Bora Bora Overview
Bora Bora is not just a destination — it's a dream. The small volcanic island rising from a turquoise lagoon in French Polynesia has become the world's most iconic luxury escape, its overwater bungalows and vibrant coral gardens setting an almost impossibly high standard for natural beauty. Yet beyond the resort brochures, Bora Bora is a real place with warm-hearted Polynesian culture, lush mountain trails, and some of the world's finest snorkeling and diving.
The island itself is relatively small — you can circumnavigate it by scooter in a couple of hours — but the surrounding lagoon is one of the world's most spectacular aquatic environments. Manta rays glide beneath the turquoise surface, sharks patrol the outer reef, and countless species of tropical fish dart through gardens of coral that are among the most diverse in the Pacific.
Yes, Bora Bora is expensive. The remoteness, the French administrative overhead, and the sheer demand from wealthy honeymooners and luxury travelers drives prices to extraordinary heights. But with careful planning, it's possible to experience the magic of this iconic island at a fraction of the headline prices — and this guide will show you exactly how.
Good to Know
Bora Bora uses the CFP Franc (XPF). The exchange rate is fixed at approximately 119 XPF per USD. There is no general sales tax in French Polynesia, but accommodation is subject to a "taxe de séjour" (stay tax). Prices on the island are roughly 40-60% higher than in France due to import costs and remoteness.
Bora Bora Cost Breakdown
Bora Bora consistently ranks among the world's most expensive destinations. Here's an honest breakdown of what to expect at different budget levels.
Budget Travel
$300-$450/day- Accommodation: $150-$250 - Guesthouses/pensions on main island (no overwater bungalow)
- Food: $40-$60 - Roulottes (food trucks), self-catering, local lunch spots
- Transport: $10-$20 - Bicycle or scooter rental
- Activities: $30-$60 - Lagoon tours, snorkeling day trips
Tip: Staying in a pension on the main island and eating at roulottes is the only way to experience Bora Bora at relatively modest cost.
Mid-Range
$500-$900/day- Accommodation: $350-$600 - Mid-range resort with lagoon or beach bungalow
- Food: $80-$120 - Mix of resort meals and local restaurants
- Transport: $20-$40 - Boat shuttles, taxi boat
- Activities: $80-$150 - Dive trips, manta ray tours, island excursions
Tip: Book a beach bungalow rather than overwater to experience a quality resort at half the price. The lagoon views are still stunning.
Luxury
$1,200+/day- Accommodation: $1,000-$3,000+ - Overwater bungalow at top resort
- Food: $150-$300+ - Resort restaurants, private dining experiences
- Transport: $50+ - Private boat transfers
- Activities: $200+ - Private dive charters, helicopter tours, sunset cruises
Tip: The Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Conrad offer the ultimate overwater bungalow experience. Book 6-12 months ahead for best availability and rates.
Detailed Cost Reference
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $150-$250 (pension) | $350-$700 (resort) | $1,000-$3,500+ (OWB) |
| Breakfast | $10-$15 (self-catering) | $25-$40 (resort) | $50-$80 (resort) |
| Lunch | $12-$20 (roulotte) | $30-$50 (restaurant) | $60-$120 (resort) |
| Dinner | $20-$35 (local) | $60-$100 (resort) | $150-$300+ (fine dining) |
| Lagoon snorkel tour (half day) | $80-$130 per person | ||
| Shark & ray feeding snorkel | $80-$120 per person | ||
| Scooter rental (per day) | $40-$60 | ||
| Air Tahiti flight (Papeete-Bora Bora) | $150-$250 each way | ||
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Calculate NowBest Time to Visit Bora Bora
Bora Bora has a tropical climate year-round, but timing your visit carefully can significantly impact both your experience and your budget.
May-June (Early Dry Season)
- Weather: 23-28°C (73-82°F), low humidity, minimal rain
- Crowds: Building — shoulder to peak
- Prices: Medium — rising toward high season
- Highlights: Whale sharks possible, excellent visibility for diving
One of the best times to visit. Near-perfect weather, prices not yet at full peak, and the lagoon at its best for water activities.
July-October (Peak Dry Season)
- Weather: 22-27°C (72-81°F), coolest and driest of year
- Crowds: High — peak season
- Prices: Highest of the year
- Highlights: Heiva festival (July), whale watching (July-Nov), best snorkeling
The classic peak season with the best weather. Humpback whale season (July-November) adds a spectacular bonus. Book 6-12 months in advance for resorts.
