Uncover the Best Fishing Locations in Bora Bora

You’re standing waist-deep in Bora Bora’s Coral Gardens, turquoise water lapping at your chest, and a butterfly fish the size of your hand glides past your knee. This isn’t a snorkeling trip that happens to involve fishing — it’s the other way around. With 25 distinct fishing spots scattered across the island’s lagoon, passes, and outer reefs, Bora Bora offers more variety per square mile than almost any Pacific destination.

This guide breaks down the island’s top fishing locations by what you’ll actually catch, who each spot suits best, and how to book a charter that gets you on the water without the guesswork. Whether you’re after bonefish on a quiet motu or marlin on the open ocean, the right spot is out there — you just need to know which one fits your trip.

Each location below includes what you’ll find in the water, who it works for, and a practical tip drawn from on-the-ground experience. If you’re short on time, focus on the spots that match your skill level — the lagoon is generous to beginners, and the outer reef rewards experience.

Coral Gardens

The Coral Gardens sit in shallow, protected water, making them one of the most accessible fishing spots on the island. The reef here is alive with color — butterfly fish and parrotfish dart between coral heads — and most anglers practice catch-and-release. Snorkeling gear is just as useful as a rod in this spot, and many visitors split their time between both.

The water depth rarely exceeds chest height, so you can sight-fish without a boat. For families, this is the kind of spot where kids can hold a rod while standing on the sandy bottom — no current to fight, no deep water to worry about. If your kids are new to fishing, the constant action from small, colorful fish keeps them engaged in a way that waiting for a big strike never does.

Note: The Coral Gardens are also a popular snorkeling stop for tour boats, so aim for early morning (before 9 a.m.) to avoid crowds and get the calmest water.

Lagoonarium

A short boat ride from the main island, the Lagoonarium functions as a natural aquarium — the biodiversity is dense, and the fish are accustomed to visitors. That combination makes it one of the easiest places in Bora Bora to hook something on your first cast. Snapper and grouper are the primary targets here, and the protected waters mean you’re fishing in near-glass conditions.

The Lagoonarium works well for travelers who want to fish without committing to a full deep-sea charter. Half-day trips from local operators include gear and guidance, and the catch rate here is high enough that even first-timers walk away with a story. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t sure they’ll enjoy fishing, this spot tends to convert skeptics.

Teavanui Pass

Teavanui Pass is where the lagoon meets the open ocean, and that collision of water bodies creates something anglers look for worldwide: current. Strong tidal flows push through this pass, pulling baitfish with them — and where baitfish go, larger predators follow. Snapper and grouper patrol these waters at sizes you won’t find inside the lagoon.

This is not a spot for novices. The current can pull hard, and you’ll need a boat to work the edges of the pass where the fish hold. For intermediate and experienced anglers, though, Teavanui delivers some of the most consistent action on the island. Charters that run trips here usually target the changing tides — time your booking around a moving tide for the best results.

Heading into Teavanui Pass reframed the day. The water color changes from turquoise to deep blue at the mouth, and the rod bends differently here than it does in the lagoon — it’s heavier, slower, and the fight lasts longer.

Motu Tapu

Motu Tapu is a small islet on the eastern side of the lagoon, and it holds a reputation among local anglers for two fish in particular: bonefish and tarpon. The waters around the motu are shallow and calm, which makes it a prime spot for sight-fishing — you see the fish before you cast.

Bonefish are notoriously skittish, so the quiet conditions around Motu Tapu matter. You’ll want light tackle and a stealthy approach — no splashing, no loud boat motors. For anglers who enjoy the technical side of fishing (matching the hatch, reading the water, presenting the fly), this spot offers the kind of challenge that’s hard to find in the deeper lagoon areas.

The Outer Reef

The Outer Reef is not for everyone, and that’s exactly the point. This is where the lagoon drops off into the Pacific, and the species that patrol these waters — marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi — are the ones that make sport fishers travel across oceans. The reef edge experiences powerful currents and open-swell conditions, which means the fishing is physically demanding and requires experience.

Charters that work the Outer Reef typically run full-day trips, and they come with a higher price tag — expect $1,500–$3,400 depending on boat size and duration. The Fishing Bora Bora charter (4.9 stars, 9 reviews) runs an 18-foot boat for up to 6 people starting at $700, while the Fish Bora Bora 50-foot vessel runs $3,400 for a single angler. Pick your boat based on how many people you’re splitting the cost with and how serious you are about the fishing.

