Introduction to Bora Bora (2025)

Bora Bora Travel Guide: Bora Bora sits in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, its emerald main island encircled by a coral reef and luminous lagoon. Expect overwater bungalows, manta and reef sharks, and those famous Mount Otemanu sunsets. It suits honeymooners, families after shallow, swimmable beaches, divers, sailors and photographers. Budget travellers can base themselves on the main island (Vaitape/Matira) and day-trip to the lagoon.

Good to know: Motu resorts rely on boats for transfers; food and tours are premium-priced; Sundays are quiet; accessibility varies, confirm step-free details with hotels and tour operators.

Bora Bora Travel Guide: Essential facts for 2025

• Location: Society Islands, French Polynesia (South Pacific)
• Languages: French, Tahitian; English is widely used in tourism
• Currency: CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro (≈119.33 XPF = €1)
• Time zone: Tahiti Time (UTC-10); no daylight saving
• Electricity: 230 V, 60 Hz; Type E plugs common (many hotels add US-style outlets)
• Tipping: Not customary; small tips for exceptional service are optional
• Safety: Low violent crime; guard against petty theft. Ocean hazards include strong sun, currents near passes, coral cuts and stonefish. Wear reef shoes and follow the guide’s advice
• Medical: Clinic and pharmacy in Vaitape; the main hospital is on Tahiti (Papeete)
• Reef-safe sunscreen: Choose non-nano zinc oxide/titanium dioxide; avoid touching or feeding wildlife

Map & Areas

• Main island (Vaitape & Matira): Vaitape is the port/village hub (ATMs, supermarkets, tour desks). Matira at the south tip is the best public beach with a gentle gradient and gorgeous sunsets.
• Key motu:
  • Motu Mute: Airport (BOB)
  • Motu Piti Aau: Luxe resorts and easy snorkelling nearby
  • Motu Toopua / Tevairoa / Tapu: Resort motu and classic snorkel stops (some privately owned)
• Lagoon highlights: Shallow Coral Garden drifts, ray “sandbars”, outer-reef drop-offs and Teavanui Pass, the island’s only pass for advanced drifts/dives

When to go (weather, seasons & events)

Quick answer: The driest, breeziest weather is May–October. July–August brings peak prices and crowds. Warmer, wetter November–April has lusher scenery; showers are heavier and cyclones are possible. Sea temps stay around 27–29°C year-round.

• Dry/cooler season (May–Oct): Lower humidity, reliable sunshine, trade winds; peak pricing in July–August and holidays
• Wet/warmer season (Nov–Apr): Heavier showers and higher humidity; calmer seas in some months; excellent visibility for mantas at times

Getting to Bora Bora (flights, ferries & transfers)

• Flights: Most travellers fly long-haul to Papeete (PPT) then connect to Bora Bora (BOB) with Air Tahiti or Air Moana (~50 minutes). The airport sits on Motu Mute
• Airport boats: Inter-island airline tickets include a shuttle boat to Vaitape; motu resorts run their own paid transfers direct to/from the airport or Vaitape
• Ferries: Fast ferries link Tahiti and Bora Bora several times a week (about 6h40–8h). Cheaper than flying but weather-dependent and less frequent—best for flexible timelines
• Typical airtimes (excluding layovers):
  • London → PPT: ~19–20h via LAX/SFO/CDG (door-to-door often 22–28h)
  • Los Angeles → PPT: 8–8.5h + 50m to BOB (total ~11–13h + transfers)
  • Sydney → PPT: usually via Auckland; ~9–12h + 50m to BOB (total ~13–20h)
• Baggage quirks: Inter-island ATR turboprops typically allow 23 kg checked; cabin limits are strict (often 5 kg) with tighter dimensions. Oversized/overweight items may travel standby

Bora Bora Travel Guide: Where to stay

• Motu luxury (pros/cons): Iconic overwater bungalows, lagoon sanctuaries, private sandbars and big-ticket dining. Expect paid boat transfers, fewer spontaneous town trips and higher prices
• Main island value (pros/cons): Guesthouses and smaller hotels near Vaitape/Matira give easier access to shops, food trucks and local life; beaches are public but less private than motu stays
• Who should stay where:
  • Honeymoons: Motu overwater or beach villas with sunset views
  • Families: Main island or motu beach villas with shallow entry and kids’ clubs
  • Budget travellers: Main island pensions near Matira or Vaitape

