Arrival by Plane
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.
