Complete guide to Matira Beach in Bora Bora

Hello! It has been a little while since I last wrote about French Polynesia, and even longer about Bora Bora. So I am back with a very comprehensive article about Matira Beach, which is considered the most beautiful on the entire island (and for good reason). What also makes it so special is that Bora Bora has very few real beaches on the main island if you do not count the motus (those famous little islets offshore). Aside from Matira, you mostly find small spots to get into the water or swimming areas, but not long stretches of white sand.

Honestly, it is super photogenic with its turquoise water and white sand. To help you place it, it is located at the southern tip of Bora Bora, lagoon side. In my eyes, it is a must if you are going to the island: it is even where you will do most of the water activities, like paddleboarding (I tried it, and it is one of my best spots to do it and take the time to look at the gradients of turquoise blue). That is actually why I decided to write about Matira Beach. My goal here is to share everything you need to know about this idyllic beach: where exactly it is, what to expect once you are there, the best photo spots, when to go to avoid the crowds, and my on-the-ground tips to enjoy it to the fullest.

As a bonus, if you are in the middle of planning your trip, I also recommend taking a look at our complete guide to things to do in Bora Bora. It should help you plan your days there without missing anything! In any case, that is what it is made for!

First, there is this detail that changes everything: Matira has natural white sand. It is not a little patch of sand between two rocks, but a real stretch of sand, a real beach. And like I was saying, on the main island, long sandy strips are pretty rare. So you can imagine it draws quite a lot of people. By the way, to avoid the crowds and all the tourists, I recommend stopping 500 meters, or even 1 km, before the beach; you will find quieter spots there that are just as good for swimming.

Then there is the lagoon: turquoise, crystal-clear water, and above all, shallow across a good portion of it. It is great for walking in the water for a long time, swimming, coming with family, or just looking at the shades of blue. You are simply in the middle of a dream setting, so enjoy it! And if you want to gain some elevation, you can hike the ridge in the south of Bora Bora. I had the chance to do it, and the views over Matira Beach were just incredible. Of course, I took advantage of it to stop for photos!

And then, last point: it is a public beach. You should know that in Bora Bora, there are very few, because most are private and accessible through hotels. So Matira is the beach where everyone can come swim in the lagoon without necessarily staying in a luxury resort or in an overwater bungalow. And now you also have the tip I gave you above to avoid the crowds.

In short, between its light sand, calm lagoon, and turquoise water, Matira looks like a postcard. That is exactly why it has become Bora Bora’s most famous beach.

At Matira Beach, you can still do a few activities to make the most of this spot. The advantage is that you can go whenever you want, whether to relax or for water activities. When I talk about water activities, I am not talking about jet skiing, but calmer activities like snorkeling. And if you are spending several days on the island, know that we wrote a complete article about activities to do in Bora Bora. You can use it to plan or round out your itinerary there; everything is in it!

Well, I want to tell you that, like on any beach, the first thing to do here is simply to go for a swim. But here, the water stays shallow for quite a while, even as you move away from the shore. It feels like being in a big transparent bath where the water is warm. If the weather is nice, with good light, you can really see your feet on the sand. It is ideal if you are traveling as a family: kids can also stand for a long time.

For snorkeling, right in front of the beach, there is not a reef as impressive as on some motus around Bora Bora, because the bottom is sandy. But a little tip: if you go toward the rocks at the ends of the beach, you will have plenty to see. Basically, you will be able to see several tropical fish, like butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, black-and-blue damselfish, and small schools of silvery fry. And with a bit of luck, you might even see a stingray (not often right at the edge: you will need to go a bit farther out).

Honestly, it is nice to put on a mask and snorkel here: time flies with your head underwater, as long as you go toward the rocks; otherwise you might not see much and end up disappointed. That would be a shame… Personally, what I liked most at Matira was how easy it is to get to and the lagoon color, which is just gorgeous, like a giant bath!

If there is one place in Bora to go paddleboarding, it is here. The lagoon is calm, shallow, and the shades of blue are incredible from the surface. What I like about paddleboarding is that you can take the time to observe different perspectives between the turquoise gradients, the lighter sandy areas, and the little patches of coral. Honestly, there is plenty to keep you captivated!

