The 10 must-sees in Bora-Bora

You who dream of discovering French Polynesia, go to meet unforgettable landscapes and a breathtaking culture with our must-sees to visit Bora-Bora.

While a plane lands on the Polynesian soil, its passengers receive a necklace of flowers, often flowers of Tiaré and hibiscus, as a welcome. This custom is the very spirit of Polynesia, where generosity reigns and where the sun warms the hearts as well as the air.

If you visit Bora-Bora, you will get to a whole range of Polynesian culture, as well as a series of breathtaking landscapes, ready to print in your minds indelibly.

Wanderlix has therefore selected for you the best and greatest must-sees to visit Bora-Bora, so that you plan your trip easily. Take off to turquoise waters, blonde beaches and green mountains!

1. Turn around the island

Like any good explorer, to visit Bora-Bora, you have to start by visiting the island. At that time, there are several landscapes that succeed and offer themselves to you.

First, beaches and long stretches of sandy land, lined with a typical turquoise lagoon. Then the very present greenery contrasts with its shadows. Finally, the mountain is not very discreet in the centre of attention, often hanging the temeral clouds.

By making a tour of the express island, or not, you will admire several notable points: the beach of Matira and Raititi Point south, giving you a magnificent view of Toopua Island. You will also see City of Anau , to the east, facing the large strip of land of Bora-Bora. But you will also have the opportunity to observe them American guns , remains of the Second World War, in the northwest.

2. Validate scuba diving

Beyond its white sandy beaches and its transparent lagoon, one of the must-sees to visit Bora-Bora is obviously scuba diving. With its exceptional biodiversity, French Polynesia is a "must-see" for diving enthusiasts.

Treat yourself to both strong sensations and compelling memories by filtering a combination, a bottle of oxygen and exploring the depths: coral, exotic fish, giant anemones, rays... It is a festival of aquatic surprises that prepares! Even if the water is warmer than in Europe, the combination will be essential, especially if you have the physical condition to descend deeply.

3. Rub to Polynesian culture and art

Like gastronomy, Polynesian culture and art are very specific to the region and are thus essential to discover to visit Bora-Bora. It is easy to recognize art Maori , also present in New Zealand .

That said, Polynesian art is not limited to that. The pottery, ornaments and tiki are, among many others, singular signatures of local art. When visiting galleries or shops, don't miss rubbing yourself. As for jewelry, the Polynesians have a real talent. The famous pearls and mother-of-pearl made the beautiful days of jewellery.

The Heiva

Every year, in June and July, a large Heiva is organized. It is a great cultural gathering with dances, songs, games, handmade demonstrations as well as pirogues competitions (va’a) and even marches on fire. This is the time to tastyly confront you with Polynesian culture and its traditions.

4. Bathing with rays and sharks

As surprising as it may seem, swimming with sharks and rays is safe and is a must to visit Bora-Bora. In fact, the animals that you'll be framing and that will smother you during this experience are used to humans. Leopard RaysTrench offers you this swim in the lagoon, meeting local fauna.

The rays come easily to contact, letting touch, while the sharks keep their distances (1 meters and more). A true must to do in Bora-Bora, swimming with the rays and sharks is an unforgettable activity.

However, if you opt for this fun and unusual activity, you should prefer a provider who does not feed the animals to amplify them. Know that, as with ducks, bread and all starch-containing foods are bad for marine animals.

5. Hiking through the island

Taking height at Bora-Bora is undoubtedly a great idea. For it is true that beyond its dreamy and heavenly coastline, Bora-Bora remains an island with relief and contrasts. The volcanic rocks that make up the heart of the island have nevertheless made room for hiking. So you can climb up the top of ♪ , winning in the passage access to an unbeatable view of the lagoon. His neighbor, Mont Pahia , requires more effort for a slightly higher ascent.

Otherwise, go for walks. For example, Valley of the Kings is a short 4-kilometre walk that allows you to discover the legends and stories of the island. Available on a guided tour, it can become a flagship activity of your stay. Finally, don't miss making a trip in the past with discovery trail of the two American cannons dating from the Second World War. Planned to announce and counter a Japanese attack, they have never served but have remained in place since.

6. Visit Bora-Bora otherwise

Overfly Bora Bora Island by seaplane

Treat yourself to some strong sensations and indelible memories by flying over the island by seaplane. Probably one of the most extraordinary must-sees in Bora-Bora, the seaplane is an exceptional way to discover the island.

For half an hour, in front of your bahish eyes, the lagoon and Bora-Bora spread and let themselves approach from heaven. For a little more than €330 per person, it is a costly activity that does not adapt to all budgets.

Enjoy a sailing cruise

Whether it’s a one-day or several-day cruise, Bora-Bora’s incredible lagoon is unfolding in front of you. With these breathtaking landscapes as well as all the fauna and flora that develop there, you will be unpaid.

