The Definitive Bora Bora Travel Guide
Image: Expedia, Overwater Bungalows at Four Seasons Hotel Bora Bora,
Why You Should Visit Bora Bora
Bora Bora is famous for its picturesque landscapes often featured as a captivating backdrop in movies, photoshoots, and weddings. Bora Bora is not a country, but rather part of the Society Island chain in French Polynesia. The island became the most popular tourist destination in the Society Island chain due to the aquamarine color of the crystal clear lagoons that wrap around the main island.
The lagoon is calm making the water remarkably clear due to the large reef that encloses the main island and the outer motu’s (islets). The reef only has one passage reducing tidal currents, which means that diving and snorkeling visibility is some of the best in the world. It is a bucket list destination for many marine enthusiasts.
As Bora Bora grew in popularity with sailors and explorers throughout the 90’s, overwater bungalows began being developed by exclusive hotel brands, increasing the island’s draw as one of the most alluring international luxury holiday destinations. Bora Bora is home to some of the world’s most prestigious 5-star resorts including Four Seasons Bora Bora, St Regis Bora Bora, and Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui.
With its high-end accommodation, balmy temperatures, jaw-dropping scenery, and unique cultural heritage it’s no surprise that we named Bora Bora the top luxury island to visit for Summer 2022.
Best Time To Go
The high season in Bora Bora runs from May to October when an influx of American tourists travel over their Summer break. These are typically drier months in Bora Bora with a lower chance of rain.
However, you will find that in Bora Bora the temperature is warm year-round, and even in the wet season (November to April) the temperature is mild, with the water maintaining an average temperature of 28°C. The rain is often fleeting and will pass over from one side of the island to the other before the end of the day, with most rainfall occurring overnight.
Image: Gregory Lecoeur
Whale Season
From July to November humpback whales migrate from colder waters of the South Pacific up to the warmer waters on the outer reef of Bora Bora to give birth. Whale watching season changes yearly but there is a high chance of encountering these majestic creatures over this period, as well as many other sea creatures such as manta rays, sharks, orcas, and dolphins.
Image: Expedia Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Festive and Christmas Season
We also recommend escaping to the tropics for a warm Christmas in December. The hotels in Bora Bora put on a week of celebrations over the Christmas and New Year period. Most of the large hotels will host banquets, put on fireworks and a live show as well as local Christmas activities throughout the days. These often come at an additional cost when booking over this period and charges are mandatory but it’s worth it for the flowing champagne, lobster, and entertainment. December and January are not considered peak season so you will find decent rates available.
With all this in mind, it’s always a good time to visit Bora Bora - it’s never overcrowded, the weather is consistently warm, and it is rare that you would have rain for an extended period of time. See our 7 day Summer itinerary for Bora Bora
Image: Lei Tao, Flying into Bora Bora Airport
Getting to Bora Bora
Entry Requirements
French Polynesia and Bora Bora borders are back open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers, currently, no masks are required when flying unless you are in an international airport with special requirements. For the latest up-to-date information on covid-19 restrictions, you can check the Air Tahiti Nui entry requirement updates by country here.
A visa is not required to enter French Polynesia if your stay is under 90 days within any 180-day period. However, upon arrival, you must be able to present:
A valid passport that has more than 6 months of validity before expiring
Proof of a departing flight booked to depart within 90 days of your arrival
Proof of sufficient funds, enough to cover the total costs of your intended length of stay.
If you want the latest information on visa entry requirements you can fill out this form to confirm specifics for your country and circumstances.
Flights and Transfers
Bora Bora is part of the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, and can be found in the South Pacific ocean. Tahiti is only a 5-hour plane flight from Auckland, 8 hours from Los Angeles, and 6 hours to Hawaii. There are regular daily flights between the main international airport of Faa’a, located in Tahiti, to Bora Bora domestic airport. This is the best way to reach the island, alternatively, there is an option for transfer by private helicopter. The plane flight between Papeete and Bora Bora is generally around 50 minutes but sometimes the Air Tahiti Nui will make a short stopover in Huahine extending the flight by an extra 20 minutes.
Image: Gregoire Le Bacon, Helicopter transfer into Bora Bora
When planning your trip to French Polynesia, we recommend booking one night stay in Tahiti when you arrive as flight times are usually redeye or early morning. Flight connections and domestic transfer wait times are generally lengthy and the Faa’a international airport has limited facilities or lounges for use during transit. One of the closer hotels for an overnight stay in Tahiti is the Intercontinental Tahiti, which can provide airport transfers on request and regular updates on airport information during your stay.