In practice, you can rent paddleboards right on the beach. Even if it is your first time, do not worry: there is no swell, the lagoon is perfectly calm, you will easily keep your balance and, above all, explore. I recommend doing it fairly early in the morning or late in the afternoon: that is when the light is softer, and it is more pleasant.

If you prefer, you can also kayak at your own pace and stop wherever you want. I think it is really fun to do and, since the lagoon is calm, it does not take too much effort, haha. And for those who do not feel like doing anything (which I totally understand), Matira is also perfect for settling in and just enjoying the scenery and some laid-back time. After all, that is also what vacation is about!

After all the activities I just told you about, I really recommend staying at Matira Beach until the end of the day. In my eyes, sunset is a moment you should not miss on this beach. It is time to take out your camera and enjoy.

To give you an idea, the lagoon shifts from turquoise blue to warmer colors, like gold. The sun sets on the ocean side and, from Matira, you have an unobstructed view that lets you take in beautiful scenery. And the vibe changes quite a bit too. You go from a beach with people during the day to a calmer place with a more peaceful atmosphere, which feels good.

If you really want to make the most of it and you did not spend the day at the beach, I recommend getting there half an hour, or even an hour, before sunset. That gives you time to arrive calmly, without rushing. Then all you have to do is wait and enjoy the show. If you are spending a few days on the island, you might go admire it several times: you never get tired of it, trust me!

You are starting to get used to it: I always prepare a section with all the answers to the questions you might be asking yourself. On the practical side, Matira will have no more secrets for you!

Like I told you at the very beginning of the article, Matira Beach is located at the very south of Bora Bora’s main island, lagoon side. To give you an idea, from Vaitape, the heart of the island, it takes about a 20-minute drive. Plus, you cannot get lost: just follow the road south, toward Matira. The beach is signposted; just remember to stop 500 meters, or even 1 km, before it to avoid the crowds.

For parking, no worries either: in general, there are spots available not far from the beach. To get there, you also have several transportation options:

• Bicycle: the road is fairly flat, so you can ride leisurely to the beach. You will just need to leave a bit earlier if you are coming specifically for sunset, so you do not have to rush.
• E-bike: I will give you that—if it is hot, it is still more pleasant. And faster too.
• Scooter: if you are traveling solo or as a couple, it is still a practical and quick way to get around the island of Bora Bora.
• Car: it is ideal, especially if you are traveling as a family, while staying independent and free throughout your trip, or just for a day.

On our side, we rented our transportation from Avis Bora Bora. They offer cars, scooters, and e-bikes, and it really lets you be free in your movements.

Another option to get there: if you are staying in the south, in a hotel like the Maitai Bora Bora, you can even walk to the beach. In fact, we were lucky enough to spend 4 nights in an overwater bungalow at Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora Hotel. I can tell you we have an amazing memory of it!

You got it: Matira Beach is really accessible, no matter your mode of transportation. And that is great, because there are quite a few places in Bora that are much harder to reach.

Around Matira Beach, there is not just the lagoon. It is a friendly area, with a certain vibe, especially during the day. For example, there are snack stands, food trucks, and small places to grab a drink or eat. We agree, these are simple spots, but they work perfectly for spending the day without planning a picnic and, above all, without having to go back to Vaitape.

Once again, what I often recommend is not stopping in the center of the beach, even though many visitors park right at the main entrance. By stopping a bit before, you will find quieter spots, sometimes with no one around depending on the time of day.

On our side, that is where we liked to settle in. There are fewer people, more space, and the same scenery. You can come early in the morning or late in the day to feel relaxed. What I also recommend is to include the beach as a stop in your day. It can be during an island loop by car or bike, with a swim stop or a lunch break. Like I mentioned above, there is a hike on the island’s southern ridge that is great to do. It offers beautiful viewpoints over Matira. I really liked doing it: it is better to leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

To mix things up during your day, you can also combine:

• a relaxed morning and a morning swim at Matira + an afternoon ATV tour to discover the island’s interior
• a dive outside the lagoon, more in the passes, in the morning, to observe spotted eagle rays and even blacktip reef sharks. But there are dive shops based in Matira. So when you get back, you can settle in at Matira and trade your scuba tank for a snorkel.