Bora Bora Travel Guide: Where to eat

• Iconic: Long-running bars and lagoon-view restaurants – book in high season
• Casual: Snack bars and food trucks around Vaitape/Matira for affordable plates
• Good to book: Sunset seats, cultural show nights and weekend peak times

Bora Bora Travel Guide: Best things to do

On/under the water

• Lagoon snorkel (rays & blacktip sharks): Small-group boats visit sandbars for close, hands-off viewing – great for families
• Coral Garden drift: Shallow, fish-rich drift ideal for first-timers; follow guide instructions
• Manta and reef dives: Anau (manta cleaning station) and Teavanui Pass (sharks, pelagics) stand out; drifts can be advanced
• Catamaran or outrigger cruise: Day sails or sunset trips deliver big Otemanu views with easy logistics

Beaches & viewpoints

• Matira Beach day: Picnic and paddle in gentle water, then stay for sunset. Beach wheelchair use may be possible with assistance; check current ramps and entry points

Culture & nature

• Polynesian cultural nights: Traditional dance, drumming and local cuisine at resorts and restaurants
• Marine-biology activities: Coral-grafting and lagoon sanctuary sessions at select resorts

Land-based & active

• 4×4 island safari: WWII guns, viewpoints, pareo/monoi stops (bumpy routes)
• Mount Pahia hike (guided): Steep, rooty trail with ropes; superb views – skip after rain
• Jet-ski or SUP: Guided lagoon circuits; age/weight rules apply
• E-bike the ring road: Cafés, viewpoints and local life at an easy pace

Costs & budgeting (XPF and approx £)

Prices vary by season; use £1 ≈ XPF 140 as a planning guide.

Item	XPF	Approx £
Guesthouses/pensions (pn, room)	12,000–30,000	£86–£214
Mid-range hotels (pn, room)	30,000–70,000	£214–£500
Luxury/overwater (pn, room)	90,000–250,000+	£643–£1,786+
Casual meal (pp)	2,000–4,000	£14–£29
Resort dining (pp)	5,000–9,000	£36–£64
Fine dining (pp)	10,000+	£71+
Lagoon tour, half-day (pp)	10,000–18,000	£71–£129
4×4 safari (pp)	8,000–15,000	£57–£107
Intro dive (pp)	~14,500	~£104
Two-tank certified (pp)	30,000–35,000	£214–£250
Jet-ski, 2h per ski	30,000–35,000	£214–£250
City tax (pp/pn)	~150–200	~£1.10–£1.43

Events in Bora Bora (2025)

Bora Bora hosts a vibrant calendar of events each year, with the biggest celebrations centred on Polynesian culture, sports, and communal festivities. Here are the highlights for 2025:

Heiva i Bora Bora: June 25 – August 3, 2025

• What: The island’s iconic cultural festival features traditional dance competitions, music, singing (Himene), crafts, sporting challenges (such as fruit carrier races and canoe events), braiding and flower float contests, and local food pop-ups.
• Where: Main stage at Place Tu Vavau, Vaitape. Hotels can arrange transfers and tickets.
• How to Attend: Buy tickets at the Heiva office (next to the pier), directly at the event, or through hotel concierges. Shows begin with singing at 8 pm, followed by dance at 9 pm. Arrive early for popular evenings.
• Why Go: It’s the best time to experience local Tahitian culture, with performances from all the island’s dance and music groups.

Hawaiki Nui Va’a: October 29 – November 1, 2025

• What: The South Pacific’s premier outrigger canoe race, drawing hundreds of elite paddlers from across Polynesia and beyond. The challenge unfolds in three stages:
  • Stage 1: Huahine → Raiatea
  • Stage 2: Raiatea → Tahaa
  • Stage 3: Tahaa → Bora Bora (race finish at Matira Beach)
• Where: Race finishes at Matira Beach, providing dramatic viewing with a festival atmosphere.
• Why Go: Witness the finish line celebrations and welcome the paddlers completing this 129km island-hopping ocean challenge—the energy is palpable.

Additional 2025 Events

• ILT Festival (May 21–25, 2025): International arts performances occur mainly in the region’s theatres.
• Bastille Day (July 14): The French national holiday is celebrated with parades and public festivities.
• Water Sports Events: Include local marathons, the Maraamu Surf Ski Race in September, and the Ironmana Liquid Festival in late November to December, featuring multi-discipline aquatic competitions.

Event Tips:

• Book accommodation and event tickets well in advance for Heiva and Hawaiki Nui Va’a.
• Festivals are family-friendly but busiest during major event weeks.
• Hotels often offer packages that include transfers and prime seating – ask your concierge.

Bora Bora’s cultural festivals and sporting events are a profound way to experience the spirit of the islands, with the Heiva and Hawaiki Nui Va’a being the top highlights of the year.

14-Day Bora Bora Itinerary (Example)

Day 1 — Arrive & Settle in Vaitape

• Fly PPT → BOB (about 50 minutes), then boat shuttle to Vaitape. Resort launches meet flights; there’s also a free shuttle for the main island.
• Gentle stroll around Vaitape: church, quay and small boutiques for pareo and monoi oil.
• Sunset drinks on the waterfront; early night.

Day 2 — Matira Beach & Lagoon Warm-Up

• Swim and snorkel at Matira Beach, the island’s best public strand with easy access and shallow, calm water.
• Walk to Matira Point for views over Motu Piti Uu Uta; stay for a pastel sunset.
• Dinner nearby at The Lucky House – Fare Manuia (casual, pizzas/mahi-mahi; poolside vibe).

Day 3 — Circle-Island 4×4 & WWII Lookouts

• Guided 4×4 loop: inland viewpoints, fruit plantations, and WWII gun sites above Faanui/Farepiti.
• Stop at Marae Marotetini for a primer on Polynesian temple architecture; quick visit to Marae Fare Opu to see turtle carvings.

Day 4 — Coral Gardens Snorkel

• Boat to the “Aquarium”/Coral Gardens near Motu Piti Uu Uta: technicolour coral and friendly reef fish; excellent for first-timers.
• Optional sand-bank picnic with poisson cru.

Day 5 — Anau Manta Rays

• Early boat to Anau on the east side – Bora Bora’s famous manta cleaning station (snorkel or dive, conditions permitting).
• Free afternoon at your resort or cycle the flat south-coast road.

Day 6 — Mount Pahia Hike (Guided)

• Challenging, rope-assisted forest trail to panoramic viewpoints; best done with a local guide and in dry weather.
• Recover with a lagoon-edge massage back at your hotel.

Day 7 — Pearl Farm & Culture

• Visit a pearl farm to learn grafting of Pinctada margaritifera; many tours let you select and open an oyster to keep the pearl.
• Browse ateliers in Vaitape; look for the tax-free paperwork threshold if you’re buying jewellery.

Day 8 — Jet-Ski or E-Foil, Sandbar Swim

• Guided jet-ski circumnavigation with stops at motu sandbars; calm mornings are best.
• Late-day swim off Matira; casual roulotte (food truck) dinner.

Day 9 — Lagoonarium & Shark/Ray Snorkel

• Half-day at the Bora Bora Lagoonarium (private motu marine park) + gentle shark/ray snorkel in the lagoon; great for families.
• Free time for kayaks/paddleboards.

Day 10 — Spa & Fine Dining

• Resort spa morning; optional canoe breakfast if staying overwater.
• Dinner at St James in Vaitape (waterfront, modern Polynesian plates).

Day 11 — Photography Cruise & Sunset Sail

• Morning photo cruise to a quiet motu; turquoise-hunting with a pro.
• Sunset catamaran with canapés and views of Otemanu’s silhouette.

Day 12 — Village Life & Food Crawl

• Market morning in Vaitape (produce, crafts).
• Café-hop: Aloe Café for hearty breakfasts and good coffee; light lunch at a snack bar.
• Late swim at Matira; stargazing after dark.

Day 13 — Free Day for Whales (Seasonal Jul–Nov)

• If visiting in season, book a regulated whale-watch (often mother-calf sightings; trips are weather-dependent). Otherwise, add a second manta or reef shark site.

Day 14 — Wrap-Up & Departure

• Last lagoon dip.
• Airport boat shuttle back to Motu Mute for your flight to Tahiti and onward connection. Official website

Suggested Packing List

This list is based on a family of 4, staying for 14 days in the summer.

