving experience one of a nice.

Activities with the sharks

The sharks in Bora Bora is amazing. They are swimming all over the clear water, giving you an opportunity to enjoy their magnificence through some activities. Firstly, you are able to take a boat to the middle of the lagoon and dive into the waters in search of them. There is the harmless swimming with the sharks, where you will be able to climb on their backs as well as the nice feeding experience. During this time with the sharks, you are going to get to know their nature better and understand their habits. For those who are a huge lover of these animals, get the most out of these activities.

Bora Bora Shark Diving

There is nothing like diving into the waters and finding yourself face to face with the sharks. That exact feeling makes the diving with the sharks a must to do while you spend your days in Bora Bora.

If talk about diving in the lagoons joined by the sharks, every day of the year is the best one. The water around the island is really warm with no more than 29°C in the summer period and 26°C during the winter. It makes your diving more pleasant. Need to note that summers in Bora Bora can be rainy, however that does not affect the water at all. Aside from that, you are able to bury your head under the water at those times, except when there are extreme weather conditions and the rain lasts for days.

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