Society IslandsBora BoraThe iconic pearl of the PacificKnown worldwide for its dazzling turquoise lagoon and luxury overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is French Polynesia's most iconic honeymoon destination. Beyond luxury, the island offers excellent snorkeling, shark and ray safaris, lagoon cruises, paddleboarding, and panoramic views from Mount Otemanu.
What to do in Bora Bora? Itinerary for a dream vacation in paradise3 min
Stilted bungalows, the invention that changed “Paradise”Culture · 2 minIn depth
Bora Bora: everything you need to know before you go
Getting there, the right season, what a lagoon day looks like - and how to do the famous island on a normal budget.
Bora Bora is the most famous island in the Pacific, and the photos are not lying: the lagoon really is that colour. Behind the resort image there is also a real island - a village called Vaitape, a single coast road, and a mountain that watches over everything.
Where is it?
Bora Bora sits in the Leeward Islands, about 260 kilometres northwest of Tahiti. It is one main island wrapped in a ring of motu (reef islets), all around a lagoon dominated by Mount Otemanu's dark tooth of rock.
How do you get there?
You fly. The hop from Tahiti takes under an hour, and the airport sits on a motu at the edge of the lagoon - the arrival by boat shuttle across the water is the first postcard of the trip. Resorts collect their guests directly; everyone else crosses to Vaitape, the main village.
When should you go?
May to October is drier and a touch cooler - the classic season. November to April is warmer, wetter and quieter. The lagoon itself is swimmable all year.
What to do
- Take a lagoon tour. Rays and blacktip reef sharks in clear shallow water, coral gardens, a motu picnic - this is the day most people remember.
- Swim at Matira. The main island's great public beach: a long curve of sand sliding into warm, waist-deep water.
- Go under the surface. Snorkellers and divers share the lagoon with manta rays; outside the reef the water drops away into the blue.
- Ride into the interior. A 4x4 track climbs to viewpoints and to cannons left behind by the Second World War, when the island was an American supply base.
- Circle the island. The coast road is about 32 kilometres - a slow morning by bike or scooter, with the mountain changing shape the whole way round.
Where to stay
The famous overwater resorts sit on the motu, facing the main island. On the island itself, around Vaitape and Matira, family pensions and small hotels offer the affordable way to live Bora Bora - and put you closer to shops, food trucks and the beach.
Is Bora Bora for you?
Bora Bora is the island for a moment that deserves a frame: a honeymoon, an anniversary, a once-in-a-while treat. It delivers its promise. It is also the busiest and most expensive island in French Polynesia, and its rhythm is built around visitors. If you're travelling on a tight budget, the pensions make it possible. If you're after quiet local life, look at Maupiti or Huahine - or come here for the lagoon and go there for the rest.
Practical tips
- Book well ahead for the dry season - the island fills up.
- Vaitape has shops, banks and pharmacies; stock up before heading to a motu.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reef shoes for the shallows.
- A lagoon tour is worth choosing carefully: small groups treat the animals better.
That is Bora Bora.
6 guides · 1 things to know
Essentials · 3 min
What to do in Bora Bora? Itinerary for a dream vacation in paradise
Ah, Bora Bora… the name alone sounds like a promise. A promise of turquoise lagoons, a gentle way of life, and moments suspended in time. Here, every minute feels like a dream, every landscape seems hand-painted. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended stay, follow me to discover this Pacific gem in all its glory - from salty adventures to sublime beaches and culinary delights.
How to get there?
Bora Bora is only a 50-minute flight from Tahiti. Air Tahiti and Air Moana offer several round trips per day. Expect to pay around 20,000 F for this heavenly flight.
Dive into the heart of the lagoon
Boat trip & snorkeling
Encounter majestic stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and even impressive lemon sharks. The water is crystal clear, and the setting is magical. Mask, fins, snorkel, and wonder included!
@Lagoon Service Bora Bora
Introductory dive
A magical first dive in the coral gardens. Accompanied by an enthusiastic guide, you will discover that Bora Bora also has a fascinating underwater world.
@Bora Diving Center
Jet Ski
A complete tour of the island, hair blowing in the wind, gliding over turquoise waters.
@Moana Adventure Tours
Quad
The island’s lush interior unfolds amidst spectacular panoramic views and hidden trails.
@Bora Bora Activities Center
Sunset Time - The Golden Hour Happy Hour at Intercontinental Moana
Sip cocktails with your feet in the sand, facing iconic overwater bungalows and a breathtaking sunset.
- Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm | Bar opens until 10:30 pm
@Intercontinental Moana
Where to Eat in Bora Bora?
Morning Aloe Café - A delicious breakfast in the heart of Vaitape. Smoothies, fresh pastries, and local coffee.
Lunch Bora Beach Club - Lunch with your feet in the sand and a view over the lagoon. Relaxed island vibes guaranteed. Kai Kai Bora Bora - A popular and affordable local food truck on the roadside. Polynesian dishes (lagoon fish, seafood, mahi mahi) and Chinese cuisine. Unbeatable views of the mountains and the sea.
Dinner Saint James - Refined cuisine blending French and Polynesian flavors in a chic waterfront setting. Bora Bora Yacht Club - Generous portions, friendly atmosphere, and live Polynesian dance shows every Tuesday. Lucky House - Pizzas, burgers, and simple dishes in a laid-back vibe, just steps from Matira Beach.
Relax at Matira
No trip to Bora is complete without a stop at Matira, the island’s most famous beach. White sand, emerald lagoon, swaying palms… the ultimate postcard come to life.
Where to Stay in Bora Bora?
Luxury escapes on private motus
Dreaming of a secluded luxury haven on a private islet? The motus (islets surrounding Bora Bora) host the island’s most prestigious resorts.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui - Absolute luxury, accessible only by boat.
Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa - Spectacular views of Mount Otemanu, overwater villas and a world-class spa. Closed since 1 June 2026 for a full renovation, expected back mid-2027.
Not staying overnight? Treat yourself to a dreamy Day Pass: around 30,000 XPF (~250 €) for a day at the Conrad. The Thalasso day pass is unavailable while the resort is closed for renovation.
Traveling on a budget? Royal Bora Bora - Affordable comfort in a prime location near Matira Beach.
Sunset Hill Lodge - A family-run guesthouse with lagoon views, warm atmosphere, and full local immersion.
One-Day Excursion
Tight on budget but big on dreams? Go for a day trip to Bora:
• 6:30 AM departure flight from Tahiti • Full day of adventure and relaxation • 7:30 PM return flight
A whirlwind of paradise, light, and turquoise - all just a short flight away.
Ready to dive into this dream escape? Bora is calling …
Written by Lisa Di Salvia
Checked July 2026
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