What activities to choose in Bora Bora?

Hi, I’m back to help you choose the best activities in Bora Bora. Admittedly, we haven’t lived in Polynesia for a while now, but with the kids and Mélanie, it was still our home for 6 years! By the way, in case you didn’t know, we’ve written our own Polynesian travel guide (sadly only in french for now), with absolutely every question you could possibly have about your future trip! Back to Bora Bora, the famous Pearl of the Pacific, we’ve been there several times (both on holiday and for work) and we’re still keen to share our experiences with you!

As you may have guessed, there is a lot to do in Bora Bora. Of course, the aim of this article is not to list them all, but rather to share our recommendations and favourites, all based on our own experiences and those of our friends and family!

Well, since you’re here, here are our top picks for the best things to do in Bora Bora:

• Helicopter Flight over Bora Bora: in a word, incredible! You’ll discover breathtaking landscapes with the blue shades of the island’s lagoon, it’s just wow!
• Boat Trip: a must in Bora Bora to spend a day in the turquoise waters with stops for snorkeling, diving and even swimming with sharks, manta rays and coral.
• Paddleboarding: a fun activity to try, especially on the white sandy beach of Matira. It’s simply one of the most beautiful spots in the Bora Bora lagoon!
• Hiking in Bora Bora: the island is just as beautiful from the inside, with one or more hikes (your choice). If you ask me, it’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the lush natural surroundings.

Mélanie, the kids and I have been to Bora Bora several times. I’d say about 6-8 times. To be honest, I was quite skeptical about this island at first, especially because of the mass tourism. But I can assure you that once you get to know the place, Bora Bora remains a beautiful island that has more to offer than the big luxury hotels on the motus. I didn’t fall in love with it right away, but I came to love it! In fact, Mélanie, the children and I had the opportunity to do several activities on the island. We have fond memories of our activities with Manawa and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Bora Bora from the sky, doesn’t that sound dreamy? I was lucky enough to discover Bora Bora by seaplane with Tahiti Air Charter. It was a first for me! Let me tell you, it was magical! I don’t even know how long the flight lasted, but I was captivated by the different shades of blue in the lagoon and the magnificent landscapes that flashed before my eyes. I won’t lie, the scenery I saw on that flight was some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life. If I had to recommend just one activity to do in Bora Bora, it would definitely be this. Sadly, it no longer exists… Rest assured, there are 4 other equally magical ways to discover Bora Bora from the air.

After my incredible seaplane experience over Bora Bora, I can only encourage you to take a helicopter flight to discover this island paradise. From the air, you’ll see Bora in a completely different light and it will make you dream. Flights usually last 20 minutes. It may not sound like much, but I guarantee it’s enough and, above all, worth it. What’s more, if you prefer to share this moment only with your loved ones, it’s possible! I can assure you that you’ll come away from this activity with your head full of images and memories.

With a microlight flight, you can enjoy views that are just as spectacular as those from a helicopter! The real difference with a helicopter flight is how you feel. If you’re looking for a more sensational experience, I would advise you to choose a microlight as you won’t be disappointed. This is the time to take your best photos and enjoy the magnificent views over the lagoon, coral reefs and tropical forests of the island’s interior.

For the thrill-seekers, we take things to a whole new level with parasailing (which we’ve never had the chance to try, but we’re sure you will here in Guadeloupe). Don’t worry, it’s like being on a swing, pulled by a boat, between 50 and 150 meters in the air. Whether you’re with friends, family or during your honeymoon, you’re sure to have a great time. You might even be lucky enough to see sharks and manta rays right at your feet! It’s true that it will be more difficult to take photos then, haha.

Here we go, adventurers are in for a treat with Bora Bora’s famous skydiving! Let’s face it, you don’t go skydiving every four mornings. So why not try it in Bora Bora? It would be a truly unforgettable experience in an idyllic setting. With the blue of the lagoon, the coral reef, the sandbanks and the tropical vegetation, you’re in for a real treat. Trust me, it will be a memory that will stay with you forever.

As you’ve probably guessed, an aerial activity is a must during your stay in Bora Bora. The island, and especially its magnificent lagoon seen from above, is simply wow. In my opinion, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. As you may have guessed, this type of activity doesn’t come cheap. But I can assure you that saving up for one of these four options is well worth it. The helicopter flight is the cheapest and most comfortable option. Something to think about!

Bora Bora is synonymous with turquoise lagoons, coconut palms, white sand beaches, postcard scenery and so much more! If you want to get off the beaten track, inland activities are just as interesting. They give you the chance to get up high and lose yourself in the Polynesian vegetation while enjoying breathtaking views over the lagoon. It’s also a great way to discover the island’s history. For the record, there are still two cannons on the island, facing the Pacific Ocean, which were put there by the Americans in case of a Japanese attack. You know me, I like history and understanding the influences of time on a place. I’m sure this will be of interest to other readers as well.

If you still have the idea of exploring the interior of the island, without putting aside the beach days and lazing around, you should know that there are several hiking trails on the island. The only drawback is that only a few of them can be done without a guide and are therefore free… Personally, I think that’s a real shame. Here are just a few that are accessible and easy:

• South Bora Bora Ridge Hike: Hike from Nunu’e to the famous Matira Point (the most beautiful beach on the island). Along the way you can take in some incredible views and learn about the island’s history.
• Nunu’e Antennas: You’ll wind your way to the top of the island for a panoramic view of the turquoise lagoon. You can even see the islands of Raiatea and Tahaa (in the distance). The advantage is that the path is not very busy, so you can enjoy the stunning views in complete peace and quiet.
• Matira Antennas: this hike is aptly named, as you will be able to capture and immortalise beautiful views of the turquoise lagoon all along the way!
• Valley of the Kings: this is more of a stroll than a hike on the heights of Bora Bora. I advise you to do it with a guide so you don’t miss anything and learn more about the vegetation (medicinal plants), Polynesian culture and the history of the island.

