Roseann Iovine

As a Tahiti specialist, I love all aspects of French Polynesia but I Bora Bora is a must do for travelers. Learn a little more about how to approach this island as part of your trip!

Tips for Traveling to Bora Bora.

WHERE IS BORA BORA? Bora Bora is located in the Society Islands in French Polynesia. It takes around 50 minutes to travel from Papeete, Tahiti to Bora Bora by plane. The total area of Bora Bora, including its islets, is approximately 15 square miles, making it one of the smaller islands in the archipelago.

WHEN TO VISIT? This is a highly sought-after destination for luxury travelers, making getting reservations at any of the island’s resorts or hotels difficult. So, having solid logistics and planning in place is vital. When planning your visit, keep the weather in mind. In Bora Bora, there are two seasons—wet and dry. The most popular season to visit is the dry season which runs from May to October. But, travelers can enjoy a temperate climate all year, so taking advantage of the low season from March through December can also be a great idea for travelers who want to visit with fewer crowds.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STAY? We suggest planning five to seven days to fully unwind and explore the island. If you have multiple islands on your itinerary or have time and budget constraints, we recommend at least three full nights to enjoy a well-rounded experience. If you are traveling to another island during your stay, Air Tahiti offers flights connecting Bora Bora from the Papeete, Moorea, and Raitea airports.

WHERE TO STAY With just a handful of resorts, you might think deciding where to stay is easy. However, each resort has a unique offering that could be perfect for you. A travel expert can help you navigate those details to find the best stay for your needs.

CHOOSE A RESORT THAT FITS YOUR STYLE Before trying to find the right place to stay, you will need to ask yourself some questions: What are your must-have amenities?  It is important to begin your search with this information to make the best decision for yourself. The brand websites typically have room and amenity information available to you. Still, your travel designer has even more insight into the locations, the best things to do, and their suggested stays based on your unique preferences.

MY TOP RESORT PICKS While many wonderful options are available on Bora Bora, one of our favorite places to visit and send guests is Le Bora Bora, a Relais & Chateaux member resort. Along with lush gardens, a stunning beach, several excellent restaurants, and a new fitness center, this resort has fantastic value for its cost. It has various room types for all budgets–including a garden-view bungalow with a private pool. This resort gains its design inspiration from Polynesian architecture it is a solid 4.5 star resort. For 5 star options, St Regis and Four Seasons are top picks as well.

MY FAVORITE ON-ISLAND EXPERIENCES You’re in luck if you are trying to fill your itinerary full of things to do. Bora Bora is filled with activities, but don’t forget to schedule some relaxation! This destination is perfect for any adventure traveler. Here are a few of our favorite on-island experiences.1

1. Float Right Off Of Your BungalowThere are few things in life more magical than taking to the blue waters to just be.

2. Circle The Island By Jet SkiGrab your travel companions and head out on the water to explore the surrounding lagoon and circle this stunning island. You can take in the sights of the famed Mt. Otemanu.

3. The Loveboat Photo Tour And Sunset CruiseEvery day the Loveboat sets off on a private romantic cruise for a lucky couple. You’ll have an unforgettable time exploring the lagoon, drinking champagne from a coconut, and taking 100 photos for you and your partner to look back on in the future. This experience runs every day as long as the weather permits.

4. Eco Shark & Ray Snorkel SafariThis two-and-a-half-hour snorkel tour will take you all around the lagoon, stopping multiple times along the way for you to get out of the boat and snorkel with the stunning sea life below. 

5. Dine At Bloody Mary’s RestaurantIn researching Bora Bora, you will see Bloody Mary’s Restaurant as a must-visit suggestion from many travel experts. This popular restaurant is best visited with a reservation, so planning ahead is key, like with most activities in Bora Bora. 

6.  4×4 Jeep Safari Or ATV Tour And Motu Picnic Lunch. Once you’ve seen the island from the viewpoint of a jet ski, you will want to explore the rugged land. 

7.  Sunset Cruise And Dinner At Saint James RestaurantEquipped with champagne, you can step onto a semi-private outrigger canoe that will carry you on the waters as you take in the beautiful sunset during a 2-hour cruise. Afterward, you will enjoy dinner at Saint James Restaurant, where French cuisine is artfully combined with Polynesian flavors.