Bora Bora, the enchanting and picturesque group of islands in French Polynesia offers a multitude of experiences ranging from the adventurous to the sublime. Indeed, if one closed their eyes and tried to imagine the most perfect tropical escape, they’d be imagining a place that looked almost exactly like Bora Bora. With its silvery-sanded beaches and it’s translucent lagoons, it’s no wonder this place sits atop many travel lists and is often revered as the best honeymoon destination in the world.
But what exactly can one do in Bora Bora besides soaking up the islands’ natural beauty? Well, a lot, as it turns out. In fact, if you’re thinking about visiting the place (just like everyone else is) read on, because below is a roundup of the best things to do in Bora Bora.
1. Go Snorkeling
The waters off the coast of Bora Bora are among the clearest in the world. And the place is also home to a splendidly diverse marine life that makes snorkeling a must-do in Bora Bora. Once you’ve explored the areas close to the beach, go venture further, because trust us, there’s an abundance of sights to see under Bora Bora’s crystal clear waters further out. Some snorkeling areas will need to be kayaked to, however, but don’t let that be a barrier to experiencing them, because boats and kayaks can be acquired easily in-and-around Bora Bora.
Book a tour and graciously ask to be taken to the Pacific Ocean, where you can snorkel and swim with manta rays and a host of other fish. If you’re looking for even more adventure, you can book a tour and swim with blacktip reef sharks—don’t worry, they’re not dangerous, but they’re still sure to give you a thrill and get your adrenaline pumping.
2. Charter a Yacht
Of course, the absolute best way to experience the beauty and enormity of Bora Bora in our opinion is by way of a chartered yacht. Bora Bora, after all, is the most romantic island in the world. Whether bareboat or crewed, a yacht or a catamaran can take you to the hidden lagoons of Bora Bora in a jiffy. Head on to one island, take in all the sights, then jump back on your private yacht and make your way to another one with no set itinerary.
Make your way out to sea, with your partner-in-life or with your buddies, and enjoy champagne with the stunning panoramic scenery of Bora Bora as your backdrop. Exploring these intimate islands in French Polynesia on a yacht will definitely beat being stuck at a resort because yachts simply offer a more opulent and unbounded experience.
3. Experience Polynesian Food at its Best
The cuisine at Bora Bora is world-famous, the offerings are diverse and will surely gratify—or even awaken—the foodie in you. It is South Pacific, Polynesian cooking at its finest, infused with the very best of French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. The culinary landscape of Bora Bora is, itself, an enriching vacation experience, and it will be very easy to get an authentic Bora Bora dining experience whether you’re at a high-end restaurant or at one of the street-side stalls.
The fish in Bora Bora is said to be the best in the world! Treat yourself to a Poisson Cru, a popular Polynesian dish made from Tuna that’s been marinated in lime and coconut. Or go visit the Le Matira Beach Restaurant and gorge on their world-renown banana cakes atop a deck overlooking the majestic Matira beach of Bora Bora. Trust us; wherever you decide to eat, Bora Bora offers gastronomic adventures in spades.
4. Swim With the Whales
You heard that right. In Bora Bora, you’ll have a good chance of swimming with humpback whales if you book a tour to the island between July and November. These gentle giants arrive all the way from Antarctica during these months to give birth in Bora Bora’s warm tropical waters. Dive with the humpbacks, and you might even hear them sing! However the show goes, what’s certain is that swimming with humpback whales will be one of the most unforgettable experiences.
5. Hike and Explore Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is the now extinct volcano that formed the island, Bora Bora! It is visible from anywhere on the island, and it is also one of the most photographed landscapes in Bora Bora, for good reason. You can—and you should—hire a guide and explore this ancient volcano. It will be one of the best hiking experiences you’ve ever had, that’s for sure! Indeed, many say that a trip to Bora Bora is simply incomplete without a visit to the peak of Mount Otemanu. So make sure to put this one in your itinerary because we guarantee that it will be an adventure you won’t easily forget.
If you’re not too keen about hiking, don’t worry, because there are other ways to explore the top of Mount Otemanu, and among the best is by way of a 4×4 tour to the base of the mountain. Indeed, 4×4 tours are very popular because they can get one to the mountain much faster than a hike through the dense jungle, which will be an adventure only suitable for the sufficiently athletic.
6. Chill Out on Matira Beach
At the southern end of Bora Bora lies a mile-long, palm tree-lined beach with sugary white sands that slope into a calm and shallow lagoon. When low-tide arrives, one could even try the sublime experience of walking across the flat and coral-free sea bottom towards the barrier reef. There is a reason why many believe Matira beach to be one of the best beaches in the world, and why many say they’ve occasioned to pinch themselves while looking at Matira beach’s perfectly turquoise waters to check if they’re dreaming.
Put simply, this postcard-perfect beach will be a great place to take in the world-famous Bora Bora views and relax.