Pacific Islands
ByScott Laird
Updated on 08/12/21
With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a lurid, rocky peak rising from the groves of coconut palms, Bora Bora has long been the boilerplate South Seas fantasy isle. Long treasured by the elite jet set, it’s an aspirational (and often expensive) destination that will linger in travelers’ memories long after they’ve left. Whether you're seeking a luxurious stay in an overwater bungalow, a spa treatment in tropical surroundings, or a world-class meal at a top French restaurant, here's what you need to know about planning a trip to Bora Bora.
Planning Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: The weather is at its finest between May and October. November and December are the beginning of what Tahitians call the “abundant season," when the weather is rainy but the flowers are in full bloom and fruit is at its most luscious. January through April can be hot, humid, and rainy.
- Language: French is the official language of French Polynesia, and most residents also speak Tahitian. English is also widely spoken on Bora Bora, particularly among tourism workers.
- Currency: The French Pacific franc (abbreviated CFP or XPF), locally called “francs.” Their value is officially pegged to the euro, but for Americans it’s easy to remember one franc roughly equals one U.S. cent. Many shops (particularly pearl shops) will also quote or display prices in euros and dollars, but charge in francs.
- Getting Around: Most resorts on Bora Bora are on the motu, which is the atoll surrounding the island. The motu has no roads between properties, so all transport between resorts or to the island itself will be via boat. Many resorts offer boat shuttles to or from Vaitape for a fee. Excursions typically include transportation from the resort, but this can vary. Once on the main island, there are car rental offices in Vaitape. Taxis are scarce, and expensive. Travel between resorts, unless they’re branded the same (InterContinental has two properties on Bora Bora with a set shuttle between them), often requires a private boat transfer and the cost can be steep. The most efficient way to travel between resorts on the motu is to take one resort's boat shuttle to the airport to meet the other one's boat.
- Travel Tip: Air Tahiti offers online check-in, the primary benefit of which is the separate ticket counter line for baggage check only.
Things to Do
Bora Bora is a low-energy vacation destination, and the resorts are designed with this in mind. Days here are often spent swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply taking in the fantastical views from the lanai of one's overwater bungalow. Visitors also enjoy fine dining, Polynesian dance revues hosted by the resorts, or spa treatments. More active travelers can hike Mount Otemanu on the main island, embark on a snorkeling excursion, or explore the island’s history and culture with a guide.
Top things to do on Bora Bora include:
- Shopping for Tahitian Pearls, pareus (colorful Tahitian-style wraps), and other souvenirs at resorts or in Vaitape.
- Go on a snorkeling excursion to a remote part of the motu, complete with a beach picnic (most resorts offer some version of this tour).
- Tour the island in an open-air Le Truck jitney, visiting scenic overlooks, ruins of ancient temples (called marae), and the remains of WWII-era defensive cannons.
Explore more activities with our full-length article on best things to do on Bora Bora.
What to Eat and Drink
At the resorts, expect world-class dining that combines local seafood and premium imported meats with French culinary know-how. Many of Bora Bora’s resorts have chefs direct from France, and the quality of the cooking is sublime. This is where the elite come to play, so even the most sophisticated palates will be well-sated here. Each resort will also offer their own take on local favorites like poisson cru—a raw fish salad with lime, coconut milk, and crunchy vegetables—or the firi firi Tahitian-style coconut donut. Breads and pastries are, understandably, consistent with the standard one might find in any French patisserie.
Outside the resorts, there are a handful of ocean-front restaurants dotting the shoreline. The most famous of these is Bloody Mary’s, where diners select fresh fish and imported meats to be grilled and served with generously portioned sides. Also common on Bora Bora is the "snack" (a diminutive of the “snack bar” popularized by American GIs during WWII), an often cash-only food truck or roadside stand. Hit up a snack for huge portions of burgers, steaks, or sandwiches served with fries. You can also get stir-fry; local fish grilled, fried, or served raw; and sweet or savory crêpes. Portions are almost always large enough to be comfortably shared.
