Updated Sept 18, 2024
Guide to Planning Your Bora Bora Vacation or Honeymoon
Since I began my career in Tahiti as a travel agent, the island inquired the most about is Bora Bora. This legendary destination is the picture perfect example of a tropical paradise and one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Overwater Bungalow was made famous in Bora Bora, making it a top destination for honeymooners seeking the ultimate in privacy and romance. Crystal turquoise waters as far as the eye can see, lush green mountains, and beautiful resorts dotted along a string of private islands, Bora Bora is a slice of heaven in the South Pacific.
Bora Bora is part of the Society Islands archipelago in the Islands of Tahiti also known as French Polynesia - an autonomous overseas collectivity of France. While it may seem worlds away, planning a trip to Bora Bora isn't as hard as you think. I've laid out all you need to know right here to get started, and you can contact me for help booking your Bora Bora vacation when you're ready. All you need to begin is here, including how to get to Bora Bora, when is the best time to go, the best places to stay, what to do, dining and more. Ready? Let's get started on my detailed guide on how to plan a trip to Bora Bora!
Where is Bora Bora located?
Bora Bora is located in the central South Pacific Ocean about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii.
How to Get to Bora Bora
First, you must take an international flight to Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui offers direct flights between Auckland (AKL), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (NYC), Paris (CDG), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Tokyo, Narita (NRT). They also serve more than 80 cities through their codeshare partners. If you're flying from California, the flight is about 8 hours. If you pick an overnight flight, you can get some sleep on the plane and be ready to board that next flight to Bora Bora! Once you arrive in Tahiti, you can take an inter-island flight on Air Moana or Air Tahiti. The trip only takes about 45 minutes.
Arriving in Bora Bora
You're finally in Bora Bora! Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on Motu Mute and serves the island of Bora Bora. The airport opened in 1943, during World War II, but wasn't open to commercial service until 1958, after the runway was reconstructed.
Getting To Your Bora Bora Hotel
The most convenient way to get to your resort will be the boat shuttle offered by your hotel that goes directly from the airport to your hotel. If your Bora Bora vacation package doesn't include this, a cheaper option is to take the free shuttle from the airport to Vaitape - the main village of Bora Bora. There you can purchase some groceries or any other items you may need from the local shop and then take the boat shuttle to your hotel from there, which is sometimes cheaper.
How Much Does a Bora Bora Vacation Cost?
If you're not on a tight budget, the average cost for 2 people on a Bora Bora vacation would be in the $10k range. It can be done for less, and it can cost a lot more depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
What Currency is Used in Bora Bora?
The local currency in all of French Polynesia is the Pacific Franc (XPF). You can exchange currency at the Bureau de Change (exchange office) at Faa’a International Airport when you arrive. Or, you can use an ATM throughout Tahiti and in the main islands. Note that the exchange rate between the Pacific Franc and the Euro is fixed (100XPF = 0,838 Euros / 1 Euro = 119,33XPF) and a US Dollar is worth very approximately 100XPF. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Do You Need a Passport or Visa to Travel to Bora Bora?
Visitors to French Polynesia must hold a valid passport to enter the country. As of now, United States citizens do not need a visa to travel to French Polynesia
Should I Rent a Car in Bora Bora?
No, you don't need to. It's a small island, there are boats from the motu and transportation options on the main island. However, if you want to, there are certainly car rental agencies there for you.
Voltage and Currency Used In Bora Bora
Bora Bora and all of French Polynesia uses the same types of plugs as France (C and E). Travelers from United States will often need an adapter, but some hotels do have A/B available. So check with your hotel beforehand, or just bring one to be on the safe side. Be careful with voltage requirements of any appliances you may bring to ensure they meet the requirements of your hotel.
Types of Accommodations in Bora Bora
If you can afford to stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, even if it's for a couple of nights, this is the place to do it! However, if it's not in your budget, there are garden bungalows and beach bungalows in all the resorts. No matter what type of room you have, it will be amazing - you're in Bora Bora!
Things To Do in Bora Bora
When in Bora Bora, you want to be on the water! Scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, boating, waterskiing are all available to you! You can also take land/sea excursions to see both the island and the lagoon, there is no shortage of things to do there!