As you can see, Matira Beach pairs well with other activities in the same day. I hope that gave you some ideas!

Good news: access to Matira Beach is completely free. It is one of the only public beaches, which is really rare in Bora, so you might as well take advantage of it. So you can come park, lay down your towel, swim, and snorkel.

But I will still point out a few things that are paid:

• Parking: there are spots all along the road and they are free. However, as you can imagine, in high season they fill up very quickly. That is why it is better to arrive earlier, especially if you are coming by car.
• Paid activities: the activities we talked about, like paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling gear, can be rented on site. Those are the only paid things, unless you do a dive trip or an organized excursion that includes Matira.
• Food / drinks: if you eat at the food trucks and small snack stands around the beach, it is of course paid. But compared to a classic restaurant, they are more affordable.

But once again, you can come to Matira without making a reservation or paying. You just have to come and enjoy.

Yes, I can confirm without hesitation, and there are several reasons for that:

• The lagoon is shallow and calm. Even several yards from the sand, the water does not get deep quickly and, as a parent, that is more reassuring. Kids can swim calmly or just splash around.
• There are no strong waves: the lagoon is protected by the barrier reef, so there are almost no waves, or they are very gentle.
• There is plenty of space: Matira Beach is both long and wide. So you can imagine kids can run, play, build sandcastles without bothering anyone and without being right on top of each other. Even in high season, you can still set up without any problem.
• Activities for kids too: with you, they can also snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. Plenty of ways to have great family moments!
• Family-friendly vibe: the setting is pretty welcoming, with no loud music or party atmosphere. You will be peaceful there with kids.

Basically, whether you are traveling with toddlers or teens, Matira is a wonderful beach for them. All the conditions are there for the whole family to enjoy it.

If you often feel like going to Matira, I can only recommend choosing accommodations nearby. You will be within walking distance and you can even go several times a day and early in the morning, without getting up too early. Honestly, it really simplifies the logistics. So I am sharing three properties with different budget levels:

High budget

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort: a resort whose reputation speaks for itself. It invites you to stay in a paradise setting, with pools, restaurants with beautiful lagoon views, and premium services that are always appreciated. Plus, it is really right next to the beach. So you do not need a car or any other transportation—just a few steps. It is ideal for a luxurious experience right next to Matira!

Mid-range budget

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: a very good option, a bit set back but still within walking distance of Matira. Simply put, you can walk for 10 minutes along the lagoon. It is not directly on the beach, but access is easy and the vibe is a bit quieter than at a larger, more classic resort. If it appeals to you, do not hesitate to check out our full experience at Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora. You will find all the details, and it will give you a better idea of what to expect.

Affordable budget

Matira Beach House: for a more reasonable budget without sacrificing location, this place is great. You are truly just steps from the beach, in a simpler, more relaxed atmosphere. I think it is perfect if you want to enjoy the lagoon without necessarily going to a resort that is much more expensive.

And if you want to live a unique experience in French Polynesia, we wrote a complete guide to the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. I will give you that: they are often farther from Matira. But it is not every day that you wake up over a crystal-clear lagoon. We were lucky enough to experience it and, in my eyes, it is something to do once in your life!

And for a more global view of the options available to you, you can also check out our article dedicated to hotels in Bora Bora. You will see it can range from luxury to more accessible options.

That is it—you now know everything about Matira Beach in Bora Bora. I hope this article made you want to go and enjoy it, above all. It is a real little paradise that is more than worth the detour: I recommend giving it at least one afternoon or more, depending on how long you are staying in Bora Bora. And above all, do not forget to go to the motu beaches; they are just as beautiful and generally less crowded. I think you can enjoy them even more.

On the same topic, know that we wrote a guide to the beaches of Tahiti. And if you plan to continue your itinerary in the Polynesian archipelago, we invite you to read our article about the island of Moorea.

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.

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