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Bora Bora

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A women sitting on a white sand beach at Bora Bora, French Polynesia

© Peter Griffith / Getty Images

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Overview

Ah, Bora Bora. The stuff of dreams. As you arrive by plane, the view says it all. How not to be mesmerised by this stunning palette of sapphire, indigo and turquoise, all mixed together in modern-art abstractions? And these sand-edged motu (islets) and soaring rainforest-covered basaltic peaks? With such a dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is, unsurprisingly, a honeymooners’ choice. But there’s much more to do than clink glasses with your loved one in a luxurious hotel. The good thing is that you can mix slow-paced sun-and-sand holidays with action-packed adventures. Diving, snorkelling, lagoon tours, hiking and parasailing are readily available. What you shouldn’t expect, though, is a thriving nightlife. Bora Bora is a quiet island. And this dream destination is much more accessible than you think. As well as five-star resorts, a handful of low-key midrange hotels beckon.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Vaitape

    Vaitape

    Bora Bora

    The island’s main settlement, Vaitape is not the most evocative town, but it's a great place to do a bit of shopping, take care of banking needs and just…

  • Coastal Defence Guns

    Coastal Defence Guns

    Bora Bora

    Faanui Bay was the site of the US military base during WWII. At the southwestern end of the bay, a steep and often muddy track climbs up to an old WWII…

  • Coastal Defence Guns

    Coastal Defence Guns

    Bora Bora

    Up a small hill on the eastern coast, a track peels off to the east and leads to two massive WWII coastal guns and a concrete bunker that were left by the…

  • Marae Fare-Opu

    Marae Fare-Opu

    Bora Bora

    There are only a handful of marae (traditional temple) ruins on Bora Bora, including Marae Fare-Opu, which is squeezed between the roadside and the water…

  • Matira Beach

    Matira Beach

    Bora Bora

    Bora Bora’s only real beach, this stunning stretch of snow-white sand and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming turquoise sea is perfect for sunbathing and swimming (but…

  • Coastal Defence Guns

    Coastal Defence Guns

    Bora Bora

    Coming from Faanui Bay, continue until you reach the quay of the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa on your left. Walk for another 50m and you'll see a…

  • Musée de la Marine

    Musée de la Marine

    Bora Bora

    The small, private Musée de la Marine has a collection of model ships made by architect Bertrand Darasse. The opening hours are fairly haphazard, so you…

  • Motu Fanfan

    Motu Fanfan

    Bora Bora

    An idyllic spot blessed with a lovely strip of sand and superb coral gardens just offshore. It's privately owned, so you'll need permission to get there.

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Hike the mountains, snorkel in the lagoon, swim with sharks and more: here are the best things to do in Bora Bora after you’ve enjoyed the beach.

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Best Time to Visit

With its turquoise lagoon, blonde beaches and mountain backdrop, Bora Bora is a vision of tropical perfection. Here are the best times to visit.

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Transportation

Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. Here's our guide to navigating the island.

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Free Things to Do

Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? Add these best free (and nearly free!) things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary.

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