Sharks in Bora Bora & Moorea

[jbilicska]

We want to know if every time you get in the water will there be sharks around. We are avid snorkelers and have spent many, many hours in the Caribbean and have never encountered a shark. We are somewhat concerned with some of the information that has been shared on some of these threads and would prefer not to have too many encounters with these magnificent creatures. Any one out there who can provide an objective opinion, we would highly value your input. Thanks.

Joe :007:

 

[robbcayman]

Hey Joe, scroll down the page and there is a thread about Tahiti and sharks which applies to Bora Bora & Moorea. If that still doesn't answer your questions then fire some more out here.

 

[Shasta_man]

Have no fear. This will change your attitude. Go on a shark feed (as snorkelers) and you'll find the sharks want nothing to do with you. They come right up close to you but then veer off. They're only interested in the food.

There are plenty of black tips there and we had hundreds in the area in all direction in a remote area. No worries at all.

If you were bobbing out there for hours, you'd have a problem. If you just visit for an hour and leave the area, you'll have no problem and see all you'll ever want. Next they take you to beautiful stingrays. Incredible.

 

[Tobagoman]

They are pretty ubiquitous throughout that region. I can't remember a dive last year that they weren't accompaning us on our dives. They are very timid and wont bother you, but they associate human divers with food, so are always around in case someone is ready to feed them. Enjoy the encounters, they are rare in other parts of the world and are a gift when you get to see them. Enjoy!!

Tobagoman

 

[jbilicska]

Thanks for all the comments so far.

So I take it they'll even be right off the beach from the resorts when we're snorkeling there also?

 

[Shasta_man]

Thanks for all the comments so far.

So I take it they'll even be right off the beach from the resorts when we're snorkeling there also?

I didn't see any right off the bungalow where we were snorkeling, but any kind of established reef would see some. They'll be commensurate in size to the location. We saw little tiny reef sharks in Rangiroa, up to 5 footers.

Day one, go on a shark feed led by the locals. You'll be comfortable in the water for the rest of the trip.

 

[cal776]

So I take it they'll even be right off the beach from the resorts when we're snorkeling there also?

I'd be surprised if you see any sharks while snorkeling in either Bora Bora or Moorea. Unless you are on a specific shark feeding trip. In any event, I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

We went diving with Top Dive on both islands and saw a ton of black tips and lemons. If you are a diver, I would highly recommend diving while in French Polynesia. The manta rays in the lagoon at Bora Bora are pretty spectacular as well.

 

[Drewpy]

Ill second what the others have said.
Dont be concerned at all-they really have no interest in humans unless they have food!
We saw lots of them and my GF, who is not a diver,became acustomed to them being around. They really are harmless-enjoy seeing them..its one of the few places that they are so numerous,they are magnificent creatures and they wont bite!
Enjoy the trip-Tahiti is an amazing place!!!!Im jealous!

 

[jbilicska]

Thanks for all the friendly reassurance.

 

[ScubaShari]

We stayed in an Overwater Bungalow at Sheraton on Moorea, and from our deck we saw a couple of reef sharks each day usually at dawn and then again dusk. We saw numerous rays as well. An octopus was living under our bungalow. The snorkeling here was incredible!