Bora Bora’s lagoon is ringed by more than a dozen palm-covered motus — tiny islets that sit like scattered pearls on turquoise water. For most visitors, the entire trip happens on these motus: the overwater bungalow, the beach lunch, the snorkel stop, the airport transfer. Understanding which motu does what is the single biggest decision you’ll make here.
Most travelers never set foot on Bora Bora’s volcanic interior — their entire island experience unfolds on stilted platforms over the lagoon and on the sandy motus ringing Mount Otemanu.
Your motu choice shapes your entire trip. Motu Toopua delivers world-class privacy and sunset views, Motu Piti Aau gives you that iconic overwater bungalow photo looking at Mount Otemanu, and Matira Beach on the main island offers the same lagoon for a fraction of the price — just without the water under your floorboards. Day-tripping by lagoon tour lets you sample several in one go.
Overwater luxury seekers
Day-trippers
Honeymooners
| Motu | Best For | Key Feature | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motu Toopua | Luxury & Privacy | Four Seasons, St. Regis; sunset over open ocean | Exclusive, serene |
| Motu Piti Aau | Iconic Overwater Bungalows | Long bungalow strings facing Mount Otemanu | Picturesque, resort-centric |
| Matira Beach Area | Budget & Families | Only long public beach on the main island | Lively, accessible |
| Motu Tapu | Private Day Trips | Uninhabited, photo-perfect sandbar | Romantic, exclusive |
| Motu Mute | Arrival & Departure | Bora Bora’s airport | Transit hub |
Motu Toopua: The Epicenter of Luxury
Sitting west of the main island, Motu Toopua is home to two of Bora Bora’s most celebrated addresses: the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Both properties occupy private stretches of this exclusive islet, offering unobstructed lagoon views and personal butler service. The motu’s western orientation makes it one of the best spots on the island for sunset — the sky shifts pink to orange over the open ocean rather than the lagoon. Access is by resort boat transfer only, and that transfer is one of the more expensive line items people forget to budget for.
Confirm your resort’s boat transfer schedule before finalizing flight times. Some properties only run transfers that meet specific incoming flights — arriving outside that window means paying for an expensive private boat.
Motu Piti Aau: The Postcard View
If you’ve seen a photo of Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows stretching toward Mount Otemanu, you were probably looking at Motu Piti Aau. This motu on the eastern side of the lagoon features long strings of stilted villas that face the iconic peak directly. Several luxury resorts sit here, and the view from the water looking back at the bungalows with Otemanu rising behind them is the classic Bora Bora shot. The lagoon side is shallow and calm, perfect for swimming directly off your deck.
Matira Beach: The Main Island Motu Experience
Technically part of the main island rather than a separate motu, Matira Beach functions as Bora Bora’s public beach hub. It’s the only long stretch of public sand on the island, with fine white sand and shallow, bathwater-warm turquoise water. Families and budget travelers gravitate here because it’s free and open to everyone. Small snack stands and food trucks line the road, and you can rent a kayak or paddleboard from a beach vendor. The sunsets from Matira Point are among the best on the island, with the lagoon wrapping almost completely around the southern tip.
Matira Beach is the only public beach in Bora Bora. If you’re staying on the main island rather than a resort motu, this is your direct access to the lagoon. Pack a picnic from the Super U supermarket in Vaitape to keep costs down.
Motu Tapu: The Private Island Dream
Small, uninhabited, and often described as the most photographed islet in the South Pacific, Motu Tapu sits on a wide sandbar with lagoon on both sides and Mount Otemanu as a backdrop. It’s not a place you sleep — it’s a place you visit for a private lunch, an elopement, or a luxury day trip. Several lagoon tours include a stop here, and some resorts offer private charters that let you have the motu to yourselves. The peace and quiet here is a noticeable step up from the busier motu lunch stops used by standard lagoon tours.
The Lagoon & Sandbars: The Communal Motu
The lagoon itself functions as a kind of communal motu — shallow sandy areas where tour boats gather for snorkeling and wildlife encounters. The Coral Gardens (Jardin de Corail) on the eastern side of the lagoon is a sheltered snorkel spot where coral forms canyons you can float through, populated by butterflyfish, parrotfish, and occasional rays. The shark and ray sandbar is a shallow area where blacktip reef sharks and stingrays glide over the sandy bottom, accustomed to boats. Most full-day lagoon tours bundle both stops with a motu lunch.
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8–9 AM pickup from your resort or Vaitape. A short boat ride to the shallow sandbar where guides get in the water with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. Snorkeling along the edge of deeper water sometimes reveals larger lemon sharks. Follow guide instructions and avoid sudden movements.
A short ride to the sheltered eastern side of the lagoon. Float through coral canyons in extremely clear water. Go in the morning for the calmest conditions and best visibility. Wear a rashguard instead of sunscreen to protect the coral.
