Essential Key Takeaways
- Top-rated attraction: Coral Gardens snorkeling (4.9/5 from thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor).
- Best free spot: Matira Beach, perfect for swimming and sunsets.
- Ideal stay: 5-7 days to cover lagoon tours, hikes, and relaxation.
- Daily budget: $300 low-end, $800+ luxury with overwater bungalows.
- Pro tip: Visit May-October for dry weather and fewer crowds.
Top-Rated Bora Bora Attractions and Things to See and Do
As someone who’s guided dozens of visitors around Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoons, I can tell you the real magic lies in the water and hidden viewpoints.
My first time snorkeling at Coral Gardens felt like entering an aquarium, with rays gliding right past me. Here’s my curated list of must-visits, each with personal ratings based on repeat visits and guest feedback.
Coral Gardens: Premier Snorkeling Paradise (My Rating: 4.9/5)
This underwater wonder teems with vibrant corals, tropical fish, moray eels, and blacktip reef sharks. I remember spotting a sea turtle nibbling on algae during a calm morning dive, an experience that hooked me forever. Book via local operators like those on Viator for guided tours starting at $110 per person, including gear and lunch. Open daily, best at high tide for deeper access. User reviews rave about the visibility, often exceeding 100 feet.
Matira Beach: Bora Bora’s Best Public Shoreline (My Rating: 4.8/5)
Stretching over a mile of powdery white sand into shallow, warm lagoon waters, Matira is where locals like me unwind. Wade out at low tide to the reef or picnic under palms. No entry fee, open 24/7, with nearby food trucks serving fresh poisson cru. Guests love the sunsets; one shared, “It felt like the ocean was on fire.” Check directions on Google Maps.
Mount Otemanu Hike: Dramatic Peak Views (My Rating: 4.7/5)
The iconic basalt pinnacle dominates the skyline, rewarding tough hikes with 360-degree lagoon panoramas. I summited at dawn once, watching the sun paint the motus gold. Guided tours via TripAdvisor-listed operators cost $150+, last 4-6 hours, and are of moderate difficulty. Wear sturdy shoes; the summit is not always accessible due to weather.
Bora Bora Lagoonarium: Marine Life Sanctuary (My Rating: 4.6/5)
Snorkel in a protected cove with stingrays, sharks, and fish without boat travel. My group fed nurse sharks by hand, a thrilling yet safe thrill. Tickets for the summit are around $144, 3-4 hours, and family-friendly. As per visitor logs on local sites, it’s ideal for non-swimmers with shallow zones.
Recommended Tours and Excursions Around Bora Bora
From my years chartering boats, lagoon discovery tours stand out. “The Reef Discovery with manta rays changed my view of the ocean,” I told a client after spotting a 10-foot ray. Top picks:
- Shark and Ray Feeding: $95-182, 4 hours, swim with blacktips safely guided.
- Jet Ski Lagoon Circuit: $200+, adrenaline-pumping coastal exploration.
- Whale Watching (Jul-Nov): $250, humpbacks breaching nearby.
- Pearl Farm Visit: $50, learn cultivation on a motu.
Book through Viator for verified operators.
Best Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows define luxury here. During my stay at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa (8.8/10 rating), the glass-floor views of Mt. Otemanu and turtle swims were unbeatable. Prices start at $153/night for guesthouses andandguesthouses and $800+ for resorts like Four Seasons or St. Regis. Budget picks: Maitai Polynesia. High season (May-Oct) averages $4800/week per person all-inclusive. Check Moana Voyages for deals.
Luxury Overwater Options
Westin: Largest glass floors, turtle encounters, from $1000/night.
Budget Guesthouses
On the main island, $150-300/night with lagoon access.
Typical Costs, Budgets, and Money-Saving Strategies
A solo traveler needs $300/day (food, transport, and activities); couples, $500; luxury, $800+. Flights from Papeete: $200-400 roundtrip via Air Tahiti or Air Moana on Expedia. Tours: $110-275. Meals: $20 lunch, $50 dinner.
Suggested Budgets
5 days low: $2000 (hostel, Le Truck, picnics). Luxury: $6000+.
Money-Saving Tips
Shoulder season (Apr-May, Oct), public Matira Beach, resort day passes $100 for pools/beaches, Le Truck $5/ride, self-cater groceries.
How to Get to Bora Bora and Around the Island
Fly into Motu Mute Airport (BOB) from Papeete (PPT), a 50-min flight. Shuttles or water taxis to resorts. On-island: Le Truck buses are irregularly $5, taxis areirregularly $20-50, scooter rentals are $50/day, boats are $50/day, and motus go. “Le Truck took me to Matira for pennies,” I advised a group once.
Optimal Times to Visit Bora Bora
Dry season (May-Oct): 80°F. Boats go (May-Oct): 80°F days, low rain, ideal for watersports. Avoid the Dec-Mar (May-Oct) 80°F wet season with 16 rainy days/month. Shoulder Apr/May/Oct balances weather and prices.
Staying Safe in Bora Bora: Pro Tips and Emergency Info
Bora Bora is very safe, low crime, but watch currents snorkeling. Sunscreen mandatory. Emergency: Police 17, Medical 15, Sea Rescue 40 42 12 12, Hospital 40 48 62 62 (via YesTahiti). Drink bottled water, reef-safe sunscreen.
Pros of Bora Bora
- Unmatched lagoon beauty and marine life.
- Luxury stays with privacy.
- Relaxed Polynesian culture.
Cons of Bora Bora
- High costs for everything.
- Remote, limited nightlife.
- Weather-dependent activities.
Recommended Length of Stay and Nearby Areas
5-7 days lets you tour, relax, day-trip to Moorea or Tahiti. Extend to 10 for diving certification. Nearby: Vaitape town for markets.
My Personal Insights as a Local Guide
“Sunrise kayak from Matira beats any resort breakfast,” I share with every group. Pack light, respect reefs, connect with locals at Vaitape market Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bora Bora
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
May to October offers dry weather, calm seas, and peak snorkeling conditions with temperatures around 80F.
How much does a trip to Bora Bora cost?
Expect $300-800 per day per person, covering stays, food, and tours; luxury pushes to $1000+.
Is Bora Bora safe for tourists?
Yes, very safe with low crime; main risks are sun exposure and ocean currents, mitigated by guides.
How do I get around Bora Bora without a car?
Le Truck buses, taxis, or boat shuttles work well; rentals optional for flexibility.
What are the top free things to do in Bora Bora?
Matira Beach swimming, Mount Otemanu viewpoints, and Vaitape market strolls.
