Bora Bora
Everything you need to know before you go.
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places in the world, located in the Leeward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The vibe is defined by its geography: an extinct volcano at the center with two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, surrounded by a barrier reef and a lagoon. If you go, try to time your trip for May. You can spend time in Vaitape, which is the major settlement on the western side of the island opposite the main channel.
This destination is ideal for people who want high-end luxury or those willing to plan carefully to manage a tight budget. Be warned that it is a very pricey place to visit. Costs for catering and activities range from expensive to indescribably expensive, and it is easy to spend a lifetime of savings in a few days at the high-class resorts. Since the island relies heavily on coconut trees and the sea, expect your food and products to reflect those local resources.
Sightseeing Mount Otemanu - Take photos of this 728m volcanic peak that dominates the skyline. $0, 1h. Mount Pahia - Visit this smaller neighboring peak for great views. $0, 1h.
Food & Drink Bloody Mary's - Grab a drink and some chargrilled steak or fish at this famous American barbecue spot. $50+, 2h. Chin Lee - Pick up groceries here in Vaitape to avoid high restaurant prices. $20+, 1h.
Outdoor Nature Bora Bora Lagoonarium - Swim with sharks, rays and turtles with a guide or take the submarine. $80+, 3h. Lagoon Swimming - Spend time swimming in the protected waters of the lagoon for free. $0, 2h. Deep Sea Fishing - Go fishing for some of the 500 species of marine wildlife found here. $150+, 6h.
Nightlife Le Récife Discothèque - Visit this nightclub north of Vaitape on Friday or Saturday nights. $30+, 4h.
Cultural WWII Remains - Take an island tour to see the few remaining World War II relics. $60+, 3h.
Shopping The Farm at the Bora Bora Pearl Company - Buy Tahitian Black Pearls or make your own jewelry here. $100+, 2h.
Day Trips Motu Hangouts - Spend a day visiting the small islets that protect the lagoon. $70+, 5h.
Here are some spots to stay in Bora Bora based on what I know.
Budget
- Sunset Hill Lodge - Zen garden area. €50-70/night. Great value for the quality you get in Polynesia.
- Oa Oa Lodge - Vaitape. From 11,300 F/night. Simple bungalows with kitchenettes near a supermarket.
Mid-range
- Villa Vahimanui - Northern Bora. US$1899 per week. A 2 bedroom villa with great lagoon views and a nearby beach.
- Maitai - Matira. Price varies. Overwater bungalows that are more affordable than the neighboring luxury resorts.
Luxury
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort - Motu area. High end. Every room is a suite, and some overwater villas have their own pools.
- Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island - Motu facing Matira. High end. It is on its own 400 meter island with great snorkeling.
Where to eat
- Maikai (Restaurant and Bar) - Vaitape. Local fare. It is right next to the Oa Oa Lodge.
- Jean Georges (at St. Regis) - Motu area. Fine dining. High end cuisine by a world famous chef.
- Intercontinental Le Moana restaurants - Matira tip. Resort dining. Classy options at a luxury price point.
To get to Bora Bora, you first need to fly into Tahiti (PPT). From there, you take a short flight with Air Tahiti to the island. They run four direct flights per day from Papeete, and the trip takes about 50 minutes. I recommend booking in advance because these flights often fill up.
Since you are coming from the US, expect high costs for the international leg to Tahiti. While the reference data doesn't list specific USD flight prices from US cities, these are typically expensive long haul flights.
Once you land in Bora Bora, keep in mind that the airport is actually on a small motu (islet) north of the main island. You cannot take a taxi or Uber from the tarmac to the city center because you have to cross water.
Here is how to handle the transfer to Vaitape (the main town):
- Take the free ferry called "Bora Bora Navette" from the airport to Vaitape.
- If you are staying at a resort on another motu, check if they have a counter at the airport, as most major accommodations provide their own boat transfers.
- For those staying on the main island, the free ferry takes you to Vaitape, where small buses usually pick guests up.
There are no trains and you cannot drive from other cities because it is an island. If you want a car once you arrive on the main island, Europcar and Avis rent vehicles. A 24 hour economy car rental costs 12,000 francs (roughly $100 to $130 USD depending on the exchange rate). You can also grab a scooter for 6,800 francs for 24 hours or an electric Renault Twizy for 8,000 francs for 4 hours.
If you just need to get around Vaitape and the surrounding area, there is one bus that runs halfway around the island and back every hour, though taxis are also available. The total road loop around the island is only 31 km, so it takes about an hour to drive if you don't stop.
If you are planning a trip to Bora Bora, you really just need to decide if you prioritize budget or weather. The island splits into two main seasons: the wet season (Polynesian summer) and the dry season.
Peak Season: May to October This is when most people visit because it is the dry season. Rain is rare and you have the lowest risk of storms, especially during the winter months. However, this is the most expensive time to go. Tourist prices skyrocket and the island gets crowded.
- Temperature: A few degrees lower than the wet season, but still warm.
The Sweet Spot: November and April Since these months sit on the edges of the two seasons, you can often find a balance between manageable crowds and decent weather before the heaviest rains hit. You will likely see lower prices than in the peak winter window.
Avoid: November through April (Wet Season) This is the Polynesian summer. It is not recommended if you hate humidity or rain, as about 71 inches (1800 mm) of rainfall occurs during this window. Storms are frequent and unpredictable. On the plus side, it is the warmest time of year.
- Temperature: Around 30 °C (86 °F).
Practical Tips The best part about Bora Bora is that the water temperature stays consistent around 30 °C (mid-80s F) regardless of when you visit, so snorkeling and swimming are always viable.
Since the reference data does not list specific neighborhoods, festivals, or local dishes, I recommend checking current flight prices for your specific dates, as costs fluctuate wildly between the dry and wet seasons.