Compact Checklist

Essentials & Documents

• Passports & copies ×4; travel insurance; bookings (printed/phone)
• Wallets/cards; local cash for small vendors
• Driver’s licences (if renting a car/scooter)
• Reusable water bottles ×4 (tap water is generally safe at resorts).

Clothing (per person; light, quick-dry fabrics)

• Tops ×6 (tees/linen or rayon shirts; add 1 smart top)
• Bottoms ×4 (2 shorts, 1 lightweight trousers, 1 extra shorts/skirt)
• Underwear ×12–14 (quick-dry; bring a small sink-wash kit; take ×17 if no washing)
• Socks ×4–6 (mainly for travel/excursions)
• Sleepwear ×1–2
• Swimwear ×2 (daily use)
• Rash guard/UV swim top ×1–2 (sun & jelly protection)
• Modest cover-up/sarong ×1 (for dining/cultural sites)

Footwear (per person)

• Walking sandals or breathable trainers ×1
• Flip-flops ×1
• Dressy sandals/shoes ×1
• Water shoes ×1 (coral/rocky entries)

Outerwear & Weather Gear

• Sun hat ×1 per person
• Light layer ×1 per person (cardigan/linen overshirt; evenings & A/C)
• Packable rain jacket ×1 per person (essential for Dec–Feb; optional Jun–Aug) — Dec–Feb is the wet season; Aug is typically driest.

Toiletries & Personal Care (family-shared unless noted)

• Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30–50 (family needs ~2–3 full-size bottles; bring travel sizes if carry-on only)
• After-sun/aloe gel
• Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
• Basic first-aid (plasters, antiseptic, pain/fever meds for adults & kids, motion-sickness tabs for boat days)
• Usual toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties/brush, minimal makeup)
• Travel laundry kit (sink stopper + detergent + elastic line)

Health & Meds

• All prescriptions in original packaging + copies of scripts
• Children’s meds with dosing device; thermometer
• Sun-sensitivity or allergy treatments if needed

Tech & Power

• Phones + chargers; power bank (carry-on)
• Travel adapter(s); French Polynesia uses Type C/E sockets around 220 V (some hotels may also offer A/B). Check device voltage (most chargers are 100–240 V)
• Waterproof phone pouch ×2–4; camera/GoPro + spare cards

Activity-Specific Gear

• Snorkel masks for comfort (many resorts provide gear; kids often prefer their own), fins optional
• Microfibre towel ×1 (excursions—resorts provide beach towels)
• Dry bag 10–20 L ×1–2 (boat days)
• Lightweight daypack ×1
• Collapsible cooler bag (optional)

For Kids/Babies (adjust for ages)

• UV swim suits ×1–2 each; sun hats ×1 each
• Swim vests/floaties if needed
• Entertainment for flights/meals (books, cards, tablet + headphones)
• Favourite snacks: spill kit (wipes, zip bags)
• If toddler/infant: nappies/wipes/rash cream; spare outfit per day; compact stroller or carrier; blackout blind/white-noise app (optional)

Useful Extras

• Packing cubes; spare foldable duffel for souvenirs
• Sunglasses ×4; lip balm SPF
• Reusable shopping bag; a few clips/pegs for drying
• Copies of key docs in a separate bag/cloud

Do-Not-Forget

• Reef-safe sunscreen restocked (island prices can be high)
• Boat-day motion sickness prevention
• Offline maps, confirmations, and emergency contacts

Optional “Leave at Home”

• Heels & heavy jeans (too hot)
• Bulky beach towels (resorts provide)
• Excess gadgets & jewellery

Power/adaptor quick note: Type C/E, ~220 V. Bring a universal adapter; keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on.

Water note: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Bora Bora resorts; ask your host elsewhere.

Final thoughts

Bora Bora is simple at heart: a calm lagoon, a dramatic peak and slow, sunny days. Travel smarter by choosing the right season for your priorities, deciding between a motu splurge or main-island value, and booking transfers and lagoon tours before you land. Protect the reef, support local operators and leave time to do nothing; it’s part of the magic.

Next steps: pick dates, set a realistic budget (including boat transfers), secure flights + inter-island tickets, pre-book one great lagoon day, and pack reef-safe essentials.

FAQs – Bora Bora