These Are The Top Things To Do In Bora Bora (2024)

Bora Bora is the dream island that is pretty much on everyone’s wish list. From honeymooners to celebrities, who hasn’t dreamed of waking up in one of those luxury overwater bungalows? I’ve visited Bora Bora on several occasions on multiple visits to the South Pacific. Here’s my list of the top things to do in Bora Bora.

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10. Take to the Skies on a scenic flight

There’s no better way to capture the stunning views, angles, and colors of Bora Bora than on a scenic flight. If you have the time and budget, choose between scenic flights around the main island that focus on Bora Bora’s majestic skyline and its lagoon and scenic flights that include visits to Bora Bora’s heart-shaped neighbor, Tupai Atoll.

9. Climb To Rusty WWII Coastal Guns

Bora Bora was quite a strategic island to the Allied forces during WWII. As part of Operation Bobcat, thousands of US soldiers were stationed in this exotic location, along with a huge amount of supply and a strategic airbase. To protect all of these, massive coastal guns were erected on the hills overlooking the lagoon to protect against a Japanese invasion that never came. These days, a few such canons remain. They’re a little tricky to find but super interesting to see from up close, seeming so out of place in such a paradise like this. You can also join 4X4 tours and reach other sensational scenic lookouts.

8. Dine With The Stars At Bloody Mary’s

From Brando to DiCaprio, who hasn’t eaten at the legendary Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora? Grab a table beneath the traditional thatched roof, with nothing but sand between your toes and delicious food on your table. Dinner time is the best time to visit when freshly caught seafood is waiting to be handpicked by diners. And, of course, don’t forget to order a bloody mary!

7. Hike Bora Bora’s Valleys & Mountains

If you can manage to roll yourself out of your luxury bungalow and off the white sand beach, Bora Bora has some seriously beautiful hikes to be undertaken. Hire a guide and climb up to one of the island’s summits for lagoon views you’ll never forget.

6. Circle The Island By Bicycle

Bora Bora is small enough to be easily circled on two wheels. Hire a bicycle and ride the 32-kilometer coastal road, stopping in sleepy fishing villages, ancient Polynesian temples, and panoramic lookout points. It’s as far away from the resort scene as you can get in Bora Bora.

5. Catch The Views From Fitiuu Point

Many small peninsulas extend into Bora Bora’s shining lagoon, but none are more interesting than Fitiuu Point. This tiny elevated peninsula simply has it all. Enjoy postcard-like views of Vairou Bay and Mount Otemanu in the backdrop, and hike the short trail to Fitiuu Point, with its WWII canons, sensational views, and a private beach where you might see some manta rays.

4. Pamper Yourself With An Overwater Bungalow

Let’s face it, the one thing Bora Bora is truly famous for is over-the-top luxury. The island is synonymous with the outrageously expensive overwater bungalow. They’re the ultimate getaway for a honeymooning couple, Hollywood stars, or ordinary travelers seeking the ultimate luxury. Bora Bora’s best resorts are located on dreamy motu, small islets at the edge of the barrier reef. Each motu offers sensational views of the main island and a private escape to the reef side.

3. Grab A Window Seat On The Flight

While this is true on any domestic flight in French Polynesia, if you manage to grab a window seat on the ‘right’ side of the plane and the weather is just right – you’ll be treated to one of those views of Bora Bora that probably led you to come here in the first place.

2. Take It Easy In Matira Beach

It’s no surprise that Bora Bora is home to at least one of the best beaches in French Polynesia. Matira Beach is the only “real beach” on the main island, and it’s a stunning one. Matira Beach’s soft white sand extends the length of the bay, offering plenty of spots to call your own. The southern end of the bay then meets the Matira Peninsula, with its beautiful and famous beach. The peninsula extends to Matria Point, to the southernmost point in Bora Bora.

1. Spend The Day Exploring The Lagoon

With a magnificent lagoon measuring roughly three times the size of the island itself, spending the day exploring the lagoon is the top thing to do in Bora Bora. You’ll start by exiting the comforts of the protective lagoon to get up close and personal with some sharks. Yeah, that’s right! Friendly reef sharks, accompanied by their larger cousins, the nurse sharks, swim all around you as fear, excitement, and sheer awe – all stir up inside. You’ll then pay a visit to a few giant moray eels in the coral garden before feeding a few hungry stingrays in the shallow waters of the pristine lagoon. How can this magical day get even better? How about a picnic lunch on your very own tropical island!

Ready To Visit?

There you have it! The top things to do in Bora Bora. For more information about Bora Bora and French Polynesia, check out these recommended guides.

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