Most full-day tours include a stop on a private motu for a Polynesian lunch — grilled fish, poisson cru, rice, taro, breadfruit, and fresh fruit. Cultural demonstrations like coconut husking and pareo tying often follow. After lunch, there’s time to swim or relax on the sandbar before the cruise back.
Full-day lagoon tours cost around €150 per person with lunch included and are widely considered the number one activity in Bora Bora. Book at least six months ahead for the best small-group operators, especially for travel between July and October. For a reliable option, check out this Bora Bora snorkeling and lagoon tour on Viator.
Motu Mute: Arriving in Style
Your first and last motu in Bora Bora will almost certainly be Motu Mute, where the airport sits. The flight from Tahiti takes about 50 minutes, and the approach over the lagoon is widely considered one of the most beautiful landings in the world. From the airport, free Air Tahiti shuttle boats ferry passengers to the main island town of Vaitape. If you’re staying at a resort motu, your hotel’s private boat will meet you at the airport — look for staff in proper resort uniforms and signage.
Flying in and out on the same day as your international connection is risky. Tahiti–Bora Bora flights run a handful of times daily. If you miss the last one, you’ll be stuck overnight in Papeete. Build in at least one night on either end.
Navigating the Motus: Practical Know-How
Getting around the motus is entirely by boat. Resorts run their own shuttle boats timed to flight arrivals, and these transfers are often the single most expensive line item people forget to budget for — expect $150–300 per person round trip. If you’re staying on the main island, the free Air Tahiti shuttle connects the airport to Vaitape, and from there you can rent a bicycle or scooter for under $55 to circle the coastal road. Lagoon tours are the best way to visit multiple motus in a single day without paying for separate transfers.
| Transport Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Resort Boat Shuttle | $150–300 round trip per person | Staying on a resort motu |
| Free Air Tahiti Shuttle | Included in flight ticket | Airport ↔ Vaitape (main island) |
| Full-Day Lagoon Tour | ~€150 per person, lunch included | Visiting multiple motus & snorkeling |
| Bicycle / Scooter Rental | Under $55 per day | Exploring the main island coastal road |
Before You Go — Bora Bora Motus FAQ
Can I visit a motu if I’m not staying at a luxury resort there?
Yes. Many lagoon tours include lunch stops on motus like Motu Tapu, and several luxury resorts offer day passes ($165–$220 per person depending on the hotel and season) that give you access to their pool, private beach, and facilities. Contact the hotel in advance — day passes aren’t guaranteed and are often declined during busy periods.
Which motu is best for sunset?
Western-facing motus like Motu Toopua offer sunset over the open ocean. On the main island, Matira Point at the southern tip provides equally stunning sunset views over the lagoon, and it’s free. Arrive 30–40 minutes early to scout your photo spot.
How do I get from the airport to my motu resort?
Resorts run shuttle boats timed to flight arrivals. Confirm your hotel’s official transfer service when booking — some airport operators aren’t affiliated with the resorts. Look for staff in proper resort uniforms. If you’re staying on the main island, take the free Air Tahiti shuttle boat from the airport motu to Vaitape.
Is the water calm around the motus?
The inner lagoon is exceptionally calm — it’s one of the calmest swimming lagoons in the region. The outer reef passes and channel openings have stronger currents. Stick to guided tours for outer reef activities like scuba diving or deep-water snorkeling.
What’s the best time of year for motu-hopping?
The dry season from May to October offers the sunniest weather and calmest lagoon conditions. July to October is peak season with higher prices and more crowds. For lower rates and still-decent weather, aim for April–May or October–November.
Beyond the Postcard
The motus are more than just a backdrop — they’re the key to understanding Bora Bora’s geography and unlocking its best experiences. Whether you’re splashing out on an overwater bungalow on Motu Piti Aau, enjoying a budget-friendly picnic on Matira Beach, or island-hopping by lagoon tour, each motu offers its own version of the same extraordinary lagoon. The trick is matching the motu to your priorities rather than chasing a single photo. For more on planning your perfect lagoon escape, explore our guide to Bora Bora’s stunning turquoise sandbars.
References
My Little Polynesia. “Best Things to Do in Bora Bora.” mylittlepolynesia.com, 2026. ↗
Plishere. “Bora Bora Travel Guide.” plishere.com, 2026. ↗
Vacanexus. “Bora Bora Neighbourhoods.” vacanexus.com, 2026. ↗
Travel Cousin. “Bora Bora Travel Guide.” travelcousin.com, 2026. ↗
For more on timing your trip, check our month-by-month guide to visiting Bora Bora. If you’re planning a honeymoon, our romance and couples retreats guide covers the best motu resorts for two. And for active travelers, our guide to snorkeling the untouched reefs around Bora Bora will help you choose the right lagoon tour.
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