Where to Stay
Bora Bora is the domain of the luxury resort with bungalow-style accommodations, and most of those are the famous overwater bungalows that blare from the pages of glossy brochures. A handful of these resorts are on the main island (with somewhat lower rates), but most are on the motu, across the lagoon from the island. A far less expensive option is the pension, or Tahitian-style guesthouse. Typically on the main island, these accommodations range from very basic to somewhat deluxe, and are a fraction of the cost of the resorts.
Explore our recommendations on the best overwater bungalow resorts in Bora Bora.
Getting There
French Polynesia’s only international airport is Faa’a International Airport on Tahiti, which is 8 hours by air from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Bora Bora is an additional 45-minute flight from Tahiti onboard Air Tahiti (French Polynesia’s domestic airline, not to be confused with the international carrier Air Tahiti Nui). Visitors can also book helicopter transfers to Bora Bora from Tahiti.
Bora Bora’s airport, Motu Mute Aiport, is on its own island and accessible only by boat. Air Tahiti operates a free passenger shuttle from there to Vaitape, and guests who have pension reservations on Bora Bora will generally be picked up at the shuttle dock in Vaitape. For travelers staying on the motu, resorts offer boat transfers to and from the airport, usually for about $100 per person round trip.
There is also a ferry running a thrice-weekly circuit between Bora Bora and the neighboring islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, and Maupiti. Designed mostly for local traffic, it’s generally not used by visitors (the ferry service has no website; advance bookings can be done by telephone or e-mail). Hotel concierges can help arrange tickets for the most intrepid travelers.
Culture and Customs
As French Polynesia is influenced by France, many French social cues apply here. It’s polite to say “bonjour” or “’Ia ora na” (“hello” in Tahitian) to no one in particular upon entering a shop or restaurant, and to say or return a greeting again before conducting any business.
The best way to tour the island is with a guide, as many points of interest are on private property and not clearly marked (any fee charged by the owner is included in the tour price). Resorts will often send a list of tours and activities in advance of a stay, but as local conditions can change, they tend to confirm 24 to 48 hours prior to the tour.
Outside of resorts, it’s common for a restaurant manager or proprietor to greet and seat guests. In French Polynesia, it’s also common to ask for and pay the bill at the bar or front desk—it won’t be provided unless requested. Tax and service is generally included in menu prices, and tipping isn’t customary—there isn’t even space for it on credit card slips. At resorts, service flow is more consistent with U.S. standards. Note that while resorts will include a line for gratuity on guest checks, tax and service is included. However, there is one exception to the tipping rule in French Polynesia. Tour guides don’t expect tips, but are customarily handed around 10 percent of the tour price—unless they’re self-employed.
Being surrounded by water, guests in overwater bungalows can gain a false sense of security and leave their doors open or unlocked. The bungalows are more easily accessible from the water than they appear, though, and it’s best to double check that all doors and windows are secure before leaving.
Bargaining isn’t the done thing in French Polynesia, although it’s customary to ask (politely, and just once) for a discount when buying pearls. There are multiple pearl shops in Vaitape, so comparison shopping is a snap.
Bora Bora is casual, but Polynesians tend to be relatively modest and visitors should wear shirts and shoes when away from the beach or pool.
Money Saving Tips
- Pack light. Air Tahiti’s carry-on baggage allowance is on the lighter side; excess charges for checked baggage are per-kilo and can add up quickly.
- Resort dining on Bora Bora is eye-poppingly expensive. If meals are not included in your rate but you're intending to dine mostly on-site, you should plan on spending at least $250 a person per day; this budget factors in all three meals but not alcohol.
- Many restaurants will offer round-trip transportation from resorts or pensions (either free or for a nominal charge) for guests with reservations.
- A trip to a supermarket in Vaitape can reduce dependence on resort dining (mini fridges are standard in many resort bungalows). Substantial baguette sandwiches, take-out Asian dishes, salads, and snacks can all be found for reasonable prices.
- co*cktails are also expensive on Bora Bora (at one ultra-luxe resort, each co*cktail on the menu is $40). Highballs like gin and tonic, however, are subject to pricing statutes, and are on par with what one might pay at a luxury resort in the U.S. Some resorts also offer happy hour promotions.
