Bora Bora
Mount Otemanu above a lagoon ringed by coral islets, bungalows on stilts over the water, and an airport on a motu of its own, forty-five minutes' flight from Tahiti.
- Arrival
- Tahiti Faa'a · PPT
- To the island
- About 45 minutes by air, then a boat
- Private jets
- Into Faa'a, then a charter or helicopter
- Best time
- June to September
The city
A peak, a lagoon and its motu.
Bora Bora is a high island inside a lagoon, Mount Otemanu at its centre and a ring of low coral islets, the motu, around the edge. The resorts stand on the motu, most of their rooms on stilts over the water, and the airport takes up another, Motu Mute, a short boat ride from Vaitape on the main island.
The lagoon stays at 27 to 29 °C all year. From June to September the rain eases and the air is less heavy. From November to March come the downpours, with December and January the wettest months.
Arriving
Tahiti first, then the lagoon.
Faa'a, outside Papeete on Tahiti, is the only international airport in French Polynesia. Bora Bora lies 280 kilometres away, and its own airport stands on Motu Mute, so the last stretch is always by boat.
- Papeete 40 min
- Nadi 4 h 35
- Auckland 5 h 30
- New York 13 h 25 long-range jet
- São Paulo 14 h 10 long-range jet
When to go
June to September.
Hot and humid all year, with highs of 28 to 31 °C and a lagoon that never cools below 27 °C. Rain falls in every month and heaviest from November to March. June to September is the drier, fresher season.
- 30° J 264 28°
- 31° F 234 29°
- 31° M 205 29°
- 31° A 162 29°
- 30° M 133 28°
- 29° J 96 28°
- 29° J 84 27°
- 28° A 68 27°
- 29° S 72 27°
- 29° O 112 27°
- 30° N 228 28°
- 30° D 276 28°
What to see and do
Days in and around Bora Bora.
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Landmark
Mount Otemanu
The peak at the centre of the island, faced by the resorts across the lagoon.
-
Landmark
The lagoon
Coral gardens and clear shallows, explored by kayak, paddle board or from a dive boat.
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Landmark
Vaitape
The main village on the island itself, where the boats from the airport come in.
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Nature
Mount Pahia
A 7 km trail climbs to the 661 metre summit, with rope railings on the slippery slopes and a guide advised.
Official site -
Nature
Matira Beach
The island's only public beach runs along the southern point, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water.
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On the water
Bora Diving Center
Dives from this centre go to Anau, where manta rays gather at a cleaning station, and to the Tapu pass for large lemon sharks.
Official site -
On the water
Vitamine Sea
Sailing from Faanui every day of the year, a converted racing catamaran takes small groups across the lagoon to snorkel a coral garden.
Official site -
Culture
World War II gun sites
Seven of the eight coastal guns installed during the American Operation Bobcat base of 1942 to 1946 remain on the hills, most easily reached by 4x4 tour.
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Culture
Heiva i Bora Bora
Every July the island holds its Heiva festival on Tuvavau Square in the main village.
Where to stay
Three motu, two Keys each.
Shown for information. We have no arrangement with any of these hotels.
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Overwater bungalows by the dozen, a few villas on land, and clubs for small children and for teenagers.
- Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts Bungalows over the water, on the beach or among the palms, in carved wood and woven fibre, facing Mount Otemanu.
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Overwater villas among the largest in the region, each with a private pool and steps into the lagoon.
Where to dine
Two tables worth crossing the lagoon for.
No MICHELIN Guide covers French Polynesia. Villa Mahana is a Fodor’s Choice restaurant, priced in Fodor’s top band; the Lagoon Restaurant is the overwater dinner room of the St. Regis, listed by Fodor’s under its former name, Lagoon by Jean-Georges.
- Villa Mahana Fodor’s Choice French with Polynesian touches $$$$ Vaitape, main island
- Lagoon Restaurant Signature restaurant, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort International, over the water The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Motu Ome’e
Elsewhere in French Polynesia
More reasons to come.
Flying to Bora Bora?
Choose how you arrive.
A Business or First Class seat on a scheduled airline, or an aircraft of your own. Tell us the date and how many are travelling, and we reply with one final price, our margin included.