Dining in Bora Bora
Depending on where you stay, many Bora Bora vacation packages offer free breakfast or a meals included plan. Often, you'll find that if you eat a larger breakfast, you don't need another full meal until dinner. The resorts often have a variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining. There are a handful of restaurants on Bora Bora, with La Villa Mahana being a do not miss! There are also dining experiences like canoe breakfasts at your hotel - where a lavish breakfast is brought to your bungalow via canoe and set up inside your room. Or, you can choose to do a motu picnic lunch excursion which is always fun.
Bora Bora Vacation Packages All-Inclusive
While all-inclusive resorts don't truly exist in Bora Bora many of the resorts offer packages that come close. Bora Bora is the ultimate dream vacation for all kinds of travelers, honeymooners, families and more. Sparkling lagoons in hues of blue, swaying palm trees, it's like a tropical postcard everywhere you look. We've been to Bora Bora more times than we can count, staying in every major resort and hotel imaginable so we can give you the best advice for your Bora Bora vacation.
There is no shortage of luxury resorts in Bora Bora, and most of these offer meal plans with accommodation that come very close to an all-inclusive vacation package in Bora Bora. This legendary island is unlike almost any other on earth. Its unrivaled beauty, over the top luxury and natural seclusion also make Bora Bora famous for its vacation price tag. But, there are still deals to be had and some mid-priced options depending on the time of year.
Why Choose a Bora Bora Vacation for Your Honeymoon?
No tropical destination brings to mind a more romantic and exotic atmosphere than Bora Bora. Pristine white-sand beaches, a nightly backdrop of spectacular multi-color sunsets, famed restaurants and myriad outdoor activities, there’s no doubt your Bora Bora honeymoon will be one to remember forever. Its private islands and the famous twin peaks of Mt. Otemanu make Bora Bora one of the most wondrous places on earth.
A Bora Bora vacation is the ultimate vacation goal of newly married couples around the world. There are few places that can rival the secluded intimacy and romantic ambiance of Bora Bora. The island’s beautiful resorts with their amazing overwater bungalows surrounded by sparkling blue lagoons offer a unique, private experience for honeymooners. The perfect backdrop for your new life together, a Bora Bora honeymoon has it all.
As the leading lady of French Polynesia, the breathtaking island of Bora Bora has lured A-listers and jet-setters from around the world for decades. Americans have been visiting Bora Bora as far back as the early 1950s, before there was nary an overwater bungalow in sight. It has long been a favorite destination for couples seeking privacy, from celebrities to ordinary folk alike. If you're in search of relaxed elegance, sparkling blue lagoons and the best overwater bungalows in the world, honeymoon Bora Bora is incomparable.
Top Resorts for Your Bora Bora Vacation
Where to stay on your Bora Bora vacation honeymoon is the key question when it comes to planning. When it comes to 5-star resorts, Bora Bora has some excellent choices. St. Regis Bora Bora and Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort lead the way in luxury honeymoons, with pricing for a week-long honeymoon package in the $12,000-$15,000 range. Another option popular with honeymooners and couples is InterContinental Thalasso Resort & Spa with is renown Deep Ocean Spa, famous for its thalassotherapy treatments. Rounding out the top Bora Bora resorts is Hilton’s Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort loved by honeymooners for its privacy and made popular by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian.
In addition to 5-star properties, there are several mid-range and more affordable Bora Bora honeymoon resorts that offer wonderful accommodations for couples. Our recommendations include Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort, Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora and Hotel Royal Bora Bora.
Combine Other Islands with Your Bora Bora Vacation
To make their trip even more memorable, a Bora Bora honeymoon is often combined with another island like Moorea or Taha’a. For example, 4 nights in Bora Bora and 3 nights in Moorea. Or 5 nights in Bora Bora and 2 nights in Taha’a. For the more adventurous honeymoon couples, or those who prefer more authentic travel experiences, Tikehau is a great option or for those who love scuba diving, Rangiroa is a must.
Most couples choose a 7-night or 8-night stay for their Bora Bora honeymoon and depending on airline flight arrival times and inter-island departures, you may have to budget your time to include a 1-night stay in Tahiti. If you are able to extend your trip, honeymoon packages of 10-nights often offer great value with special Bora Bora resort promotions. Deals like Stay 5/Pay 4 or free meals can often be found at even the luxury resorts, especially in low season months.
Best of Bora Bora Vacation Packages List
Below you will find our entire list of Bora Bora Honeymoon packages, broken down by price. Luxury, Mid-Range and Budget, all of our packages include accommodations, activities for honeymoon couples, as well as romantic extras and honeymoon amenities included by the different resorts in each package.