When you arrive at the domestic airport in Bora Bora you will land on a small motu (islet). The airport is the only thing on the motu, and there are only a few shops in the airport itself. From here you will have to catch a ferry from the airport to either your hotel or the township of Viatape, on the main island of Bora Bora. Make sure you make arrangements for a boat transfer from the domestic airport to your destination before you arrive as it’s not always easy to organize transport when you arrive. Capacity is limited on boats and in high season they can book out.
If you are staying with one of the main hotel chains such as Hilton, Sofitel, Four Seasons, St Regis, The Westin, or Intercontinental they will have a staffed concierge desk at the domestic airport to arrange the collection of your luggage and escort you to their boat.
If you are booked with a hotel or Air BnB that is located on the main island, a free ferry shuttle is available through Air Tahiti to Viatape. Make sure to check with your accommodation provider where they are located and the best way to get there as many of the hotels and Air Bnb’s are on private motu’s (islets).
Image: Grégoire Le Bacon
Traveling Around the Island
As mentioned above, many of the main hotels and Air BnB’s are located on their own private motus (islets) that can only be reached via boat. As it is a remote island with a small population transport options are very limited. To travel between the motu’s and the main island most hotels offer regular ferry shuttle services (at a cost) or you can organize private water taxis. Water taxis and ferry shuttles will drop you off in the main town center of Viatape, here you will find a few basic souvenir shops, markets, and the Avis car rental company. If you want to explore the island on your own, then you can hire a car, bike, scooter, or small electric buggy from Avis. Bikes start at $20 USD per day, Scooters are around $60 USD and fun cars begin from $114 USD.
The island is small, the main town Viatape takes about 10 minutes to walk through, however, the main beach, Matira is over an hour’s walk away from the town. There is no public transport available but the restaurants and hotels located at Matira can arrange transport for you if you call them to organize in advance.
If you have organized a tour on the main island, most of the tour vendors will meet you in the main town, or organize transport from the ferry terminal. If you have booked a tour out on the water and are staying at a hotel off the main island, it’s more than likely that your tour will arrange pick up direct from your hotel’s motu.
One of the best ways to explore the island is by getting out on the water and seeing it by boat. A cost-effective and entertaining option is to hire a self-driving runabout from La Plage, which allows you to cruise around the lagoon at your own pace. For those who prefer to travel in comfort, private helicopter tours can be arranged to take you up beside the dramatic peaks of Mount Otemanu, circling around the island to see the array of lavish overwater villas from above.
Image: Expedia, Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Where To Stay
We’ve stayed at all the 5-star resorts in Bora Bora and we have to say that the hotel standards here are of the highest caliber. All the 5-star resorts have a unique interior design influenced by the local Polynesian culture, with meticulously groomed estates that offer spectacular beaches, snorkeling and amenities.
We recommend staying off the main island, instead opt for one of the hotels located on a private motus (islets) so that you can take in the sweeping views over the lagoon looking into Mount Onemanu. Our top pick for the best all-rounder hotel in Bora Bora is Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui, read our detailed review here.
Image: Expedia, Chapel at Hilton Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Which Bora Bora Hotel is Best For Weddings?
The Westin Hotel and The St Regis Hotel have the best settings for weddings in Bora Bora. The chapels are set amongst breathtaking scenery creating a memorable setting for wedding ceremonies.
Both hotels are part of the same chain and have a dedicated wedding team that can provide a wedding planner. We have worked with the wedding planners and found them to be very accommodating, going above and beyond to deliver last-minute requests and changes. Groups can comfortably host dinners and events throughout the grounds during their stay and have the ability to organize bespoke entertainment and fireworks displays. Wedding settings on offer include chapels, beach settings, and garden settings. The spa island wedding setting at St Regis offers one of the best views in Bora Bora.
Different packages are available with each hotel ranging from small intimate weddings to larger scale events, all these can easily be tailored to deliver any specific requirements the bride & groom require.
If you would like to ensure privacy throughout the event we recommend booking out The Royal Estate Villa at St Regis for the wedding and stay, or alternatively, there is a luxury estate called Bora Bora One on a private motu that can be booked for small weddings. For more details on Bora Bora you can see the property and amenities here.
Image: Tahiti-Tourisme
Image: Expedia, Hilton Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Which Luxury Resort in Bora Bora is Best For Honeymoons?
Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the best hotel for a honeymoon in Bora Bora. The resort has an exquisite spa, intimate dining options, and a range of secluded overwater villas are available. The staff can organize sunset cruises, luxury boat excursions, and private dining under the stars. There are 5 restaurants and bars throughout the resort with an array of intimate spaces to watch the sunset and indulge in cocktails.
The Hina Spa is the best spa in Bora Bora and also offers expansive views of Bora Bora including Mount Otemanu, the lagoon, and Maupiti Island.
For newlyweds who want the most lavish surroundings, the Presidential overwater villa at Conrad Bora Bora is, in our view one of the most superior overwater bungalows available in Bora Bora. If you are interested in more detail on the villas and dining on offer see our detailed review here.
Image: Expedia, Four Seasons Bora Bora
Image: Expedia, Four Seasons Bora Bora
Which Hotel in Bora Bora is the Best for Families?
Four Seasons Bora Bora is the best luxury hotel for families. They have an array of villas with multiple rooms available. The resort also offers free meals for children ages five and under; 50% off on meals for children ages 6 to 12, as well as access to a kids program for children ages 5 to 12; airport boat transfers for children ages 12 and under, and welcome gifts for kids.
They have an array of water activities available and an on-site marine biologist that can take families for educational snorkeling sessions in their private lagoon, which is home to over 100 species of marine life. As well as water activities the resort provides a range of cultural experiences including island shows, and Polynesian classes like paerio, flower crown, and monoi oil making.
For more information on this hotel, read our detailed review of Four Sesaons Bora Bora resort.
Image: Tahiti-Tourisme
Things To Do
Bora Bora has some of the most unique scenery in the world. It’s only appropriate to explore this paradisical locale by cruising the cerulean waters of the lagoon. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling biking, and diving are on offer at the majority of the hotels.
Conrad Hilton Bora Bora has a mini golf course, and St Regis, Le Meridian, and Four Seasons all have their own aquatic centers with lagoons. Le Meriden also has a non-profit turtle rescue center where marine biologists run weekly educational tours. See our tips on the best tours and activities below:
Whale watching with Tohara Bora Bora - Simon and the team at Tohara are passionate and knowledgeable tour guides that deliver informative and engaging tours. Their love for their craft and marine life makes this an unmissable experience. Make sure you book in advance as whale watching season is during the peak season and can get booked out quickly.
Private helicopter ride over Mount Otemanu - A breathtaking experience that allows you to circle one of the most exquisite landscapes in the world and take in the staggeringly dramatic limestone cliffs of Mount Otemanu.
Traditional island night - local storytelling told through traditional dance, hakas, and fire shows, set amongst the star. An island night will immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of French Polynesia while sipping on french wines and eating coal-fired culinary delicacies.
Hina Spa - Unwind amongst volcanic rock, set above the lagoon in the aesthetic surrounds of Hina spa. Hina uses the famed French spa protocols and products from Biologique Recherche to deliver luxuriously indulgent spa treatments. Relax in the tranquil relaxation room or spend the afternoon hoping between the sauna and steam room.
For more information, read this article for the top 10 things to do in Bora Bora
Image: Expedia, St Regis Bora Bora
Dining Out
Dining out on the Main Island
Restaurant and cafe options are relatively limited on the main island of Bora Bora, the three most popular destinations on the main island are;
La Villa Mahana - The most premium dining experience on the main island, La Villa Mahana has a classic French menu with Polynesian influences. The romantic candlelit villa is nestled in the mountainside with only one dinner setting a night. Chef Damien creates the menu nightly based on local produce available, menu options are either a four-course or five-course menu with champagne and wine pairings.
St James Restaurant - Another restaurant offering French cuisine with a Polynesian twist, St James is barefoot-luxury dining located on the beach. There is an extensive french wine and cigar cellar for the bon-vivants.
Bloody Mary’s - Bloody Mary’s is a yacht club and restaurant in Matira favored by local fishermen and sailors. It’s been open since 1979 and is renowned for having the freshest seafood on the island. The fresh catch comes straight off the boats and can be cooked to your liking, we recommend having a cocktail or two and staying to soak up the atmosphere and history. (This is currently closed for rennovations).
