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Destinations / French Polynesia

Bora Bora (Vaitape)

Vaitape, Bora Bora

Turquoise lagoon and overwater bungalows

couplesluxurybeachesnature
Plan your trip to Bora Bora (Vaitape)See the top 10
10,758Population
French, TahitianLanguage
XPFCurrency
5 daysIdeal stay
$400-700Typical day

Bora Bora is a small island in French Polynesia wrapped by a vivid lagoon and a ring of motu islets. This guide is based in Vaitape, the main village, and covers the whole island and lagoon. It is a honeymoon classic, very expensive, built around snorkeling, lagoon tours and resort life.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Boat trip to swim with rays and blacktip reef sharks in shallow water. The lagoon is known for its clear, turquoise water.

    Half dayTime needed
    yesBook ahead

    Half day group tours.

    Tip. Choose operators that do not feed wildlife.
    See on the map

  2. The island's best public white sand beach with shallow calm water. Restaurants and snack bars sit nearby.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Great at sunset.
    See on the map

  3. Shallow reef near Motu Tapu packed with fish. It is one of the easiest snorkel spots for beginners.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Usually part of a tour.

    Tip. Water can be shallow, avoid kicking coral.
    See on the map

  4. The jagged volcanic peak at the island's center, seen best from the lagoon or ridges. It is the remnant of an old volcano.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free from viewpoints.

    Tip. The summit is not climbable.
    See on the map

  5. Off-road tours to WWII guns and lookout points. Guides explain local history and plants.

    3 hoursTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Estimate.

    Tip. Morning light is best.
    See on the map

  6. Main village with pearl shops, a craft market and church. It is where public ferries from the airport arrive.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Compare pearl certificates.
    See on the map

  7. Steep guided hike with sweeping views. The trail is steep and slippery after rain.

    Half dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Guide fees vary.

    Tip. Only go with a local guide.
    See on the map

  8. Long-running sand-floor restaurant. It has been a celebrity favourite for decades.

    2 hoursTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Dinner estimate.

    Tip. Reserve for dinner.
    See on the map

  9. Guided jet ski laps around the island. Routes pass resorts and overwater bungalows.

    2 to 3 hoursTime needed
    yesBook ahead

    Estimate.

    Tip. Wear a rash vest.
    See on the map

  10. Deeper channel spot known for eagle rays. Tour boats often stop here on lagoon trips.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Part of tours.

    Tip. Visibility is best mid morning.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Bora Bora in three days

Lagoon tour day, island loop and Vaitape day, then a 4x4 tour and coral garden snorkel.

  1. Lagoon snorkel tourHalf day
  2. Coral Garden2 hours
  3. Matira BeachHalf day · Free
  4. Mount Otemanu viewpoints1 hour · Free
  5. 4x4 island tour3 hours
  6. Vaitape village1 hour · Free
  7. Mount Pahia hikeHalf day
  8. Bloody Mary's2 hours
  9. Jet ski lagoon circuit2 to 3 hours
Beyond the city

Day trips

Taha'a

Vanilla farms and coral gardens.

19 mi · Boat tour, about 1 hour

Maupiti

Quieter version of Bora Bora.

31 mi · Short flight, about 20 minutes

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: May to October. Drier and less humid austral winter.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.37.17.98.7JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

82°F
Typical daily high
Average82°F
Rain8.1 in
About26 rainy days
Sun strength6.1 kWh/m²

Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Jul

Heiva

July

Polynesian dance, singing and sports contests across the islands.

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Know before you go

At a glance

5/5
Safety

French Polynesia is at US State Department Level 1; crime is low, sun and sea conditions are the main risks.

2/5
Walkability

Vaitape is walkable but the island road is 32 km around with limited paths.

1/5
Public transport

There is no real public transport; resorts run boats and you rent bikes, scooters or small cars.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

1. Motu resorts

$$$$

Best for: couples, luxury

Overwater bungalows facing Mount Otemanu.

2. Matira Point

$$$

Best for: beaches, couples

Best public beach with some mid-range options.

3. Vaitape area

$$

Best for: budget

Family pensions near shops and ferry.

Getting there and around

Main airportBora Bora Airport (Motu Mute) (BOB), from the center
To the centerResort boats or a free shuttle ferry take you across the lagoon to Vaitape in about 20 minutes; most visitors connect via Tahiti (PPT).
Around townResort boats to the main island, then bikes or a rented buggy; lagoon tours for everything else.
Taste it

What to eat

Poisson cru

Raw fish in lime and coconut milk.

Mahi mahi

Local fish, grilled or in vanilla sauce.

Po'e

Baked fruit pudding with coconut.

Good to know

PlugsType C and E, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTipping is not customary, but appreciated for exceptional service.
PaymentsCards accepted in resorts; carry francs for small shops.
EtiquetteDress respectfully off the beach. Ask before entering private land.
  • Book lagoon tours a day or two ahead.
  • Prices in shops are high, bring essentials.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on coral.

A short history

Polynesians settled Bora Bora about a thousand years ago. It became a French protectorate in the 19th century. The US built a supply base here in WWII, leaving the airstrip on a motu that now serves the island.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Bora Bora (Vaitape)