Private Boat Rental on Cap Camarat 17ft

Bora Bora’s lagoon is best enjoyed from a small private boat, where you can stretch out on the front deck, shelter under the canopy, and swim from the rear ladder whenever the water calls. I like the freedom to shape the outing around your group, and I like that the captain can adjust the route when wind or rough water affects a snorkeling stop. The main catch is the price: at €197.68 per person, this makes the most sense for a small group that values privacy.

I also like the easy pickup from select hotels and ports, plus the relaxed pace of a three-hour trip. Captains such as Niko, Sam, Will, Terry, Ruma, and Tarepa have been praised for joining swimmers, explaining local sights, and helping less-confident swimmers feel secure. Just remember that this is an open-water activity, and the best route depends on weather and sea conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 17ft Jeanneau Cap Camarat: You get the boat for your own group, with a front deck, canopy, and rear swim ladder.
• Three hours on Bora Bora’s lagoon: The route can include a circle of the island, snorkeling areas, coral gardens, and places to see sharks, rays, turtles, and tropical fish.
• A captain stays with you: You do not operate the boat yourself. Your captain drives, gives light commentary, and guides the snorkeling.
• Good support in the water: Captains including Sam and Will have swum with participants and helped people who were not strong swimmers.
• Pickup is included: Hotel and port pickup and drop-off are available from select locations, with water provided.
• A marine-friendly approach: The operator says it avoids feeding sharks and rays and takes care to protect coral and other sea life.

Why a small private boat changes the Bora Bora experience

The big appeal here is space and control. On a shared cruise, you follow a fixed schedule with people you do not know. On this boat, it is only your group and the captain, so you can settle into the outing at your own speed.

The Cap Camarat is a small 17ft boat, not a floating lounge or a large day cruiser. That size is part of its charm. You are close to the water, the boat feels personal, and you can move between the front deck and the shaded canopy. The trade-off is that space is limited, so the boat will suit a small party better than a large family gathering.

Your captain handles the driving and offers light commentary as you travel around the lagoon. The outing is not built around a long formal lecture. Instead, information comes naturally as you move from one site to another and ask questions about the island, wildlife, or the water around you.

The captain can guide you toward well-known snorkeling areas, or follow your group’s curiosity. That flexibility matters in Bora Bora because conditions can change. One captain, Tarepa, moved a group to another snorkeling location when wind and wave swells made the first area uncomfortable. That is the sort of practical judgment you want on a small-boat trip.

Pickup from your resort or port

Pickup and drop-off are included from select hotels and ports. The boat company can collect you from your resort’s main dock, which keeps the morning or afternoon simple. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the marina if your location is covered.

The exact pickup point matters, so check it carefully when booking. Bora Bora resorts are spread around the lagoon, and the included transfer is useful only if your hotel or port is one of the listed locations.

Water is provided, but lunch is not. For a three-hour trip, that is usually easy to manage, though you should eat beforehand if you expect to be active in the water. You may also want to bring anything you normally need for sun protection, since the supplied information does not list sunscreen, towels, or meals as included.

A captain may arrive a few minutes early, which helps keep the time on the lagoon from shrinking. Still, allow a little flexibility around the pickup time. Boat trips are affected by weather, dock access, and the movement of resort boats.

Cruising the lagoon and circling Bora Bora

The first part of the trip is about getting out on the water and seeing Bora Bora from a different angle. A circle of the island is included in the experience, and the captain can point out views while you cruise.

From the boat, you can choose the front deck for open views or the canopy for shade. The front is a good place to watch the water and take in the full sweep of the lagoon. The canopy gives you a break from the strong tropical sun, which is valuable on a trip where you may spend time swimming later.

The boat itself is not the destination. It is your base between stops. You can sit back while the captain finds suitable places to swim, then use the rear ladder to enter the water. That simple arrangement keeps the day relaxed. You are not constantly climbing in and out of a larger vessel or waiting for a whole boatload of people to finish.

The lagoon can look calm, but the outing is still dependent on conditions. Wind may produce choppy water at one site and calmer water a short distance away. A good captain will adjust the plan rather than force a stop that is not pleasant or safe.

Snorkeling with sharks, rays, turtles, and reef fish

The wildlife encounters are the main reason most people choose this trip. Stops may include areas where you can see blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and tropical fish. The experience is not limited to looking over the side of the boat. You can enter the water from the ladder and swim among the sea life.

One stop may focus on sharks and rays, while another may offer coral and smaller fish. A coral garden can provide a different experience from an open sandy area. In the reef setting, you might see colorful tropical fish, sea cucumbers, and other small creatures. One captain, Will, was praised for pointing out fish such as seahorses and explaining what the group was seeing.

You should not expect the same wildlife at every visit. Animals move, visibility changes, and weather affects the water. The value of a private boat is that your captain may be able to choose another location if the first site is not working well.

If you are not a strong swimmer, say so before entering the water. Sam has been described as swimming with participants and checking that a less-confident swimmer felt comfortable. Will has also joined swimmers in the coral gardens. That help is reassuring, but it does not turn the activity into a supervised beginner swimming lesson. You remain responsible for judging your own comfort in the water.

