Its name evokes an earthly paradise and postcard-perfect scenery. Bora Bora, an island in French Polynesia, is nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific. We go there to enjoy its immaculate beaches and clear lagoon, but also to experience the once-in-a-lifetime moment of settling into a bungalow on stilts above a turquoise sea. Bora Bora is surrounded by motus and lush landscapes. A trip there is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Polynesian culture, with its gastronomy, shows and crafts. Here are the 10 must-sees in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
1. Tour the island's points
Raititi, Matira, Ofu O Rau, Fiti'u'u, Ta'ihi and Pao Pao are the names given to the points on the island of Bora Bora. These small peninsulas, located from north to south, offer breathtaking panoramas of the lagoon and motu. These natural settings, the result of Bora Bora's erosion and subsidence over time, are the perfect place to take a dip in a lagoon that many travellers claim to be the most beautiful in the world. Quad biking (book your excursion here) is an excellent option for touring the island and stopping off at the points.
Activities to book: Supervised by regional guides, this lagoon day will give you the opportunity to snorkel in a coral garden, swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks while enjoying a Polynesian picnic lunch on a motu.
2. Spend a day on a motu in Bora Bora
Motu are sandy islets that surround the main island of Bora Bora. One of the best experiences is to take a cab boat to one of the motu and spend a full day there. Imagine spending your time on a heavenly beach, with coconut palms and a breathtaking turquoise sea. All in a peaceful atmosphere, far from any hustle and bustle. Most expeditions include lunch. We recommend that you bring your own snorkeling gear to admire the beauty of the seabed.
Discovering the motu is undoubtedly one of the best reasons to come to Bora Bora!
3. What to do in Bora Bora Stroll around Vaitepe
Vaitepe is the main commune on the island of Bora Bora, a Polynesian island of choice for vacations. If, like us, you're drawn to the beauty of nature, take time out to do a little shopping. The town is home to souvenir stores and boutiques selling pearls, pareos and local crafts. Vaitepe is also home to several restaurants and a market where you can stock up on good produce. Without lingering for hours, it's well worth a visit, especially as there are many useful services for travellers.
Discover the most beautiful sites on the island of Bora Bora on a quad bike tour accompanied by a professional guide by booking your excursion here.
4. Sunbathing on Matira beach
Quickly accessible from Vaitepe, Matira beach is Bora Bora's only public beach. With fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, it's the ideal place to spend some family time swimming and snorkeling. Those who wish can come and watch the spectacular sunset. Several places to eat and drink are nearby. There's also a picnic area.
A must for couples: Sip a glass of champagne on Bora Bora's lagoon, watching the South Pacific sun set, by booking this this sunset cruise including a romantic dinner in Bora Bora.
5. Stroll through the Musée de la Marine
You don't necessarily think about going to a museum when you're in Bora Bora, but you should still take the time to stop by the Musée de la Marine. This small private museum houses scale models of legendary ships such as the Bounty and Calypso, as well as traditional and modern pirogues. A great place to learn more about Polynesia's maritime history. A great idea for a day out in gloomy weather.
6. Water sports, a must in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkeling in the lagoon is a must, especially for swimming with rays and other colorful tropical fish. But you can also try your hand at scuba diving, take a pirogue, plan a sailboat trip, go paddle boarding or take part in a jet-ski session. The beauty of the Bora Bora lagoon is yours to enjoy.
Take a jet ski tour of Bora Bora's lagoon, past bungalows, sailboats and the verdant slopes of Mount Otemanu , by booking your jet ski tour right here.
By the way, did you know that Bora Bora is a destination where you can also dive with sharks?
7. Hiking in lush natural surroundings
What can you do in Bora Bora to get away from the beach? Hiking its most beautiful trails. For the more adventurous, you can schedule a climb to Mount Otemanu, the island's highest point at 700 m altitude. A challenging excursion! Mount Ohue is another option, just as demanding. But whichever option you choose, the views from the summit are breathtaking. The more tranquil Vallée des Rois offers a walk through tropical vegetation, with its ferns and endemic plants.
