9 Best Things to Do on Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora continues to attract travelers from around the globe in search of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. MyLittlePolynesia explored and tested the island’s top activities to bring you the very best recommendations.
With its crystal-clear waters, idyllic beaches, lagoon excursions, and iconic overwater bungalows, Bora Bora remains a top-tier destination for anyone dreaming of paradise.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or on a honeymoon, discover what to do in Bora Bora : from must-see sights and cultural visits to ocean adventures and the most iconic places to explore during your stay.
📖 Read the article ➜ Traveling in French Polynesia: 10 day Itinerary & Tips
Top 9 Things to Do in Bora Bora Excursions and activities
1. Boat Excursion & Snorkeling in Bora Bora – Dive Into the Lagoon
Embark on an unforgettable adventure across Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon to explore wild motu islets, admire Mount Otemanu from the water, and dive into the island’s famous coral gardens.
👉Our recommendation: A tour with TAU, a passionate local guide. You can find our full review of our best lagoon tour in Bora Bora here.
We chose the half-day tour, and it was simply incredible. Aboard a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe, the guide shared stories and legends of Bora Bora as we cruised peacefully around the island.
What to expect:
Snorkeling with stingrays and friendly lagoon sharks
Stops at three different sites, including vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish
Plenty of time to relax and swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters
Want to go deeper?
Scuba diving is another magical way to explore Bora Bora’s underwater world—even for first-timers!
Local dive centers will take you to sites where you might encounter colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks.
👉We’ve also written a full article about the best scuba diving clubs in French Polynesia, check it out for tips, pricing, and recommended experiences.
Partez à l’aventure sur le lagon turquoise de Bora Bora pour explorer les motus sauvages, admirer le mont Otemanu depuis l’eau et plonger dans les célèbres jardins de corail.
📖 Read the full article
2. Helicopter tour or microlight flight Over Bora Bora – The Ultimate Bucket-List Experience
If we had to recommend just one activity in Bora Bora, this would be it.
👉The helicopter flight over the island was hands down one of the most unforgettable moments of our entire stay. From the second you lift off, the magic begins: you soar above a lagoon shimmering in a thousand shades of blue, over motu islets that circle the island like a string of jewels, and of course, Mount Otemanu rising proudly at the heart of this dreamlike setting. You can also experience microlight flight above Bora Bora and Tupai check out our full article, on the 5 best place in French Polynesia.
What we loved most? That feeling of floating above paradise. The absolute calm on board, the silence, and the surreal sensation of having Bora Bora all to ourselves.
Within minutes, you begin to grasp just how vast, wild, and stunning the island’s landscapes truly are—a perspective you can’t get from land or sea.
Yes, it’s a premium activity—but it’s also a visual masterpiece and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that stays with you forever.
If you’ve come all the way to Bora Bora, this is something you won’t want to miss.
📖 Read the article ➜ Microlight Flights in French Polynesia
3. Quad Tour in Bora Bora – Thrills, Adventure & Epic Views
👉If you’re looking for something a bit more active and adrenaline-packed, a quad tour around Bora Bora is a fantastic option. Helmet on, engine roaring—you’ll hit the island’s rugged trails, tackling steep climbs, muddy paths, and bumpy descents. It’s rough, it’s wild… and that’s exactly why we loved it!
Along the way, you’ll ride through tropical fruit plantations, climb to high-altitude viewpoints, and make several scenic stops to admire breathtaking panoramas of the lagoon and the majestic Mount Otemanu.
It’s the perfect combo of adventure, nature, and freedom, all wrapped into one unforgettable ride.
If you enjoy off-road fun with stunning backdrops, this is 100% for you—you’re going to love every minute of it!
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4. 4x4 Tour of Bora Bora – Raw Nature & Hidden History
👉Bora Bora isn’t just about its dreamy lagoon—the island’s wild, volcanic interior is well worth exploring. A 4×4 safari tour is the perfect way to go off the beaten path and discover the island’s raw natural beauty and lesser-known historical treasures.
Your local guide will share fascinating stories about medicinal plants, island traditions, and World War II relics, including the famous American cannons still perched high in the hills—a powerful reminder of the island’s wartime past.
From the ridgelines, the views are simply breathtaking: on one side, the turquoise lagoon; on the other, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Some parts of the ride are pretty bumpy (hang on tight!), but that’s part of what makes the experience so fun and authentic.
This tour is a great way to discover Bora Bora’s inner heart, combining nature, culture, and just the right amount of off-road adventure to make it truly unforgettable.
5. Hiking in Bora Bora – Nature, History & Spectacular Views
Mount Otemanu, a dramatic extinct volcano rising 727 meters high, is the tallest point in Bora Bora. Visible from nearly every corner of the island, it shapes the island’s mystical, iconic silhouette and sets the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
While a full ascent to the summit of Mount Otemanu isn’t possible without a specialized guide, there are several accessible hiking trails that bring you close to the mountain or lead through Bora Bora’s lush hillsides, revealing incredible views over the turquoise lagoon and green peaks.
👉Please check our full article about Maupiti, little sister of Bora Bora, an authentic version of Bora Bora and famous for hiking.
Recommended Hikes in Bora Bora
Mount Popoti
⏱️ ~2 hours – Easy level
A pleasant and beginner-friendly trail—perfect for a morning walk with beautiful viewpoints over the motus and the shimmering lagoon.
