An Unforgettable Snorkeling Adventure in Moorea: Swimming with  Black Tip Sharks, Stingrays, and a Sea of Colorful Fish

One of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve ever had as a traveller was snorkelling in Moorea, French Polynesia. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush green mountains, and vibrant marine life, Moorea is a paradise for those who love being in and around the ocean. On this trip, I had the pleasure of snorkelling in some of the most pristine waters I’ve ever encountered, and the memory of it will stay with me for a lifetime. However, this magical adventure came with a small hitch—an eye infection—but more later!

I could hardly contain my excitement as I stepped onto the boat for my 4-hour snorkelling tour. I’ve been snorkelling in many places around the world, but I had heard that Moorea was something special.  This was one of the best! The island itself is jaw-drop

pingly beautiful, with its lush, rugged mountains rising sharply from the ocean. The blue of the water, shimmering in the sunlight, was a mesmerizing sight that promised adventure below the surface.

Our tour guide, a local expert on marine life, welcomed us aboard and explained the day’s itinerary. We were headed to two separate snorkelling spots, each offering its own unique underwater scenery and marine inhabitants. The anticipation built as we sailed further from the shore, the boat cutting smoothly through the turquoise water.

First Stop: Swimming with Sharks and Stingrays

Our first destination was shallow water (I could stand up to my chest), where we would swim with blacktip sharks and stingrays. I have to admit, the idea of swimming with sharks can be a bit intimidating. Even though blacktip sharks are relatively harmless to humans, there’s still something about being in the water with them that sends a little thrill down your spine. However, any nerves I had quickly dissolved once I slipped into the water and caught my first glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

The moment I entered the water, I was greeted by several blacktip sharks gliding gracefully below me. They moved with such elegance, their sleek bodies cutting effortlessly through the water. I couldn’t believe I was so close to these incredible animals in their natural habitat. Just a few feet away, several stingrays circled, their large, flat bodies moving gracefully as they seemed to float through the water. I was surprised at how friendly they were, swimming right up to us and even brushing against me at times! They allowed us to touch them, and they were wild, in open water.

One of the things that made this experience even more special was my full-face 360-degree snorkelling mask. I love using this mask because it allows for a completely unobstructed view of everything around me. Traditional snorkelling masks cover only part of your face and can sometimes fog up, limiting your view and requiring frequent adjustments. Breathing is steady and controlled with the full-face mask, which is designed to give you a wide-angle, clear view of all that’s happening in the water. With this mask, I could see the sharks, stingrays, and even the tiny fish darting around me without having to tilt my head or adjust the mask. It made the whole experience feel so immersive like I was truly part of the underwater world.

The stingrays, in particular, were fascinating to watch. Unlike the blacktip sharks, which tended to stay a little deeper, the stingrays seemed curious about us. They glided right up, often brushing gently against my legs and arms. It was a surreal experience to feel their smooth, velvety skin as they moved so effortlessly through the water. At one point, a stingray came right up to my face mask, and I could see every detail of its eyes and fins as it floated in front of me. Their mouths are underneath.

As I floated in the salty water, feeling almost weightless, I marvelled at the beauty and grace of these marine creatures. I could have stayed in that lagoon forever, but there was more to see, and the adventure was just beginning.

Second Stop: Shallow Waters, Vibrant Fish, and a Barracuda

After spending a good amount of time swimming with the sharks and stingrays, our tour guide took us to another snorkelling spot, this time in slightly shallower water. This area was known for its abundance of colourful fish, and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us beneath the surface.

As soon as I dipped my head underwater, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours. Brightly colored fish swarmed around me, their scales shimmering in shades of blue, yellow, red, and green. It was like swimming in an aquarium, except this was nature at its most vibrant. There were fish of all shapes and sizes, some swimming in schools and others darting around on their own. I was particularly captivated by the parrotfish, with its stunning mix of neon colours and its unique beak-like mouth, which it used to scrape algae from coral.

One of the most exciting moments was spotting a barracuda. I wasn’t expecting to see one, but there it was, lurking in the distance. Barracudas have a fierce reputation, and their long, slender bodies and sharp teeth can make them look quite intimidating. But as I watched it from a safe distance, I was more intrigued than afraid. It moved with such stealth and precision, clearly the predator of the reef.It did not care that we were there.

I’ll admit that while I recognized some of the fish, there were many I couldn’t identify. The variety of marine life in Moorea’s waters is simply astounding, and it would take years to learn all the species that call this coral reef home. But that’s part of what makes snorkelling so magical—the sense of discovery, the feeling that you’re peeking into a hidden world full of mysteries and surprises.

Once again, my full-face 360-degree mask made a huge difference. Being able to see everything around me without constantly adjusting my gear meant I could focus fully on the underwater scenery. I was able to follow fish as they weaved in and out of the coral, and I didn’t miss a single moment of the action. If you’ve never tried a full-face snorkel mask, I highly recommend it for anyone who loves to snorkel or dive.

