As one of the world’s most exotic islands, Bora Bora has long been a favourite honeymoon destination for couples.
From the majestic twin peaks of the ancient 600m-high volcano at its centre to the gorgeous, palm-fringed sugar-white beaches around the lagoon, Bora Bora is the epitome of a postcard-perfect South Pacific and offers newlyweds a truly unique honeymoon experience.
Located on either side of Matira Point at the southern tip of Bora Bora, lie two gorgeous beaches – the only continuous stretch of powder-white sand on the island.
The outer ring of motus (islets) that surround the main island of Bora Bora are fringed with narrow crescents of powder-white sand, some of which are overlooked by luxury five-star resorts.
The best beaches on Bora Bora include the following…
Relax on this narrow crescent of powder-white sand that shelves gently into a sandy bottomed sheltered lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
This public beach is just a short walk away from beachside boutiques, snack bars, restaurants and several four- and five-star resorts on the eastern side of Matira Point.
Gently swaying coconut palms offer the perfect spot to relax in the shade – preferably in a swaying hammock – and the nearby, iconic Bloody Mary's bar and restaurant (on the west side) offers the chance to savour a lunch (snack or diner) of freshly caught wahoo – an essential Bora Bora experience.
Matira Beach is easily reached from Vaitape by car or Le Truc.
More about Matira Beach…
Both sides of this idyllic sandy 1.5km-long peninsula offer gorgeous beaches.
The east side of Matira on crescent-shaped Pofai Bay is world-famous for its luxurious resorts that merge overwater bungalows with powder-white sandy beaches for an idyllic honeymoon setting, such as the InterContinental La Moana Resort Bora Bora.
Go swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, tubing and kayaking or climb the hill at Matira Point for some of the best views over the lagoon to Bora Bora's stunning hills and mountains, including Motu Tuu Pua and Mount Otemanu.
Set in the middle of Bora Bora’s spectacular lagoon, this idyllic island offers stunning sunrise views of towering Mount Otemanu on one side and a deserted palm-fringed islet on the other.
Sunbathe on the gorgeous white-sand beaches, stroll beneath swaying palm fronds and indulge creature comforts at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa or the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort Motu To'opua.
Relax in the overwater bungalows of the luxurious 5-star Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa that sits on a pristine white-sand beach scattered with coconut palms overlooking the lagoon and awe-inspiring Mount Otemanu.
Sunbath on this picture-perfect white-sand beach, swim, snorkel or kayak the lagoon. Then sip a cocktail before indulging in a range of creature comforts at the stunning 5-star St Regis Resort Bora Bora.
Dip your toes into the palm-fringed powder-white sand of Tehotu Island, home to the iconic Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where it's easy to immerse oneself in ultramodern comforts and relax in style inside a choice of magnificent overwater bungalows.
Relax on the narrow crescent of palm-fringed powder-white sand that shelves into the warm waters of the lagoon.
The beach offers stunning views of Mount Otemanu – at 725m-high Bora Bora’s highest point.
Swim, snorkel, scuba dive and kayak the lagoon or visit the nearby hawksbill sea turtle sanctuary, which is the only one of its kind in French Polynesia.
Indulge yourself at the beachfront Le Méridien Bora Bora, located on the southern point of this 10km-long islet, or at the exclusive InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, which faces a long sugar-white beach.
Do nothing at all while relaxing on one of Bora Bora's sugar-white beaches or explore the island on a choice of outdoor activities.
Cycle along Bora Bora's pretty coastal road stopping off at the Pearl Farm to browse for the perfect honeymoon souvenir – a gorgeous black Tahitian pearl.
Go horseback riding along lush mountain trails, visit ancient marae on a 4WD excursion or cruise Bora Bora’s tranquil lagoon to find the perfect motu (islet) for a romantic champagne picnic.
Scuba dive Tupitipiti Point to see colourful sponges and fish such as sharks, rays and parrotfish, snorkel the shallow waters off Matira Point and the coral gardens of Motu Toopua or hook up a sports-fishing charter.
Later, relax with a glass of chilled wine on the private verandah of your thatched-roof, over-water bure while nature paints a picture-perfect sunset before your very eyes for that special honeymoon moment.
Romance is always in the air in Bora Bora – you just can’t escape it on the island that offers the perfect blend of relaxed Polynesian culture and French savoir-faire.
Find more things to do in Bora Bora…
Bora Bora is easily explored by boat and outrigger-canoe on the lagoon, by car, scooter or bike on the 32km-long road that encircles the island, and by 4WD into the interior through jungle-clad hills scattered with ancient marae.
Located almost opposite Vaitape on the east coast, Anau is easily reached along the north road and offers an interesting glimpse of authentic Polynesian life. The village, which offers a great view of Mt. Otemanu, has a few shops and one small church with a steeple.
Swim alongside sharks and other marine creatures in this remarkable outdoor aquarium that is located on a private island near Motu Piti Anau, Anau and Le Meridien Resort.
This family-run venture offers half-day and full-day visits that can include manta ray and shark feeding demonstrations, swimming with marine animals, snorkel tours to the famed coral gardens at the southeast end of the main island and even circle-island tours in an outrigger canoe. (Cost: between CFP7000-9500)
This pretty village sits around 5km north of Vaitape overlooking Faanui Bay.
Once the stronghold of the former ruling family, the village is home to a few shops selling brightly coloured pareos (sarongs), a pastel pink church and several nearby marae. Close by sit the remains of the former U.S. naval base, built in 1942.
