
Bora Bora is a small island in French Polynesia, famed for its natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and array of activities. The island is just 6 miles long and 2 miles wide, with a dormant volcano at its centre, lush jungle, and an aquamarine lagoon.
The island is known for being an expensive destination, with overwater bungalows, luxurious floating villas, and high-end dining. However, it is possible to visit Bora Bora on a budget, with affordable guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnb options available.
The best times to visit Bora Bora are during the shoulder seasons in November and April, when the weather is fine and temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The high season runs from May to October, with fewer tourists and isolated rain showers, while the low season from December to March sees wet weather.
To get to Bora Bora, most travellers fly into Bora Bora Airport (also known as Motu Mute Airport) and clear customs in Papeete, Tahiti. There are various airline options for reaching Tahiti, including United, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air France, among others. An island-hopping pass with Air Tahiti can be a cost-effective way to explore multiple islands in the region.
Bora Bora offers a range of activities, including snorkelling, hiking Mount Otemanu, exploring Vaitape (the main port), and various water sports. The local cuisine features seafood, with specialities such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk).
Bora Bora is an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty, relaxation, and a tropical getaway, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | French Polynesia |
Population | Not specified |
Size | 6 miles long, 2 miles wide |
Main industry | Tourism |
Currency | French Pacific franc (CFP) |
Language | French, Tahitian, English |
Best months to visit | November, April |
Food | Poisson cru, local pineapple, coconut, bananas |
Activities | Snorkelling, hiking, shark and ray feeding, parasailing, skydiving, helicopter tours |
What You'll Learn
Bora Bora is expensive, but there are ways to save money
The first thing to consider is when you want to go. The best times to visit Bora Bora are November and April, when the weather is warm and dry, but the number of tourists is lower than in high season. If you can, avoid the high season, which runs from May to October, and the low season, which stretches from December to March.
Flights are likely to be your biggest expense, but there are ways to save money here, too. If you collect points or miles, use them! If not, check websites like Secret Flying and Skyscanner for deals. If you're flying from North America, the best way to get to Bora Bora cheaply is via San Francisco. French Bee flies there direct for $370 each way. If you're visiting other islands in the Society chain, consider buying an island-hopping pass from Air Tahiti, which can give you a 60% discount on multiple flights.
When it comes to accommodation, there are several budget guesthouses on the island that receive great reviews. Check out Sunset Hill Lodge for doubles or quads starting at $120 a night, or Raihei Location2, the cheapest hotel on the island, where you'll pay just $96 a night for a spacious double bedroom. There's even a hostel on Bora Bora, which costs just $30 a night. Airbnb is another great option, with 12 rentals listed for under $100 a night.
Once you're on the island, there are plenty of ways to save money. The easiest way to get around is to rent a bicycle. You can pay $15 a day to hire one, but there are signs for rentals as cheap as $10 around the island. There are also rumours of a bus that runs from Vaitape to Matira Beach and back every hour for $4.75. Avoid taxis and car rentals, which are crazy expensive.
There are plenty of things you can do on the island without spending too much money. Head to the Intercontinental Hotel on Matira Beach to watch the leopard rays glide past each evening, or go hiking. Mount Paihia is one of the best in Bora Bora for reasonably athletic people. When it comes to paid activities, shop around through Get Your Guide to find the best prices. One of the cheapest activities is a 4WD tour of the island for just under $75.
Food is likely to be one of your biggest expenses, but there are ways to save here, too. Stock up on snacks, beer, soda, and wine in town, and make the most of the breakfast buffet at your hotel. For lunch and dinner, there are plenty of affordable options. Lucky House is a pizza place beside Matira that does large pizzas for $13-$18. Snack Matira is another great spot, where you can grab a burger, fries, and a couple of drinks for around $12. There are also a few food trucks around Matira, where you can find burgers, beer, fries, fish sandwiches, and chicken for around $10 a meal.
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All flights go through Tahiti first
All flights to Bora Bora go through Tahiti first. The island is located just northwest of Tahiti and is less than an hour away by plane from Papeete. The airport is on a small, separate part of the island known as Motu Mute, and it will take around 15 minutes to get from the airport to Vaitape by boat. Air Tahiti provides a shuttle service for its passengers, and the cost of the shuttle is included in the price of your ticket.
If you're flying from the US, you'll first stop at the Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti. Once you've cleared customs, you can take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.
Flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora are available daily and are offered by Air Tahiti and Air Moana. The fastest nonstop flight takes 50 minutes, and a one-way ticket starts at $188. A round-trip flight will cost around $322.
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English is widely spoken
If you're keen to try out some of the local languages, you'll find that Tahitian has a unique set of phonemes, so the spelling and pronunciation of Tahitian words often change when translated into English, French, or Dutch. For example, the Tahitian word "pora pora", meaning "created by the gods", is often translated as "Bora Bora" in English.
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The mainland has one true beach
Bora Bora's beaches are few and far between, but the good news is that its main public beach, Matira Beach, is considered one of the best on the island. This gorgeous stretch of white sand and clear waters is located on the southern tip of Bora Bora's mainland and is a great spot for families and couples alike.
Matira Beach is a public beach, so you'll find a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and calm waters. There are plenty of eateries nearby, ranging from snack stands to fine dining restaurants, and the beautiful sunsets make it a romantic spot for couples.
If you're looking for more seclusion, there are other beaches attached to resorts that offer a more private experience. These beaches are typically located on the motus (small islands) that dot the lagoon. Keep in mind that these resort beaches may require a boat ride to access, and some are only accessible to guests of the respective resorts.
While the mainland of Bora Bora may only have one true beach, there are plenty of other options to enjoy the sun and sea during your visit!
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High season is in North America's summer
Bora Bora's high season runs from May to October, with the peak of the high season falling in June, July, and August. This is when the island experiences its best weather, with isolated rain showers and an increase in the number of tourists.
June and July are particularly popular months for honeymooning couples and newlyweds, and August is when most European visitors head to the island.
If you're looking to travel during the high season, it's best to book your flights well in advance as seats get snapped up quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
The best times to visit Bora Bora are November and April, when the weather is warm and dry, and there are fewer tourists than in the high season.
Bora Bora is known for its natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and warm waters. You can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora's main port), hike Mount Otemanu, and more.
To get to Bora Bora, most travelers fly into Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, with a stop at the Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti.