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Bora Bora
Ah, Bora Bora. The stuff of dreams. As you arrive by plane, the view says it all. How not to be mesmerised by this stunning palette of sapphire, indigo and turquoise, all mixed together in modern-art abstractions? And these sand-edged motu (islets) and soaring rainforest-covered basaltic peaks? With such a dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is, unsurprisingly, a honeymooners’ choice. But there’s much more to do than clink glasses with your loved one in a luxurious hotel. The good thing is that you can mix slow-paced sun-and-sand holidays with action-packed adventures. Diving, snorkelling, lagoon tours, hiking and parasailing are readily available. What you shouldn’t expect, though, is a thriving nightlife. Bora Bora is a quiet island. And this dream destination is much more accessible than you think. As well as five-star resorts, a handful of low-key midrange hotels beckon.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Bora Bora
The island’s main settlement, Vaitape is not the most evocative town, but it's a great place to do a bit of shopping, take care of banking needs and just…
Bora Bora
Faanui Bay was the site of the US military base during WWII. At the southwestern end of the bay, a steep and often muddy track climbs up to an old WWII…
Bora Bora
Up a small hill on the eastern coast, a track peels off to the east and leads to two massive WWII coastal guns and a concrete bunker that were left by the…
Bora Bora
There are only a handful of marae (traditional temple) ruins on Bora Bora, including Marae Fare-Opu, which is squeezed between the roadside and the water…
Bora Bora
Bora Bora’s only real beach, this stunning stretch of snow-white sand and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming turquoise sea is perfect for sunbathing and swimming (but…
Bora Bora
Coming from Faanui Bay, continue until you reach the quay of the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa on your left. Walk for another 50m and you'll see a…
Bora Bora
The small, private Musée de la Marine has a collection of model ships made by architect Bertrand Darasse. The opening hours are fairly haphazard, so you…
Bora Bora
An idyllic spot blessed with a lovely strip of sand and superb coral gardens just offshore. It's privately owned, so you'll need permission to get there.
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Bora Bora
Coming from Faanui Bay, continue until you reach the quay of the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa on your left. Walk for another 50m and you'll see a…
Bora Bora
This wonderful place is unique among the Polynesian resorts, and since its opening in 2008, it has consistently impressed. Indeed, this is one of the few…
Bora Bora
From Anau village, you’ll climb to a spectacular cave in a cliff at a height of about 400m. No shade along the way. About six hours return. Moderate.
Bora Bora
At Matira Point steady winds and the reef-sheltered lagoon are the perfect combination for kitesurfing. Alban is a qualified instructor who offers…
Bora Bora
The island’s main settlement, Vaitape is not the most evocative town, but it's a great place to do a bit of shopping, take care of banking needs and just…
Bora Bora
If you’re really fit, you can try the arduous climb up to Mt Ohue (619m) and Mt Pahia (661m), two of Bora Bora’s iconic summits. It’s a six-hour hard…
Bora Bora
This wonderful place is unique among the Polynesian resorts, and since its opening in 2008, it has consistently impressed. Indeed, this is one of the few…
Bora Bora
Bora Bora’s only real beach, this stunning stretch of snow-white sand and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming turquoise sea is perfect for sunbathing and swimming (but…
Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
Bora Bora
If you're looking to do Bora Bora in style but don't want to feel cut off from the island, the Moana is your answer. It spreads along the eastern side of…
Bora Bora
The island’s main settlement, Vaitape is not the most evocative town, but it's a great place to do a bit of shopping, take care of banking needs and just…
Bora Bora
Yes, the food is pretty good, but the real draw here is the stunning wooden deck overlooking the lagoon – very romantic at sunset. The menu runs the gamut…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Transportation
Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. Here's our guide to navigating the island.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? Add these best free (and nearly free!) things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary.
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Latest stories from Bora Bora
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