Best Things to do in Bora Bora: Our Top 10 must-do activities
Your stay in French Polynesia is about to be exceptional. Being amazed, sitting back, watching the sea, shopping for some pearls in the little Vaitape Village, enjoying the white sandy beach and having your eyes fascinated by the natural beauty of the water and mountains like the mount Otemanu are the most obvious ways to spend your time in Bora Bora and in The Islands of Tahiti in general. This French Polynesian island is considered the most romantic with bungalows over the water. But it is also a perfect destination for a family or friends trip thanks to its many fun, exciting, cultural and sports activities and tours.
So, what to do in Bora Bora to make the most of your stay? Here are the best things to do in Bora Bora, the most romantic island of French Polynesia!
1. Go to the beach on the main island and motu
Among the activities planned as part of your vacation in Bora Bora, you can, of course, enjoy the fine sandy beaches. Matira, the main island's only public beach, is one of the most famous and beautiful in French Polynesia. Located in the south, it offers a breathtaking setting where you can relax to the sound of the waves. Perfect to snorkel, sunbathe and enjoy your stay!
To discover all the wonders of this exceptional place, check out our list of the best beaches on the island and on its motu (islets).
With its splendid white sandy beaches, the island of Bora Bora starts with contemplation, perfectly interrupted by dusk. The beach of Matira is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Islands of Tahiti, and one of many perfect spots to watch the horizon. Sunset, an English world also used in French Polynesia, often goes with hotels’ « happy hours » and their awesome tropical cocktails. The perfect transition between the bustling day time activities and the soothing Polynesian evenings.
2. Explore the Bora Bora lagoon
Interested in spending a day in Paradise?
It is difficult to go without superlatives when the Pearl of the Pacific has so many assets!
Bora Bora lagoon’s incredibly hypnotic beauty goes through all the shades of green and blue – no matter what, there are no words to describe the unbelievable colors of the sea water. It is a great island to take a boat ride, go swimming among the blacktip reef sharks, the amazing coral and the pretty turtles, book a night in a luxury Bora Bora resort with an overwater bungalow, taste the delicious local cuisine in beautiful restaurants facing the water, or choose a cruise on a sailing boat... So, here's what you need to know about Bora Bora boat tours.
The boat will leave from your hotel or from selected meeting points on the main island or on the motu. The tour guide will tell you all about his island and the best swimming spots of the lagoon.
Gliding on the morning sea waters, with no waves to disturb. Unreal colors, as if it were the first morning on Earth. How deep is it under the boat, 40 cm or 10 m in the crystal-clear waters? The tour guide says 8 meters. It feels like we can touch the sand!
With these tours, the island of Bora Bora once again offers a different perspective. The boat tour guide knows all the best snorkeling spots and coral gardens on this bright soft turquoise lagoon. Fish, gray stingrays, lagoon sharks, picnics on a motu with a view on the island, you’ll be living the dream for a few hours, while going through the shades of blue you crossed: “103…nope, 104, when a cloud passed by…”
You can also enjoy different experiences on the lagoon’s island, such as jet ski tours that will allow you to discover the lagoon during a thrilling excursion, stop at the beach for a swim, and meet the underwater fauna at various stops during your ride.
And to go beyond the lagoon, and experience other amazing sights, book a whale-watching excursion. To do so, choose the cool season, between July and October: at that time of the year, whales reach Polynesian waters and amaze the local population and visitors with their peaceful beauty.
3. Take a helicopter ride over Bora Bora
You enjoyed the preview while landing in Bora Bora and you’d like to make it unforgettable? A helicopter tour above the lagoon and the island is the way to go: 20 minutes of contemplation from the sky is a unique experience with Tahiti Nui Helicopters.
Flying above Otemanu Mountain, the lagoon, the village of Vaitape, Matira Beach, the islets surrounding the main island, the reef, and to the north of Bora Bora, your helicopter will reach a heart-shaped atoll: an island uniquely designed for lovers, called Tupai. The views there are simply outstanding.
Depending on your booking, the helicopter will be able to stop and let you enjoy champagne on one of the atoll’s beaches, and the warm sea water of the lagoon. It is a tropical dream in the middle of the sea. You’ll find no better place to tie the knot: it’s one of the best excursions to do for a local wedding in French Polynesia!
4. Go with the wind for great water experiences
Bora Bora is part of the Raromatai, also known as the Leeward Islands. In other words, conditions are ideal for all sorts of gliding around the island.
Fans of kite, wake, foil, surf and other gliding sports are all gathering in Bora Bora where large waves created by strong winds on the sea are offset by the outside reef that protects the most beautiful lagoon in the world. The perfect condition to get the best of the strong winds without the trouble of an uneven swell. Just enough bumps to jump in the sky, spinning, turning, making flips, while riding above stingrays and reef sharks, clearly visible in these crystal waters.
So, are you ready for an exceptional adventure on the sea? If thrills are not your thing, there are other water sports that will let you enjoy the lagoon smoothly: stand-up paddles (SUP) and kayaks are often available to rent at a low price or free of charge in the hotels.
5. Scuba diving and snorkeling
A water excursion is one of the best things to do in The Islands of Tahiti! And Bora Bora is no exception, as it has some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the world and in French Polynesia: coral, turtles, all kinds of rays, blacktip reef sharks, and other beautiful kinds of sharks, fish and many underwater animals can be found in the coral gardens, near the coral spats, or on the reef. This is where you will have the greatest snorkeling experiences of your life, with your family, friends, or partner. You can snorkel from the private motu beaches or from Matira beach, and in some spots accessible by boat.
