🇵🇫French Polynesia·Oceania
Bora Bora
The pearl of the Pacific
dest.flightsFrom
£1299
dest.hotelsFrom
£200/per night
dest.budgetPerDay
£300
dest.avgTemp
27°C
dest.bestTime
May to October
dest.safety
9/10
dest.about Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the world's most iconic tropical island — a volcanic peak rising from a turquoise lagoon of extraordinary beauty, ringed by a coral reef and a string of white sand motus. The overwater bungalow was invented here, and the island remains the gold standard for luxury tropical escapes and honeymoons.
dest.topHighlights
Overwater Bungalows
The original overwater bungalow experience — wake up above a turquoise lagoon and step directly into the water
Mount Otemanu
The dramatic volcanic peak at the centre of the island — hike to the base for extraordinary lagoon views
Lagoon Safari
Snorkel with sharks and rays in the crystal-clear lagoon — one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife experiences
Motu Picnics
Private picnic on a deserted white sand motu (islet) — the ultimate castaway experience
Coral Gardens
Snorkel the Coral Gardens for extraordinary marine life — parrotfish, moray eels, and Napoleon wrasse
Sunset Cruises
Sail around the island at sunset with Mount Otemanu as a backdrop — the most romantic evening in the Pacific
dest.thingsToDo Bora Bora
- Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in the lagoon
- Take a 4WD tour around the island for panoramic views
- Kayak or paddleboard from your overwater bungalow
- Hike to the base of Mount Otemanu
- Private picnic on a deserted motu
- Sunset sailing cruise around the island
- Scuba dive the outer reef for pelagic fish
- Take a Polynesian cooking class
dest.weather Bora Bora
dest.bestMonthsToVisit May to October
5-dest.day Bora Bora dest.itinerary
Arrival & Overwater Bungalow
- ·Fly from Papeete to Bora Bora (50 min)
- ·Boat transfer to resort
- ·Check in to overwater bungalow
- ·First swim in the lagoon from your deck
Lagoon Safari
- ·Morning lagoon safari by boat
- ·Snorkel with sharks and stingrays
- ·Picnic on a deserted motu
- ·Sunset from the overwater deck
Island Tour
- ·4WD tour around the island
- ·Mount Otemanu viewpoints
- ·Marae Fare Opu ancient temple
- ·Afternoon at Matira Beach
Diving & Relaxation
- ·Morning scuba dive on the outer reef
- ·Afternoon paddleboarding in the lagoon
- ·Polynesian cooking class
- ·Sunset sailing cruise
Last Morning & Departure
- ·Final sunrise from the overwater bungalow
- ·Last snorkel in the lagoon
- ·Boat transfer to airport
- ·Fly to Papeete for international connection
dest.whereToEat Bora Bora
Bloody Mary's
Seafood · Vaitape · $$$
St James Restaurant
French-Polynesian · Matira · $$$$
Fare Manuia
Polynesian · Vaitape · $$
Four Seasons Restaurant
International · Motu Tehotu · $$$$
dest.practicalInformation
dest.visaRequirements
Visa-free for UK, US, EU, and Australian passport holders for up to 90 days. French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France — Schengen rules apply for EU citizens.
dest.gettingAround
Air Tahiti flies from Papeete (Tahiti) to Bora Bora (50 min). Boats connect the main island to the motus. Bicycles and scooters are the best way to get around the island. Resort boats transfer guests from the airport.
dest.currency
XPF (CFP Franc)
dest.timezoneLanguage
GMT-10 · French, Tahitian
dest.frequentlyAskedQuestions
Is Bora Bora worth the cost?
Bora Bora is expensive but delivers an experience that is genuinely unique. The overwater bungalow, the lagoon, and the scenery are extraordinary. For a honeymoon or once-in-a-lifetime trip, it is worth every euro. Budget travellers can stay on the main island and take day trips to the lagoon.
How do I get to Bora Bora?
Fly to Papeete (Tahiti) then take an Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora (50 min). Most international flights connect through Los Angeles, Auckland, or Tokyo. The journey from London takes approximately 22 hours. Book Air Tahiti flights well in advance.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
May to October (dry season) is the best time — sunny skies, lower humidity, and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving. November to April is the wet season with occasional cyclones. July and August are the most popular months.
Can I snorkel with sharks in Bora Bora?
Yes — blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks are common in the lagoon and are completely safe to snorkel with. Stingrays are also abundant. Lagoon safari tours include shark and ray snorkelling — one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in the world.