Matira Beach

Matira Beach is the most famous stretch of sand on Bora Bora, and it also happens to offer some of the most accessible shore fishing on the island. The waters here are serene, the bottom is sandy, and the fish are accustomed to activity — which means they’re less spooked than fish in quieter areas.

This is the spot to bring a simple rod, a cooler, and a few hours of patience. The fish aren’t trophy-sized — you’re looking at reef species in the 1–3 lb range — but the setting is hard to beat. For families, Matira Beach offers the lowest barrier to entry: no boat required, no charter to book, no early-morning departure. Walk to the water’s edge, cast, and see what happens.

Practical Tips for Fishing in Bora Bora

Fishing in Bora Bora is straightforward once you understand the three main variables: where you fish, who you book with, and when you go. The table below compares the charter options with verified reviews and pricing from recent seasons.

Booking and Licenses

You need a fishing license to fish in Bora Bora — bring your own or arrange one through your charter operator. Most charters include rods, reels, bait, snacks, and drinks in the price, but confirm when you book. The Bora Bora Fishing Charters operation, for example, uses a 27-foot Boston Whaler with twin 150 HP Yamaha engines and includes all equipment plus filleting service so you can take your catch to a nearby restaurant within the hour.

Timing and Seasonality

Fishing is year-round in Bora Bora, but species availability shifts with the seasons. Yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi show in greater numbers during the Southern Hemisphere summer (October–April). Wahoo action picks up around March and April — one report from March 2022 logged a 66-pound wahoo caught by a 9-year-old boy. Giant trevally are present year-round around the outer motus, and marlin season typically runs alongside the warmer months.

What to Bring

Sun protection is non-negotiable — the reflection off the lagoon is intense even on overcast days. Bring polarized sunglasses (they help you spot fish in the shallows), reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication before you board; the outer reef gets choppy. A GPS smartwatch with barometric altimeter and tide tracking can help you follow the conditions if you’re fishing independently.

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Before You Go — Bora Bora Fishing

Do I need my own gear?

No. Every charter operating in Bora Bora provides rods, reels, tackle, and bait. If you have a favorite rod or reel, you can bring it, but it’s not necessary. The gear provided is matched to local species and conditions.

Can I keep what I catch?

Yes and no. Giant trevally are almost always released — the local ethos favors catch-and-release for that species. Tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and reef fish can be kept. Your charter crew will fillet the fish, and many resorts and restaurants will cook it for you.

What’s the worst time of year for fishing?

December through February sees the most rain and the strongest trade winds. The outer reef can be unfishable for days at a time. Lagoon fishing remains possible year-round, but the passes get rough. If you’re set on big-game fishing, aim for March through October.

Is shore fishing worth it in Bora Bora?

It depends on your expectations. You won’t catch tuna or marlin from the beach, but Matira Beach and Raititi Beach offer reliable action on reef species in calm, beautiful settings. For families or casual anglers, shore fishing is a low-cost, low-commitment way to spend an afternoon.

How do I get my catch to a restaurant?

Ask your charter captain to fillet and bag the fish on the boat. Most resorts with kitchen facilities will prepare it for you — just call ahead and ask about their policy. Some restaurants in Vaitape also accept fresh catch for a preparation fee.

One Last Cast

Bora Bora’s fishing isn’t about ticking off species or filling a cooler — it’s about matching a location to a moment. The same island that serves up bonefish on a quiet motu also delivers marlin on the open ocean, and the choice between them is really a choice about what kind of day you want. For a deeper look at what else the island offers beyond the fishing, check out our guide to experiencing local life in Bora Bora beyond the resort.

References

Kwal Mag. “Ultimate Guide to the Best Fishing in Bora Bora.” Kwal Mag, 2025. ↗

FishingBooker. “Bora Bora Fishing Reports.” FishingBooker, 2021–2022. ↗

FishingBooker. “Bora Bora Fishing Charters.” FishingBooker, 2026. ↗

If you’re planning a broader Bora Bora trip, the island’s underwater life doesn’t stop at fishing — the Coral Gardens are worth a dedicated snorkeling visit, and the adventure scene for solo travelers and groups covers everything from jet-skiing to hiking. For the photographers in your group, the best photo spots on the island line up well with several of the fishing locations covered here — bring a waterproof camera and you’ll leave with more than just fish stories.