Things to do in Bora Bora: the most beautiful places and activities

Bora Bora is undoubtedly one of the best-known islands in French Polynesia. The island is famous for its turquoise lagoon, luxurious overwater bungalows and impressive volcanic mountain peaks. However, Bora Bora is much more than just a honeymoon destination. From snorkelling with rays to discovering beautiful viewpoints and tropical beaches, there is plenty to experience. In this article, I share the best things to do in Bora Bora, along with useful tips for your visit.

Want to know more about travelling through French Polynesia? Read more here.

How do you get to Bora Bora?

You can reach Bora Bora by plane from both Tahiti and Moorea. As Moorea and Tahiti are located close together, the flight time to Bora Bora does not differ very much. A direct flight from Tahiti takes around 50 minutes, while Bora Bora is also less than an hour from Moorea. Flights from Tahiti can sometimes be slightly cheaper. However, if you want to visit both Tahiti and Moorea, travelling from Tahiti to Moorea, then from Moorea to Bora Bora and finally back to Tahiti is a logical route. You can compare and book flights through websites such as Skyscanner, although it is also worth checking the airlines’ own websites.

Tip: Try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane. Depending on the flight path and weather conditions, you may get an incredible view of Bora Bora as you approach the island.

Getting around Bora Bora

It is not necessarily worth renting a car in Bora Bora. If you are only staying at a resort, you can usually explore the resort on foot. Your accommodation can also arrange your transfer from the airport, and some resorts offer bicycles for guests. Bora Bora Airport is located on a small island in the lagoon rather than on the main island. When flying with Air Tahiti, you can take the complimentary shuttle boat from the airport to Vaitape on the main island. The transfer is included in the price of your flight ticket and does not need to be booked separately.

Once you arrive on the main island, renting a bicycle can be a convenient way to get around. Many accommodations provide bicycles for free or offer them for rent. You can cycle around much of the island, although taxis are also available—for example, when you need transport from the harbour to your accommodation.

How many days do you need in Bora Bora?

In general, four to five nights is enough time for a visit to Bora Bora. The island is not particularly large, so this gives you enough time to visit the main sights, take a few excursions and enjoy the lagoon.

Many travellers go directly to a luxury resort and spend their entire stay there. We chose to spend a few nights on the main island before continuing to a resort. This allowed us to experience two very different sides of Bora Bora: exploring the island and taking excursions first, followed by a few days of complete relaxation.

Where should you stay in Bora Bora?

In simple terms, you have two main options in Bora Bora. You can stay on the main island, where accommodation is generally more affordable, or at one of the resorts on the outer motu surrounding the lagoon. The price difference between these two options can amount to thousands of euros. To reduce the overall cost of our trip, we first spent a few nights on the main island. We found a lovely boutique hotel with a beautiful view.

From there, we joined several excursions before travelling to a luxury resort for a few days of ultimate relaxation.

Want to know more about the differences between staying on the main island and at a resort? Read more here.

What are the best things to do in Bora Bora?

You can book several enjoyable excursions from both the main island and the resorts.

Below are seven of the best things to do in Bora Bora.

Swim with manta rays and eagle rays

Did you know that Bora Bora is one of the best places to see manta rays? We booked this excursion through GetYourGuide and had an incredible day. During our half-day tour, we quickly spotted a large group of dolphins outside the lagoon. Not long afterwards, we went snorkelling near several manta rays around the coral. This location is sometimes described as a manta-ray cleaning station. The manta rays visit these areas while smaller fish remove parasites and dead skin from their bodies.

Later during our tour, we were also incredibly lucky to swim near a huge group of eagle rays. There must have been around one hundred of them.

Explore Bora Bora by bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a really enjoyable way to discover more of the main island or your resort island. Cycle along the coastline, stop whenever you see a beautiful view and take a break for a refreshing drink or a good photo opportunity. Bora Bora is relatively small and much of the main road follows the coast, making cycling a fun way to see more of the island at your own pace. Bear in mind that the weather can become very warm, so bring enough water and sunscreen.

Take a boat trip across the Bora Bora lagoon

The lagoon of Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The water is shallow in many places and has an incredible range of blue and turquoise colours. From the lagoon, you have an amazing view of Bora Bora’s main island and the famous Mount Otemanu. Several lagoon tours are available, ranging from half-day excursions to full-day trips with lunch on a private motu.

Go snorkelling in the Bora Bora lagoon

Snorkelling is often combined with a boat trip across the lagoon. Because the water is relatively shallow in many places, it is perfect for snorkelling. You will find coral gardens, tropical fish, rays and sometimes harmless blacktip reef sharks. Many tours last a full day and combine a lagoon cruise with several snorkelling stops and a traditional Polynesian lunch. The exact route and marine life you encounter will vary, but spending a day on the lagoon is one of the best ways to experience Bora Bora.

Relax at a luxury resort in Bora Bora

Many of Bora Bora’s luxury resorts are located on the motu surrounding the main island, which means you need a boat transfer to reach them. However, there are also hotels and resorts on the main island, including accommodation with overwater bungalows. These can sometimes be more affordable than the remote resorts around the lagoon. If staying overnight at a luxury resort does not fit within your budget, but you would still like to experience one, some resorts offer day passes. A day pass may include a boat transfer, lunch or snacks and access to the resort’s beach and swimming pool. Availability, prices and what is included vary considerably between resorts. Contact the resort directly well in advance, as passes may only be offered when occupancy allows.

Visit Matira Beach

Matira Beach is the best-known public beach in Bora Bora. Its soft white sand and crystal-clear blue water make it one of the most beautiful places on the island. It is also one of Bora Bora’s most popular locations for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. The beach is particularly beautiful around sunset, when the sky changes colour above the lagoon. Unlike the private beaches belonging to many resorts, Matira Beach is freely accessible and located on the main island.

Experience Polynesian Culture

Many hotels and resorts in Bora Bora organise workshops and activities related to Polynesian traditions several times a week. Depending on your accommodation, you may be able to learn how to make a flower crown or weave a headband from palm leaves.

Some resorts also organise dance, music or coconut-opening demonstrations and workshops. These activities are often included for guests and provide a fun introduction to Polynesian traditions without needing to leave your accommodation.

Want to know how to save money during your trip to Bora Bora? Read all our tips here.