November-December (Transition)
- Weather: 27-31°C (81-88°F), increasing humidity, brief showers
- Crowds: Low to moderate
- Prices: 20-30% lower than peak — good deals available
- Highlights: Quieter island, whale tails still visible in November
Good value shoulder season. Weather is warm with brief afternoon showers that rarely last long. Significantly lower rates at most resorts.
January-April (Wet Season)
- Weather: 28-32°C (82-90°F), humid, more frequent rain
- Crowds: Low (except Christmas/New Year period)
- Prices: Lowest of the year (except holiday week)
- Highlights: Dramatic skies, lush vegetation, potential for reef manta rays
The cheapest time to visit with up to 40-50% discounts at some resorts. Rain is usually in afternoon bursts rather than all-day. Fine for most activities but cyclone risk is present.
Budget Tip: When to Find the Best Deals
For the best value, target March-April (end of wet season, prices dropping) or November (transition season). Resort rates can be 30-50% lower than July-August peak. Avoid Christmas/New Year week, which commands peak-season prices even in the wet season.
Where to Stay in Bora Bora
Accommodation in Bora Bora ranges from world-famous overwater bungalows to small guesthouses on the main island. Your choice dramatically affects your budget and experience.
Overwater Bungalows (Motu)
The iconic experience that made Bora Bora famous. Luxury villas perched over the lagoon with glass floors, direct water access, and unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu. Found on small motu islets surrounding the main island, accessible by boat transfer.
Best for: Honeymooners, special occasions, bucket-list experiences, luxury travelers
Beach & Lagoon Bungalows
Beach bungalows and lagoon-view rooms at the same luxury resorts offer a similar experience to overwater bungalows at 40-60% lower prices. You still get resort amenities, private beach access, and stunning lagoon views without the overwater premium.
Best for: Those wanting the full resort experience at reduced cost
Pensions & Guesthouses
Small family-run guesthouses on the main island of Bora Bora offer a completely different experience — authentic Polynesian hospitality, simple but comfortable rooms, and kitchen access. The only genuinely affordable accommodation option on the island.
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, those prioritizing authentic experience over luxury
Mid-Range Resorts
Properties like Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts and Intercontinental Thalasso offer the overwater bungalow experience at prices significantly below the ultra-luxury segment. Often the sweet spot for travelers wanting the full experience without the eye-watering price tag.
Best for: Mid-range travelers wanting the overwater experience without ultra-luxury pricing
Top Attractions in Bora Bora
Bora Bora's attractions are centered on its extraordinary natural environment — the lagoon, the reef, the mountain, and the motus. Most of the best experiences involve getting on or in the water.
Lagoon Snorkeling & Coral Gardens
Bora Bora's lagoon is one of the world's finest snorkeling environments. The Coral Gardens on the eastern side of the lagoon feature vibrant coral formations teeming with tropical fish, rays, and occasional reef sharks — all in water rarely deeper than 5 meters.
Pro Tip: Book a private lagoon tour for couples — they often cost less per-person than group tours and allow you to set the pace. Best visibility is in the morning before afternoon winds kick up.
Shark & Ray Snorkeling
One of Bora Bora's most thrilling experiences — snorkeling alongside blacktip reef sharks and feeding stingrays in shallow water. The sharks are completely habituated to humans and pose no real danger. An adrenaline-filled experience that most visitors rate as a trip highlight.
Pro Tip: Most lagoon tours include a shark and ray stop. Combine this with coral garden snorkeling and a motu picnic for a complete half-day lagoon experience.
Mount Otemanu Hike
The iconic volcanic peak (727 m) that dominates every Bora Bora postcard is actually hikeable. A 4-5 hour trail through dense jungle to the crater rim offers breathtaking views over the entire lagoon and surrounding islands. The summit itself requires technical climbing.
Pro Tip: The trail is not well-marked and can be slippery after rain. Hiring a local guide dramatically reduces the risk of getting lost and they share fascinating cultural knowledge about the island.
Matira Beach
Bora Bora's only genuinely public beach stretches along the southern tip of the main island with calm turquoise water, white sand, and views across the lagoon. Free to access, open to all visitors regardless of accommodation, and consistently stunning.
