Imagine a tiny island in the South Pacific, a dormant volcano covered in rainforest, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and coral reefs. That’s Bora Bora – a place that feels a world away, perfect for romance and relaxation. I’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia and has a population of about 10,000 people. During World War II, the U.S. military had a base here, and you can still see some of the old cannons scattered around the island even today.
How much will this trip cost me?
You know the saying, “you get what you pay for”? Bora Bora is definitely like that. It’s not a cheap destination, but the experience is incredible. The currency here is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). For reference, 1 US dollar is about 112 CFP.
When I look at accommodation, I see a big range. The high season is usually from May to October, when the weather is drier but prices are higher. The low season can offer better rates, but you might deal with more rain and mosquitoes.
For hotels, a 3-star place might cost around $249 a night. If you’re looking for a 4-star hotel, expect to pay about $879 per night. And for those truly luxurious overwater bungalows, like at the St. Regis Bora Bora, you could be looking at around $2,385 a night. It’s a splurge, absolutely, but the views are unforgettable.
If you’re trying to stick to a budget, there are a few smaller hotels and guesthouses where you might find rooms for under $200 a night. It’s always worth looking around!
Food is also quite expensive because so much of it has to be shipped in from faraway places. Hotel breakfasts often go for about $35 to $40. A nice dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant with three courses usually costs between $130 and $175. If you just want a quick, inexpensive meal, you might pay around $20. Even a local beer can be about $9, and cocktails can range from $18 to $30 each, so those add up quickly!
Getting around Bora Bora is an adventure in itself. The airport ferry to the main town, Viatape, is free. Many resorts also offer their own boat transfers, so check with your accommodation before you arrive. Some resorts have shuttle boats that take guests into Viatape, and there might be a small fee.
There’s a local bus service called “Le Truck,” but it’s not the most reliable. It follows the coastal road around the island, and a ride costs about $3.75. Renting a car is an option, averaging around $250 a day, but most are manual transmission, which might be tricky if you’re not used to it. Scooters are available for about $100 a day. For exploring the island’s smaller roads, bikes are a fantastic choice. You can rent a standard bike for around $20 a day or an electric one for $35 a day.
Taxis and water taxis can be arranged through your hotel or by contacting the taxi company directly. Day rates usually start at $20 and go up to $30 at night, depending on where you’re going. My tip: always agree on the price with the driver before you set off to avoid any surprises.
I always tell people to be aware of how much things can add up. If you’re planning on eating out every meal or renting a car for your whole stay, it’s important to budget accordingly. Even just a few cocktails each evening can significantly increase your spending.
Local customs and manners
There are a few local customs that are good to know. One thing that surprised me at first is that in many local restaurants, you’re expected to pay the bill at the front counter, not at your table. So, don’t keep waiting for your server if you’re ready to leave!
Even though it’s a tropical island and very casual, it’s polite to cover up your swimwear and wear some footwear when you’re away from the beach or pool areas. It shows a little respect for the local way of life.
Here’s a practical tip: Before you book a restaurant, ask if they offer transportation to and from your resort, especially if you have a reservation. Many places do this as a service for their guests, which can save you money and hassle.
Tipping your tour guide is customary, usually around 10% of the tour cost for good service. For other services, tipping isn’t always expected, but if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is always appreciated.
It’s the little things like knowing where to pay or remembering to put on sandals that make a big difference in how smoothly your trip goes. I remember realizing a few times in different places that the standard way of doing things back home didn’t quite apply, and learning these local tips saved me from awkward moments.
Top things to do
Matira Beach is often called the best beach in Bora Bora, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful, long stretch of white sand with calm, clear lagoon waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
The island is small enough that biking around is a fantastic way to see it. The 19-mile coastal road is mostly flat and takes you past ancient Polynesian temples, World War II relics, and offers stunning views of the island and the lagoon.
If you enjoy hiking, Bora Bora has some rewarding trails. You can hire local guides who can help you pick the right trail based on your fitness level and lead you to some incredible viewpoints.
When I’m traveling with the kids, finding activities that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone is key. Biking around the island is something Lily and Ethan would love, and stopping at different spots along the coast for photos or a quick dip would be perfect. For hiking, we’d definitely look for a gentle trail with a great payoff view, maybe one that isn’t too strenuous but still exciting.
Safety and precautions
Bora Bora has a very low crime rate, which is reassuring. However, there are a few things to be aware of to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
You should be mindful of the marine life in the water. It’s always good to be aware of sharks, stingrays, and barracudas. On the sand, keep an eye out for stonefish and sea urchins. They can be hidden and sting if stepped on.
As an island in the Pacific, Bora Bora is susceptible to natural disasters like tsunamis. It’s wise to be aware of your surroundings and know the quickest way to higher ground, just in case.
This might sound strange, but people have actually been seriously injured by falling coconuts! So, it’s a good idea to be aware of where you’re standing, especially under palm trees.
My absolute must-do wherever we travel, especially to a remote location like this, is to get travel insurance. It can cover you for health emergencies and any unexpected travel issues. It brings such peace of mind.
When traveling with children, things like understanding marine life warnings and knowing the nearest first-aid points are extra important. We always make sure to pack a basic first-aid kit with us for the plane and for our hotel room, and I double-check our travel insurance details before we even leave home.
Local food and drinks to try
Exploring local food is one of my favorite parts of travel. You absolutely must try some of these when you visit Bora Bora.
The national dish of Tahiti, Poisson Cru, is widely available. It’s made with raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, usually with fresh vegetables mixed in. It’s wonderfully refreshing.
Fresh tropical fruits are a must. With the island’s climate, you’ll find delicious local coconuts, mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples, and melons. They are perfect at breakfast or as a snack.
For dessert, try Po’e. It’s a popular local dish made from pureed banana or papaya, baked with sugar and coconut milk. It’s a sweet treat.
For drinks, the local beer is Hinano, brewed in Tahiti since 1955. And of course, drinking fresh coconut water straight from a coconut is an essential Bora Bora experience.
No trip is complete without cocktails, and Bloody Mary’s is a famous beachside spot known for its great drinks.
Michael is always on the lookout for local beers, and Hinano is something he’d enjoy trying. Lily loves tropical fruits, so I can see her being very happy with the fresh mango and pineapple available everywhere. We always try to find a place that serves local specialties, so Poison Cru is definitely on our list. I also like to document the food we find, so having a good camera ready for those colourful fruit platters is a must!
WiFi availability
WiFi quality in Bora Bora can be a bit inconsistent. While some resorts advertise high speeds, guests often find that the connection is slower than expected and can cut in and out.
Because I often work remotely while traveling, unreliable WiFi can be a challenge. I’ve learned to download important files or documents beforehand and check in with my clients about potential connectivity issues. Having a good book or offline entertainment is always a smart idea.
How long can I stay?
For American citizens traveling to Bora Bora and other parts of French Polynesia, you can typically stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa.
It’s always wise to check the latest entry requirements with your country’s embassy or the official French Polynesia tourism website before your departure, as regulations can sometimes change.
When planning a trip, especially with the family, understanding the visa situation is crucial. Knowing we can stay for up to 90 days gives us flexibility if we decide we want to extend our stay a little longer, or just gives us peace of mind that we have ample time to explore without rushing.
Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.