The Airport Bora Bora's Motu Mute Airport (BOB) is located on a motu (reef island) in the northern part of the lagoon — not on the main island! The landing is spectacular: the plane touches down on a narrow coral runway, surrounded by turquoise water. From the airport, you will be taken by boat shut

On the Main Island The main island is small (32 km in circumference) and the coastal road is flat and easy to navigate: Bicycle: The best and cheapest way to explore the island! Rentals at guesthouses and in Vaitape, from 2,000 XPF (17€) per day. The entire island can be comfortably circled in 3–4

EU Citizens, Swiss & Austrians French Polynesia is part of France but not part of the EU. Nevertheless, EU citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You will need: Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date. Return ticket: Proof of departure (will be checked!). Proof of

Health Bora Bora is health-wise unproblematic: No malaria risk, no mandatory vaccinations, clean drinking water in hotels. Recommended standard vaccinations: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A. A travel health insurance with repatriation is strongly recommended — the nearest proper hospital is in Tahi

Internet, Electricity & Communication

Mobile & Internet EU roaming does NOT apply in French Polynesia! Mobile costs are high. Options: Vini (Onati): The local mobile provider. SIM cards available at the airport in Tahiti or in Vaitape. Data packages: 5 GB from 3,000 XPF (25€). Coverage on the main island is good, on the motus partially

Packing List & Practical Tips

Clothing Light, airy clothing: Cotton or linen, light and airy. Bora Bora has tropical heat — less is more. Swimwear: Several sets, as the tropical humidity slows drying. Pareo/Sarong: The Polynesian all-purpose cloth: beach dress, towel, tablecloth, sun protection. Buy on Bora Bora — beautiful des

Home Travel GuidesBora Bora

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Travel Guide Bora Bora

Your Complete Travel Guide to Bora Bora

Affiliation:French Polynesia (France)

Languages:French & Tahitian

Currency:CFP Franc (XPF)

Best Travel Time:May–October

Flight Time:22–26 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (up to 90 days)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 10 Chapters · 28 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Classic Bora Bora — Lagoon & Luxury

5–7 days

The perfect Bora Bora trip: Arrival and awe, lagoon tour with rays and sharks, diving at Coral Garden, island tour, motu picnic, and sunsets over the lagoon. The essence of paradise in a week.

VaitapeMatira BeachLaguneCoral GardenMotu-InselnMount Otemanu

Honeymoon Dream

7–10 days

The ultimate honeymoon: Overwater bungalow over the turquoise lagoon, breakfast by canoe, spa treatments for two, private motu picnic, sunset cruise, and candlelight dinner on the beach. Bora Bora is made for this moment.

Overwater-BungalowLaguneMatira BeachMotu-PicknickSpa

Adventure & Underwater

5–7 days

Bora Bora for the Active: Diving at Manta Point, snorkeling in Coral Garden, hiking Mount Pahia, jet ski tour through the lagoon, SUP at sunrise, and island tour by bike. Adrenaline meets paradise.

Coral GardenTeavanui PassMount PahiaLaguneMatira Beach

Bora Bora in Brief — Highlights in 3 Days

3–4 days

The best in a short time: Lagoon tour (rays, sharks, Coral Garden), island tour, and Matira Beach. Three days that provide a lifetime of memories — perfect as part of a French Polynesia tour.

LaguneCoral GardenMatira BeachVaitape

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Bora Bora

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

2 Sections

Regions· 3 Chapters

Chapter 4

Main Island & Vaitape

3 Sections

Chapter 5

Lagoon & Motu Islands

3 Sections

Chapter 6

Underwater World

3 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 7

History & Polynesian Culture

2 Sections

Chapter 8

Food & Drink

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 9

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 10

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Main Island & Vaitape

The volcanic main island is the authentic heart of Bora Bora — the main town Vaitape, the dream beach Matira Beach, hikes on Mount Otemanu, and historical World War relics along the 32 km coastal road.

Matira BeachMount Otemanu HikeMarae MarotetiniWW2 Cannons+1

Lagoon & Motu Islands

The legendary lagoon with its incredible shades of blue, the overwater bungalows of luxury resorts on the flat motu islands, lagoon tours with rays and sharks, and the most romantic sunsets in the world.

Overwater BungalowsLagoon TourMotu PicnicSunset Cruise+1

Underwater World

World-class snorkeling and diving in one of the most spectacular lagoons in the world — tame stingrays, blacktip sharks, majestic manta rays, the famous Coral Garden, and colorful reef fish in crystal-clear water.

Coral GardenStingray SwimmingShark SnorkelingManta Ray Diving+1