Was this page helpful?
Last update: 22 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Bora Bora Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
French Polynesia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
CFP Franc (XPF) £1 ≈ CFPF 143 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is often preferred in more rural locations. Credit cards are commonly used in resorts and hotels.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in French Polynesia but appreciated. A 10% tip is common in restaurants, and small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are welcome. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not permitted in many areas of French Polynesia, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces but is allowed in designated outdoor areas. |
| French National Day (14 July) |
Celebrates France's national holiday |
|---|---|
| Heiva Festival (July) |
A celebration of traditional Polynesian culture and dance |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 17 (Police), 15 (Ambulance), 18 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | French Polynesia is known for its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and overwater bungalows. It's a popular destination for luxury tourism, snorkelling, diving, and experiencing Polynesian culture. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Wet season November to April brings heavy showers, cyclone risk is highest January to March
Humpback whale season July to October, swimming with whales possible on guided trips
Heiva i Tahiti festival in July is held mainly on Tahiti, with smaller celebrations on Bora Bora
Don't miss
- 🐠 Snorkel crystal-clear lagoon with rays and tropical fish
- 🏝️ Stay overnight in a classic overwater bungalow
- 🚤 Take a private boat tour around Mount Otemanu
- 🍹 Enjoy sunset cocktails on the beach
- 🦈 Swim with reef sharks in Bora Bora lagoon
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Bora Bora?
If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate tropical escape, Bora Bora is it. The lagoon is a living aquarium, perfect for snorkeling with rays and reef sharks or just floating above vibrant coral gardens. The island’s interior is a green paradise, with hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints like Mount Otemanu. Overwater bungalows are a signature experience, offering direct access to the sea and a front-row seat to epic sunsets. Bora Bora is undeniably expensive and the remoteness means everything from snacks to excursions can add up quickly. It’s also a small island, so nightlife and shopping are limited. But if you’re after natural beauty and relaxation, it’s hard to beat.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Market
🎈Events
-
Heiva i Bora Bora (July)
-
Bora Bora Liquid Festival (December)
-
Hawaiki Nui Va'a Canoe Race (November)
-
Miss Bora Bora Pageant
-
Traditional Dance Festivals
-
Tiare Tahiti Flower Festival
-
Bastille Day Celebrations (July)
-
Bora Bora Marathon
-
Pearl Regatta (May)
-
Christmas & New Year Festivities
Knowledge before you go
- Plan transfers carefully; the airport is on a motu.
- Budget for lagoon activities; most highlights are water-based and add up quickly.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes; coral and strong sun are constant factors.
- Stay on the main island near Vaitape for local food options and cheaper logistics than motu resorts.
How to travel to Bora Bora
Fly to Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute), usually via a connecting flight from Tahiti (Papeete). From the airport, boat transfers take you to your resort or Vaitape. There are no direct international flights, so plan for at least one layover.
Access summary
- From Bora Bora Airport (BOB): Free public boat to Vaitape, about 20–30 minutes.
- From Tahiti (Papeete, PPT): Domestic flight to Bora Bora around 50 minutes.
- From Tahiti by ferry: Apetahi Express boat to Vaitape about 6–7 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is famous for luxury overwater bungalows, but there are also charming guesthouses and small hotels on the main island. Most accommodations are high‑end and booking ahead is essential, especially in peak season.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Royal Bora Bora
InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa By IHG
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort By IHG
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Sunset Hill Lodge
How to get around Bora Bora
Most resorts provide boat shuttles to and from the main island. On land, you can rent bicycles, scooters or cars to circle the main road. Taxis are available but pricey. Many visitors stick to resort areas and book tours for excursions.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to XPF) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Bora Bora is very safe for travelers. Petty theft is rare but possible; keep valuables secure. Take care with water activities and follow local advice regarding marine life. Respect local customs and avoid isolated areas at night.
Health & Medical
Medical care is basic but reliable for minor issues; serious cases are transferred to Tahiti. Bring necessary medications and be prepared for sun exposure, minor cuts or insect bites. Traveler’s diarrhea is common — drink bottled or filtered water.
Accessibility
Most luxury resorts are accessible, but the island’s infrastructure can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some activities involve boats or uneven terrain. Check with your accommodation for specific accessibility needs.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled or filtered water. Most resorts provide complimentary bottled water. Hydration is important in the tropical climate, so drink plenty of safe water.
Packing recommendations for Bora Bora
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🩴
Flip-flops
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
optional
🔋
Power bank
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
👒
Sun hat
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Related articles & guides for Bora Bora
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
Discover
Best rural retreat destinations in Oceania
Oceania's rural retreat offer is anchored by the agricultural hinterlands, wine regions and coastal farmland of Australia and New Zealand, where a strong tradition of farm stays…
Read more
Discover
Best fine dining destinations in Oceania
Major coastal cities have built fine dining scenes that rank among the most respected anywhere, drawing on the region's exceptional seafood and produce as much as international…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Best sailing destinations in Oceania
A reef-sheltered island group off Australia's coast anchors much of the region's sailing tourism, offering sheltered, reef-protected waters well suited to both bareboat and…
Read more
Discover
Best kayak and SUP destinations in Oceania
Oceania's kayaking and SUP offer is defined by the region's extraordinary marine environments, island archipelagos and coastal wilderness, with the Pacific's vast ocean geography…
Read more
Discover
Best island getaway destinations in Oceania
Oceania is defined by its islands more than any other region, with the Pacific's vast ocean geography encompassing everything from the continental landmasses of Australia and New…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in November in Oceania
Oceania moves toward early summer in November, with warming temperatures building steadily across the region. Australia and New Zealand both see comfortable, mild weather this…
Read more
Discover
Top island destinations and tropical getaways
Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…
Read more
Discover
Top photography destinations and scenic landscapes
A genuinely photogenic destination offers more than one good shot: it has the light, the composition and enough variety of conditions to reward repeat visits at different times of…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in September in Oceania
September brings spring to Oceania, easing the region out of winter just as wildflowers and warmer days start to return. Western Australia's wildflower season reaches its peak…
Read more
Discover
Top boating destinations and cruising waters
Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…
Read more
Discover
Best stargazing destinations in Oceania
Oceania's dark sky options span an extraordinary range of settings, from the remote desert interior of Australia and its southern coastal ranges to the mountain zones of New…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies in Oceania
Australia and New Zealand share some of the clearest food allergen laws anywhere, which makes Oceania a fairly reassuring region for allergy conscious travelers. Packaged food…
Read more
