You plan a trip to Bora Bora, and it’s planning an expedition to paradise. This island shining with a crystal-clear lagoon, lush green mountains, and marvelous overwater bungalows is very almost everyone’s dream destination.
Be it a honeymoon, family vacation, or solo retreat, this guide will help you learn how to plan a trip to Bora Bora and navigate all the details that make your trip seamless and unforgettable.
Key Takeaways:
- Bora Bora is located in the South Pacific and is part of French Polynesia, famous for its turquoise lagoon and luxury overwater bungalows.
- The best time to visit Bora Bora is from May to October for perfect weather conditions, although prices are higher during these months.
- Flights to Bora Bora connect through Tahiti, followed by a 50-minute domestic flight.
- Budget at least $6,000 to $15,000 for a week-long vacation, with options for luxury and budget-friendly accommodations.
- Activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking Mount Otemanu are must-dos on the island.
- You can still visit Bora Bora on a budget by choosing guesthouses, and local eateries, and traveling during the off-season.
Where is Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean, belonging to the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Approximately 143 miles north-west of Tahiti, the main island in the country, the island of Bora Bora has an area of only 12 square miles (30.55 square kilometers).
The surrounding turquoise lagoon and barrier reef make this tiny gem a view to cherish. The two tallest mountains on the island are Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia; they make for a beautiful picture as the setting for any shot.
Being pretty secluded is good for those who want a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city living in a setting rich in natural beauty.
How to Plan a Trip to Bora Bora: Flights and Transfers
International flights to Tahiti
Since Bora Bora is not a direct international flight destination, you will have to connect at first Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport in the capital of French Polynesia, Papeete.
Flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Paris as well as other major cities come through airlines Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, and United Airlines.
Domestic Flights to Bora Bora
As soon as you arrive in Tahiti, you will have a 50-minute domestic flight from there into Bora Bora. Air Tahiti runs all domestic flights and is available on numerous instances daily.
Please take note that their flights can run on some sort of an irregular schedule due to whether or not it falls under the off-season, so book them way before.
Transfers from/to Bora Bora Airport
Because the airport of Bora Bora (BOB) is located on a motu, you will have to continue by boat to your resort or accommodation.
While most luxury resorts offer private transfer services, you have the option of splitting the cost and choosing a shared transfer.
Best Time to Visit Bora Bora
Dry Season (May to October)
The peak time to visit Bora Bora would be during the dry seasons, which are May to October. It is characterized by clear blue skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity.
It’s also referred to as peak season, meaning that accommodations and flight prices tend to be higher. Still, you can enjoy ideal weather for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing.
Rainy Season (November to April)
The rainy season runs from November to April. There can be intense downpours, and the humidity is incredibly high. There is a chance that you will experience some localized showers at times, but overall, it’s sunny.
This is often referred to as low season, which is perfect if you prefer fewer crowds and to pay less for your accommodations. Note, though, that hurricanes and storms are much more likely during these months.
How Much Does a Trip to Bora Bora Cost All-Inclusive?
Cost of Accommodation
Accommodation in many cases costs a pretty penny, which you may pay for such a luxurious location as Bora Bora is often considered. For an average hotel, you may pay somewhere from 300 to 700 USD per night.
When considering a bungalow over the water, prices start from 800 to 2,000 USD per night. At the same time, many resorts offer all-inclusive packages.
Such packages offer food and drinks, and sometimes you can get some activities. Packages like this will cost you about 1,000 to 4,000 USD per night, depending on the specific resort.
Food and Dining Expenses
Eating in Bora Bora can be very costly because most ingredients must be imported. For a mid-range restaurant, an average meal will range between $50 to $100 per head.
If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort, food and drink charges are generally part of the package. You may also opt to eat at local eateries or simply buy groceries and cook your meals if you have access to a kitchen.
Things to Do and Tours
Some of the exciting activities done around Bora Bora are snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing. An excursion can be very costly, especially a hundred dollars to three hundred dollars per person.
If you want some spa treatments, a one-hour massage could cost a hundred and fifty dollars. It could be better to book packages or tour beforehand to save some costs.
Cost for an All-Inclusive Trip :
Budget at least from $10,000 to $20,000 for an all-inclusive one-week vacation for two. Flights, accommodation, food, and activities shall be included in the budget.
You know it is a splurge, but ways to make it less expensive such as visiting during the off-season or staying at a guesthouse.
Bora Bora Resorts: Where to Stay
Bora Bora has some of the most excellent places to stay: budget-friendly options or luxurious overwater bungalows. Additionally, Bora Bora resorts showcase a few of the main options:
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Luxury is embodied here at this resort in its stunning overwater bungalow and excellent spa, with a nice touch of good service. A favorite destination for honeymooners and celebrities.
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Here, some of the world’s largest overwater villas are offered, having personal pools, butler service, and lagoon views that make one swoon over.
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa: Ecological tourists will have found the perfect place for overnights at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa since it applies the technology of seawater air-conditioning and also offers ecologically friendly villas.
- Le Meridien Bora Bora: This is an excellent resort for families, having a more relaxed atmosphere.
