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Things to Do in Bora Bora —
The Ultimate Paradise
Activities Guide 2026
Bora Bora is the most famous island in French Polynesia — and probably one of the most beautiful in the world. This Bora Bora guide brings together all the activities, tips and practical advice you need to plan your stay. Its lagoon is uniquely perfect: intense turquoise, crystal-clear waters, white-sand motus and Mt. Otemanu as a backdrop. It's also the island that invented the overwater bungalow concept. If you come to French Polynesia, Bora Bora deserves at least 3 nights — no more, as the island is small and expensive — but those 3 nights should be lived to the fullest.
We have stayed there several times from our base in Moorea. This guide brings together what we genuinely consider unmissable — activities, experiences and tips — with links to our comparatifs détaillés pour chaque activité.
Bora Bora and its lagoon from the air — Mt. Otemanu at the centre, the motus and the overwater bungalows of the major resorts all around.
Bora Bora — what we really think of the island
Bora Bora lives up to its reputation — and then some. The lagoon is genuinely one of the most beautiful we've ever seen anywhere in the world. The overwater bungalow experience here is the best in French Polynesia, and arguably the best on the planet. This is a place that delivers exactly what it promises.
Our recommendation: the overwater bungalow and the lagoon tour are the two absolute priorities. The overwater bungalow is why Bora Bora is world-famous — wake up above the turquoise water, step off your deck straight into the lagoon. It's extraordinary. And the lagoon tour is what makes the experience complete — rays, sharks, coral gardens and a motu lunch. Everything else — helicopter, quad, jet ski, skydive — is a brilliant bonus depending on your time and energy.
On duration: 4 to 5 nights is ideal. This gives you time to truly settle in, experience the overwater bungalow at its best, do a full lagoon day, explore the island interior, and still have time to simply float in the lagoon and watch the sun set over Mt. Otemanu. Don't rush it — Bora Bora is worth every day you give it.
One tip for the lagoon excursion: choose a small-group operator rather than a large boat. The experience is completely different — more intimate, more flexible, and the guides take you to quieter spots away from the crowds. Our lagoon comparison guide does exactly that filtering for you.
And finally: arriving by plane in Bora Bora is exceptional. The lagoon seen from the window — the gradients of blue, the motus, Mt. Otemanu — it's already an experience in itself. Make the most of it.
Top 9 things to do in Bora Bora — our selection
Lagoon tour — rays, sharks & snorkeling
This is the number one activity in Bora Bora — by far. A day on the lagoon aboard a traditional pirogue or boat: snorkeling with manta and stingray rays, swimming with reef sharks, exploring the coral gardens, lunch on a motu. It's the experience that gives Bora Bora all its magic. Don't leave without doing it.
We recommend the full-day option over the half-day — time to really soak up the lagoon, explore several spots and enjoy the motu lunch. The half-day goes too fast.
The best small-group tours fill up early — especially in high season (July–October). Book as soon as your stay is confirmed, ideally 6 months ahead. And schedule the excursion on your first day in Bora Bora: if the weather doesn't cooperate, you still have the next day to reschedule. Don't leave it to the last day.
One of Bora Bora's standout features: the coral is in excellent health in 2026 — unlike some other islands such as Moorea where the coral is more degraded. A genuine plus that makes snorkeling exceptional here. Stingrays, manta rays, blacktip reef sharks, dolphins if you're lucky, and multicoloured coral in perfect health. No sea turtles here though — for that, Moorea is the better spot.
The Bora Bora lagoon excursion — traditional pirogue, snorkeling with rays and sharks, motu lunch. The number one activity on the island.
Our full comparison Bora Bora Lagoon Tour — Operators Compared 2026 All operators, prices and circuits compared honestly.Helicopter flight — the lagoon from above
If you had to choose just one activity beyond the lagoon, it would be this. From the helicopter, Bora Bora reveals itself in full splendour: the gradient of blues across the lagoon, the motus like pearls on the water, Mt. Otemanu at the centre. Et sur le circuit Tupai (30 min), tu survoleras l'île en forme de cœur — visible only from the air.
It's expensive, but it's a permanent visual knockout. Worth doing at least once if you make it here.
Tupai seen from the helicopter — the heart-shaped island, visible only from the air, 20 km north of Bora Bora.
Circuits & prices Helicopter Flights in French Polynesia — Circuits & Prices 2026 Tahiti Nui Helicopters — from ~$420, 20 to 30 minutes.Jet ski tour — the lagoon at full speed
Jet skiing in Bora Bora is another way to experience the lagoon — at full speed, with Mt. Otemanu in every direction and the overwater bungalows of the big resorts gliding past. The best combos include snorkeling with sharks and rays at the end of the day. It's fun, exhilarating and gives a unique perspective on the island.
The Bora Bora lagoon by jet ski — speed, freedom and Mt. Otemanu in every direction.