While on the incredible Zodiac tour to go snorkelling, we had to hold on tight as the boat sped across the water. To keep steady, we braced ourselves with our feet against the side of the Zodiac, and I was so glad to be wearing my Keen water shoes. Not only did they provide great grip to help me stay secure, but they’re also perfect for water activities. They gave me the comfort and support I needed for both the ride and the snorkelling itself, making the adventure even more enjoyable!

Keen’s Women’s Newport Sandals!

The Aftermath: Saltwater and a Scratch on My Eye

Now, for the part of the story that wasn’t quite as fun—my eye got scratch . After such an incredible day in the water, I didn’t think anything could spoil the experience. But when I climbed back onto the boat and dried off, I noticed that my skin and hair were covered in white salt crystals. The salt content in Moorea’s waters is quite high, which makes it incredibly easy to float, but it also means you end up with a layer of salt on your skin after the water dries.

Unfortunately, some of those salt crystals ended up getting into my eyes. At first, I didn’t think much of it—I rinsed my eyes with fresh water and assumed that would be the end of it. But later in the day, I started to feel a sharp pain in one of my eyes, like something was scratching it every time I blinked. By the time evening rolled around, my eye was red, irritated, and very uncomfortable.

I quickly realized that I’d scratched my eye, most likely from rubbing it when the saltwater crystals were still on my skin. So, for the second time during my trip, I had to visit the medical department on the ship. The doctor confirmed that I had indeed scratched my eye and gave me a stronger ointment to help it heal. They reassured me that it would take a few days to recover, but that it wasn’t anything too serious.

Lessons Learned: Protecting Your Eyes While Snorkeling

While the eye scratch was definitely uncomfortable, it didn’t dampen the overall experience of snorkeling in Moorea. However, it did teach me an important lesson about eye protection while in the water. Saltwater can be very harsh on your skin and eyes, and it’s easy to accidentally rub your eyes without thinking about the salt crystals left behind after drying off. Next time, I’ll be sure to rinse my face thoroughly with fresh water as soon as I get out of the ocean, and I’ll be extra careful about rubbing my eyes.

That said, having the right gear, like a good snorkelling mask, can make a big difference. My full-face mask didn’t fog up or let in any water, which helped prevent irritation while I was in the water. If you’re planning on snorkelling in salty waters, I’d recommend investing in high-quality gear and being mindful of eye protection once you’re back on dry land.   

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Why I Swear by Sun Bum for Ocean Adventures

During my recent snorkelling trip in Moorea, one thing that really stood out—aside from the amazing marine life—was the emphasis on protecting the environment, especially the delicate coral reefs. Before we even boarded the Zodiac for our snorkelling tour, our guide made it clear that we could only use reef-safe sunscreen to ensure that we didn’t harm the very ecosystem we were there to enjoy. The sunscreen they recommended, and even supplied to us, was Sun Bum, a brand known for its dedication to preserving marine life while providing excellent sun protection.

If you love the ocean and care about the health of coral reefs, using reef-safe sunscreen is an absolute must. Traditional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and much safer option for those of us who spend a lot of time in the water, whether snorkeling, diving, or just swimming near a coral reef. Sun Bum.https://amzn.to/3ZUZRng

On the tour, even the staff insisted on using Sun Bum before we got in the water. It was reassuring to know that the operators themselves are committed to sustainability and ensuring that their tours don’t negatively impact the environment. They provided everyone with the sunscreen, and I was impressed by how lightweight and non-greasy it felt. It absorbed quickly into my skin, didn’t leave a sticky residue, and, most importantly, didn’t wash off immediately in the water like some sunscreens do. Even after hours of snorkeling under the sun, my skin felt protected, and I didn’t end up with the dreaded sunburn that can sometimes happen when you’re too busy enjoying the ocean to reapply.

Aside from being reef-friendly, Sun Bum is also vegan, cruelty-free, and enriched with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E. So, not only does it protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, but it also nourishes and hydrates it at the same time. It’s become my go-to sunscreen for all outdoor activities, especially those involving water.

If you’re planning an ocean adventure, I highly recommend giving Sun Bum a try. Not only will you be protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but you’ll also be doing your part to help preserve the beautiful coral reefs and marine life that make these snorkelling trips so memorable.

Final Thoughts: An Adventure to Remember

Despite the minor setback with my eye, snorkelling in Moorea was an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and its creatures. The chance to swim with sharks, stingrays, and a dazzling array of fish in such a beautiful setting was something truly special. The underwater world of Moorea is full of life and color, and I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced it firsthand.If you’re ever in French Polynesia, make sure to add snorkelling in Moorea to your itinerary. And if you do, don’t forget your full-face snorkel mask— plus  Blue Lizard sunscreen. We Love the Reef – To help protect delicate coral reefs, BLUE LIZARD’s Sensitive sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate