Things to do in Bora Bora

It took me a year and a half of blogging to FINALLY write an article about Bora Bora, also known as the Pearl of the Pacific. I recently had the chance to return to the island, and I finally learned to appreciate it for what it truly is. I have to admit that I didn’t really know how to begin this article. Why? Because I had criticized Bora Bora many times for its mass tourism, its Chinese cruise ships, and its lack of authenticity… That made it difficult for me to dive into this article, even though this second visit allowed me to discover another side of the island. So, let me tell you about the different things you can do in Bora Bora during your stay.

Everyone knows this picture-perfect island for its lagoon and turquoise waters, but you can find those in other parts of the world too… Bora Bora may be known as the Pearl of the Pacific, but it has much more to offer, even though its lagoon and colors will probably remain among your strongest memories for years to come. During this trip, I tried to “look beyond the postcard,” and I was pleased to see from the feedback I received on Instagram that you also enjoyed seeing more than white-sand beaches and coconut palms!

You may be wondering: if there were only one thing to do in Bora Bora, what would it be? I know the island quite well now, having stayed there three or four times, and honestly, I haven’t seen anything more beautiful than Bora Bora from above. I was lucky enough to fly over it by seaplane, although that particular excursion is no longer available. Today, the closest alternative is a scenic helicopter flight over the island. I’ll tell you more about my own flight in a moment, but for now, let me simply say that if you get the chance, I recommend the experience 2,000%! You definitely won’t regret it!

I’ve already written plenty of articles about planning a trip to French Polynesia, but I couldn’t run a blog about Polynesia without writing about Bora Bora. Here are five must-do experiences on this little slice of paradise! I should point out that I wasn’t able to try every activity mentioned in this article—I simply didn’t have enough time—but I still wanted to show you all the options to help you make the most of your stay.

Let’s be honest: this is why many tourists come to Bora Bora Island. Some never really see the main island and simply stay on their hotel’s motu, a small white-sand islet on the coral reef. When I first wrote this article, I hadn’t yet had the opportunity—or the budget—to spend a night or two in an overwater bungalow, but I already thought Bora Bora was one of the best places in the world to try the experience at least once in your life.

Depending on the hotel, it may cost you an arm and a leg, but I still think it is an experience worth considering. Even though this type of stay doesn’t usually appeal to me that much, I have to admit that spending a night in such an unusual setting, above one of Polynesia’s most beautiful turquoise lagoons, must be something special. If you are planning a trip to French Polynesia, I would definitely suggest making the effort to visit Bora Bora and treating yourself to one luxurious night—or perhaps two!

Since I first wrote this post, I have had the chance to spend two nights at Maitai Bora Bora. It was a wonderful experience and remains one of the more affordable options for staying in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora’s main island.

Sleeping in an overwater bungalow with an all-inclusive package—not bad, right?

I can’t recommend one specific hotel over another because I haven’t stayed in many of them, but Bora Bora certainly has plenty to choose from, and you’ll find a selection farther down the page. Some of the best-known resorts include the Conrad, the Four Seasons, The Westin Bora Bora, and The St. Regis. I also had the opportunity to visit the former Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, now known as Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, and the setting was beautiful. I’ll tell you more about it later.

It may sound obvious, but most tourists don’t really explore the island of Bora Bora itself, and I think that’s a shame. Of course, everyone has their own reasons for coming here, but I really want to encourage you to discover the main island and see a little of how local people live. Spending a week on a motu sipping cocktails may be enjoyable (…), but the island itself is well worth getting to know. If you take the time to explore, you’re bound to meet people and discover things you would otherwise miss.

If you stay in a beautiful hotel on a motu, there will probably be a shuttle taking guests to the main island at different times of day. If you are already staying on the island itself, it is even easier: simply head out and explore on your own. I really enjoy that sense of freedom.

Honestly, walking all the way around the island would be a little ambitious. The coastal road is roughly 32 kilometers long, even though it can feel longer once you add stops and detours. I personally cycled about two-thirds of the way around, although, in my defense, I also went hiking in the middle of the ride. Exploring by bike is fairly easy apart from one climb. If you are not particularly sporty, I recommend renting an electric bike. For those looking for a daily car rental, you can check the options available here.

The shores of Bora Bora are full of beautiful little spots…

Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the beautiful roadside views as you make your way around the island. Although Matira Beach is often described as Bora Bora’s “only beach,” you’ll soon notice several smaller spots along the coast where you can get into the water, paddle, or simply enjoy the lagoon. Stop to buy fruit from a roadside stand too, and take the time to talk to local people. In my opinion, that is one of the best ways to get a feel for everyday island life in Bora Bora.

Even if you are coming to French Polynesia mainly for its lagoons and turquoise water, you may also want to do some hiking. As you probably already know, hiking is not a priority for most tourists, and relatively few trails are clearly developed or signposted. Just look at Tahiti, where the possibilities are enormous but only a limited number of routes are easily accessible without a guide. It is very different from Réunion Island, another French island in the Indian Ocean where hiking is deeply rooted in the local tourism culture.

If you ask the tourist office for information, you may be told that certain hikes should not be attempted without a guide. I sometimes found this frustrating, especially because I managed to complete at least three short walks or hikes independently. That said, the steep mountain routes are a different matter, and local guidance is strongly recommended for climbs around Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. Mount Otemanu rises to 727 meters, and its rocky summit itself is generally considered inaccessible.

Let’s begin with the walks you can do independently during your trip to Bora Bora. I recommend creating an account on Wikiloc. If you haven’t used it before, it is a website where hikers share routes and GPS tracks from around the world. I uploaded my own tracks to help you find the way.

The walks below are the ones I personally completed without a guide. Conditions and access can change, so use common sense and check locally before setting out.

This short two-hour round-trip hike begins at the far north of the island, just before Taihi Point. From Vaitape, it takes around an hour to reach the area at an easy cycling pace. You will need to ask locally for the exact starting point because the trail is not signposted. My route on Wikiloc shows precisely where the path begins.

The hike is not particularly difficult along the easier sections, although the trail becomes steep in places. As you climb, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the lagoon and begin to appreciate the island from a completely different angle. The path ends on a small rocky peak, reached after roughly an hour of walking uphill. From there, you can look over Faanui Bay to the south and the motu, lagoon, and airport runway to the north. The view is truly beautiful.

On the other side of the island, farther south near Povai Bay, you can see red antennas standing on a ridge. This is a short, fairly accessible walk that crosses from one side of the island to the other. I started on the western side, around 200 meters to the left after the seaside stadium. If you have trouble finding the route, ask someone locally where the cross-island track begins. A dirt road leads up to the viewpoint on the ridge. You can see the details of my route on Wikiloc.

The view from the ridge is beautiful in both directions: Mount Otemanu, often partly hidden by clouds, rises on one side, while the lagoon stretches along the west coast on the other. Once you reach the lower antennas, a trail continues north toward another rocky peak, Mata Pupu, at 263 meters, where more antennas stand higher up. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to climb that far, but I was told it was well worth doing, and I imagine the view becomes even more impressive as you gain height.

I still haven’t found the name of this summit, but I uploaded the full route to Wikiloc. There are two ways to reach it. You can start from the Nunu’e antennas and follow the clearly visible trail heading south, or begin beside the ring road and follow my track. The path is fairly well marked and partly tagged, so it should be difficult to lose your way.

Once you reach the ridge, the trail climbs through dense vegetation, opening onto beautiful views of the lagoon several times along the way. It really does take your breath away. The final section involves climbing onto a rocky peak. From the top, you get one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen—apart from the view during my seaplane flight. There is even a small cabin at the summit. Continue a little farther along the ridge beyond the cabin for an even better panorama. From above, you can see the Bora Bora high school and enjoy an unobstructed view of Mount Otemanu, with the lagoon on both sides. It is an incredible spot.

I returned along the same trail, although I was told that it is possible to continue south along the ridge toward Mount Rufau. If you choose to do that, the route eventually ends at the southern tip of the island, overlooking beautiful Matira Beach. For the more adventurous among you, I imagine it is well worth the effort.