Pro Tip: Matira Beach is the best spot for budget travelers to enjoy Bora Bora's legendary waters for free. The shallow lagoon makes it excellent for swimming. Snorkel gear can be rented nearby for $10-$20.
Humpback Whale Watching
From July to November, humpback whales migrate through French Polynesian waters with their calves. Whale watching tours allow you to see these magnificent creatures breaching and tail-slapping in the open ocean just beyond Bora Bora's reef.
Pro Tip: July to October is the best window for whale sightings. Some operators also offer swimming with whales — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that must be booked well in advance.
Island Circle Tour & Motu Picnic
A guided boat tour circling the main island visits historic WWII gun emplacements, vibrant lagoon sections, and culminates in a picnic on a private motu (sand islet) — often considered one of the most memorable meals any traveler will ever have.
Pro Tip: Many tours visit the same snorkel spots — choose an operator that includes shark & ray feeding, coral gardens, and a motu picnic for the best value full-day experience.
Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Bora Bora
Matira Beach
The only public beach — free access to Bora Bora's legendary turquoise water
Cycle the Island
Rent a bicycle ($10-$15/day) and circumnavigate the main island in 2-3 hours
Vaitape Village
Explore the main village, local market, and beautiful Protestant church — all free
Sunset Views
Watch sunset over Mount Otemanu from Matira Beach — completely free and extraordinary
Snorkel off Beach
Snorkel at Matira Point with rented gear ($10-$20) — excellent reef without a tour
WWII Sites
Historical US Navy gun placements on the island accessible by scooter — free to visit
Food & Dining in Bora Bora
Dining in Bora Bora can be extremely expensive at resort restaurants, but local options offer authentic Polynesian food at a fraction of the price. Knowing where to eat makes an enormous difference to your trip budget.
Must-Try Polynesian Foods
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Poisson Cru - $15-$35
French Polynesia's national dish — raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk with cucumber and tomato. Perfectly balances citrus freshness with creamy coconut richness.
-
Mahi Mahi - $20-$45
Fresh-caught dorado (mahi mahi) grilled, baked, or in coconut curry. Among the finest fresh fish you'll eat anywhere in the world.
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Fafa - $15-$25
Traditional Polynesian dish of pork or chicken cooked in taro leaves in an earth oven (himaa). Rich, earthy, and deeply authentic.
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Po'e - $5-$8
A traditional Polynesian dessert made from taro, pumpkin, or banana with coconut milk — sticky, sweet, and unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
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Local Rum & Monoi - Varies
Try Ti'punch (local rum with lime and sugar) and Hinano, the beloved local Polynesian beer. Monoi oil (coconut oil infused with tiare flowers) is a local beauty product worth bringing home.
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Breadfruit - $3-$8
A Polynesian staple cooked in many ways — baked, fried, or in coconut milk. A uniquely Pacific flavor unavailable almost anywhere else.
Budget Eating Tips
- Roulottes: Food trucks near Vaitape village and along the main road serve authentic Polynesian food for $10-$20 per meal — by far the best value on the island.
- Poisson Cru at Roulottes: The national dish costs $12-$18 at a roulotte vs. $35-$50 at a resort. The local version is often more authentic.
- Self-Catering: The Super U supermarket in Vaitape has groceries, fresh produce, and French pastries. Stock your pension kitchen for breakfast and lunch.
- Resort Dining Strategy: If staying at a resort, have lunch at local restaurants on the main island to cut food costs significantly.
- Happy Hours: Most resort bars have happy hours (typically 5-7 PM) with 2-for-1 cocktails — a significant saving on drinks that otherwise cost $15-$20 each.
- All-Inclusive vs A La Carte: At luxury resorts, an all-inclusive meal plan often saves money compared to ordering individually at their prices.