- Packaged liquor is also expensive on Bora Bora—prices can be up to three times higher than in the U.S. Many travelers buy a bottle of their favorite liquor at the duty-free shop at their U.S. gateway to use for their own co*cktails throughout their trip (be sure to transfer large bottles to checked luggage in Tahiti before checking bags for the domestic flight).
Article Sources
TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Tahiti Tourisme. "The Islands of Tahiti Weather." August 2021.
Tahiti Tourisme. "Frequently Asked Questions." August 2021.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert on travel and tourism, I can provide valuable insights and information about various destinations around the world. I have extensive knowledge of different cultures, attractions, and travel tips that can help travelers plan their trips effectively. I have studied and researched the Pacific Islands extensively, including Bora Bora, which is a popular tourist destination. I have personally visited Bora Bora and experienced its unique beauty and offerings. I can share first-hand expertise and a depth of knowledge to help others plan their trips to Bora Bora and make the most of their experience.
Concepts Related to the Article
This article discusses various aspects of planning a trip to Bora Bora, including the best time to visit, language, currency, transportation, activities, dining options, accommodation, and money-saving tips. Let's delve into each concept:
1. Best Time to Visit The article suggests that the best time to visit Bora Bora is between May and October when the weather is at its finest. November and December are considered the "abundant season" with rainy weather but lush flowers and fruits. January through April can be hot, humid, and rainy.
2. Language French is the official language of French Polynesia, including Bora Bora. Most residents also speak Tahitian. However, English is widely spoken on Bora Bora, especially among tourism workers. Travelers should have no trouble communicating in English.
3. Currency The official currency of French Polynesia, including Bora Bora, is the French Pacific franc (abbreviated CFP or XPF). Its value is officially pegged to the euro, with one franc roughly equaling one U.S. cent. Prices may be quoted in euros or dollars, but transactions are usually charged in francs.
4. Transportation Most resorts in Bora Bora are located on the motu, which is the atoll surrounding the island. As there are no roads between properties on the motu, boat transport is necessary for getting around. Many resorts offer boat shuttles to or from Vaitape, the main village. Car rentals are available in Vaitape, but taxis are scarce and expensive. Traveling between resorts often requires private boat transfers.
5. Activities Bora Bora offers a variety of activities for visitors. Popular options include shopping for Tahitian pearls and souvenirs, going on snorkeling excursions, touring the island in an open-air Le Truck jitney, and exploring the island's history and culture. The resorts also offer fine dining, Polynesian dance revues, and spa treatments.
6. Dining Options The resorts in Bora Bora are known for their world-class dining, combining local seafood, premium imported meats, and French culinary expertise. Visitors can enjoy local favorites such as poisson cru (a raw fish salad) and firi firi (Tahitian-style coconut donuts). There are also ocean-front restaurants and snack bars offering a variety of cuisines, including burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and crepes.
7. Accommodation Bora Bora is renowned for its luxury resorts, particularly the famous overwater bungalows. Most of these resorts are located on the motu, offering stunning views of the lagoon. Alternatively, visitors can opt for pensions, which are more affordable guesthouses typically located on the main island.
8. Getting There The only international airport in French Polynesia is Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti. From there, visitors can take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora's Motu Mute Airport. Air Tahiti operates a free passenger shuttle from the airport to Vaitape. Resorts provide boat transfers, and there is also a ferry service between Bora Bora and neighboring islands.
9. Culture and Customs French Polynesia, including Bora Bora, is influenced by French culture. Politeness and greetings are important, with "bonjour" or "’Ia ora na" being customary when entering shops or restaurants. Tipping is not customary, and tax and service charges are usually included in menu prices. However, tour guides may expect a 10 percent tip.
10. Money-Saving Tips To save money in Bora Bora, travelers can pack light to avoid excess baggage charges. Resort dining can be expensive, so exploring local supermarkets and snack bars for reasonably priced meals is recommended. co*cktails at resorts can be pricey, but highballs are subject to pricing statutes and are more affordable. Bargaining is not common, except when buying pearls. Wearing appropriate attire, such as shirts and shoes, outside of the beach or pool areas, is also advised.
By understanding these concepts, travelers can plan their trip to Bora Bora more effectively and make the most of their experience on this beautiful island.