A proper respect for marine life is important here. The operator says its approach avoids feeding sharks and rays and protects coral and aquatic plants and animals. Follow the captain’s instructions, avoid touching coral, and keep your distance from wildlife. You will see more by watching calmly than by chasing animals around the lagoon.

The coral garden stop

The coral garden is likely to be the most colorful part of the route. Rather than focusing only on large animals, this stop gives you a chance to look closely at reef life and smaller fish.

You may find the water more interesting here if you take your time. Slow swimming lets you notice patterns and movement that are easy to miss when you rush from one sight to another. If you use reef shoes, as one party did, they can help with comfort around shallow or uneven areas, though the supplied information does not list them as included.

The coral garden can also be a better choice for people who are more interested in fish than in large animals. It balances the shark and ray stops and gives the three-hour outing some variety.

Conditions still matter. One stop may have better visibility than another, and rain does not always end the trip. A group enjoyed strong snorkeling even during heavy rain, with sharks and rays at the first stop and many fish at the coral garden. Rain can make the boat ride less comfortable, though, so bring a light layer or ask your hotel about suitable clothing for the day.

What the captains add to the outing

The captain is more than a person at the wheel. Your guide chooses the route, watches conditions, helps with water entry, and can add local stories along the way.

The named captains connected with this experience include Niko, Sam, Will, Terry, Ruma, and Tarepa, sometimes called Captain Jack Sparrow. You may not be able to request a specific captain, but these examples give you a sense of the personal style of the service.

Niko has been associated with wildlife spotting and an unexpected ukulele serenade. Sam has been praised for finding less familiar parts of the island and for helping swimmers feel safe. Terry has been described as fun and well informed about the area. Ruma took one group to three different swimming spots, while Tarepa adjusted the snorkeling plan to match the water.

The exact personality will vary by captain. That is worth keeping in mind if you are booking this mainly for detailed cultural commentary. The included commentary is light, not a full guided history tour. You will get more from the experience if you ask questions as you go.

A boat problem did occur on one outing, but a replacement arrived while the group continued snorkeling. Mechanical issues are always possible on the water. The quick response was a good sign, but it also shows why you should avoid scheduling this activity too close to an airport transfer or another fixed appointment.

Is €197.68 per person good value?

The price is €197.68 per person. That is a serious amount for three hours, particularly if only one or two people are booking.

The value improves when you divide the cost across a small private group. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, a captain, pickup and drop-off, water, and access to a flexible route. A shared cruise may cost less per person, but you give up privacy and may spend time waiting for others.

I think the price is easiest to justify for a couple celebrating a special occasion or a small family group that wants the boat to itself. It is also a good fit if crowded excursions make you uneasy. The ability to lie on the front deck, use the canopy, and choose when to swim adds real comfort.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transportation around the lagoon or if you do not plan to enter the water. Much of the outing’s appeal comes from snorkeling and swimming. If your group wants a long sightseeing cruise with a meal and extensive commentary, this is not that kind of trip. Lunch is not included, and the boat is compact.

Who should book this private boat?

I would choose this trip for:

• Couples who want a quiet, private outing
• Families or friends who prefer their own boat
• People who want time in the water rather than a formal cruise
• Less-confident swimmers who would appreciate a captain nearby
• Visitors who want to change the route when conditions shift
• Anyone hoping to combine island views, wildlife, and coral in one short excursion

I would think twice if you dislike small boats, are uncomfortable in open water, or want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. Sharks, rays, turtles, and reef fish are part of the intended route, but nature does not work to a timetable.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is private, so only your own group participates. Most people can take part, but you should be honest about swimming ability and any concerns before the boat leaves.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

That policy makes early planning important. Check the forecast before your final cancellation window, but remember that lagoon conditions can change after the forecast is issued. If the weather looks uncertain, ask the operator about the likely plan rather than assuming the trip will run exactly as scheduled.

Wear clothing that can get wet and protect yourself from the sun. Water is included, but lunch is not. Bring your own food only if the operator confirms it is suitable for the boat, and keep bags small because this is a 17ft vessel.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is provided at booking. Keep the confirmation available on your phone, especially if your resort uses a busy main dock for several boat operators.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this private Cap Camarat trip if you want three focused hours on the lagoon with your own group, a captain who can adjust the route, and plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. The strongest parts are the privacy, the wildlife stops, the personal help in the water, and the easy pickup.

I would not book it simply because it is the cheapest way to see Bora Bora. It is not cheap, and the boat is small. But for a couple or small group splitting the cost, the private format can be worth far more than a crowded cruise. Choose it when you want a relaxed boat day shaped around your group, not a fixed program with a large crowd.

FAQ

How long does the private boat experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your own group participates.

Is a captain included?

Yes. The boat is always rented with a captain. The captain drives, provides light commentary, and guides the route and snorkeling stops.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from select locations. Port pickup and drop-off are also included.

What wildlife might I see?

The route can include opportunities to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, coral, and tropical fish. Sightings depend on natural conditions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.