5 operators compared Best Jet Ski Tours in Bora Bora — Prices & Comparison 2026 2h tours, full-day combos, jet ski + motu BBQ — all compared.Quad ATV tour — the island interior
Bora Bora isn't just the lagoon. The volcanic island interior hides off-road tracks, spectacular viewpoints, WW2 guns hidden in the vegetation and lush valleys. By quad, you pilot yourself along trails no car can reach. It's physical, adventurous, and the view from the heights over the lagoon is striking.
The WW2 guns on the heights of Bora Bora — one of the unmissable stops on quad and 4x4 safari tours.
4 operators compared Best Quad & ATV Tours in Bora Bora — Prices & Comparison 2026 Half-day or combo quad + jet ski + motu BBQ — complete guide.4x4 Safari — WW2 guns & panoramic views
More accessible than the quad (the guide drives), the 4x4 safari lets you discover Bora Bora's interior without needing a driving licence. On the programme: WW2 American guns still standing in the vegetation, hilltop viewpoints, Faanui valley, a local artist's gallery. Native guides share the island's history with genuine passion.
Tupuna Safari — the best 4x4 operator in Bora Bora, with access to Mont Popoti and panoramic lagoon views.
3 operators compared Bora Bora 4x4 Safari — Tupuna Safari & Comparison 2026 Tupuna Safari, Vavau 4WD and 4x4 + jet ski combo compared honestly.Skydive — Bora Bora from 3,000 m
Jumping over the Bora Bora lagoon from 3,000 metres altitude — it's the most intense aerial experience available on the island. The operator (Skydive Tahiti) travels from Tahiti on request, at a higher price than Tahiti and Moorea. Spectacular, unforgettable — but needs to be organised in advance.
Complete guide Tandem Skydive over Bora Bora, Tahiti & Moorea — Prices 2026 Skydive Tahiti — $1,243 in Bora Bora with photos and video, on request.Microlight flight — Bora Bora & Tupai from the air
A more immersive and less expensive alternative to the helicopter: the microlight flight with Tahiti Air Lagon. In a semi-open two-seater, you fly over the Bora Bora lagoon and Tupai, the heart-shaped island. The sensation of flight is unique — the air, the movement, the 360° view. The Lagoon Heart circuit (45 min, ~$295) is our recommendation.
5 islands · All circuits Microlight Flights in French Polynesia — Bora Bora, Taha'a & Raiatea Tahiti Air Lagon — circuits and prices by island, booking via Manawa.Whale watching in Bora Bora
From late July to November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to reproduce in the warm waters of French Polynesia. In Bora Bora, observation trips are less frequent than in Moorea or Tahiti, but the setting is exceptional — a vast lagoon, few boats, crystal-clear waters. Often, you'll be alone with these giants of the sea. A rare and intense moment.
In Bora Bora, whales are more unpredictable and you often need to go further out to sea to find them. In Moorea and Tahiti, they come much closer to the coast — sometimes just a few hundred metres from shore. Operators there also offer far more daily departures. If whale watching is a priority, plan it from Moorea or Tahiti rather than Bora Bora.
Sunset — cruise or lagoonside bar
The sunset in Bora Bora is an experience in itself. Golden light on the lagoon, Mt. Otemanu as backdrop, the sky shifting from pink to orange — it's the kind of moment you don't find anywhere else. Two options: a sunset cruise on the lagoon (champagne on board, very romantic) or a lagoonside bar terrace.
Our tip: the Bora Bora Yacht Club. Happy hour cocktails at fair prices, waterfront terrace, unobstructed view over the lagoon and Mt. Otemanu. A local, relaxed atmosphere, far from the glitz of the big hotels. Sit at the end of the pontoon — that's the best spot.
The Matira area groups several sunset options: a few bars and restaurants accessible directly from the beach, including the nearby InterContinental Le Moana if you want a drink in a slightly more premium setting. All within walking distance around Matira beach.
Free things to do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is expensive — but some exceptional experiences cost nothing or next to nothing:
Matira Beach — the only public beach in Bora Bora and one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. White sand, shallow turquoise water, free access.
Fine white sand, shallow turquoise water, accessible on foot or by bike. It's the most beautiful public beach on the island and probably one of the finest in French Polynesia. Snorkeling directly from the beach with mask and snorkel. Free, open to all, unmissable.
About 2 hours, easy level. A marked trail on the heights of the island leading to the old American WW2 guns. Breathtaking panoramas over the lagoon from the heights, and a dive into island history. Free — just bring walking shoes and water.
About 2 hours return, easy level. A pleasant trail with a lovely view over the motus and lagoon from the heights. Perfect in the early morning before the heat. Free.
The main island of Bora Bora is small and can be circled in under 2 hours. Rent a scooter or bike and do the full loop: local villages, motu views, Matira beach, Faanui and its guns, and spots where you can spot rays directly from the shore. It's an authentic and budget-friendly way to discover the island off the tourist trail.