Explore the volcanic island of Bora Bora 4x4 and enjoy panoramic views of the South Pacific from different vantage points by booking your island safariright here.
8. Spend some time in one of Bora Bora's spas
Bora Bora is a destination for relaxation and well-being. Just spending time in the island's enchanting natural surroundings soothes both body and mind. Several establishments feature spas offering massages, body wraps, facials, skin and body treatments. All set in traditional surroundings. Tavai Spa at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts and Deep Ocean Spa at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa are just a few of the addresses to keep in mind.
9. Delight your taste buds with local gastronomy in Bora Bora
Spend time in nature and take part in a wide range of activities. No trip to Bora Bora would be complete without discovering its delicious local gastronomy. Grilled bluefin tuna and mahi-mahi are absolute must-tries, but our personal favorite is raw fish Tahitian style, marinated in coconut milk and lime! Our mouths are still watering. The dishes are often accompanied by delicious tropical fruits. In Bora Bora, there are numerous food trucks offering culinary marvels.
10. Take a helicopter tour
Bora Bora, its motu and its lagoon are impressive from the air. That's why we recommend taking a helicopter tour of the island during your stay. There are helicopter tours to suit all budgets. The most impressive flight is to Tupai atoll, north of Bora Bora. Heart-shaped, it seems designed for lovers. It's even possible to include a stopover to toast champagne on a heavenly beach. Once again, you can't help but feel like you're in paradise.
Where to stay in Bora Bora?
Between turquoise lagoons, bungalows on stilts and Mount Otemanu as a backdrop, the island offers an unforgettable experience. Here are three establishments, each embodying a unique vision of this Polynesian dream.
- The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, for the view
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa blends contemporary elegance with Polynesian charm. Facing Mount Otemanu, the hotel offers sumptuous bungalows on stilts, some with private pools, which you can book here. The spa, refined cuisine and numerous water sports activities enhance the experience. Ideal for a luxury break without being ostentatious.
- Rohotu Fare Lodge, for the omnipresence of nature
Rohotu Fare Lodge is a confidential address in the heart of a lush tropical garden , bookable right here. Its carved wooden bungalows, surrounded by fruit trees and exotic flowers, offer calm, privacy and authenticity. There's no fuss here: the atmosphere is simple, warm and deeply rooted in the Polynesian spirit. Perfect for travelers in search of charm and relaxation.
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, for luxury
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is one of the island's most exclusive resorts, set on a private motu . It boasts the largest stilt villas on Bora Bora, butler service and fine dining by renowned chefs. The Miri Miri spa, set on its own island, completes the picture of absolute luxury. An experience tailor-made for discerning travellers and lovers of refinement.
What to do in Bora Bora in 3 days?
In three days in Bora Bora, you can enjoy a condensed paradise, starting with a day on a boat around the lagoon, snorkeling with stingrays, picnicking on a motu and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The next day, we climb Mount Otemanu for a panoramic view of the island, then relax in a stilt spa. We finish with a day on Matira beach and a pirogue ride at sunset.
What to do in Bora Bora when it rains?
Even in the rain, Bora Bora remains magical. Take the opportunity to visit the Musée de la Marine or treat yourself to a massage or treatment at a spa overlooking the lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world. Or visit a local craft workshop to discover Tahitian pearls and traditional sculptures. And if the downpour continues, you can simply sit back in your bungalow and admire the tropical sky.
How do I cycle around Bora Bora?
Cycling around Bora Bora is an excellent way to discover the island. The main road is around 32 km long, skirting the lagoon and passing through several charming villages such as Vaitape and Anau. It takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the stops, with plenty of time for breaks on the beaches or at the local snack bars. Those wishing to do so can hire an electrically-assisted bike for greater comfort and less heat.
Fancy a trip to discover Bora Bora and the other jewels of French Polynesia? Check out our sample 21-day itinerary!
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