Recommended Spots by Budget
Budget ($)
- Roulottes at Vaitape - Local food trucks ($10-$20)
- Bloody Mary's - Famous open-air beach bar ($20-$40)
- Moi Restaurant - Simple Polynesian at Matira ($15-$30)
- Super U Deli - Grocery store prepared foods ($8-$15)
Mid-Range ($$)
- La Villa Mahana - Intimate French-Polynesian fusion ($80-$120)
- Fare Manuia - Romantic lagoon-view dining ($40-$70)
- Bora Bora Yacht Club - Casual waterfront dining ($30-$55)
- Hotel Matira - Reasonable resort dining ($35-$65)
Special Occasion ($$$)
- Lagoon by Jean-Georges - St. Regis signature restaurant
- Fare Hoa - Four Seasons fine dining
- Nami Teppanyaki - Four Seasons Japanese
- Private overwater dinner - Arranged by top resorts
Getting Around Bora Bora
Getting to and around Bora Bora involves more logistics than most destinations due to its island geography. Plan your transfers carefully to avoid expensive surprises.
Transport Tips
- Book Air Tahiti Early: Domestic flights to Bora Bora sell out, especially in peak season. Book your Air Tahiti connection as soon as you have your international flight confirmed.
- Air Pass: The Air Tahiti Lagoon or Bora Bora Pass ($500-$900) covers multiple islands and can be excellent value if you plan to visit Moorea, Huahine, or Raiatea as well.
- Resort Transfers: Confirm whether your resort includes airport/dock transfers — some resorts charge $50-$100+ per person each way, which adds significantly to your trip budget.
- Main Island Transport: If staying in a pension, rent a scooter for maximum freedom. The main road is paved and relatively flat for most of the island circuit.
- Lagoon Tours: Most activities require going out on the water — book these through your accommodation or a tour operator rather than with random boat operators at the dock.
Money-Saving Tips for Bora Bora
Bora Bora is inherently expensive, but these strategies can meaningfully reduce your trip costs without sacrificing the essential magic of the destination.
Choose a Beach vs. Overwater Bungalow
A beach or lagoon-view bungalow at the same luxury resort costs 40-60% less than an overwater bungalow. You still get all resort amenities, the same lagoon access, and genuinely stunning views — without the overwater premium.
Visit in Shoulder Season
March-April and November offer 25-40% lower resort rates with only marginally less ideal weather. Wet season rain is usually brief afternoon showers. You'll also experience a less crowded, more intimate island.
Eat at Roulottes Daily
Eating at local food trucks for lunch and dinner instead of resort restaurants saves $80-$150 per person per day. The food is excellent — often better than the resort versions of the same dishes.
Stay in a Pension
A quality pension on the main island costs $100-$250/night — a fraction of resort prices. You miss the overwater bungalow but gain authentic Polynesian hospitality and significant savings.
Use Honeymoon Packages
Even if you're not honeymooning, resorts often offer "honeymoon packages" with room upgrades, spa credits, and meals included at better value than booking components separately. Ask — you don't need to be a newlywed.
Book Lagoon Tours Independently
Booking lagoon tours directly with local operators (not through your resort) costs 20-40% less. Ask your pension host to recommend trusted local operators — they often have relationships with the best guides.
Snorkel at Matira for Free
Matira Beach has excellent snorkeling for free with rented equipment ($10-$20/day). The reef at Matira Point is accessible from the beach and hosts good marine life — no tour required.
Air Pass for Multiple Islands
Consider combining Bora Bora with Moorea or Huahine (less expensive islands) using an Air Tahiti air pass. This reduces the per-destination cost of flights and adds variety to your French Polynesia vacation.
Book 6-12 Months Ahead
The best rooms at top resorts book out far in advance. Early booking not only secures availability but often yields lower rates — late booking in peak season means paying the highest prices for whatever's left.
Use Credit Card Travel Points
Bora Bora is one of the best destinations to use travel credit card points. The Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Conrad are all points-redeemable. An overwater bungalow that costs $2,000/night can sometimes be booked for 75,000-120,000 hotel points.
Sample Bora Bora Itineraries
Most visitors spend 5-10 nights in Bora Bora. Here are sample itineraries for different lengths of stay and budgets.