What to do in Bora Bora when it rains
Rain in Bora Bora is often short-lived — brief showers followed by sunshine. But if the weather doesn't cooperate:
Lagoonside restaurant — even in the rain, the view from a covered terrace over the lagoon remains magnificent. The Bora Bora Beach Club at Matira or Bloody Mary's are two accessible good options.
Scuba diving or a discover dive — the perfect activity in bad weather. Rain has zero impact underwater — visibility remains the same and Bora Bora's marine life is exceptional: blacktip reef sharks, rays, moray eels, tropical fish in a setting of perfectly healthy coral. If you've never dived before, this is the ideal opportunity for a first dive.
Underwater Plongée en Polynesia — Discover Dive & Best Sites The best diving spots in French Polynesia — Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava, Rangiroa.Luxury hotel spa — if budget allows, the spas at the major resorts (Four Seasons, Conrad, St. Regis) are open to non-guests by reservation. Polynesian massage, lagoon view — a different way to experience Bora Bora.
Luxury hotel day pass — if you're not staying on a resort motu, this is your chance. Between $165 and $220 per person depending on the hotel and season, you get access to the private beach, pool, sun loungers and lunch. But contact the hotel in advance — day passes are not guaranteed and depend on availability. In high season or when the hotel is busy, they may decline external guests.
4x4 safari or quad — paradoxically, rain makes the 4x4 tours even more fun. The tracks get slippery, waterfalls appear in the valleys, and the vegetation shines in a thousand shades of green. Adventure guaranteed.
Things to do in Bora Bora — 4 to 5 day itinerary
Arrival, settling in, first steps. Book the lagoon tour from day one — if tomorrow is bad weather, you can reschedule. Afternoon: Matira beach, snorkeling from the beach, island tour by scooter. Sunset at the Bora Bora Yacht Club with a cocktail facing Mt. Otemanu.
Full lagoon excursion day — rays, sharks, snorkeling, motu lunch. This is the key day of the stay. Don't miss it and go for the full-day option. Afternoon: free swimming, relaxation.
Morning: quad tour or 4x4 safari to discover the island interior, WW2 guns and hilltop panoramas. Afternoon: microlight or helicopter flight if budget allows — the aerial view over the lagoon is spectacular.
Free day — float in the lagoon, order room service on your overwater deck, or rent a kayak and paddle to a motu. Evening: sunset cruise on the lagoon or cocktails at the Bora Bora Yacht Club with Mt. Otemanu as backdrop.
One last swim in the lagoon, one last breakfast above the water. Bora Bora doesn't need to be rushed — savour every last moment before heading to the airport. The seaplane views on the way out are just as spectacular as the arrival.
Accommodation in Bora Bora — all budgets
Bora Bora is the birthplace of the overwater bungalow — and if there's one place in the world to experience it, this is it. Waking up above a turquoise lagoon, with Mt. Otemanu in front of you and the sound of water beneath your feet — it's the kind of experience that stays with you for life. If it's within your budget, do it here. Budget: from $110 per night for a guesthouse or Airbnb on the main island, and from $1,650 per night for overwater bungalow resorts on the motus.
InterContinental Le Moana at Matira — one of the most accessible of Bora Bora's major hotels, directly on the beach.
Resort motus (luxury)
Four Seasons, Conrad Bora Bora, St. Regis, InterContinental Thalasso & Spa, Le Westin — these are the iconic addresses, all located on motus separate from the main island. The overwater bungalow experience in its most complete form. From $1,650 per night.
Resort motus are separated from the main island by the lagoon. The daily boat shuttle is paid — approximately ~$77 one way per person. This is not included in the room price. Budget for this extra cost. Exception : la navette Air Tahiti entre l'aéroport (motu) et le quai principal de Vaitape est free and included in your Air Tahiti ticket. But as soon as you want to go to town or join an excursion, your resort's shuttle is paid. Budget for this extra.
Bora Bora's overwater bungalows — the iconic French Polynesia experience, with the turquoise lagoon right below.
Hotels on the main island (mid-range)
Several 3-4 star hotels are located on the main island with lagoon views — cheaper than resort motus, but with direct lagoon access and Mt. Otemanu as backdrop. Our recommendation for a good quality/price balance.
Guesthouses and Airbnb (budget)
Accessible options exist — local family guesthouses and Airbnb rentals on the main island from $110 per night. The experience is different from the big hotels, but the lagoon is the same for everyone.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — one of the iconic resort motus, with overwater bungalows directly on the turquoise lagoon.
If there's one place in the world to stay in an overwater bungalow, it's Bora Bora. If it's a special trip — honeymoon, milestone anniversary, once-in-a-lifetime — invest the budget and do it properly. Wake up above that lagoon. It's worth it. If budget is a concern, staying on the main island with lagoon views is a solid alternative — you still get the same incredible setting, just without the water beneath your floor.
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