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Bora Bora is a small volcanic island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, encircled by a lagoon of startling blues and a necklace of low coral islets known as motu. The jagged remains of an extinct volcano rise in the center, and the island's image of overwater bungalows on clear water has made it one of the best-known honeymoon spots in the world.
Life on the main island is low-key. Matira Beach, on the southern point, is the main public stretch of sand and one of the prettiest, and Vaitape is the main village, with the ferry dock, shops and a few restaurants. Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia tower above, and the coastal road circling the island makes an easy bike or scooter outing. Most of the time, though, is spent on the water: snorkeling in coral gardens, swimming near rays and reef sharks on guided lagoon tours, and picnics on Motu Tapu and the outer islets. Divers head outside the reef for larger marine life. Inland and around the shoreline, World War II cannons recall the American supply base built here, and ancient marae, ceremonial stone platforms, hint at older Polynesian history.
The island suits couples and travelers prioritizing relaxation and lagoon time. It is expensive, and most resorts sit on the motu. The drier season runs roughly from May to October.
WiserMap travel guideBora Bora French Polynesia Lagoon Snorkeling and BeachesPlan a Bora Bora trip: Matira Beach, Mount Otemanu, lagoon snorkeling, Vaitape, WWII cannons, the motu islets, the dry season and island transfers.Read the guide
The best public beach on Bora Bora's main island, a long stretch of white sand at the southern tip with shallow turquoise water and views across the lagoon. Snorkeling is good near the point. It is free, with small snack shops nearby, and sunset here is beautiful; bring water shoes for coral.
The main village of Bora Bora, where ferries and shuttle boats from the airport arrive, with small shops, pearl boutiques, a church, snack bars and the artisan market by the dock. It is the place for supplies and cash. Visit in the morning, and look for pareos and carvings at the market.
The jagged 727-meter remnant of an extinct volcano rising at the center of Bora Bora, visible from every motu and resort. Its summit is too crumbly to climb, but 4x4 tours drive to viewpoints on its slopes, and guided hikes climb nearby Mount Pahia. Book a guide for any hike on the peaks.
A coastal road of about 32 km circling the main island, passing Vaitape, Matira Beach, small churches and villages, with constant lagoon views. It can be done by bicycle, scooter or small rental car in a few hours. Start early to avoid heat, and stop at the snack bars along the way.
A shallow area of the lagoon near the motu on the southern side, with colorful corals and dense schools of tropical fish, eels and sometimes rays, visited on most lagoon tours and by kayak. Avoid touching coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and go at slack water when currents are light.
Lagoon tours stop at sandy shallows where you can stand and snorkel among stingrays and blacktip reef sharks that are used to people. The sharks are small and timid. Guides keep groups safe, so follow their instructions, and wear a rash guard against sun on the long boat stops.
A tiny palm-covered islet on the western edge of the lagoon, once a royal retreat and famous from early film, with white sand and views back to Mount Otemanu. It is privately managed and visited mainly on boat tours with picnics. Ask tour operators about stops, as access is limited.
The only navigable pass through Bora Bora's barrier reef, on the western side, and the base for dives with lemon sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and turtles outside the reef. Local dive centers run daily trips and courses. Book with a certified center, and expect stronger currents than in the lagoon.
Coastal guns installed by the United States military when it used Bora Bora as a supply base during World War II, still sitting on hillsides with views over the lagoon. They are reached on 4x4 tours or by short walks. Wear proper shoes, as some paths are steep and slippery after rain.
An ancient Polynesian stone temple platform on the shore near Faanui, with large basalt slabs carved with turtle petroglyphs. Marae were sacred places for ceremonies and gatherings. It is small, free and right beside the coastal road; treat the site with respect and do not climb on the stones.
Bora Bora is famous for its resorts of thatched bungalows built on stilts over the lagoon, many with glass floor panels, private ladders into the water and views of Mount Otemanu. Most sit on the outer motu. Prices are very high, so look for deals in the shoulder season or split a stay.
A long-running restaurant on the main island with a sand floor, thatched roof and a wall listing famous guests, serving fresh fish and seafood displayed on ice before you order. It is a classic evening outing. Book ahead, and ask about the free pickup service from hotels on the main island.
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