Bora Bora: A Complete Guide to Island Paradise

The over water bungalows Bora Bora with the mountain in the back

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, look no further than Bora Bora. This island in French Polynesia is famous for its stunning turquoise lagoon, coral reefs, and overwater bungalows. Whether you want to relax on the beach, snorkel with colorful fish, or explore the lush mountains, Bora Bora has something for everyone. Here are some tips on how to plan your dream vacation to Bora Bora.

How to get there:

Bora Bora is not easy to reach, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll need to fly to Tahiti first, and then take a domestic flight or a ferry to Bora Bora. The flight from Tahiti takes about 50 minutes, and the ferry takes about 3 hours. You can also book a cruise that stops at Bora Bora and other islands in the region.

An over the top view of bora bora's over water bungalows

Where to stay:

Bora Bora is famous for its overwater bungalows, which are wooden huts on stilts over the lagoon. They offer amazing views, privacy, and direct access to the water. However, they are also very expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you can opt for a beachfront or garden bungalow instead. You can also find some hotels and guesthouses on the main island, which are cheaper and more convenient for exploring the island.

A young woman snorkeling with a dolphin in the blue waters of bora bora

What to do:

Bora Bora is all about enjoying the natural beauty of the island. You can swim, snorkel, or kayak in the lagoon, which is home to many species of fish, turtles, rays, and sharks. You can also take a boat tour to see the coral gardens and the motus, which are small islets around the lagoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, or kite surfing. For a more relaxing activity, you can visit a spa or get a massage on the beach. You can also hike or bike to the viewpoints on the main island, where you can see the stunning panorama of the lagoon and the Mount Otemanu volcano.

A slice of grilled fish on a platter with a slice of lime and cilantro

What to eat:

Bora Bora offers a variety of cuisines, from French to Polynesian to international. You can find restaurants and cafes on the main island and some of the resorts. Some of the local specialties include poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk), mahi-mahi (grilled fish), fafaru (fermented fish), and uru (breadfruit). You can also try some tropical fruits, such as coconut, pineapple, papaya, and mango. Don’t forget to drink some coconut water or some Hinano beer to quench your thirst.

A couple walks on the beach in bora bora as the sun sets in the background.

When to go:

Bora Bora has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather all year round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the temperatures are around 28°C (82°F). This is also the high season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. The low season is from November to April, when the weather is wetter and more humid, and the temperatures are around 30°C (86°F). This is also the cyclone season, so be prepared for some storms and heavy rain.

If you are ready to enjoy the ultimate Island Paradise, then book your trip to Bora Bora today!