5-Day Bora Bora Itinerary - The Essential Experience
Estimated Budget: $3,000-$8,000 per couple (excluding international flights)
- Morning: Fly from Papeete, arrive at Bora Bora, resort check-in
- Afternoon: Recover from travel, resort exploration, pool or beach
- Evening: Sunset from your bungalow or beach, welcome dinner at resort
- Morning: Guided lagoon tour — coral gardens, shark & ray feeding
- Afternoon: Motu picnic lunch included in tour, snorkeling
- Evening: Roulotte dinner in Vaitape village — local Polynesian food
- Morning: Rent a scooter, circumnavigate the main island (2-3 hours)
- Midday: Swim at Matira Beach, beach picnic from Super U
- Afternoon: Resort spa treatment or kayaking in the lagoon
- Evening: Cocktails at Bloody Mary's, dinner at La Villa Mahana (book ahead)
- Morning: Jet ski tour of the lagoon, or scuba diving at outer reef
- Afternoon: Hike toward Mount Otemanu viewpoint (with guide)
- Evening: Sunset sail, private dinner on your overwater deck
- Morning: Final sunrise from your bungalow, leisurely breakfast
- Midday: Last snorkel or beach visit at Matira
- Afternoon: Check out, boat transfer to airport
- Evening: Fly to Papeete for international connection or overnight
7-Day Bora Bora Itinerary - Full Immersion
Estimated Budget: $4,500-$14,000 per couple (excluding international flights)
Follow the 5-day itinerary above for your first five days.
- Morning: Whale watching tour (July-November) or advanced dive at outer reef
- Afternoon: Relax at the resort, couples spa, or paddleboard the lagoon
- Evening: Special farewell dinner — reserve a restaurant with lagoon views well ahead
- Morning: Indulge in a leisurely breakfast, final swim
- Afternoon: Souvenir shopping in Vaitape, check out, transfer to airport
- Evening: Fly to Papeete for your international connection
10-Day French Polynesia Grand Tour
Estimated Budget: $7,000-$20,000+ per couple (excluding international flights)
- Day 1: Arrive Papeete, explore the capital and market, ferry to Moorea
- Day 2: Moorea lagoon tour, Belvedere lookout, relaxed island day
Fly to Bora Bora and follow the 7-day Bora Bora itinerary, experiencing the full range of lagoon activities, island exploration, and Polynesian cuisine.
- Morning: Final Bora Bora experiences, check out
- Afternoon: Transfer to airport, fly Papeete for international connection
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Bora Bora.
A 7-night trip to Bora Bora for a couple typically costs $8,000-$20,000+ total including international flights, the domestic Air Tahiti connection, overwater bungalow accommodation, and dining. A budget version staying in a pension and eating at roulottes might cost $4,000-$6,000 per couple for a week. Budget at least $2,000 per person for flights alone from the US.
Overwater bungalows range from about $500/night at smaller resorts to $3,500+/night at top-tier properties like the Four Seasons or St. Regis during peak season. A typical overwater bungalow at a quality mid-range resort (InterContinental, Hilton) starts around $800-$1,200/night. Prices are 30-50% lower in the wet season (January-April).
For most who visit, Bora Bora absolutely justifies its price for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of the world's most beautiful lagoon, iconic overwater accommodation, extraordinary marine life, and the warm Polynesian spirit creates memories that last a lifetime. However, it's not for every traveler — if you'd rather spend the same money on 3-4 different destinations, that's also completely valid.
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, so the same visa rules as France apply. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. You'll need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Confirm current requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.
The blacktip reef sharks you'll encounter during lagoon tours and snorkeling excursions are not dangerous to humans. They are completely habituated to human presence and typically shy away from contact. Lemon sharks (sometimes seen in deeper water) are also generally docile. Millions of people snorkel alongside these sharks in Bora Bora every year without incident. Simply don't touch them, and never provoke or corner any marine animal.
French Polynesia uses the CFP Franc (XPF), fixed at approximately 119 XPF per USD (or 119.33 XPF per 1 Euro — it's pegged to the Euro). Credit cards are accepted at all resorts but local pensions, roulottes, and small shops may prefer cash. Withdraw local currency from ATMs in Vaitape (the main village). Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.
The lagoon water in Bora Bora is warm year-round, ranging from 26-30°C (79-86°F). Unlike many tropical destinations, Bora Bora's lagoon water is consistently comfortable for swimming and snorkeling in every month. No wetsuit is needed for casual snorkeling, though a short wetsuit can be useful for longer dive sessions or boat rides.
Most visitors find 5-7 nights ideal. With 4 nights minimum, you can comfortably fit in the main lagoon tour, a snorkeling day, an island circuit, and still have relaxation time. A week allows for all the key experiences without feeling rushed. Given the cost of getting there, fewer than 4 nights is generally not worth the long-haul travel.
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