I didn’t personally go up there, but a friend drove to the site and told me that it leads to a very nice viewpoint. Search for “Bloody Mary’s” on Google Maps. As of July 2026, the original restaurant is still closed for redevelopment, but the location remains easy to identify. The track starts from the main road, around 50 meters before the site, and climbs toward the ridge.

In 1942, during World War II, American troops arrived on the island of Bora Bora because of the threat of a Japanese attack following Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The island was never attacked, but eight cannons from that period still remain around Bora Bora…

During a recent walk, I had the chance to visit two cannons that I hadn’t seen before. Both are in the northeast of the island, along its main climb, near Fiti’u’u Point. At the time of my visit, access cost 500 XPF and included a short trail leading to the two cannons. Their locations are beautiful, with views over the Pacific Ocean, Mount Otemanu, and the lagoon’s deep shades of blue. From above, you can watch people canoeing or kayaking. In the distance, across the sandy motu, you can see The St. Regis, the InterContinental, and the resort now known as The Westin Bora Bora. Below the cannons, there is also a small beach where you can relax or go snorkeling. In my opinion, the detour is well worth it.

As I mentioned earlier, a local guide is strongly recommended for some mountain routes, particularly Mount Pahia and the Anau cave near the foot of Mount Otemanu. I didn’t manage to do either of them because I ran out of time, although several people recommended both.

Based on the information I was able to gather at the time, Eric was one of the guides offering these climbs, and he could be contacted by email at borabora.mountaintrek@gmail.com. Another agency also offered guided hikes at polynesiaislandtours@mail.pf. I haven’t been able to confirm whether these contact details are still current, so check them before relying on them.

You may have found this article while researching your next trip to Bora Bora, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford several nights in a luxury resort. I used to joke that I was probably the only person who had never set foot in one of them, while still waiting for Le Méridien, The St. Regis, or the Four Seasons to contact me… Since writing the original post, I was invited to stay at Maitai Bora Bora, a pleasant three-star hotel with some of the island’s more affordable overwater bungalows.

If you can afford several nights in one of Bora Bora’s luxury resorts, this section probably isn’t aimed at you. For those staying in a guesthouse, an Airbnb, or even a tent, one way to enjoy a little of that atmosphere is to have breakfast at a high-end hotel. During my visit, however, I found it difficult to locate a resort on a motu that accepted outside guests for breakfast without requiring an expensive day pass.

Thanks to the Polynesian family I was staying with, I eventually found an option at the former Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, now Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. At the time, it was the only hotel I found that offered a reasonably priced breakfast and a complimentary boat shuttle for outside guests. Policies may have changed since then, so contact the hotel directly before planning your visit.

At the time of my visit, this was a good way to enjoy a little luxury without spending too much. Breakfast cost 4,000 XPF—around €32 at the time—and gave us the chance to discover the resort, which sits in a beautiful setting on Motu Tevairoa, northwest of Bora Bora. The hotel is now called Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. The price, outside-guest policy, phone number, and shuttle arrangements may have changed, so you should contact the resort directly before going. If breakfast visits are still available, I recommend choosing an early shuttle so you can take your time and make the most of the morning.

From Vaitape, reaching the boat pickup point took me around 30 to 40 minutes by bike, or roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car. Once we arrived, the atmosphere was exactly what you would expect: translucent water, overwater bungalows, and a beautiful view of Mount Otemanu. Breakfast was very enjoyable, and the beach on the motu offered a wonderful panorama of the island’s highest mountain. It was a particularly photogenic place, and I had a great time taking pictures there.

I couldn’t write about Bora Bora without mentioning the many activities available on and around the island. Of course, I wasn’t able to try everything—I would have needed a much bigger budget!

Here are a few ideas, but you can also read our detailed guide to a selection of activities in Bora Bora.

Several dive centers operate in Bora Bora and offer the chance to discover the island’s marine life. I haven’t personally dived here, and from what I have heard, Bora Bora may not be the strongest diving destination in French Polynesia. Experienced divers often prefer the Tuamotu Islands—especially Fakarava, Rangiroa, and Tikehau—or even the Tahiti peninsula. But you may already know that!

If you do want to dive in Bora Bora—and there are certainly worse places—you can book an exploration dive for certified divers or a first scuba-diving experience. Booking ahead is a good idea, especially during busy periods.

This is a more affordable way to enjoy Bora Bora’s underwater world. One of the best areas I visited lies near Motu Piti U’u Uta, at the southern end of the island. The snorkeling spot is often known as “the Aquarium” and was once associated with the former Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which closed in 2025. Search for “Motu Piti U’u Uta” on Google Maps to locate the area. Access arrangements can change, so ask your accommodation or a local watersports operator about renting a kayak or paddleboard. When I stayed at Maitai Bora Bora, which I really enjoyed, guests could borrow one of the hotel’s kayaks free of charge.

Swimming there from the main island, even with fins, is quite a long way and should only be considered by very confident swimmers in suitable conditions. Once you reach the area, you can enjoy the coral gardens, colorful fish, and clear water. More generally, a mask, snorkel, and fins are enough to explore many spots around the main island and the motu. For those who prefer a guided outing to some of the lagoon’s best snorkeling areas, you can consider this snorkeling excursion.

Matira Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful swimming spots

For swimming, Matira Beach remains the best-known spot on the main island. Here is a small tip if you want to avoid the busiest part: stop around 500 meters to one kilometer before reaching the main beach area. You may find somewhere to park and a quieter place to enter the lagoon. The water can feel like a natural swimming pool, and the setting is beautiful. The main beach itself is mostly about the sand and the lagoon—which, to be fair, is already plenty!

We have also written a complete guide to Matira Beach.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a lovely way to explore Bora Bora’s lagoon. You often see photos of people gliding across the turquoise water, and it is easy to understand why the lagoon is so appealing for this type of activity. If you are staying at a resort on a motu, paddleboards are often available for guests to use, so make the most of them. Otherwise, you may be able to rent one around Matira Beach or through a hotel or local watersports provider. Matira is one of the best-known places to paddle, with calm water and beautiful Polynesian colors. You can also book a guided stand-up paddle excursion. It is one of the best things to do in Bora Bora if you want a peaceful activity on the lagoon.

A lagoon tour is one of the classic activities to consider during a trip to French Polynesia, although you probably won’t be able to do one on every island. One concern I have in Bora Bora, as on some other islands, is the practice of feeding rays and sharks for tourism…

Everyone will have their own opinion on the subject, but many lagoon-tour providers still include encounters with rays and sharks. I had already done several lagoon excursions on other islands, so I chose not to book another one in Bora Bora. That said, if you want a day combining snorkeling, swimming in turquoise water, lunch on a white-sand motu, and the chance to observe rays and sharks, it remains one of the island’s best-known experiences.

I personally tried the services of Manu Excursion Tours, who picked us up directly from the Maitai Bora Bora pontoon before taking us to Motu Piti A’au, southeast of the main island. Days like this really show you the beauty of Polynesian waters. It remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen with my own eyes. They could either take guests to their own lovely spot for the day or organize a full lagoon excursion. I was lucky enough to swim with around ten leopard rays right in front of their place—what a memory!

Several operators offer half-day or full-day 4×4 tours. I’m not entirely convinced that this is essential because, knowing the places usually included, I personally prefer exploring independently by bicycle, electric bike, or even by renting a car for half a day. Typical itineraries include a drive around the island, short walks to elevated viewpoints, and a visit to some of the old American cannons.

Whether a 4×4 excursion is worthwhile depends on how you like to travel. If you don’t want to organize your own transportation but still want to see more of the main island, it can be a convenient option.

I am convinced that seeing Bora Bora from the air is one of the most memorable experiences you can have here. I was genuinely overwhelmed by the beauty of the lagoon and the views that opened up beneath the seaplane. If I had to give just one answer to the question “what is there to do in Bora Bora?”, this would probably still be it.

I was incredibly fortunate to be invited on this flight by Tahiti Air Charter, which operated seaplane excursions in French Polynesia at the time. In this dedicated article, I share the experience of flying over Bora Bora’s lagoon and the heart-shaped island of Tupai. The original seaplane excursion is no longer available, but scenic helicopter and microlight flights now offer alternative ways to admire Bora Bora from above.

Honestly, I have tried to describe what I felt while looking down at that incredible scene, but words still don’t come close. At around 400 meters above the lagoon, I felt like a child seeing Christmas presents for the first time. It certainly wasn’t a cheap experience, but it became one of the strongest memories of my years in Polynesia. The seaplane excursion I took is no longer offered. Today, you can book a scenic helicopter flight over Bora Bora instead. Book ahead because the number of places can be limited.

There are plenty of other activities I haven’t covered in detail here, including jet skiing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, skydiving when available, and a helicopter flight above the lagoon.

How do I conclude an article about an island I wasn’t initially very fond of? For a long time, I focused on Bora Bora’s mass tourism and on visitors arriving only to disappear into luxury resorts without really exploring the island. I’m not here to judge or criticize anyone. That isn’t my own way of traveling, but everyone is free to experience a destination however they choose. I can still share my point of view, though, and explain how I think you can get more out of everything Bora Bora has to offer.

Even if you are staying in a beautiful resort on a motu, I really want to encourage you to leave it for a while and see something different. Enjoy one or two nights there—that’s fine—but then explore the main island independently. Rent a car or a bike, take in the atmosphere, and meet some of the people who live there. Talk to them, listen to how they describe their lives, and try to understand their point of view. To me, that matters just as much as seeing the island’s beautiful scenery. In only a day or two, you can discover a very different side of Bora Bora. In my opinion, it remains an incredibly beautiful island.

Staying inside your seaside “castle” on a motu means missing much of the reality of Bora Bora. The island is undeniably touristy, but once you take the time to explore the main island, you may be surprised by how few tourists you actually meet. Many international visitors remain in their resorts, so you rarely see them elsewhere around the island.

Why not stay with a local family in an Airbnb or guesthouse? That is what I did, and after spending several days with a Polynesian family, my view of the island changed. We talked and debated for hours, and I learned a great deal. This is the kind of experience you miss when you never leave your hotel. You may not discover the everyday side of Bora Bora and could go home seeing it only as a “paradise.” I know this may sound a little preachy, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, but I genuinely hope you take the time to see the island beyond the image you came looking for.

To finish this article, here are a few practical tips to help you plan your trip to the island.

A quick word about the weather, as this is one of the questions I receive most often. As a general rule, and this applies to much of French Polynesia, the wetter and more humid season runs roughly from November to April. If you can choose your dates, I usually recommend May and June or September and October. These periods often offer a good balance between drier weather, comfortable temperatures, and fewer visitors than the busiest months. Of course, tropical weather is never completely predictable, so even the dry season can bring rain.

I mentioned this earlier in the article, but it is worth repeating here. Cycling all the way around Bora Bora is possible, although you need a reasonable level of fitness. In general, I recommend a scooter if you are traveling alone or as a couple, or an electric bike if you prefer a slower pace. For families or groups of more than two people, renting a car is usually the most practical option.

For travelers coming from the United States, one option is to fly from a major U.S. city to San Francisco, then compare flights between San Francisco and Papeete. Canadians can use a similar approach by first reaching San Francisco from a major Canadian city and then comparing flights from San Francisco to Papeete. Airfares change constantly, so I no longer recommend relying on a fixed price estimate. Airlines serving Tahiti from North America include French bee, United Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air France, depending on your departure city and travel dates.

Once you reach Tahiti, most travelers continue to Bora Bora by plane. You currently have two main options:

• Fly with Air Tahiti, the long-established inter-island airline. The direct flight from Tahiti takes around 50 minutes, and round-trip fares currently start at roughly 40,000 XPF. If Bora Bora is part of a longer island-hopping itinerary, an Air Tahiti multi-island pass may offer better value,
• Air Moana also operates direct flights between Tahiti and Bora Bora. Fares depend on your dates and the current offers available, and the airline does not currently provide the same type of multi-island pass as Air Tahiti.