Hire a 4WD or take a Circle Island tour to discover several ancient stone temples once used for religious and social gatherings as well as human and animal sacrifices.
For the best marae, head to Taharuu Marae at Point Haamaire on the east coast, Aehautai on the southeast coast not far from Paoaoa Point, the beautifully restored 50-metre-long Marotetini Marae near the wharf at Faanui Bay on the west coast and the Fare Opu Marae just north of Faanui that lies partially buried under the road.
This small museum houses a collection of models of ancient and modern canoes, tuna fishing boats, and legendary ships such as the Bounty and the Kon Tiki.
The Marine Museum is located 11km north of Vaitape, near Faanui at the northern end of Bora Bora. You need to phone (67-75-24) before you visit – the museum is only open upon request (and closed at weekends).
Bora Bora's main town is located on the west coast and is generally the first port of call for those staying on the main island. Boutiques, restaurants and cafes line the one main street of the town that also offers two charming churches painted in pastels with red roofs and steeples.
Additionally, there is a marina and public wharf, a tourist office, police station, three banks, a post office with public phones, a pharmacy and a medical centre and a couple of petrol stations.
Near the police station lies the final resting place of French yachtsman Alain Gerbault, who single-handedly sailed his yacht around the world in 1923-29, and lived in Vaitape during the 1930s.
Seven giant cannons still remain perched on the hills overlooking the four corners of the island and were installed by U.S. servicemen stationed on the island during WWII.
The best way to see them is on an exciting but typically bumpy 4WD tour.
Head to the hills above Matira Point (6.5km south of Vaitape), Fitiiu Point on the east coast (15km from Vaitape via the southern route) and at Farepiti and Tereia Point (2km and 8km respectively north of Vaitape).
Bora Bora offers honeymoon couples a choice of 25 resorts and hotels, mainly located around the southern tip of Bora Bora at Matira Point, with excellent snorkelling and swimming from some of the most picturesque over-water bungalows in Tahiti.
Typically, these resorts offer a wide range of honeymoon packages coupled to an array of creature comforts aimed at spoiling honeymoon couples.
Other equally luxurious resorts are found on tiny motus (islands) set within the sheltered waters of the main lagoon, such as the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
Take your pick from these amazing resorts…
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Location: Motu Tofari, Bora Bora Lagoon
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD5272 per room
Description: Overlooking the magnificent turquoise waters of a private beach, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora boasts luxurious over-water bungalows and beachfront villas with views of Mount Otemanu. After an invigorating workout in the open-air fitness centre, you can enjoy an afternoon of pampering at the waterfront day spa. The Four Seasons Resort is located on Point Matira in Bora Bora, which was voted ‘the best island in the world’ by U.S. News in 2012. The resort boasts an infinity pool, a tennis court and free guided snorkelling tours of the lagoon sanctuary, which is home to many exotic marine animals. Guests can also enjoy kayaking, catamaran cruises, windsurfing and shark feeding. The spacious bungalows and villas each feature traditional wooden furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs. Motu Mute Airport is a 15-minute boat ride away.
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora
Location: Motu Ome, Bora Bora Lagoon
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD3171 per room
Description: Located on the tropical island of Bora Bora, the beachfront St Regis Resort offers 2 swimming pools, 2 bars, 4 restaurants and a luxurious day spa. All accommodation boasts a balcony offering panoramic views of the lagoon or surrounding islands. The air-conditioned villas feature hand-carved Polynesian sculptures, exotic wooden décor and an Italian-marble bathroom with a rain shower and bathtub. Some villas offer a private plunge pool, a hot tub or an outdoor shower. Suspended over the blue waters, Le Lagoon Restaurant offers Polynesian cuisine and views of Mount Otemanu. The St Regis Bora Bora Resort is a 10-minute drive from Mont Otemanu and Mont Pahia. It is a 15-minute boat transfer from Bora Bora Airport. Vaitape Village can be reached via a 20-minute boat and car journey.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
Location: Motu Tape, Bora Bora Lagoon
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1211 per room
Description: Located on Motu Piti Aau and featuring an exclusive private beach, this 5-star resort and day spa offers private villas situated over the water. Each has a large shaded terrace with stunning views of Bora Bora. Leisure facilities at InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Bora Bora include a fitness room, Turkish bath and outdoor pool. Deep Ocean Spa offers treatments using ocean water to restore the body's minerals. The private villas are air-conditioned and have a living room with glass-bottom coffee table. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is only 8.7 km from Bora Bora Motu Mute Airport.
Find more Bora Bora resorts…
The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season between June and September, when the average temperature of 29°C (84°F) is tempered by refreshing sea breezes.
French Polynesia enjoys a balmy tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round.
For more climate info: Bora Bora Weather Guide…
Bora Bora is one of the leeward islands of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, around 270km (167mi) northwest of Tahiti.
From overseas, the most convenient route to Bora Bora is by air to Tahiti International Airport (PPT), located near Papeete on the island of Tahiti, followed by a connecting flight to Bora Bora.
Air Tahiti operates several flights daily from Papeete to Bora Bora, with up to 11 flights a day during the high season (June to October), as well as other interisland flights. Flight time from Papeete to Bora Bora is 45 minutes.
Tip: Sit on the left side of the aircraft to get the best scenic views of Bora Bora.
Read more about getting to Bora Bora and getting around the island…
Latest update: About Bora Bora: 8 July, 2023
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