These few walks will allow you to alternate your beach/laze days with exploring the island of Bora Bora. There are, of course, others that are more difficult and for which you will need to be accompanied by a guide. If you want to do these hikes with local guides who know the island like the back of their hand, I can recommend these two companies whose reviews I’ve heard are excellent: Polynesia Island Tour and Bora Hiking Explorer. For your information, I give all the GPS tracks and detailed information in our guide.

I have to admit that I don’t think this is a must-do in Bora Bora. Let me explain, it’s an excursion and exploration you can easily do on your own by hiring a car or going on a hike as I mentioned above. But for those who are interested, I can recommend these two companies who offer 4×4 excursions and have a good reputation on the island:

• Tupuna Jeep Safari: With this company, you can go on a 3.5 hour trip in the mountains that will take you to the most beautiful viewpoints in Bora Bora. Mont Popoti and the Faanui Valley come to mind. The guides are local and bilingual, so you won’t miss a thing.
• Natura Discovery: With a slightly different concept, but still classic stops, this is a trustworthy service provider. I would say that the main difference with the previous one is the ‘The Proposal’ package. As the name suggests, it’s a surprise proposal to your partner in the most beautiful spot on the island, complete with a Polynesian song and champagne. I think it’s pretty clever!

Personally, I haven’t had the chance to do it yet, but I think it’s a lot more fun and less conventional than a 4×4 tour of the island of Bora Bora. If you’re interested, I’ve heard good things about Bora Bora ATV & Jet Ski Adventure. This local company will take you on a tour of the island’s must-sees: from the remains of World War II, via the Pahia and Otemanu mountains, to the magnificent Matira beach. If you ask me, this 3-hour tour gives you plenty to discover, all in a friendly, authentic atmosphere.

Now that we’re getting down to business, these are undoubtedly the activities you’ll be most interested in. Whether it’s scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking or even paddle boarding, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of the lagoon and coral reefs up close. It’s an ideal destination to enjoy some beautiful spots and even spot manta rays, colourful fish and black tip sharks. Don’t worry, you can even swim with them! What’s more, there are plenty of service providers and activities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Although I haven’t had the chance to dive in Bora Bora, it is one of my favorite activities. If you’ve never dived before (as a beginner) and want to take the plunge while you’re in Bora Bora, you won’t be disappointed! There are a number of reputable and serious clubs to help you make this extraordinary discovery. A quick note: if you’re used to scuba diving, I’d advise you to do it in the Tuamotus. The waters there are richer. A real feast for the eyes!
Coming back to beginner divers and Bora Bora, I usually recommend these service providers:

• Bora Diving Center – By Eleuthera: Diving with this club is a great experience! Located on Matira Beach, it is ideally situated to take advantage of the best dive sites on the paradise island. You can count on them whether you’re looking for your first dive or just a refresher course.
• Bora Bora H20: a small family club offering dive trips limited to 7 people! It’s almost like private diving. But you don’t pay more. In my opinion this is a really good point and why I highly recommend this centre. Plus, less people means more marine life. You won’t be disappointed!
• Bora Ocean Adventures: an excellent dive centre that I can’t recommend highly enough. The instructors are serious and attentive to your needs. Ideal for having an incredible time and getting started in this activity! I can assure you that it will be a successful activity with this club. If you prefer other nautical activities, the centre offers much more.

As you may have guessed, there are many companies offering boat trips in Bora Bora. To tell you the truth, they often offer more or less the same type of excursion and stopover. Of course, you can choose whether you’d like to go for a half day or a full day.
If I had to choose between all the companies offering this type of excursion, I’d definitely recommend this one:

• Lagoon Service Bora Bora: A very good local company that offers trips on the crystal clear waters of the lagoon in a traditional pirogue. I think it’s a real plus, typical of Polynesia, which you can’t try anywhere else! During the trip you can stop to snorkel and even visit a motu, all in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Moana Adventure Tours: I mentioned this a little earlier and, as I said, the feedback has been nothing but positive. There are several boat options, including one with a snorkelling stop to see manta rays and black tip sharks. I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Motu Petit A’au and swim with leopard rays. Honestly, it’s one of the best dive sites I’ve ever seen – it was incredible!

Now that I’ve covered all the must-do activities in the lagoon of Bora Bora, I’d like to say a few words to those who are sporty and curious to discover new activities. Activities that, in my opinion, are more sporty and, in some cases, more sensational, haha.

So now you know all about the best things to do in Bora Bora. As you’ve seen, there’s a wide range of activities: land, sea and air. One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored! Once again, I really recommend doing an activity from the air – believe me, it’ll be a magical moment that you won’t soon forget. Of course, scuba diving and snorkelling are among the must-do activities, and there are some beautiful spots to discover, especially around the motus.

And to find out more about the activities to do in French Polynesia, I can only recommend that you read our dedicated article. You’ll find all the information you need, island by island (from Moorea to Raiatea, via Tahiti and much more besides)!

See you soon for more activities,

Written by Sylvain PONS

From 2015 to 2021, French Polynesia was our home, with Mélanie and our children. I'm happy to share my experience and advice to help you organize an unforgettable stay in French Polynesia, based on my in-depth knowledge of the territory.

Despite our care, a mistake may have slipped into this article. If you find any, please don't hesitate to let us know so we can correct it as soon as possible and keep our information up-to-date!