Arrival & Transport

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 shuttle across the lagoon to your resort or to Vaitape — your first impression of Bora Bora is thus the lagoon from a boat. A vacation couldn't start better.

Flight Connections

Bora Bora is not directly accessible from Europe. The journey always goes through Tahiti (Papeete, FAA Airport):

• Europe → Tahiti: No direct flight! The most common routes:
  • Via Los Angeles (LAX): Air France (Paris → LAX → Papeete) or Lufthansa/United to LAX, then Air Tahiti Nui (LAX → Papeete, 8.5h). The most popular route.
  • Via Tokyo (NRT): Air Tahiti Nui (Tokyo → Papeete, 11.5h). For Asia combination trips.
  • Via Auckland (AKL): Air New Zealand (Auckland → Papeete, 5h). For New Zealand combination trips.
• Tahiti → Bora Bora: Air Tahiti (the local airline, not Air Tahiti Nui!) flies several times daily from Papeete to Bora Bora. Flight time: 50 minutes. Tickets from 20,000 XPF (168€) one way. Book early! — Flights are often fully booked.

Total travel time: Approximately 22–26 hours from Germany (including transfers in Paris/LA and Tahiti). Plan for an overnight stay in Tahiti — the jet lag (11-hour time difference!) is significant, and Papeete has enough to offer for a day.

From the Airport to the Hotel

All resorts organize the boat transfer from the airport motu to the accommodation — usually included or for a fee (approx. 3,000–5,000 XPF / 25–42€ per person, return). The crossing takes 15–30 minutes and is your first wow moment: turquoise water, Mount Otemanu on the horizon, overwater bungalows in the distance.

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 hours.
• Scooter: From 5,000 XPF (42€) per day. Faster than a bicycle, more flexible than a car. Helmet required.
• Rental Car: From 8,000 XPF (67€) per day. On such a small island, it's somewhat oversized, but convenient in rain or with children. Providers: Avis, Europcar (at the airport and in Vaitape).
• Le Truck: The public bus — a converted truck with benches. Runs irregularly between Vaitape, Anau, and Faanui. About 500 XPF (4€). Charming but unreliable.

Between Main Island and Motus

The luxury resorts on the motus operate their own boat shuttles between their resort and Vaitape. These are generally included for hotel guests and run several times a day. Those staying in a guesthouse on the main island can also reach the motu resorts (for day visits or dining) via boat shuttle — prior reservation required.

Water Taxis

For individual transfers in the lagoon, there are water taxis that can be booked by phone. Prices: 3,000–8,000 XPF (25–67€) depending on the route. Your guesthouse or resort can arrange a water taxi.