You can choose directly from our large list of specially curated Bora Bora Honeymoon packages or you can contact us directly for a custom quote using our packages as a starting point to guide you.
Bora Bora Vacation Honeymoon Packages
LUXURY
Why Bora Bora?
Aside from its natural beauty, why Bora Bora? Why not a Maldives honeymoon? Simply put, Bora Bora is more relaxed, easier to get to and can either be as casual or as formal as you like, even in the most luxuriously expensive resorts.
The very first "Overwater Bungalow" in the world was built in the Islands of Tahiti, on nearby Raiatea. In 1970, the Hotel Bora Bora added them to their famed resort and the rest is history. The original, the best and the most beautiful, Bora Bora is where honeymooners find activities they love, privacy they crave and the pampering they can indulge in.
Bora Bora Honeymoon Vacation Packages
Mid-Range
Bora Bora Vacation Cost
Once you've finished dreaming about your Bora Bora honeymoon vacation, the next step is putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and making it your reality. Figuring out your budget is key to any travel planning and for a honeymoon, it's important to remember all the little extras you and your loved one might want to indulge in!
While a Bora Bora honeymoon is certainly on the higher end of choices, it can be done on a variety of budgets if you're flexible. That's where we come in - helping you find the best options for your price range is our specialty to make your Bora Bora honeymoon the most memorable it can be!
Bora Bora Honeymoon Vacation Packages
Value
Top Things To Do On Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
You can do everything or you can do nothing in Bora Bora and you'll still find your bliss! Here are some activities you can do while you enjoy your memorable honeymoon of a lifetime:
4x4 Safari Tours
Enjoy a 4x4 ride around the island to discover the other side of Bora Bora, learn about the culture, legends and history while taking in breathtaking views.
Aquabike Underwater Guided
Scooter Tour
This underwater guided scooter tour is conducted by an instructor and does not require swimming skills. An ideal way to discover the lagoon of Bora Bora.
Catamaran Sunset Sailing Cruise w/Champagne
A unique and fun way to sail on the lagoon of Bora Bora at sunset. Enjoy the stunning colors of the lagoon with Champagne and lounge music in the background.
Combo Jet Ski, Sharks & Rays, Lunch at Bloody Mary's
Enjoy a fun adventure on the lagoon of Bora Bora combining a jet ski tour with a shark and ray snorkeling safari. Afterwards, stop at the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant for lunch.
Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Enjoy a memorable day fishing. The Striper 2101 offers superior comfort. The boat provides a smooth, quiet, refined ride
Deluxe Romantic Tour + Motu Lunch
A romantic cruise onboard a Polynesian traditional outrigger canoe. You’ll get to snorkel in the lagoon and enjoy a Polynesian lunch on a private islet (each couple (3 max) will have their own table on the beach) with a stunning view of Mt. Otemanu.
Helicopter Panoramic Flights
Enjoy a panoramic flight above Bora Bora, offering breathtaking views over the magical lagoon and her infinite shades of blue.
Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora
Overwater Bungalows were born in the Islands of Tahiti, so it’s only natural that Tahiti and Overwater Bungalows have become synonymous - especially the world-renown overwater bungalows in Bora Bora resorts. For a Bora Bora honeymoon, staying in an overwater bungalow is a must do!
An overwater bungalow on a honeymoon to Bora Bora is a other-worldly experience
You can enter the water from your terrace and swim in turquoise lagoons. You’ll enjoy amazing views and fall asleep to the sounds of waves gently lapping beneath your bungalow. Most of the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora have glass floors or tables that open up, allowing you to feed the fish below.
Now having said all that, if you can’t afford an Overwater Bungalow, it's okay! Bora Bora is breathtaking all by itself. You don't need to stay overwater in order to enjoy the beauty surrounding you and the person you love. Don’t break the bank trying to fit an overwater bungalow into your budget. If it's not doable, go for a Garden Bungalow now and save the Overwater Bungalow for your anniversary Bora Bora vacation!
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
The Overwater Villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort are huge -- starting at 1,550 sq ft and going up to 2582 sq ft. Love the Overwater Villas at the St. Regis. Simply love them!. There are six categories of Overwater Villas. Some with whirlpools and others with plunge pools. The best villas have a view of Mt. Otemanu but really, don't make yourself crazy if you can’t afford the most expensive. There is no such thing as a bad view at this resort.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort
The Overwater Bungalows at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are beautiful. For me the best part is the bathtub with an open view of the lagoon. There are seven categories of Overwater Bungalows. The entry level is the Beach View. These actually look back towards the beach. The more expensive bungalows have views of Mt. Otemanu. You’ll find one and two bedroom as well as bungalows with plunge pools!
