Shark/Sting Ray Feeding, Bora-Bora

On the Safari Lagoon trip we took in Bora Bora, we had the pleasure of meeting this nice little ray (ok, so he was not that little). There must have been 30 rays that were in this vicinity while we swam with them. They were very calm and really just liked being fed. I think that although they were wild, they have been fed so many times that they actually knew we were coming!

Our guide seemed to be able to command them through whistling, however that might have just been for show.

At no time did we feel any fear out here with these rays, except when the guide would sneak up behind us and have one lay on our backs!

One of the highlights of my trip to French Polynesia was taking the Safari Lagoon Excursion out to the reef, where we were able to actually get out of our boat, and swim with small sharks.

When we arrived at the destination where the sharks were known to be, the guide anchored the boat, then tied a rope to two pieces of coral. As soon as the rope line was secure, he sent several pieces of bread sailing into the ocean to bring reef fish out.

After the fish were out, a small amount of chum was brought out which summoned the rays. When the rays were out with the fish, he invited all of us to join him, where we were allowed to come out as far as the rope, however he made no guarentees for our safety past the rope. With cameras out, we watched as he sent chum hurling toward the sharks and really stirred them up, giving us a great view!

Shark feeding is one of the most popular excursions on Bora Bora. You will be taken to the outer reef by an outrigger cano. You will slip into the water with your snorkel and mask and watch Tahitian divers hand feed back-tip reef sharks right before your eyes. During the feeding you have to hold on to a rope in order to keep some distance from the sharks. It's an unforgettable experience!

It sounds crazy, but on Bora Bora it's not an unusual activity--the sharks are supposedly harmless and not interested in people! Two Tahitain guides took a small group of us out on the lagoon. The journey was an adventure, as we stopped in the middle of a torrential rainstorm. I think the raingear being thrown at us as the first few drops fell should have clued us in. It seemed to only rain on our boat, because after a while we began moving again and someone turned the water off!
When we arrived at the spot where the feeding was to take place the guides began whooping and hollering and calling the sharks as they threw raw (bloody)fish into the water. I curiously looked into the clear water and soon dozens of blacktip reef sharks appeared, along with just as many rays. I should mention that at this time we were already in the water ,"safely" behind a rope tied to the boat. When the sharks were finished eating the guides took the rope away and intructed us to swim with the sharks, which we did!! It was amazing, but ended too soon becuase they left when they realized there was no more food, I guess!!

Patricks Private lagoon cruise