Coral gardens and diving spots await scuba divers too! Scuba diving is a must-do activity here. The warm, crystal-clear waters offer exceptional visibility for amateur and keen divers alike. Discover marine animals of all kinds and many other wonders. The colorful coral is home to many tropical species. In the north of the island, the manta ray cleaning station is an exceptional meeting point between bathers and these amazing animals.
6. Attend the Heiva, the major sporting and artistic competition
Every year on the island, June is the month of Heiva celebrations, a dance competition between all the communities. If you're traveling at this time of year, it's a must! The local culture is sure to amaze you.
It is one of the great experiences to live while visiting the islands of Tahiti. Just like in Tahiti, groups have been rehearsing for almost a year. Shows taking place on Vaitape’s Tuvavau Square are memorable: costumes, songs, drums, traditional or tribal dance performances and conversations with the Stars. It is one of your vacation’s most remarkable highlights.
The Heiva also takes place in all the other islands: Tahiti, Moorea, the Tuamotu Islands... don't hesitate to explore the culture wherever it crosses your path during your stay in French Polynesia.
7. Go hiking on the main island of Bora Bora
Snorkeling or scuba diving is far from being the only activity to do in Bora Bora.
Your holiday program will therefore vary between sea and mountains during your tour of the island. Hiking is a popular activity for visitors to the islands. The mountains offer breathtaking views, providing another perspective on the lagoon's thousand shades of blue.
Visiting the island's mountains, such as Mount Pahia or the highest mountain, Mount Otemanu, will leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy exercising with your family and friends to experience another side of the island: its relief, its lush vegetation, its incredible panoramas. Book a guide for your mountain walks.
Mount Pahia is, after Mount Otemanu, the island's second-highest peak. A guided hike, reserved for experienced hikers, will allow you to discover a mythical panoramic view.
Another easier route offers splendid sights from the Nunu'e antenna overlooking Pofai Bay.
Before or during your stay, contact your hotel, the tourist office or one of the specialized service providers to find the popular tours, book a secure hike, discover the most accessible paths according to your guide, and enjoy some views you’ll never forget. Along the way, you may even discover World War II cannons, placed by American troops, each overlooking an exceptional view!
Find all the best places to visit here.
8. Watch a va'a race (outrigger canoe)
As the Moloka’I Hoe Canoe Race in Hawaii, Hawaiki Nui Va’a is one of the most famous pendulum canoe (Va’a) race. Taking place in early November on the Polynesian sea, teams of participants reach Bora Bora’s mythical beach of Matira, and its beautiful panel of greens and blues.
It takes place over three days starting on the beach of Huahine, then Raiatea and Taha’a, and the last leg to the island of Bora Bora ultimately distinguishes the best competitors.
Emotion and excitement are at their peak when the first canoes enter from the open sea through the only island pass, Teavanui. On the finishing line near Matira beach, the frenzy of slaps on the ocean like wild drums sweeps along your heart. Vibrant!
9. Enjoy Polynesian cuisine
The lush vegetation and the ocean offer true gustatory treasures: fresh, tasty tropical produce (vanilla, taro, uru, bananas, deep-sea or lagoon fish...). The local specialties of The Island of Tahiti also benefit from international influences, notably from French and Asian gastronomy.
Discover these flavors as you travel in French Polynesia: in the fine restaurant of a luxury hotel, at the “table d'hôte” of a traditional guesthouse, or in the small snack restaurants and “roulottes” (food trucks) along the seafront. There's something for every budget and every taste!
The local specialties of French Polynesia are sure to please your taste buds, while you admire the exceptional views over the Bora Bora lagoon.
10. Get married or organize your honeymoon in Bora Bora
It’s time to spend the most beautiful day of your life on a white sandy beach with your lover! What better place on Earth to celebrate your love, tie the knot, or renew your vows on the beach? Like Venice-Italy, Bora Bora is considered as the epitome of romance by lovers around the world. From small intimate Tahitian weddings, vows renewals, civil weddings, wedding anniversaries, choices are wide. Simply choose your wedding planner and the best place: the white sand beach of a private motu? Matira beach ? Onboard a catamaran in the Pacific Ocean? Why not, as long as you are being blessed by the lagoon and Mount Otemanu, in the ancient Polynesian Gods’ home. Facing the sea, your vows will echo like no others!
Please contact us to book your flights + hotels travel package and organize the wedding or honeymoon of your dreams on the Pearl of the Pacific!
Where to stay in Bora Bora?
To make the most of the Bora Bora experience, book a luxury trip in a Bora Bora resort’s bungalow. Famous throughout the world for its hotels, Bora Bora is the best island in French Polynesia to try this type of accommodation. So, for your entire trip or just for one or two nights, try the overwater bungalows at a luxury resort in Bora Bora, with their beautiful views of the main island. This is one of the best things to do on a romantic vacation for couples.
During your stay, you'll be able to enjoy the many benefits of your resort: on-site beach, excursions and tours from the hotel, spa, restaurants with high quality food... Your night in the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora will surely be magical: the Pearl of the Pacific opens to you. Friendly sharks and beautiful fish are your neighbors during the trip.
You are not interested in bungalows, but prefer to sail? Choose a sailing cruise in the island's lagoon. Nights, best snorkeling and scuba diving spots, and food are included in this type of cruise.
You now know all about the greatest activities in Bora Bora. For more information, please check our guides to find the best time to visit Bora Bora, and many other tips for a wonderful time! Also find a Bora Bora vacation package to book your stay with your flight tickets, or choose to discover our other islands (Maupiti, Tahiti, Moorea, etc.). Enjoy your stay in Bora Bora and the Islands of Tahiti!