Known for its sparkling blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and breathtaking scenery, Bora Bora is a tropical paradise in the South Pacific.
It is the ideal spot for everyone looking for an amazing holiday. Bora Bora has something for everyone, from isolated luxury resorts to spectacular marine life and a diverse selection of activities.
Bora Bora has a wide range of activities and attractions for couples, families, children, and solo travelers. Whether you’re seeking romantic journeys, family-friendly excursions, or solo exploration, we’ll show you the best things to do in Bora Bora.
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15 Best Things To Do In Bora Bora
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Best Things to Do in Bora Bora as a Couple
Bora Bora is an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic break. Here are some of the top activities for couples to do in Bora Bora while making lasting memories in these lovely surroundings.
1. Enjoy a Romantic Sunset Cruise
A Bora Bora sunset cruise is an ideal evening activity for romancing your lover on the Bora Bora lagoon. Take a classic Polynesian outrigger canoe for a romantic sunset journey to make the most of your Bora Bora vacation. Cruise around one of the most stunning lagoons on Earth.
The top Bora Bora sunset cruises sell out because they are limited in quantity. If you’re going to Bora Bora for a romantic getaway with your partner, be sure you book one!
Numerous businesses provide sunset cruises around Bora Bora, where you may see the amazing hues of the sky while sipping champagne and eating great delicacies. A private sunset cruise offers a more personal experience.
2. Have a Great Time on a Helicopter Ride
A helicopter ride is something every couple should do at least once. The Islands of Tahiti feature several natural marvels, including the island of Tupai, which appears to have been molded by nature, particularly for lovers.
Tahiti Nui Helicopters offers a 10 to 30-minute journey to this heart-shaped island paradise. Your pilot will ensure that you may shoot the atoll from every possible angle, so don’t forget your camera!
Their prices range from 382 USD to 2,788 USD, depending on the duration and package you select.
3. Experience Snorkeling
If you prefer adventure, you may snorkel or dive together in Bora Bora’s crystal-clear seas. Explore the bright coral reefs together and uncover the rich aquatic life beneath the surface.
Coral Gardens and the Aquarium are two of the island’s top snorkeling destinations. You may either take a guided snorkeling excursion or rent snorkeling gear and explore on your own. Many resorts provide complimentary snorkeling equipment to their visitors.
For a truly unique experience, try arranging an underwater scooter trip for two for 420 USD, which allows you to explore the underwater environment on a scooter.
4. Observe the Night Sky
As the sun sets, a spectacular celestial spectacle develops, making stargazing one of the most romantic activities for couples exploring this picturesque island.
Bora Bora, a popular astronomy location in the southern hemisphere, provides a breathtaking view of the Milky Way’s center when the weather is clear.
The low light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing aficionados. You may admire the beautiful stars from your overwater cottage.
But to really make the most of it, I definitely recommend doing the Legend Storytelling and Stargazing Tour.
You may relax by a comfortable fire, eat wonderful appetizers, and sip exquisite drinks while waiting for the stars to appear.
Throughout the tour, your guide will tell fascinating anecdotes about old Polynesian navigation skills and cultural mythology.
Best Things to Do in Bora Bora as a Family
Bora Bora is a terrific location for both couples and families. While Bora Bora is recognized as a romantic getaway, it also provides a variety of activities that make it an excellent choice for family holidays. Here are the best activities in Bora Bora as a Family.
5. Explore the Lagoons
Exploring the fascinating lagoons that surround the island is one of the greatest ways to make long-lasting family memories. Bora Bora’s beaches are world-famous, and the lagoon is regarded as the most beautiful in the world.
The coral reefs in Bora Bora’s lagoon represent some of its most notable features. The lagoon’s coral reefs are home to a variety of aquatic wildlife, including fish, turtles, and manta rays. Coral reefs also act as a natural barrier, shielding the island from storms and waves.
Matira Beach is one of the Bora Bora’s most popular beaches. This beach, located near the island’s southernmost tip, is well-known for its vast stretch of white sand with crystal-clear water.
If you want to escape the bother and enjoy handcrafted coconut bread served with fresh seasonal fruit all while admiring the panoramas of Mount Otemanu, I recommend taking a Lagoon Tour.
6. Discover the Coral Gardens
The Coral Gardens are located on the northern point of Bora Bora. You can only reach there by boat, and the water is quite shallow. You will recognize that you are surrounded by coral gardens since it is challenging to swim without colliding with coral.