You can also reach Bora Bora by boat from Tahiti or from neighboring islands in the Leeward Islands. Hawaiki Nui once carried passengers aboard its cargo vessels, but that service is no longer the main option. You can find more information in our guide to traveling between the islands of French Polynesia.

Another option chosen by many travelers is a cruise. There are itineraries for a wide range of budgets and travel styles. Some cruises combine the Leeward Islands with the Tuamotu or the Marquesas, while others focus only on the Society Islands. Many include a stop in Bora Bora, including Paul Gauguin Cruises. You can also charter a catamaran from Tahiti or Raiatea and create your own multi-island itinerary. I have to admit that sailing through all those shades of blue aboard a small private catamaran sounds pretty tempting if your budget allows it!

At present, the main scheduled boat options include:

• Apetahi Express: a fast ferry linking Tahiti with the Leeward Islands, including Bora Bora. The standard adult fare is currently around 14,000 XPF round trip,
• Vaeara’i: another ferry serving Bora Bora from Tahiti and several other Leeward Islands on selected weekends, generally two or three times per month. The current adult round-trip fare between Tahiti and Bora Bora is around 16,000 XPF,
• Maupiti Express II: despite its name, the current scheduled service mainly connects Bora Bora with Taha’a and Raiatea rather than Maupiti. The company generally operates around three trips per week, but schedules can change:
  • Check the latest departure days and times before organizing your itinerary,
  • The crossing between Bora Bora and Raiatea takes roughly 2 hours and 20 to 30 minutes,
  • Current fares and student or child reductions should be confirmed directly with the company,
  • For information, contact 40 67 66 69, 87 78 27 22, or 87 74 02 40.
  • Schedules are subject to change, particularly during school periods and holidays

We also have a complete guide comparing Bora Bora and Maupiti, so take a look if you are hesitating between the two islands.

Accommodation is where you can either protect your travel budget—or completely blow it. In Bora Bora, some rooms and overwater villas can easily cost around €1,000 per night or more, depending on the resort and season. Yes, it is expensive, but luxury comes at a price, particularly in French Polynesia. If you are looking for a high-end place to stay, I have written a complete guide to the best hotels in Bora Bora.

I still can’t personally compare all the luxury resorts because I haven’t stayed at most of them. The main high-end property I visited was the former Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, now known as Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. It was presented to me as one of the more accessible luxury options on the island. The rates were high, but the setting was beautiful and I really enjoyed what I saw of the resort. You can take a look here.

You’ll also find links to some of the island’s most beautiful hotels below. For travelers on a tighter budget, there are guesthouses and smaller accommodations to consider too. And if you want to spend time with a Polynesian family, why not look for a homestay or Airbnb? I can personally recommend the family I stayed with—the room was called Ihi-Tea Bora Bora. I haven’t been able to confirm whether this listing is still active, so check the link before relying on it. And don’t leave town without trying an ice cream from Iaorana Gelato—tell me what you think!

And don’t forget that we have also published a complete guide to the best hotels with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. Take a look!

A few quick words about food. If you are staying in a luxury resort on a motu, you may have half board or full board and will probably eat most of your meals at the hotel. Family-run guesthouses on the main island often offer half-board options too. For lunch, you’ll find several food trucks, snack bars, and casual restaurants around Vaitape. Once you move farther away from town, the choice becomes more limited, apart from a few small stores selling sandwiches and takeout food.

I have reached the end of this very long article about the things to do in Bora Bora. I have to admit that I got a little carried away, and some of you may not have made it all the way down here. For those who did, leave me a quick comment at the bottom of the article!

Has this made you want to discover the island of Bora Bora? Can you now place Bora Bora on the world map? Are you wondering whether to organize your trip to French Polynesia independently or use a local travel agency? I share my opinion in this article.

I’ll leave you here for now. See you soon, and good luck planning your trip.

Have a wonderful trip.

Sylvain

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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