PF
Bora Bora
A volcanic peak rising from a turquoise lagoon ringed by palm-fringed islets, famous for overwater bungalows
A volcanic peak rising from a turquoise lagoon ringed by palm-fringed islets, famous for overwater bungalows
The island’s 727m volcanic peak, a dramatic backdrop to the lagoon. Its summit is not climbable, but 4×4 tours visit viewpoints and Second World War cannons on the slopes.
Photo: rachel_thecat, CC BY-SA 2.0
Boat tours take you snorkelling with stingrays, blacktip reef sharks and colourful fish in coral gardens, with a picnic on a motu.
Choose operators that keep a respectful distance and do not feed the wildlife.
Photo: The TerraMar Project, CC BY 2.0
The island’s best public beach, on the southern tip, with soft white sand and shallow, calm water.
Photo: Sba2, CC BY 2.5
The chain of islets on the outer reef hosts the island’s resorts, with views back towards the peaks.
Photo: rachel_thecat, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk), grilled mahi-mahi, and tropical fruits.
Food trucks (roulottes) and snack bars in Vaitape are far cheaper than resort restaurants.
Air Tahiti flies from Papeete in about 50 minutes to the airport on Motu Mute, where boats take you to your hotel or Vaitape. Bikes, scooters and small cars can be rented on the main island.
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France but is outside the Schengen area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in a six-month period; other nationalities need a visa specifically valid for French Polynesia. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure, and you may be asked for a return ticket and proof of accommodation. The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. If you fly via the US, you need an ESTA or US visa for transit. Check current rules before you travel.
Bora Bora is one of the most expensive destinations in the world; guesthouses on the main island are the budget option.
Lagoon, peaks and beaches.
Take a full-day lagoon tour with snorkelling and a motu picnic.
Cycle or drive the 32km coastal road, stopping at Vaitape and Matira Beach.
Take a 4×4 tour to viewpoints and wartime cannons on the slopes of the peaks.
Swim, snorkel and kayak from your hotel or Matira Beach.
Stay on the main island and eat at roulottes to keep costs down.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard when snorkelling.
Never touch coral, rays or sharks.
An Air Tahiti multi-island pass can save money if you visit several islands.
Quick answers for planning time in Bora Bora.
Fly to Tahiti, then take a 50-minute Air Tahiti flight and a boat transfer.
The CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro.
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Yes, Matira Beach on the southern tip.
May to October, the drier season.
French and Tahitian are spoken; English is common in hotels and tour businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our French Polynesia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.