Welcome to Bora Bora

There are places so beautiful that they appear unreal. Bora Bora is one of them. A tiny volcanic island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon ring that contains all the shades of blue nature has to offer — from aquamarine to sapphire to cobalt. In the center, the dramatic Mount Otemanu (727 m) rises like a sculpture from the Pacific. The Polynesians called the island "Pora Pora" — Firstborn. And indeed, it feels as if paradise took its original form here.

• The Lagoon — Bora Bora's lagoon is legendary: a protected basin of crystal-clear, warm water in incredible shades of blue and turquoise, surrounded by a coral reef and shallow motu islands (sandbanks). The water's color palette changes with the light from hour to hour — pastel in the morning, vibrant at noon, golden in the evening.
• Overwater Bungalows — Bora Bora is the birthplace of the overwater bungalow. The concept, invented here in 1967, now defines luxury resorts worldwide. Sleeping on stilts over the turquoise lagoon, with a glass floor in the room and direct access to the water — it's an experience you'll never forget.
• Underwater World — The lagoon is home to stingrays, blacktip sharks, turtles, manta rays, and hundreds of tropical fish species. Snorkeling and diving here are world-class — and the animals are accustomed to humans, allowing encounters at arm's length.
• Mount Otemanu — The 727-meter-high volcanic mountain is Bora Bora's iconic silhouette. Dramatically rugged and covered in tropical vegetation, it forms the perfect backdrop for any photo. Hikes lead up to the base of the summit.
• Polynesian Culture — Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, and the Polynesian culture is vibrant: traditional dances, Tiki carvings, tattoo art, Polynesian cuisine, and hospitality that comes from the heart.
• Honeymoon Paradise — Bora Bora is the world's most coveted honeymoon destination. The combination of overwater bungalows, sunsets over the lagoon, private dinners on the beach, and absolute seclusion makes every honeymoon unforgettable.
• Exclusivity — Bora Bora is intentionally exclusive: no mass tourism infrastructure, no high-rise buildings, no hotel complexes. The island has only a few resorts, and the number of guests is limited. The feeling: a paradise not yet discovered by the masses.

Bora Bora is not a destination — it is a dream come true. Whether a honeymoon, anniversary, or the ultimate luxury vacation: This island offers experiences that you will never forget.

Bora Bora may be small, but its geography is clearly divided into three areas:

Main Island & Vaitape

For whom: Culture seekers, budget travelers, authenticity lovers
The volcanic main island is the heart of Bora Bora: Here lies the main town of Vaitape with its shops, restaurants, and the only real supermarket. The 32-kilometer coastal road circles the island and provides access to the hiking trails at Mount Otemanu, historical war relics, and the few public beaches. Guesthouses and pensions on the main island are the more affordable alternative to the luxury resorts.

Lagoon & Motu Islands

For whom: Luxury vacationers, honeymooners, water sports enthusiasts
The lagoon is Bora Bora's main attraction: a vast, shallow basin of crystal-clear water, surrounded by a coral ring and the shallow motu islands (sandbank islands). Here are the famous overwater bungalows of the luxury resorts: St. Regis, Conrad, Four Seasons, InterContinental. The motus offer private beaches, snorkeling spots, and the perfect view of Mount Otemanu.

Underwater World

For whom: Snorkelers, divers, nature lovers
The waters around Bora Bora host a spectacular underwater world: stingrays in shallow waters, blacktip sharks in the lagoon channel, manta rays at the outer reefs, turtles, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. The famous Coral Garden and the shark and ray feeding sites are unique experiences.

1. Wake up in an overwater bungalow — The view through the glass floor to tropical fish, the first plunge into the lagoon directly from the deck, breakfast with a view of Mount Otemanu — the ultimate luxury experience. → Chap. Lagoon & Motu Islands
2. Swim with stingrays and sharks — On a lagoon tour, you swim with tame stingrays in waist-deep water and observe blacktip sharks up close. Fearless and unforgettable. → Chap. Underwater World
3. Snorkel the Coral Garden — A shallow, protected coral reef with incredible colors: hundreds of tropical fish among living corals, right in the lagoon. → Chap. Underwater World
4. Experience the sunset over the lagoon — When the sun sinks beyond the horizon and the lagoon is bathed in gold, pink, and violet, time stands still. Best viewed from an overwater deck or Matira Beach. → Chap. Lagoon & Motu Islands
5. Visit Matira Beach — Bora Bora's only public beach and one of the most beautiful in the world: powder-white sand, turquoise water, shady coconut palms. → Chap. Main Island & Vaitape
6. Circle Mount Otemanu — By boat, bike, or on foot: the 32-kilometer loop around the main island offers spectacular views of the mountain from every angle. → Chap. Main Island & Vaitape
7. Book a private motu picnic — Many resorts organize a private picnic on a secluded motu island: just you, white sand, turquoise water, and a gourmet basket. Robinson Crusoe in luxury. → Chap. Lagoon & Motu Islands
8. Experience a Polynesian dance show — The traditional dances with drums, hip swings, and fire shows are captivating and emotional. Authentic Polynesian culture at its finest. → Chap. Understanding
9. Dive at the outer reefs — Manta rays, lemon sharks, barracudas, and Napoleon fish at the reef passes — Bora Bora's outer reefs are among the best diving spots in the South Pacific. → Chap. Underwater World
10. Drink a Polynesian vanilla rum cocktail — Tahitian vanilla is the best in the world. Mixed with local rum and fresh lime juice, enjoyed with your feet in the warm lagoon water — perfection. → Chap. Understanding