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa has beautiful Overwater Villas. Although the resort does not face Mt. Otemanu on the main island of Bora Bora, the views are still stunning. You will see the lagoon change from turquoise to sapphire and on top of it, enjoy some really great snorkeling. There are five categories of Overwater and I think all excellent. Of course, the crowning glory is the two-story Presidential Villa. If you can afford this, go for it. Otherwise, I say the hot tip is the Overwater Pool Villa.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The Overwater Villas at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa are luxurious and modern. There are eight categories of Overwater Villas. Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Diamond Otemanu, Overwater Villa w/Pool, Premium Overwater Villa w/Pool, Prestige 1-Bedroom Brando Suite w/Pool, Prestige 2-Bedroom Brando Suite w/Pool. I think it is worth it to at least upgrade to Sapphire. I’m really not fond of the Emerald Overwaters that face towards the resort entrance.
Le Méridien Bora Bora
The Overwater Bungalows at Le Méridien Bora Bora are not large but they have huge glass panel floors. With these glass floors, you’ll have amazing views of the fish below. Just know, it may take a little time to get used to walking on the glass panel. I always find myself always walking around it! The Otemanu Premium Overwater have the best views of Mt. Otemanu and they have the largest decks.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Le Bora Bora Pearl by Pearl Resorts has five categories of Overwater Bungalows. If you want to splurge, go for the Overwater Villa with Pool. Otherwise, my recommendation is the Otemanu View Overwater Bungalow. The prices here are quite reasonable in terms of overwater bungalows and I think the Otemanu View is a great value.
InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort
The InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort is the sister property to the Thalasso Resort. Le Moana has Lagoon and Horizon Overwater Bungalows. It is definitely worth it to upgrade to the Horizon.
Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
Hotel Maitai Polynesia has the least expensive Overwater Bungalows on Bora Bora. For many, these are the only affordable option. Just keep in mind, these overwater bungalows are close together and you will be able to see your neighbors when you’re on your outside deck. Also, the decks are small and they are relatively close to the main road that runs around the island.
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Best Time to Visit Bora Bora
The best time to visit Bora Bora really depends on your preferences for weather and price. Ultimately, there is no bad time to visit the Islands of Tahiti, but here's a general breakdown of the factors at play:
HIGH SEASON, May - October
With slightly cooler temperatures at a daily high in the low 80s and lower average rainfall, these months are the most popular - particularly June and July. With this comes higher hotel rates and greater occupancy.
LOW SEASON, November - April
Visit in the warmer months and you'll encounter daily high temperatures upwards of about 88 degrees. The warmer weather brings with it some intermittent tropical showers and slightly increased humidity, but the upside is better hotel deals and lower nightly rates.
Getting to Bora Bora
First, you will fly into French Polynesia to FAA International Airport on Tahiti, the airport code is PPT. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to spend a night in Tahiti before transferring to your flight to Bora Bora. From PPT, you will fly to Motu Mete, Bora Bora on 50 minute nonstop flight. Motu Mete is located on the main island of Bora Bora where you will then transfer to a boat that will shuttle you to your resort.
Alternatively, once you arrive at FAA International Airport, you can also arrange for a private helicopter transfer to Bora Bora.
Weather in Bora Bora
In general, temperatures in tropical French Polynesia are mild and relatively constant throughout the year. The Islands of Tahiti, including Bora Bora, are naturally cooled by the trade winds of the Pacific Ocean that blow year-round. There is little difference between day and night temperatures and weather patterns are divided into the wet and dry seasons of the year.
No matter when you go, you are sure to encounter lovely warm waters and plenty of sunshine. From October to May, you will find sunny and mild weather both day and night with little rain showers. from November to April, there are intermittent tropical showers and slightly more humidity followed by beautiful rainbows and more dramatic sunsets.
Bora Bora Resorts
Guide to the Best Hotels For Your 2023 Bora Bora Honeymoon
Where you stay on your Bora Bora honeymoon is a huge part of the experience! A honeymoon in Bora Bora can be wonderful at any resort, in addition to the overwater bungalows above, here is a complete list of Bora Bora resorts for any type of accommodation...
