Majestically rising from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora Island is a dormant volcano islet with a dense jungle, aquamarine lagoon, and barrier reef. Known for its breathtaking over-water bungalow hotels and other incredible places to stay, Bora Bora is any honeymooner’s dream.
The phrase, ‘good things come in small packages’ rings true here, and while it only spans two miles wide and six miles long, it’s definitely ‘the most beautiful island in the world’, as author James Michener proclaimed, and the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ as British adventurer James Cook stated. Its petite body only adds to its tropical appeal, as do its island-only activities, natural beauty and many luxury resorts and overwater bungalows.
Background on Bora Bora
Bora Bora island is a member of the Leeward Islands that encompass part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The remains of the extinct volcano climb towards the sky in the form of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, with the highest point at 2,385 feet. It’s no wonder the island’s ancient name Pora pora mai te pora meant ‘created by the Gods’.
Best time to travel to Bora Bora
Like most South Pacific islands, Bora Bora has a rainy season from December through to March. However, this is the best time to visit Bora Bora to avoid the crowds and to book the best place to stay at a lower cost. Hurricanes shouldn’t worry you as they’re rare here.
The shoulder season is in April and November which is between the wet and dry seasons. This time of year sees good weather and lower accommodation prices. Travelers can often find great deals on Bora Bora hotels, and this is the best time to visit Bora Bora for scuba diving.
The high season, between May and October, is when you’ll see dazzling blue skies and radiant sunshine. Please bear in mind that prices are always higher during these months, and the crowds are out in full force.
Best Things to do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is known for its white beaches, alluring waters, and stretches of overwater bungalows. But beyond its dream-like, paradisiacal front, lies an island bursting with activity that culture lovers, hikers and water sport enthusiasts will adore. Here are eight bucket list things to do in Bora Bora to make your stay as memorable as possible.
- Dive or Snorkel with Sharks in Bora Bora
Try your hand at snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. Don’t worry, they’re perfectly friendly. The island’s Coral Gardens is a snorkeler’s paradise, and the ‘aquarium’ is an excellent location as it has the largest number of fish, like parrotfish and Japanese moray eels.
As previously stated, Bora Bora is also one of the best locations for diving as it has several manta ray stations. The most popular station is Anau. Check out a great dive trip with Manta Rays here.
- Hike the mountains
With its volcanic landscape, Bora Bora has become a hiker’s dream with many popular trails covering the tropical jungle, Mount Pahia and the Sacred Cave of Anau. As you’d expect, these routes are not for the faint hearted and will take most of the day to accomplish. However, they’re easy to follow and provide panoramic views of the island. For novices, there is a guided hike through the Valley of the Kings which takes hikers to historical sites and ancient villages.
If hiking is not your thing you can still explore the mountain peaks on a thrilling ATV tour.
- Try Kitesurfing
From May to December, kitesurfing is a must-try experience in Bora Bora. The Kite Surf School Polynesie is a great place to pick up a new hobby and they’ll collect you from your hotel and provide all the necessary equipment. They also offer wakeboarding activities and stand-up paddleboarding tours. For those that love an adrenaline rush, this is a top thing to do in Bora Bora.
- Explore Heiva I
If you’d like to experience a traditional festival, head to Bora Bora in July for the Heiva I, otherwise known as the ‘Celebration of Life’. Held in Vaitape at Place Ru Vavau, the festival displays the best of French Polynesian culture with sporting events including javelin and ‘fruit carrying’ races, Tahitian dancing and singing, and ancient chants, to name a few events.
- Bicycle, Jeep, Boat, or Helicopter Tours around Bora Bora
Hire a bike or e-bike from the Matira Beach area and follow the paved coastal road around the island. The route is around 20 miles and takes four hours, but thankfully the terrain is flat. Along the way, bikers will discover fishing villages, Polynesian temples, and several lookout points where you can stop, catch your breath and marvel at the breath-taking views.
Alternatively, embark on a guided jeep tour where you’ll learn about the various fruits and flowers on the island. The jeep will also stop at the 20-foot cannons left behind by the American military during World War II.
Several boat tours circle the island’s lagoon, some are self-drive rentals and others include snorkelling or whale watching opportunities. Lastly, braving a plane ride offers an aerial view of Bora Bora, and effortlessly soar past the lagoon.
- Take in the Sun at Matira Beach
If your goal is to find the most beautiful beaches in Bora Bora, Matira should be at the top of your list. With its miles of pristine sand and blue waters, Matira Beach has frequently been named one of the best beaches in the world.
Situated in the southernmost part of the island, the public beach is excellent for sunbathing, swimming in gentle waters, and snorkelling along the coral sections. The latter usually has multiple types of fish swimming there. On top of this, there are several cafes and restaurants along the beach.
- Swim with Humpback Whales in Bora Bora
Every year migratory humpback whales flock to Bora Bora to give birth and raise their young. If you are lucky enough to travel during humpback season which is between July and November, you can go on a whale watching tour and even get the chancel to snorkel with these majestic giants. This is the ultimate bucket list thing to do in Bora Bora.
- Pop into Vaitape
Known as the main village on the island, Vaitape has many food markets and souvenir shops that provide a clear insight into the culture and industries of the island. Sunday mornings are the best time to catch an authentic market that sells sweet treats, fruit, and seafood. There’s also a Protestant Church in the village.
Places to stay in Bora Bora
From celebrities to backpackers, Bora Bora attracts all types of people and there are plenty of hotels to accommodate any traveler. Here are our top 15, ranging from over-water bungalow luxury, all-inclusive hotels to budget-friendly lodging options on Bora Bora.