Traversière Trail
⏱️ 3–4 hours – Easy level
This inland trail takes you through tropical vegetation, with several clearings offering panoramic views of Bora Bora’s bays and mountains. A great way to explore the greener, quieter side of the island.
The WWII Cannons Trail – Our favorite!
⏱️ ~2 hours – Easy level
A fascinating walk through Bora Bora’s hills to reach American cannons left over from World War II. It’s the perfect mix of history and breathtaking scenery, making it a must for hikers and history lovers alike.
6. The Best Beaches in Bora Bora – Chill, Swim & Explore
Bora Bora is world-famous for its turquoise lagoon and postcard-perfect beaches—ideal for unwinding or exploring the island at your own pace. Here are our favorite sandy spots to soak up the sun and the views:
Matira Beach
This is Bora Bora’s most famous public beach, and for good reason. Think soft white sand, crystal-clear shallow water, and a relaxed, local vibe—perfect for families, couples, or a solo chill-out session. There are also a few great restaurants nearby for a lagoon-view lunch.
Our pick: Head to the Bora Bora Beach Club, a laid-back and affordable spot to enjoy a meal right on the water.
Beaches on the Motus (Islets)
For a more exclusive experience, head to the private beaches on the motus that surround the main island. These hidden gems are only accessible by boat excursion or via tour operators, offering a more wild and unspoiled setting, far from the crowds.
Day Pass at a Luxury Resort
If you want to treat yourself, several top-tier resorts offer day passes (around €120 per person) that include access to private beaches, pools, loungers, a delicious lunch, and a boat shuttle from Vaitape.
Our top recommendations:
Four Seasons – The most high-end experience
St. Regis – Iconic, perfect for photos
Conrad – Gorgeous beach and lush tropical gardens
Westin – Recently opened, with a modern and relaxed vibe
👉Bonus Favorite: Jet Ski Tour Around the Island
One of the most exciting and fun experiences in Bora Bora! Ride around the entire island on a guided jet ski tour, blending speed, scenic discovery, and lagoon stops. You’ll cruise past wild motus, see the lush cliffs of Mount Otemanu, admire the overwater bungalows, and if you’re lucky, even spot stingrays or dolphins along the way!
Frequent stops allow time for snorkeling, swimming, and photos, while your guide shares fun and fascinating stories about the island’s history and traditions.
7. Sunset Cruise or Dinner in Bora Bora – A Golden Hour to Remember
👉End your day in Bora Bora with a sunset cruise on the lagoon—a magical, timeless moment. As the golden light reflects off the turquoise water, Mount Otemanu rises dramatically in the distance, and the sky transforms into a canvas of pink, orange, and purple hues. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially for couples.
Some cruises even include a glass of champagne or sunset aperitif, adding a chic and intimate touch to an already perfect evening on the water.
A more affordable (but equally stunning) alternative:
Grab a seat on the terrace at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, one of the island’s best spots to watch the sunset. Order a refreshing cocktail, sit near the edge of the dock (trust us—that last spot is the best), and let yourself sink into the atmosphere.
The lagoon view is unbeatable, and the vibe is relaxed, friendly, and authentically local—a perfect way to wrap up a day in paradise.
8. Snorkeling in Bora Bora – Dive Into a Natural Aquarium
Snorkeling in Bora Bora’s coral gardens is an experience you simply can’t miss. The lagoon is home to an incredible underwater world, with colorful tropical fish, vibrant corals, and sometimes even stingrays and harmless reef sharks gliding peacefully by.
While you can snorkel straight from Matira Beach with just a mask and fins, our top tip is to join a full-day lagoon tour that includes snorkeling. These excursions take you to remote, protected spots, far from the crowds, where the corals are healthier, more vibrant, and teeming with life.
It’s a truly magical way to immerse yourself in Bora Bora’s marine beauty—like swimming through a living aquarium.
9. Whale Watching in Bora Bora – An Unforgettable Encounter
From late July to late November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of French Polynesia to mate and give birth. This is your chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, just off the coast or within the tranquil lagoon of Bora Bora.
Some tours offer whale watching from the boat, while others—if safety and whale behavior allow—may let you enter the water and swim alongside them. It’s an incredibly rare and powerful experience that puts you face to face with the wonder of the marine world.
Why choose Bora Bora?
While Tahiti and Moorea are also well-known whale watching spots, Bora Bora offers a more serene, majestic setting. Fewer boats, clearer waters, and jaw-dropping natural surroundings mean you often feel like you’re alone with the giants of the sea.
Eco-conscious & Respectful Tours
Most local operators are certified with labels such as “Respect Ocean”, ensuring that their approach is ethical and non-intrusive. Guides are passionate—often marine biologists or trained professionals—who will share their knowledge about whale behavior, migration patterns, and how to observe them without causing stress to the animals.
👉Tip: Book your whale tour in advance, especially between August and October, which is the peak of the season and a busy time for visitors.
Looking for more whale watching options? Check our full article dedicated to Whale watching tour in Polynesia. Moorea and Tahiti also offer daily tours, often with more flexible scheduling and easier access from the main island or capital.
📖 Read the article ➜ Best Whale Watching Tours in Moorea
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👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