For something more budget-friendly, you could consider a guesthouse or a small hotel. Not exactly opulent, but it sure is comfortable and pleasant.
Things to Do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is for outdoor lovers and an aquatic paradise. Check out these things to do:
Water Activities
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Swim over vibrant coral reefs and swim along with hundreds of different colorful fish, stingrays, and even sharks. Some most popular attractions are the Coral Gardens and the Lagoonarium.
- Shark and Ray Feeding Tours: Take a guided tour to get up close and personal with blacktip reef sharks and rays. This is an exhilarating experience, but when done with your proper, professional guide, it will be perfectly safe.
- Jet Skiing and Paddleboarding: It is possible to rent a jet ski or paddleboard to explore the lagoon at your leisure.
Land Activities
- Hike Mount Otemanu: For the daring visitor, mount to the peak of Mount Otemanu with breathtaking views of the island and its lagoon. It is a tough hike and it will be advisable if you hire a guide.
- Matira Beach: Find a place to relax in one of the most beautiful beaches of Bora Bora. Swim, sunbathe, or picnic at this lovely location.
- Spa Day: Indulge in the authentic Polynesian massage with a visit to a luxury spa. Most resorts offer spas with ocean views.
Bora Bora Vacation Packages All-Inclusive
Inclusive packages have become quite in demand for travelers who want to make their trips seamless. Many times, these packages include accommodation, meals, drinks, and even activities.
While they could prove expensive, they save you the stress and pressure of budgeting every meal and activity.
Some of these luxury resorts offer honeymoon packages, with romantic treats such as private dinners, spa treatments, and a cruise on top. There are also family packages complete with children-friendly activities and services like babysitting.
How To Book All Inclusive
- Book an all-inclusive directly with the resort: Chances are you will get the best deals and special offers.
- Check out inclusions and exclusions: There are some packages excluding certain meals or activities.
- Add on Excursions: Seaside resort packages can add a guided island tour, snorkeling outing, or cultural experience for a reasonable premium.
Bora Bora on a Budget: Possible?
Yes! Here’s how to enjoy Bora Bora on the cheap:
- Off-Season Visit: Prices for flights and hotels plummet from November to April.
- Budget Accommodations: Guesthouse or smaller hotel. Options range from $100 to 200 a night.
- Eat Like a Local: Forget those overpriced meals at the resort and indulge in local cuisine or head out and buy your groceries.
- Free and Low-Cost Transportation: Don’t sweat it, you won’t be hailing private taxis to get around. Instead, take a ferry, rent a bike, or simply walk.
FAQs
How much will a Bora Bora trip cost me?
A week in Bora Bora would cost around $6,000 to 15,000 for two persons. The money covers planes, hotel accommodations, meals, and a couple of activities.
For a much more luxurious experience, prices can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How many days will you spend in Bora Bora?
It requires you to spend at least 4 to 5 days in Bora Bora to get the most out of the island’s beauty. You would have enough time to visit the lagoon, spend some time on the beach, and try out a few activities like snorkeling or a shark-feeding tour.
Is Bora Bora cheaper than the Maldives?
No, visiting Bora Bora is generally more expensive than visiting the Maldives. Accommodation, food, and activities are much costlier in Bora Bora compared to the Maldives because it is more remote, as well as the resource limitations on the island.
What is the cheapest month to visit Bora Bora?
The cheapest months to visit Bora Bora are November to April. It is the wet season and hotels tend to be cheaper during this time. And, for some flights, it might be cheaper during the rainy season.
What are the best months to visit Bora Bora?
The best months to visit Bora Bora are from May to October. The weather is generally dry and sunny in these months, making them perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.
Why is Bora Bora so expensive?
Bora Bora is a pretty pricey destination simply because it is an island way off the mainland. Just about every item, whether it be edible goods or building supplies, has to be shipped from somewhere else in the world. Also, the island is dotted with luxury resorts that drive up the price of a trip.
Why is Bora Bora so popular?
Bora Bora is famous due to its gorgeous turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows, and stunning coral reefs. It happens to be one of the ideal destinations for honeymoons and luxury vacations.
What languages are commonly spoken in Bora Bora?
French and Tahitian are the two primary languages spoken in Bora Bora. Many tourism workers know some form of English.
What types of money are useful to carry into Bora Bora?
The currency used in Bora Bora is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Credit cards are widely accepted at most tourist hotels and restaurants; therefore it is always advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.
Conclusion: Waiting for Your Dream Bora Bora Vacation
Organizing a trip to Bora Bora may not be a cakewalk, but with this guideon How to plan a trip to Bora Bora, you are all set to plan your ideal getaway. From information on the best time to visit to getting the right accommodation, and then, of course, activities from choosing your favorite hobbies to enjoying the daily doings.
Bora Bora has something to suit all tastes. It is a place for luxury or budget-related adventures that, undoubtedly, will be a lifetime experience.
With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, you will leave forever in your memories. Pack your bags, put on your sunglasses, and get ready to explore a place with such beauty and serenity-Come with Bora Bora!