The Most Beautiful Over-Water Bungalows and Luxury Resorts in Bora Bora
This is one of the most beautiful places to stay and most famous over-water bungalows in Bora Bora. Set along a private beach on Point Matira, the five-star Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the epitome of luxury with overwater bungalows and beachfront villa estates overlooking Mount Otemanu.
Within the 108 accommodation options, there are one- and two-bedroom overwater bungalows, and suite-style bungalows, 29 of which have plunge pools. There are four on-site restaurants, serving French, Asian and Polynesian cuisine, and exquisite sunset views over the lagoon.
During the day, exercise in the open-air fitness centre, or get pampered at the waterfront spa. Alternatively, indulge in one of the resort’s infinity pools, free-guided snorkelling tours, kayak, hop on one of the catamaran cruises, windsurf, play tennis, or feed the sharks!
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Situated on Motu Piti Aau, the InterContinental offers a private beach, an award-winning spa, a fitness room, an outdoor pool, and a Turkish bath. The La Reef Restaurant overlooks the lagoon, while Le Sands Bar and Restaurant view the private beach. The overwater villas are all air-conditioned with a living room featuring a glass-bottom table, and the terraces have direct access to the ocean and sun loungers.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Our pick for the best place to stay on Bora Bora. Only a 15-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Airport, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a whopping 44 acres with views across Mount Otemanu, the lagoon and powdery white sands. There are 99 overwater bungalows and villas, all of which feature wooden designs, hand-carved Polynesian statues, and Italian-marble bathrooms. The latter also has a rain shower! Some villas even have a private pool, an outdoor shower, and a whirlpool! Oh, did I mention that guests can order butler service?
On top of this, the resort has four restaurants, including Lagoon by Jean-Georges which offers Asian and French cuisine. Resort amenities include a spa, 24/7 fitness centre, two swimming pools, one of which features a swim-up bar, and a private lagoon for snorkelling. Guests are also encouraged to try out the windsurfing equipment.
Located in a private cove on Motu To’opua, this is one of the best Bora Bora luxury resorts. The cove has black lava rock, aquamarine waters, and the lengthiest stretch of powder-white sand in Bora Bora. It also has 114 villas, 84 of which are over the water and there are also two two-story Presidential overwater villas that span 3,229 square feet. They honestly look like a celebrity’s holiday home!
Whether you’re in the Presidential villa or not, each property has a lounge, walk-in closet, and complimentary beverages. Some villas also have catamaran-like nets and plunge pools! Beyond the villas, the resort has three bars, a hilltop spa, a kids club, a fitness area, and a hilltop chapel!
Situated only 15 minutes from Vaitape, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts has 108 traditionally designed bedrooms and villas on the beach, over the water, and overlooking an exotic garden. The suites overlooking the water also have a private hot tub. The resort has three restaurants and two bars, all of which serve food with a Polynesian twist.
The TÃVAI Spa, likewise, pays homage to its natural surroundings with spa products and treatments designed to bring guests face-to-face with healing rituals. Resort amenities also include an outdoor swimming pool, a flood-lit tennis court, and a diving centre!
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana
Does room service sound good to you? At InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana guests start the day with breakfast delivered on a canoe embellished with flowers. Each of the 21 bungalows is 290 square feet with a private terrace, sun loungers, a glass table allowing guests the opportunity to watch the fish and a large living space. The bedrooms feature king-size beds, while the Noa Noa Terrace Restaurants has outdoor and indoor dining with a buffet and a la carte options.
Budget-friendly Hotels and Places to Stay on Bora Bora
The family-run Village Temanuata offers great value for money with Polynesian-inspired bungalows that have direct access to the sea, a patio, and a ceiling fan. Each has a private bathroom, and a basic room, and mosquito nets are available upon request.
Guests can hire bicycles, snorkelling equipment, or kayaks, and the tour desk can arrange submarine tours, diving lessons or island trips. In addition, the resort is only 350 yards from shops and dining options, five minutes from Matira beach, and is less than five miles from Vaitape village.
Less than a mile away from Vaitape, Oa Oa Lodge is one of the best budget-friendly accommodations in Bora Bora, with three overwater bungalows and five garden bungalows. Each bungalow has a fully equipped kitchenette and a flat-screen TV. There’s also an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a barbecue area. Massage facilities, a diving shop, a restaurant, and car rentals are a short walk away.
The Maitai Bora Bora is a cheaper hotel, but it doesn’t skimp on luxury in terms of its aesthetic and amenities. The rooms have lagoon or garden views, while the bungalows not only have direct access to the water but have a glass-bottom table that allows guests the chance to watch the fish swim by. There are even adult-only bungalows over the water!
The Haere Mai restaurant is situated in the tropical garden and specialises in Polynesian and French cuisine. Sometimes you’ll get to watch traditional dancing and singing here. The hotel’s tour desk can book island cruises, and diving excursions, or point you towards the free fishing, kayaking and snorkelling equipment. There is no spa, gym, or pool at the hotel.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation, Sunset Hill Lodge has several apartments or studios with sea or garden views. Each apartment has a kitchen, with a fridge, microwave and stove, a private bathroom and amenities like towels and a hairdryer. The complex is only a short walk from Vaitape where you’ll find supermarkets and restaurants. There are also great hiking routes in the surrounding area.
Bora Bora Shelter for Backpackers
The Bora Bora Shelter offers the most affordable accommodation on Bora Bora Island and is excellently situated on Matira Beach. With such a great location, there are plenty of restaurants just a stone’s throw away, like The Lucky House and Bloody Mary’s. The accommodation itself, ranges from tents to small double rooms. Each option has shower facilities, and some rooms have a terrace.
