A 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 since I wrote about Bora Bora. So I am back with a very complete article about Matira Beach, often considered the most beautiful beach on the island, and honestly, 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 places to get into the water or swimming areas, but not long stretches of white sand.

Honestly, it is extremely photogenic, with its turquoise water and white sand. To help you locate it, Matira Beach sits at the southern tip of Bora Bora, on the lagoon side. In my eyes, it is a must if you are visiting the island. It is also one of the places where you can enjoy simple water activities, like paddleboarding. I tried it there, and it remains one of my favorite spots to slow down and admire the different shades 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 planning your trip right now, 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 exactly what it was made for!

First, there is this detail that changes everything: Matira has natural white sand. It is not just a small patch of sand between two rocks, but a real stretch of sand, a proper beach. And as I was saying, long sandy beaches are pretty rare on Bora Bora’s main island. So you can imagine it attracts quite a few people. By the way, to avoid the crowds and most of the visitors, I recommend stopping 500 meters, or even 1 km, before the main 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 part of the beach. It is perfect for walking in the water for a long time, swimming, coming with family, or simply admiring the shades of blue. You are right in the middle of a dream setting, so make the most of it! And if you want to gain a little height, you can hike along 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 the opportunity to stop for a few photos!

And then, last point: it is a public beach. You should know that this is quite rare in Bora Bora, as many beach areas are private or linked to hotels. Matira is the beach where everyone can come and swim in the lagoon without necessarily staying in a luxury resort or an overwater bungalow. And now you also have the little tip I gave you above to avoid the busiest part.

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 the spot. The advantage is that you can go whenever you want, whether you feel like relaxing or doing a few water activities. And when I say water activities, I am not talking about jet skiing, but calmer options like snorkeling. If you are spending several days on the island, we also 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 say that, like on any beach, the first thing to do here is simply go for a swim. But at Matira, the water stays shallow for quite a while, even as you move away from the shore. It feels like being in a huge transparent bath where the water is warm. If the weather is nice and the light is good, you can clearly see your feet on the sand. It is ideal if you are traveling as a family: children can stand for a long time too.

For snorkeling, right in front of the beach, you will not find a reef as impressive as on some of the motus around Bora Bora, because the seabed is mostly sandy. But here is a little tip: if you go toward the rocks at the ends of the beach, you will have more to see. You may spot several tropical fish, such as 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, although not often right by the shore: you usually need to go a little farther out.

Honestly, it is still worth putting on a mask and snorkel here. Time flies with your head underwater, as long as you head toward the rocks. Otherwise, you may not see much and end up a little disappointed. That would be a shame… Personally, what I liked most at Matira was how easy it is to reach and the color of the lagoon, which is just gorgeous, like a giant bath!

If there is one place in Bora Bora where paddleboarding makes perfect sense, 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 your time and notice different perspectives between the turquoise gradients, the lighter sandy areas, and the small patches of coral. Honestly, there is plenty to keep you captivated!

In practice, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks in the Matira area. Even if it is your first time, do not worry: there is no swell, the lagoon is usually very calm, and you should be able to find your balance easily before heading off to explore. I recommend doing it fairly early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is softer then, and the whole experience 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, enjoying the scenery, and taking it slow. After all, that is also what vacation is about!

After all the activities I just mentioned, 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 simply enjoy.

To give you an idea, the lagoon shifts from turquoise blue to warmer colors, with golden tones in the sky. The sun sets on the ocean side and, from Matira, you have an open view that lets you take in a beautiful scene. The atmosphere changes quite a bit too. During the day, the beach can be lively, but by the end of the afternoon it becomes calmer and more peaceful, which feels really good.

If you really want to make the most of it and you did not spend the whole day at the beach, I recommend arriving half an hour, or even an hour, before sunset. That gives you time to settle in 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 may even want to come back several times: trust me, you do not get tired of it!

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

As I mentioned at the very beginning of the article, Matira Beach is located at the southern tip of Bora Bora’s main island, on the lagoon side. To give you an idea, from Vaitape, the heart of the island, it takes about a 20-minute drive. Plus, you cannot really get lost: just follow the road south toward Matira. The beach is signposted; just remember to stop 500 meters, or even 1 km, before the main beach if you want 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 little 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 a practical and quick way to get around Bora Bora.
• Car: ideal, especially if you are traveling as a family and want to stay independent and free throughout your trip, even just for a day.

On our side, we rented our transportation from Avis Bora Bora. They offer cars, scooters, bikes, and even electric Fun Cars, which makes it much easier to move around freely.

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 how you choose to get around. And that is great, because quite a few places in Bora Bora are much harder to reach.

Around Matira Beach, there is not just the lagoon. It is also a friendly area, with a pleasant vibe during the day. For example, you will find snack stands, food trucks, and small places to grab a drink or something to eat. We agree, these are simple spots, but they are perfect if you want to spend the day there without planning a picnic and, above all, without having to go back to Vaitape.

Once again, what I often recommend is not stopping right in the center of the beach, even though many visitors park at the main entrance. By stopping a little 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 for a more relaxed atmosphere. What I also recommend is to include the beach as a stop during your day. It can be part of an island loop by car or bike, with a swim stop or a lunch break. As 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, but it is better to leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat.

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

• a relaxed morning and a swim at Matira + an afternoon ATV tour to discover the island’s interior
• a first dive in Bora Bora in the morning, or another dive outside the lagoon and closer to the passes, to observe rays and blacktip reef sharks. Some dive centers are based around 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 on the same day. I hope that gave you a few ideas!

Good news: access to Matira Beach is completely free. It is one of the main public beaches on Bora Bora, which is really rare on the island, so you might as well make the most of it. 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 along the road and they are free. However, as you can imagine, in high season they can fill up quickly. That is why it is better to arrive early, especially if you are coming by car.
• Paid activities: the activities we talked about, like paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling gear, can be rented in the area. 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, that is of course paid. But compared with a classic restaurant, these places are usually more affordable.

But once again, you can come to Matira without making a reservation or paying an entrance fee. 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 reassuring. Children 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 only very gentle ones.
• There is plenty of space: Matira Beach is both long and wide. Kids can run, play, and build sandcastles without bothering anyone or being right on top of other people. Even in high season, you can usually find a place to set up.
• Activities for kids too: with you, they can also snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. Plenty of ways to share great family moments!
• A family-friendly vibe: the setting is pretty welcoming, with no loud music or party atmosphere. You can feel peaceful there with kids.

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

If you think you will want to go to Matira often, I can only recommend choosing accommodations nearby. You will be within walking distance, and you can even go several times a day or 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 a pool, restaurants with beautiful lagoon views, and services that are always appreciated. Plus, it is right next to Matira. So you do not need a car or any other transportation—just a few steps. It is ideal for a beautiful stay right next to the beach!

Mid-range budget

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: a very good option, a little set back but still within walking distance of Matira. Simply put, you can walk for around 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 choosing a much more expensive resort.

And if you want to experience something unique 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 broader view of the options available to you, you can also check out our article dedicated to hotels in Bora Bora. You will see that there is everything from luxury resorts to more accessible options.

That is it—you now know everything about Matira Beach in Bora Bora. Above all, I hope this article made you want to go and enjoy it. It is a real little paradise and 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 too; they are just as beautiful and generally less crowded. I think you may enjoy them even more.

On the same topic, we also wrote a guide to the beaches of Tahiti. And if you plan to continue your itinerary through the Polynesian archipelagos, 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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