Bora Bora holidays

While an increase in mid-range hotels has made this once-exclusive destination slightly more affordable in recent years, holidays to Bora Bora occupy “once-in-a-lifetime” territory for most. Many travellers visit Bora Bora as part of a longer trip to the region, as part of a package holiday or a luxury cruise. Some of the most expensive five-star hotels are found on the private atolls on the edges of the lagoon. The central main island offers more of a mix.

Captain Cook dubbed Bora Bora the “Pearl of the Pacific”, but the locals knew these islands were special long before the colonizers arrived – in old Tahitian, its name means 'created by gods'. And when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

For the cheapest Bora Bora holidays, look at the low season between December and March (excluding Christmas). During the wet season showers are daily, but they tend to short and sharp. It’s also very humid, which won’t suit everyone. March often has the best weather during this period.

When to go for the best of both

For the best of both worlds, visit Bora Bora during the shoulder season months of April, May and November. The weather is warm but not swelteringly hot (around 23C), rain is less frequent, and the prices are much cheaper than the peak months between June and October.

The best time to go for scuba diving is from April to November when the water is at its clearest.

With its glassy, bath-warm waters, Bora Bora’s biggest draw is the spectacular lagoon encircling its main island. An extraordinary ecosystem of marine life lies beneath the surface, sheltered from Pacific currents, and parts of the lagoon are so shallow, it’s easy to swim out to some of the vibrant coral gardens and reef networks for snorkelling.

L’Aquarium, just off the coast at Matira Beach, is one of the best spots, where you can catch a glimpse of all manner of tropical fish, rays, moray eels, and the odd reef shark.

Scuba diving

The range of diving at Bora Bora has made it one of the most popular scuba destinations in the world, particularly for large marine life. Spot enormous manta rays gliding lazily through the water at Anau or swim with sharks at Haapiti, a hotspot for multiple species.

Some dive companies run trips out to Tupai, an hour away from Bora Bora, where it’s possible to dive with humpback whales between August and November. While there’s plenty to do for experiences divers, calm waters make it a good place for beginners, too.

Climb an extinct volcano

Fancy a challenge? Try the peaks of Bora Bora’s extinct volcano on for size. Rising from the centre of the main island like a prehistoric crown, Mount Otemanu (727m) and Mount Pahia (658m) offer a chance to burn off some holiday calories – not to mention stunning panoramas of the islands’ beautiful lagoon.

Make no mistake both treks are tough, with secluded hiking paths snaking their way through difficult jungle terrain. Hiking one or both peaks can be arranged through most hotels, or through a local guide at Vaitape.

Bora Bora Turtle Centre

Located within Le Meridien hotel, this small not-for-profit organisation helps rehabilitate and care for injured sea turtles. Visitors can help to clean the turtles, watch them feed, and learn about the species through a small museum and expert talks.

You’ll also be able to snorkel with the turtles, plus plenty of tropical fish, in an artificial lagoon. For those who don’t fancy a dip, there’s an aquarium-style glass window through which you can observe the lagoon.

Take a boat tour of the lagoon

See Bora Bora from every blissful angle with a boat trip around its lagoon. Spend the day cruising impossibly turquoise water, discovering tiny, tucked-away bays and deserted tropical beaches, stopping off for swimming, snorkelling and wildlife encounters.

Most boat trips involve snorkelling with manta rays, swimming stops at one of the islands’ blissful motus (small islands in the reef), and a traditional Tahitian lunch complete with local entertainment. A handful of companies run tours from the main island, but most resorts can help arrange a trip.

For travellers on a budget

Bora Bora island (also known as the “main island”) is generally the best bet for budget travellers. Matira Beach, at the southern end of the island, has a selection of mid-range and cheaper accommodation. With its long arch of snow-white sand, Matira is one of the more popular spots for cheap Bora Bora holidays. Most of the other affordable accommodation is on the west coast of the island between the settlements of Fa’anui and Nunu’e. The biggest town in Bora Bora, Vaitape, which sits halfway between the two, also has a few decent options.

For food and drink

Most resorts cater for guests with onsite restaurants and bars, but if you want a little more choice, stay on Bora Bora island. Vaitape has a mixture of cafes, seafood restaurants, traditional Polynesian joints and French-style bistros. Down at Matira Beach you’ll find a handful of beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood. Alternatively, some of the more upmarket resorts, such as St Regis Bora Bora and the Four Seasons, offer a slightly broader range of places to each.

For nightlife

Bora Bora is more about relaxing than raving, so forget about all-night parties and buckets of questionably coloured booze. Vaitape has a few bars scattered around its main drag and the islands’ only nightclub, while Matira has a few nice spots for a few sundowners, too. Out on the atolls, most hotels will have one or two bars, but generally, that’s it. Realistically, if nightlife is an important part of your holiday, you might want to reconsider Bora Bora as a destination.

For culture

Bora Bora is predominately a tourist island, but if you want to get a better idea of Tahitian culture beyond the entertainment in your hotel, stay on the main island around Vaitape. From here, you can rent bikes or a car to explore some of the smaller settlements.