Image: Expedia, Hilton Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Image: Expedia, Four Seasons Bora Bora
Dining Out On Private Motu’s
The hotels off the main island offer a range of fine dining with some of the best restaurants being located within the Four Seasons, St Regis and Conrad Bora Bora. The hotel restaurants we recommend are:
Lagoon by Jean Georges, St Regis - An Asian fusion fine dining restaurant in a surreal setting. Famed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten masterfully blends Asian spices with gourmet local produce to deliver an unforgettable experience. The restaurant's glass floors produce a captivating setting as sharks chase tuna in the crystal clear waters below your table. The scenery below your feet is only outshone by the extensive views of Otemanu and the lagoon.
Iriatai French Restaurant, Conrad Bora Bora Nui - French cuisine with silver service. This open-air gourmet restaurant has an extensive wine cellar and fine cuts of meat surrounded by cozy warm wooden decor and dimly lit booths.
Vaimiti, Four Seasons - Vaimiti is a laidback sushi & sashimi bar set over the water with majestic mountain views. Sunsets here are a must, the warm hospitality and locally made Tahitian rums will make you want to sip away your evenings under the stars here.
Image: Expedia, Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Traditional Food
Many of the hotels on the island will put on an Island night, allowing you to see traditional Polynesian dances and fire shows while dining on local cuisine. We recommend seeing one while you are on the island to get a better understanding of the Polynesian culture. Traditional food is often shared in a large family-style buffet or barbeque, when celebrating this is called a Tama’ara’a. Historically food was cooked in an underground oven called ahima’a (earth oven).This deep hole in the ground is layered with banana leaves and hot volcanic rock. Food is cooked slowly underground for hours. Local delicacies served at a Tama’ara’a include;
Poisson Cru - The national dish of French Polynesia and a classic Polynesian style food made of raw fish, coconut milk, and lime. Usually a sprinkly of raw vegetables such as green capsicum, tomato, and raw onion are added for additional flavor and texture.
Po’e - A sweet dish made using purple taro, flavoured with banana, vanilla and pumpkin and covered with fresh coconut milk
Poulet Fafa - This is a traditionally cooked chicken and spinach (or taro leaf) meal that has been wrapped in banana leaves and steamed - usually in a ahima’a, which gives it a unique earthy flavor.
Things to Know Before You Go
Language
There are two local languages in Bora Bora, French, and Tahitian. The majority of the local population speaks French, but it is common for locals to jump between the two languages with local Tahitian greetings and sayings commonly weaved into french conversations. In international tourist locations such as airports, hotels, transport hubs, and on tours you will find English is also widely spoken.
Currency
The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc (XPF) but you will also often find the Euro listed on menus and in stores. The CPF is set at an exchage rate of 1 Franc = 0.0084 Euro. Be aware that while credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, you may want to exchange cash or go to an ATM when you arrive at the Tahiti-Faa’a international airport, as there are no foreign exchange offices or ATMs on Bora Bora. There are two foreign exchange offices at Faa’a airport that open at the arrival and departure times of international flights.
Tips and Tax
Tips are not mandatory in French Polynesia but they are appreciated as the tourism industry provides over 20% of employment in French Polynesia. The local population has been hit hard by recent lockdowns and covid-19 restrictions. There is no sales tax in French Polynesia, but instead, a VAT is applied at varying amounts depending on the service.
A 6% VAT is applied to all accommodations
A 16% VAT is applied to purchases in shops and boutiques
A 10% VAT applies to purchases in bars, on tours, rentals, and restaurant meals that aren’t included in accommodation dining packages.
Shops
There are very limited shops and groceries once you arrive in Bora Bora the majority of groceries are shipped in from the main island. We recommend planning some time to pick up wine, spirits, snacks, and any items you might need in Tahiti before you catch your flight. The domestic airline is fairly relaxed when it comes to carry-on luggage allowance. Shops are traditionally closed on Sundays as most Polynesians attend church services.
Image: Tahiti-Tourisme
What To Pack
The voltage for electricity is 110 or 220 volt in most hotels, you will want to ensure you have the appropriate adaptor. Plugs are the same standardized plugs and receptacles as France, types C, and E.
Pack a high SPF sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as the UV factor is high in Bora Bora and you will often find yourself in settings with minimal shade available
Make sure you bring a good quality camera as you definitely want to capture some of the stunning scenery.
Sandals, most of the hotels and restaurants are set on the beach with casual dining in the sand.
Bring a couple of changes of swimwear, the water is so calm, warm, and clear that you’ll find yourself constantly jumping off your bungalow into the ocean.
If you are staying on an overwater bungalow we recommend picking up and packing some fine wines or spirits to enjoy on your balcony over sunset.