With a « cruising rhythm » you leave the time to delight local pleasures, you will alternate between visual and practical discovery: dive! A few breaks will allow you to enjoy the lagoon of the most beautiful ways. Maybe you can swim with the rays and sharks (depending on the chosen benefits).

For lunch, some activities include meals on one motu or on board. As for bedtime, depending on whether your cruise lasts several hours or days, you will sleep directly on the boat.

Navigate to the canoe on the lagoon

Visit Bora-Bora by navigating like the first men of this remote land: to the canoe! Glue on the lagoon, giving momentum to your canoe to the strength of your arms. True experience, you will start with a discovery of the lagoon, its fauna (raies, sharks, fish), its flora (coral garden) and its other wonders.

Depending on what is included in your service, you can also enjoy a fruitful meal made up of local products.

The sport option: by bike!

The most sporting of you will be the challenge of visiting Bora-Bora by bike. The island’s belt extends over no less than 32 kilometres, which is rather easy to travel because there is only one slightly rough coastline.

It is a way to visit the island in an effective way, and at its pace. You can enjoy the unannounced stops to enjoy landscapes, colors... Have a full day of rental, with a lunch stop on Matira beach for example.

7. Discover the snorkeling

Very common practice on the coasts of the world, snorkeling finds all its interest in places such as Bora-Bora. Indeed, in addition to offering an exceptional setting out of water, it is just as much under water.

So go to discover the edges of Polynesian coasts, where many marine species will dance in front of you. A real show to live in its entirety. Accessible to children and parents, snorkeling is one of the must-sees in Bora-Bora to discover a very secret and yet so famous aspect of the island.

8. Relax at the beach Matira

When you are told Bora-Bora, you immediately think of the long sandy beaches lined with a turquoise lagoon. In addition, palm trees and curved coconut trees come to punctuate this dream setting. Well, Matira Beach combines all these idyllic aspects, perfect for relaxing and dreaming of something else.

Dreaming? No, it is not necessary, you are there. Completely unpaid, you can follow the beach edge over its entire length (2 kilometers), bathe in warm waters and why not, let yourself go to the farniente in the shade of a tree. Watch out for coconut drops!

Note: Matira Beach is the only public beach on the island, accessible from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It meets certain requirements: no sound nuisance, no alcohol, mandatory waste and prohibited animals. Be vigilant!

9. Discover the Coral Barrier

Discover the Barrier de Corail is one of the most beautiful must-sees to visit Bora-Bora. It is possible to approach it (without feeding the fish) through framed activities mixing the visit and diving. It is on the surface, the water being shallow. It is really important to choose a serious provider because the Coral Barrier is weakened by pollution and global warming.

10. Evade at the Marine Turtle Protection Center

This unlike experience is to live once in his life. Assisting in the care and care of marine turtles is an unforgettable show. The Marine Tortoise Protection Centre is a true sanctuary dedicated to the protection of this marine animal.

Each year, several dozen turtles are rescued and treated and released. However, since the summer of 2021, public access has been closed for two years. Indeed, the complex in which the centre is located is being renovated. If care continues, visits are cancelled. Depending on the period of your stay, you may have the chance to access it.

How to get to Bora-Bora?

Bora-Bora is an island away from France, but also from Tahiti. It is halfway between... American California and Australia. It is to tell you whether the archipelago is isolated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

To go to Bora-Bora, you will first have to land in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. From France, the two companies able to take you there are Air France and Air Tahiti Nui.

Flights are done with stopover, often at Los Angeles because they usually last about 20 hours, sometimes more. You'll know more by consulting a Compare flights , more able to give you the details of your trip. It’s a hell of a journey, but the game is clearly worth the candle.

Move to Bora-Bora

To move on an island like Bora-Bora, there is of course the road that you will explore thanks to the "drink", the local bus. Synchronized with ferries and school hours, we recommend that you ensure that the schedules meet your needs.

You can as well rent a car , a bike or a bike, for the most athletic of you.

And since Bora-Bora is formed of a central island surrounded by islets, you have to rely on taxi boats, which will allow you to travel from the island to the motu and vice versa.

Where to stay in Bora-Bora?

Bora-Bora Island is known for its complex and luxury hotels that offer an exceptional experience to their customers. Some of them are in part on the lagoon, with small bungalows on pilots, guaranteed experience!

Despite everything, there's a package, so we suggest you look for the one you like most on a package. Compare hotels . The comparison list would be too long.

On the other hand, beyond the luxurious hotels, Bora-Bora has a rather large and varied accommodation offer. So you'll find local bungalows, lodges or fares on a site like Airbnb For example.

Rentals at home are also possible. Polynesian generosity is not a legend. Many residents of the island open the doors of their home to welcome travellers in search of a change of scenery.