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.

Explore Bora Bora

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Vaitape
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
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Marae Fare-Opu
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…
M
Matira Beach
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
M
Musée de la Marine
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…
M
Motu Fanfan
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.
M
Matira Beach
A lovely stretch of white sand beach lapped by azure waters.

V
Vaitape
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
M
Marae Fare-Opu
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…
M
Matira Beach
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…
C
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
M
Musée de la Marine
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…
M
Motu Fanfan
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.
M
Matira Beach
A lovely stretch of white sand beach lapped by azure waters.

Latest Stories from Bora Bora

Beaches Bora Bora's best beaches: find your own stretch of paradise
Nov 24, 2021 • 7 min read
Bora Bora’s lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora.
Luxury A new eco-friendly catamaran will allow guests to float around Bora Bora
Sep 19, 2020 • 2 min read
A one-of-a-kind water bungalow is about to be the newest way to enjoy Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
Story Need to relax? Watch this soothing bike ride through Bora Bora
Apr 1, 2020 • 1 min read
While we all sit at home dreaming of travel, there’s no better time than now to escape with some dreamy videos.
Story These destinations are having a moment, according to Google search trends
Dec 11, 2019 • 4 min read
Before the new decade kicks in, Google is taking a look back, divulging the wide range of topics that caught the public eye with its 2019 Year in Search.

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Bora Bora.

See
Vaitape
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…
See
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
See
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
See
Marae Fare-Opu
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…
See
Matira Beach
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…
See
Coastal Defence Guns
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…
See
Musée de la Marine
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…
See
Motu Fanfan
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.
See
Matira Beach
A lovely stretch of white sand beach lapped by azure waters.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Bora Bora with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.