The best way to appreciate the coral gardens is to view them personally while snorkeling with your family. Some of the greatest snorkeling in Bora Bora may be found in an area named the “Aquarium” by locals. It is a beautiful pastel coral garden.
You may also join a shared trip to learn about the marine life of Bora Bora’s lagoon, dive into the warm waters, and see an abundance of tropical fish darting amid the beautiful coral formations.
7. Go to Bora Bora Turtle Center
Take your family to the Bora Bora Turtle Center to discover more about conservation efforts for these wonderful creatures. Turtles only stay at the center long enough to heal from their injuries or illnesses; consider it more of a hospital or infirmary.
During the activity, you may help clean turtles by scrubbing their shells using toothbrushes and water to remove dirt, algae, and germs that can cause shell rot, then rinse them.
The Turtle Center houses a museum with exhibits, posters, pictures, a model of a large turtle, and a short video, as well as a touch pool where you may interact with shells, corals, sea urchins, as well as sea stars.
8. Ride a Jet-Ski
This tropical oasis in the South Pacific is great for families looking for exciting activities, in addition to romance. Riding a jet ski is an amazing experience for people of all ages.
A jet-ski ride, with the warm sea wind and delightful water spray zipping through your hair, is certainly one of the most iconic things to do in Bora Bora, even if it’s only for a fast 15 minutes.
Jet skiing, which is available for rent by the hour or the day, is one of the island’s most popular pastimes, and it’s easy to understand why.
Zipping around the lagoon at fast speeds, soaking in all of the beauty that covers you, is an unforgettable experience.
Best Things to Do in Bora Bora with Kids
Traveling with children may be tough, but Bora Bora makes it simple to keep them amused. Here are some of the best attractions in Bora Bora with kids to make your family holiday not only memorable but also fun and exciting.
9. Pet the Stingrays
One of the best things to do in Bora Bora is go on a Bora Bora stingray snorkeling trip and meet the island’s famed black-tip reef sharks and stingrays.
If you’re feeling particularly courageous, your snorkeling excursion will take you beyond Bora Bora’s lagoon and into the Pacific Ocean, where you can swim with large sharks.
If you stay at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, wild stingrays are fed every day. You kneel in the shallows while stingrays swim around you, stroking their soft bodies against your legs.
If you choose, you can grab a piece of fish from the guide and feed it to a stingray. Stingrays have their mouths below their bodies. So it will climb up your arm to swallow the fish.
10. Join a Jeep Tour
There are several Jeep tours to select from in Bora Bora. They provide both the excitement of a 4×4 excursion and the luxury of an air-conditioned car.
Including thrilling trips on extremely steep slopes and breathtaking sights! The lagoon is beautiful from the water, but the views from above are unrivaled.
There’s an itinerary to fit everyone’s preferences, from half-day trips that circle the island and provide a quick but comprehensive highlights reel to all-in-one adventures that include a couple of hours on a jet ski or boat.
With the wind in your face and an open rooftop, you’ll fly across Matira Beach, Mount Popoti, and other picturesque locations.
Joining a Jeep tour with your children is a great opportunity to discover the island’s hidden gems, go on exciting drives, and make lasting memories.
11. Head to Matira Beach
Families looking for a memorable holiday may find a sanctuary on the picturesque Matira Beach, making it one of the top things to do in Bora Bora with kids.
Matira Beach is Bora Bora’s most popular beach, and it’s the only true public beach on the mainland. This breathtaking beachfront stretches over a mile and has white-coral sand and crystal-clear waves.
Marita Beach is a terrific area to spend a day, whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or have a drink at the beach bar.
The beach is free, but if you want to grab appetizers and a drink at the beachside bar, expect to pay $30 to $50.
12. Hop on a Glass Bottom Boat
Bora Bora is well-known for its overwater villas and romantic retreats, but it also provides an exceptional family experience. One of the finest ways to see the beautiful marine life without getting wet is to board a glass-bottomed boat.
There are other Glass Bottom Boat rides that go from $50 and $100 for thirty minutes to an hour.
You’ll be thrilled when your guide dives into the water and brings what appears to be thousands of vividly colored fish within inches of the glass you’re viewing through. You’ll witness brightly colored coral and fish, including as clownfish as well as anemones.
Best Things to Do in Bora Bora for Solo Travelers
Bora Bora is a popular honeymoon and couples destination, but it also provides a unique and gratifying experience for single travelers seeking peace and adventure. Discover the top Bora Bora activities for lone travelers visiting this tropical paradise.
