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Bora Bora Helicopter Tour —
Prices, Circuits
& Booking 2026
A helicopter tour over Bora Bora is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have in French Polynesia — and one of the most accessible. In just 20 to 30 minutes, you get a bird's eye view of the world's most famous lagoon: the turquoise gradients, the overwater bungalow resorts lined up on the motus, and Mt. Otemanu rising above it all. Then, on the longer circuit, the heart-shaped island of Tupai appears — visible only from the air.
One operator runs helicopter tours in French Polynesia: Tahiti Nui Helicopters. Three circuits available — Bora Bora scenic (20 min), Bora Bora + Tupai (30 min), and Tahiti panoramic (20 or 30 min). All bookable via Manawa with flexible cancellation. Here's everything you need to choose the right circuit.
Bora Bora helicopter tours — all circuits & prices 2026
| Circuit | Island | Duration | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic Flight over Bora Bora | Bora Bora | 20 min | From $421 | Book → |
| Flight over Tupai from Bora Bora ⭐ | Bora Bora + Tupai | 30 min | From $631 | Book → |
| Scenic Flight over Tahiti | Tahiti | 20 or 30 min | From $421 | Book → |
If you're in Bora Bora, go for the Tupai circuit ($631, 30 min). The extra 10 minutes and $210 get you Tupai — the heart-shaped island that can only be seen from the air. It's the defining moment of the flight. The 20-minute Bora Bora scenic tour ($421) is good but a little short for the price. If you're based in Tahiti and won't make it to Bora Bora, the Tahiti panoramic flight is the best way to see the island's dramatic interior from above.
The Bora Bora lagoon from a helicopter — the turquoise gradients, the resort motus and Mt. Otemanu. A view that puts the entire island in perspective.
Scenic Helicopter Flight over Bora Bora — 20 minutes
The 20-minute Bora Bora circuit takes off from Tahiti Nui Helicopters PAGO airport and covers the southern, eastern and northern lagoon of Bora Bora, passing over motu Toopua and motu Tevairoa. In 20 minutes, you get a complete aerial overview of the island — the turquoise lagoon, the overwater bungalow resorts, the barrier reef and Mt. Otemanu from above. It's the most affordable entry point to a Bora Bora helicopter experience.
If you're staying at the Four Seasons, InterContinental Thalasso & Spa, St. Regis, Le Pearl Resort or Conrad — all on motus — you can be collected from your hotel for an additional transfer fee of 16,000 XPF (~135€) per person. Otherwise, take a taxi to Tahiti Nui Helicopters PAGO airport on the main island.
20 minutes above the Bora Bora lagoon — the overwater bungalow resorts, the reef and Mt. Otemanu from the helicopter. A complete overview of the island.
Helicopter Flight over Tupai from Bora Bora — 30 minutes ⭐ Top pick
This is the circuit we recommend. The 30-minute flight covers the southern and eastern lagoon of Bora Bora, then heads north to Tupai — the heart-shaped island about 20 km from Bora Bora. Tupai is one of those places that exists mainly as a concept on a map — until you see it from a helicopter. The perfect heart shape, surrounded by turquoise water, with nothing else around it. Then the flight swings back down over motu Tevairoa and motu Toopua before returning to the airport.
The extra 10 minutes and $210 over the 20-minute circuit are absolutely worth it. Tupai is the defining image of this flight — the one you'll show people when you get home.
Tupai from the helicopter — the heart-shaped island, 20 km north of Bora Bora. Visible only from the air, it's the defining moment of the 30-minute circuit.
Helicopter Tour over Tahiti — Mountains, Valleys & Lagoon
Tahiti is a completely different helicopter experience from Bora Bora. Where Bora Bora is all lagoon and reef, Tahiti is mountains, valleys, waterfalls and jungle. At 2,241 metres, Mt. Orohena is the highest peak in French Polynesia — and from a helicopter, you can fly right alongside it. The contrast between the dramatic volcanic interior and the turquoise lagoon of Punaauia on the coast is striking.
Depending on the circuit chosen, you can fly over the Fautaua valley, the Tiara pass, Papeete harbour, the valleys of Papenoo, Punaruu and Maroto, and the waterfalls of the Piare and Fautaua valleys. Two circuits available: 20 minutes (In the Heart of the Island, from $421) and 30 minutes (The Rebels of the Bounty Flight, from $631).
Tahiti from the helicopter — the volcanic mountains, the deep valleys and the lagoon of Punaauia. A radically different landscape from Bora Bora.
Practical tips for your Bora Bora helicopter tour
Minimum group of 4
All Tahiti Nui Helicopters circuits require a minimum of 4 participants to depart. If you're booking for fewer people, you may be grouped with other travellers or need to check availability directly. Book in advance — especially in high season (July–October) — as slots fill up quickly.
Weather-dependent activity
Helicopter flights are weather-dependent. If conditions don't allow the flight to take place, Tahiti Nui Helicopters will contact you to reschedule or issue a full refund. Flexible cancellation is available on all Manawa bookings. Morning slots are generally best — clearer skies and calmer air.
Getting to the airport
All Bora Bora circuits depart from Tahiti Nui Helicopters PAGO airport on the main island. If you're staying on a resort motu (Four Seasons, Conrad, St. Regis, InterContinental, Le Pearl), your hotel provides shuttle boats to the main island. You can also arrange a direct hotel pickup for an additional fee of 16,000 XPF (~$135) per person.
Helicopter vs microlight vs skydive
All three give you an aerial view of Bora Bora — but they're very different experiences. The helicopter is the most comfortable and accessible (from age 2, up to 120 kg), can carry more passengers and gives enclosed, stable views — ideal for families or those who want a premium experience without the thrill factor. The microlight is open-air and more immersive. The skydive is the most intense. If budget is the priority, the microlight wins. If comfort and accessibility are the priority, the helicopter wins.
In Bora Bora: always go for the Tupai circuit (30 min, $631) if budget allows — Tupai is the defining image and you won't regret the extra cost. The 20-minute scenic tour ($421) is a good entry point but feels short. For Tahiti: the 30-minute circuit gives you significantly more — waterfalls, valleys and the full Mt. Orohena approach.
FAQ — Bora Bora helicopter tours
Combine with your helicopter tour
Open-air alternative Microlight Flights in French Polynesia — Prices & Tours 2026 Fly over Bora Bora, Taha'a, Raiatea, Huahine and Maupiti by microlight — from 117€. Ultimate thrill Tandem Skydive over Moorea & Tahiti — Prices & Booking 2026 Jump from 3,000m above the lagoon — the most intense aerial experience in French Polynesia. On the water Bora Bora Lagoon Tour — Operators Compared 2026 The number one Bora Bora excursion — manta rays, sharks, snorkeling and motu lunch. Adrenaline Best Jet Ski Tours in Bora Bora — Prices & Comparison 2026 The Bora Bora lagoon by jet ski — 5 operators compared, combos available.
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