Bora Bora
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Bora Bora is worth visiting for the unique lagoon environment and quiet pace of life. Go between May and October to avoid the rainy season. Most travelers find five to seven days sufficient to experience the island.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Five to seven days is the standard length for a trip.
Fly into the airport on Motu Mute, then take a boat to the main island or your resort.
The taxi boat from the airport to the main island is very expensive and often costs more than expected.
The reality of the lagoon
The island is essentially a mountain surrounded by a thin ring of sand and reef. You spend most of your time on the water rather than the land. The lagoon is shallow and calm, which makes it easy to swim or kayak around your accommodation.
Expect a slower pace than other tropical destinations. There is little in the way of nightlife or organized public events. People come here to stay in one place and swim.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Choosing your dates
The dry season runs from May through October. These months offer the most reliable sunshine and less humidity. It is the peak period for travel, so expect higher prices and more people at the popular snorkeling spots.
The wet season starts in November and lasts through April. You will likely see heavy rain showers and higher humidity. Some activities are cancelled when the weather turns, which can be frustrating if you only have a few days.
Budgeting for the trip
Expect to spend about 45000 XPF per day for standard food and local transport. This does not include high-end resort fees or private excursions. Costs add up quickly because almost everything is imported to the island.
Do not underestimate the cost of moving around. You are often restricted to the services provided by your hotel, which are priced at a premium. Research the cost of meal plans before you book your stay.
These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.
Hotel and flight search by Trip.com. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Taxi boat from the airport to main island is very expensive.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Bora Bora (French: Bora-Bora; Tahitian: Pora Pora) is a French island group in the Leeward Islands, comprising the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the South Pacific. Bora Bora has a total land area of 30.55 km2 (12 sq mi). The main island, located about 230 kilometres (125 nautical miles) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano, rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu; the highest point is at 727 m (2,385 ft). Bora Bora is part of the commune of Bora-Bora, which also includes the atoll of Tupai (or Tūpai). The main languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, owing to significant tourist movement, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English. Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, renowned for its seaside (and even offshore) luxury resorts. Its major settlement, Vaitape, is on the western side of the main island, opposite the main channel leading into the lagoon. Produce on the island is mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and from the plent
More of Bora Bora
Guides that include Bora Bora
Questions people ask
Do I need a car on Bora Bora?
You do not need a car for the entire stay. You can rent one for a single day to drive around the main island, which takes less than an hour.
Can I use US dollars?
Some resorts accept dollars, but you should use the local currency, the CFP franc. You will get a better exchange rate by using a card or local cash.
Is the food expensive?
Yes, dining out is costly because most ingredients are shipped in. Look for local grocery stores or snack bars to keep your daily spending down.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Tap water is generally not for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water provided by your hotel to avoid stomach issues.
Are there many mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Bring strong repellent and keep your doors closed when the lights are on inside.