13. Hike Mount Otemanu
Many people who visit Bora Bora are unaware that they can walk up Mt Otemanu. There are various hiking options in Bora Bora, but this one is by far the most stunning.
Mt Otemanu is Bora Bora’s highest peak, so trekking it isn’t easy, but the views at the top are well worth it.
Mount Otemanu rises 727 meters tall. Sadly, unstable rocks and high verticals make it impossible to trek all the way to the volcano’s top.
You may, however, trek up to the volcano’s shoulder slopes, which still provide a spectacular perspective of Bora Bora and its distinctive blue lagoon. Although it is theoretically feasible to do this climb without a guide, I do not suggest it.
There is some tough terrain and few indications, so it is better to travel with a guide for your protection. Ask your hotel’s reception staff for packages or arrange a guide through Polynesian Island Tours.
14. Try Jet Skiing
Jet skiing in Bora Bora is more than simply an activity; it’s an adventure that allows single tourists to enjoy the freedom of the open ocean.
Renting a personal watercraft gives you an unparalleled sensation of independence, allowing you to move at your own speed and explore the lagoon’s secret nooks whenever you like.
Jet Ski trips are available at all of Bora Bora’s leading resorts. During the tour, you typically get around 2 hours to learn how to operate the jet-ski and explore the nearby lagoon.
To avoid the hassle, book a Jet Ski trip that includes a round-island trip, a coconut husking demonstration, and a glimpse of yachts and sailboats!
Your guide will make two pauses where you may jump into the blue sea for a refreshing dip while taking in the gorgeous tropical environment.
Learn about French Polynesian culture while your knowledgeable guide points out island sites and gives you a coconut husking demonstration.
15. Learn to Scuba Dive
Scuba diving is one of the most exciting hobbies for adventurers. There are several known diving sites in Bora Bora. Bora Bora scuba diving is perfect for divers of all skill levels.
The quiet lagoon is ideal for beginners, while expert divers may enjoy more challenging dives outside the reef.
I recommend scheduling an Introductory Scuba Diving Lesson with your guide to learn more about the inhabitants and their environment.
Discover unique species and a coral garden, share the joy of being underwater with the tutor, and try something new in the afternoon.
Nightlife in Bora Bora
The island’s bustling nightlife culture attracts people from all over the world. Bora Bora’s various bars and lounges will provide you with a diverse range of experiences.
There’s something for everyone, from small lounges with live music and dancing to luxury seaside pubs with panoramic ocean views.
In addition, Bora Bora has a thriving party scene, with a wide selection of clubs along with discos providing a wide range of musical and entertainment alternatives.
The Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa acts as the island’s best-known club. It features a large dance floor and plays a range of music, including house and trance.
Furthermore, the live music scene on Bora Bora is expanding, with several bands and performers performing in pubs and hotels around the island.
You may enjoy live performances of both contemporary international music and traditional Polynesian music and dance.
Bora Bora Travel Tips
Bora Bora offers something spectacular to offer whether you’re planning a romantic break for couples, a family holiday, an adventure with children, or a solitary trip. Explore my best travel recommendations for each type of adventurer.
Sit on the Left Hand Side
When taking the interisland trip to Bora Bora, seat on the left side of the plane to see Bora Bora when you land. As an added advantage, you’ll see numerous islands along the trip, in order of appearance:
- Moorea
- Maia’o
- Huahine
- Raiatea
- Taha’a
Families who pick seats on the plane’s left side benefit from built-in entertainment. The pleasure of seeing Bora Bora from the air is likely to fascinate the entire family.
Tipping is not Compulsory
Tipping is not an integral part of Bora Bora culture. Unlike many other places where tipping is normal and frequently expected, the people of Bora Bora value real hospitality over monetary gestures.
The absence of mandatory gratuities allows couples to fully immerse themselves in the island’s wonderful surroundings without continuously reaching for their wallets. But if you believe you had excellent service, offer them a little sugar; it is always appreciated!
Food is Expensive in French Polynesia
Food is quite pricey in French Polynesia. Many products must be transported, which raises prices.
The simplest approach to save money is to buy food from local grocery stores. However, if you remain at one of the premium resorts on the private islands, your dining options are limited to the hotel restaurants.
Each day, the Tiare Market sells fresh pastries, bread, as well as baked products. They also sell prepackaged dinners, sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks, and alcohol.
If you enjoy drinking beer and wine, you can save a lot of money by buying them at the market rather at the hotel restaurant bar.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.