🌴 Bora Bora: Ultimate Vacation Travel Guide

Bora Bora, a volcanic island in French Polynesia, is arguably the world’s most iconic tropical escape. Defined by its dormant volcano (Mount Otemanu) and a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by a barrier reef and small islets (motus), it is synonymous with luxury, romance, and the famous overwater bungalow.

Here is your comprehensive guide to planning a dream vacation to this South Pacific paradise.

1. When to Go: The Best Time to Visit

Bora Bora has two main seasons:

Note on Water Temperature: The water is warm year-round, ranging from 25° to 29° (77° to 84°).

2. Getting There

Getting to Bora Bora is a two-step process:

1. International Flight to Tahiti (PPT): Fly into Fa’a’ā International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti (PPT).

2. Domestic Flight to Bora Bora (BOB): From Papeete, you must take a stunning 50-minute domestic flight on Air Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute, BOB).

3. Arrival Transfer: Bora Bora’s airport is on a motu (islet), not the main island. All resorts provide mandatory boat transfers from the airport to your specific property. If you are staying on the main island, you will take a free ferry to Vaitape, the main village.

3. Accommodation: Where to Stay

Bora Bora is famous for its accommodation, mainly focusing on luxury resorts built on the outer motus.

A. Overwater Bungalows (The Iconic Choice)

This is the quintessential Bora Bora experience. These luxurious villas are built on stilts over the lagoon, often featuring glass floor panels and direct ladder access to the water.

• Location Types:

  • Motu Resorts: Located on the barrier reef (e.g., Four Seasons, St. Regis, Conrad). They offer the most spectacular views of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon and provide the most privacy.

  • Main Island Resorts: Located closer to the main island and Vaitape (e.g., InterContinental Le Moana).

• Best Views: When booking an overwater bungalow, always check if it offers an Otemanu View (facing the mountain) or a Lagoon View (facing the open water/motu). The Otemanu View is significantly more coveted.

B. Top Luxury Resorts

• The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Home to the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific.

• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Known for its exquisite service and stunning pool/beach area.

• Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Features hillside villas and a massive infinity pool.

• InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa: Famous for its unique deep-sea water air conditioning system.

C. Budget-Friendly Options

While “budget” is relative in Bora Bora, you can find more affordable stays on the main island:

• Pension or Guesthouse: Smaller, locally owned accommodations (Pensions) on the main island or smaller motus offer a more authentic experience at a lower price point than the mega-resorts.

• Matira Beach Area: This area offers a few hotels and rentals that bypass the high resort fees.

4. Top Activities and Things to Do

The lagoon is the focus of all activities in Bora Bora:

1. Lagoon Tour (Essential!): Book a full-day or half-day tour to explore the lagoon. This usually includes:

   • Snorkeling: Explore coral gardens and vibrant reef fish.

   • Shark & Ray Feeding/Viewing: A guided and controlled interaction with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in shallow waters.

   • Picnic Lunch: Often includes a traditional Polynesian meal cooked on a nearby motu.

2. Diving & Snorkeling: The barrier reef offers world-class diving with colourful coral, manta rays, and various pelagic species. Popular dive sites include Anau and Tupuna.

3. Matira Beach: Located at the southern tip of the main island, this is often cited as one of the best public beaches in the world, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water.

4. Hike Mount Otemanu: Though challenging and usually requiring a local guide for safety, hiking the lower slopes offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire lagoon.

5. Jet Ski or Boat Rentals: Renting a jet ski is a popular way to circle the entire main island in about two hours.

6. Aqua-Bike or Scooter: An easy way to explore the underwater world without full diving certification.

5. Food & Drink

The cuisine reflects a mix of French sophistication and fresh Polynesian ingredients.

• Poisson Cru: The signature dish of French Polynesia. Raw tuna marinated in lime juice and mixed with diced vegetables and coconut milk. A must-try!

• Fresh Seafood: Expect delicious catches like tuna, mahi-mahi, and swordfish.

• French Influence: Most high-end resort restaurants feature gourmet French cuisine (foie gras, fine wine, pastries).

• Street Food (Roulottes): In the main village of Vaitape, roulottes (food trucks) offer excellent and affordable local fare, including grilled fish and Chinese-Polynesian dishes.

• Drink: Try a local Hinano beer or a cocktail made with local rum and fresh fruit juice.

6. Practical Tips for Your Trip