Bora Bora’s reality looks like every traveler’s dream: white sandy shores surrounded by turquoise and cobalt waters, the island’s center populated by an extinct volcano shrouded in dense foliage. This quiet island is a favorite of honeymooners and luxury travelers, but is free of the party-seeking set; if you’re in search of nightlife, this is not your spot. Most visitors spend their days vacillating between lounging on the sand-ringed motu (outlying islands) and getting active with water-based pursuits such as snorkeling, diving, parasailing, jetskiing, and hiking. Vaitape is the island’s largest settlement, seated on the major channel into the central lagoon, and most tours, whether by land or sea, depart from there. Visitors can explore the interior of the island on a hiking tour or an excursion by 4x4 jeep through the rugged landscape, while snorkeling and scuba tours allow participants to get a glimpse of the vibrant underwater world, including resident tropical fish, sharks, and stingrays. History buffs will enjoy learning about French Polynesian culture and the history of the US in Bora Bora during World War II, and those hungry for aerial views can take a helicopter tour to see the extinct peaks of the Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu volcano, as well as the surrounding islands of Taha'a, Raiatea, Tupai, and Maupiti.
Bora Bora is a year-round destination, though it’s at its most popular—and pleasant—during the dry season, which runs from May until October. This is technically winter in the South Pacific, and while Bora Bora enjoys warm weather year-round, the temperatures are a little cooler then. If you want fewer crowds and potentially lower room rates, consider visiting at the end of the rainy season.
Bora Bora is small and easy to get around. If you want to see it like a local, you can hop on the local bus, known as le truck or rent a motor scooter. Bicycles are also widely available, as are taxis. For the most comfort and flexibility, consider renting a self-drive car to get around the island.
Sit down to a breakfast of fresh bread and viennoiserie (think croissants and pains au chocolat), at Vaitape’s lagoon-facing Saint James restaurant. Le Continental package will get you bread, butter, jam, pastries, juice and tea or coffee, or you can order treats such as French toast and eggs Benedict a la carte. If you’re in the mood for something to go, the on-site bakery sells all sorts of breakfast items along with French-style pastries and macarons.
Bora Bora is known for white-sand beaches and a turquoise-hued lagoon as well as for picturesque overwater bungalows that make it possible to swim straight from your own private deck into the South Pacific. It’s also known for black pearls, available at shops all over the island and across French Polynesia.
...MoreBora Bora is more of a slow-down-and-relax destination than a sightseeing hot spot, so there aren’t a lot of “must-see” attractions on the island. However, you’ll want to spend time taking advantage of Bora Bora’s beautiful lagoon, either swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or relaxing on board a sightseeing cruise.
...MoreYes. Bora Bora is an expensive destination. Luxury hotels and high-end restaurants dominate, and getting to the island from North America or Europe can be time-consuming and costly. If you’re on a budget, opt for low-key guesthouses and eat at local food carts (roulottes) or rely on grocery stores for food.
...MoreBora Bora’s most popular activities include heading out into the lagoon on a snorkeling cruise, jet-skiing, and communing with life under the sea—including sharks and stingrays—on a helmet dive or underwater scooter excursion. If you prefer staying on land, consider exploring the island’s interiors on a 4WD tour.
...MoreNo. Like elsewhere in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a very safe place to visit, with good infrastructure and a very low crime rate. There’s a small risk of contracting dengue during the rainier months of the year, which can be largely avoided by frequently applying mosquito repellent.
...MoreYes. Bora Bora has plenty of luxurious resorts, complete with high-end restaurants and overwater bungalows, making it a popular vacation spot for wealthy celebrities. The island has attracted the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, Justin Bieber, and the Kardashians, and both Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Anniston had their honeymoons here.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 10 |
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Number of Tours | 162 |
Number of Reviews | 6,164 |
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