bora bora things to do

A Guide to What to Do in Bora Bora

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Are you visiting Bora Bora? Bora Bora has so much to offer besides the gorgeous scenery, and if you want to make the most of this tropical paradise, here are the top things to do in Bora Bora.

 I visited Bora bora in March for my honeymoon, I’ve done extensive research to create the ultimate guide on what to do in Bora Bora. This comprehensive guide covers all the top attractions and activities that are highly rated, along with helpful travel tips, to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.

Best Things to Do in Bora bora French Polynesia 

If you’re wondering what are things to do in Bora Bora? The highlight of Bora Bora attractions is the water activities bora bora has to offer. Bora bora  is renowned for its calm, clear blue lagoon encircled by small islets known as motus. Its postcard-perfect scenery offers limitless opportunities for water fun. Here’s an overview of

bora vs maldives
Bora Bora in March

A Guide to What to Do in Bora Bora

bora bora activites

Snorkel or scuba dive is a must do in Bora bora 

  • in the multi-hued lagoon, you’ll be awestruck by the kaleidoscopic marine life, including parrotfish, stingrays, manta rays, Eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles and more. Go with this guided tour for the best experience. 
  • Prices start at $100  per person

Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in bora bora

  • available free or for rent at most resorts. It’s an easy way to take in the island’s beauty at your own pace.
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Jet Ski Adventure in Bora Bora 

  • If you prefer speed, rent a jet ski or join a jet ski tour to zip around the island in just two hours. It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to sightsee.
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Swim with Majestic Humpback Whales

  • For a truly heart-stopping experience, swim with gentle giants at a humpback whale excursion from July to November when they migrate here to mate and calve. It’s an unforgettable privilege.

Snorkel boat tour in Bora Bora 

  • Snorkel safely with sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish in at the family-owned Lagoonarium sanctuary. Knowledgeable guides make it suitable even for newbie snorkelers and children.

Lagoon Jet Ski Tour

  • Feel the rush zipping over sparkling waters on your very own jet ski
  • Circle Bora Bora in 2 action-packed hours with stops for coconut lessons and swimming

Set Out On Land to Explore the Islands:  Bora Bora Activities

While aquatic adventures may be Bora Bora’s claim to fame, the main island and motus have much to offer landlubbers too. Check out these top land activities:

Bike around the main island in bora Bora

  • Bike or scoot around the 20-mile coastal road for a breeze-in-your-hair tour of the island. Stop to capture that perfect Mt Otemanu snapshot behind a quaint fishing village.

Tip: We rented electric bikes on the main island Motu. It was easy to bike around as it’s just one loop around island. The cost is fairly affordable for the day.

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4WD Island Tour in Bora Bora 

  • Take a guided 4WD jeep safari around the island to see lush interior landscape, sample ripe tropical fruits, and learn about native heritage. Check out WWII relics too!
  • Option to combine with shark snorkel, jet ski or paddleboard tour

Helicopter Ride: Things to do bora bora

  • For jaw-dropping panoramas, take a helicopter ride and swoop over the island, motus and glittering lagoon. Short tours start around $150 per person.
bora bora vs the maldives
Bora Bora, Tahiti

Hiking: Fun things to do Bora bora

  • Hike up the challenging Mt Pahia trail for gasp-worthy lagoon vistas only reachable on foot. Ropes assist you up steep sections. Guided hikes take about 6 hours.
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Tahitian Pearl Shopping: Bora bora things to do

  • Get a cultural immersion by shopping in the main town of Vaitape. Look for Tahitian black pearls, arts, crafts and hinano lager – the crisp, floral local beer.
  • Tahitian pearls – a specialty export from Bora Bora’s lagoons
  • Find pearl shops with reasonable prices in Vaitape town

Relax at Iconic Beaches and Overwater Bungalow Resorts: Must do in bora bora

Of course, you’ll want to spend a good part of your Bora Bora vacation simply relaxing beachside or at a pampering resort. These are key spots for rest and relaxation:

  • Pick a sun lounger at powder-soft Matira Beach, named one of the world’s best beaches. Its gentle waters are ideal for swimming and excellent for snorkeling amid coral gardens.
  • Soothe body and soul by booking a stay at an iconic overwater bungalow resort. These offer phenomenal lagoon views and let you dive right from your deck.
  • Unwind even more deeply with a couples massage and other indulgent treatments at a world-class spa and wellness retreat like the InterContinental’s Deep Nature Spa.

Here are the Best Overwater Resorts in Bora Bora

best overwater bungalows

Best of Bora bora: Tahitian Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

Of course, refueling and refreshing are key parts of an island vacation too! Here’s where to get tasty grub and chill out in Bora Bora:

  • For fresh local seafood and drinks with celeb-spotting potential, check out Bloody Mary’s. This casual, sand-floored bamboo hut has a festive Polynesian vibe and impressive guest roster.
  • Sip tropical cocktails at this iconic spot with sand floors and bamboo decor frequented by celebrities

Tips: Consider impacts of swimming with marine life before signing up. Reserve Bloody Mary’s in advance to secure a table. 

Things to do in bora bora at night: Island Night Shows

  • Watch dynamic fire and dance performances at your resort while enjoying a buffet dinner
  • Shows celebrate Polynesian culture through music, legends and customs

Try locally sourced polynesian goodies

  • Be sure to try the ultra-fresh local seafood caught the same morning
  • Quench your thirst with uniquely crisp and floral Hinano lager, Tahiti’s beloved homebrewed beer. At $3 a can, it’s exponentially cheaper than $24 imported hotel cocktails too!
  • Indulge in leisurely beachside meals at thatch-roofed cafes and restaurants all along Matira Beach. These serve causal, tourist-friendly international and local cuisine.
  • Sample Tahitian vanilla, coconut and tropical fruits at the market
  • Try poisson cru (raw fish salad), uru (breadfruit), and other Polynesian dishes
bora bora things to do

Insider Tips to Maximize Your Bora Bora Experience

To help you make the most of your limited time on Bora Bora, follow these pro tips:

  • Bring water shoes to make walking over rough coral and shells more comfortable onisland hikes and motu excursions
  • If cruising, take the $5 shuttle bus to Matira Beach to avoid $15+ cab fares
  • Pack mosquito repellent – the island’s lushness comes with bugs hungry for fresh tourist blood
  • Enjoy free resort watercraft like kayaks and stand up paddleboards before paying for rentals
  • Purchase overpriced alcohol duty-free before you arrive; you can bring up to 2 liters per person

No matter your interests, this guide covers the many incredible things to do in Bora Bora. With turquoise waters beckoning adventure and relaxation, this tropical island paradise promises extraordinary memories. Start planning your trip today!

Conclusion on activities to do in bora bora 

I hope this comprehensive guide gives you great ideas to make the most of your upcoming Bora Bora trip. With so many land and water activities, luxury resorts, great dining and insider tips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable tropical island vacation. Let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your travels!

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