You might know this picture-perfect volcanic island in the South Pacific for its luxurious beach resorts with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and romantic ambiance. But there’s so much more to know about this paradise island and that’s why we invested time and effort in this Quick Guide to Bora Bora.
Useful tips and information about Bora Bora
Watching all those dreamy videos and images of Bora Bora’s majestic mountain Otemanu rising from the impressive turquoise lagoon is a great way to get inspired. However, it’s not going to help you get around in Bora Bora.
Whether you booked that dream vacation to Bora Bora already or still thinking about it, this Quick Guide to Bora Bora might help you prepare. We tried to add as much essential information from Bora Bora’s location, the best time to stay in Bora Bora, the dress code, what to pack, and much more.
Use the table of contents below to easily find the information you looking:
Quick Facts about Bora Bora
- The island is located 170 miles (274 km) from Tahiti
- Bora Bora is about 7 million years old
- The main village is Vaitape
- The main island is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long and 2.5 miles (4km) wide
- The road around the island is 12.5 miles (20km)
- Bora Bora’s famous Mount Otemanu is 2385ft (727m) high
- The population of Bora Bora is about 10 605
- The population is entirely committed to the tourism industry
- Bora Bora’s airport is situated on Motu Mute
Bora Bora’s location
This small island is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of French Polynesia. The island’s location is approximately 143 miles (230 kilometres) northwest of Tahiti, which is the largest island in French Polynesia.
This luxurious destination is part of the Society Islands, a group of islands that also includes Tahiti and several other tropical destinations.
Bora Bora Geography
Bora Bora, and its neighbour island Maupiti, are the oldest Society Islands and are around 7 million years old. This popular island is halfway between the Tuamotu islands, about 10 to 40 million years old, and the high islands Tahiti and Raiatea, which are between 2 and 3 million years old.
The island is a dream destination mainly because of its huge turquoise lagoon, bordered by a very wide reef, accessible through the Teavanui Pass only. The strait of Teavanui (or Tea Va Nui) is situated between the motu of Toopua and Tevairoa, near the small town of Vaitape and the village of Faanui.
The beauty of Bora Bora is also to be found in the fact that it’s only 5.5 (9km) long while having the impressive characteristics of a high island. The picture-perfect image of Bora Bora is completed with verdant vegetation that covers the summits of Mount Otemanu (2385ft/727m) and Mount Pahia (2168ft/661m).
The island’s ring road is 12.5 miles (20km) long and follows the jagged shoreline. Driving around the island you’re treated to a few spectacular bays including Baie Povaie, Baie Faanui, and Baie Haamaire. But not to be missed is Bora Bora’s one and only public beach Matira.
Bora Bora Airport Transport
Bora Bora’s airport is situated on Motu Mute so the airport is only accessible by boat. Free transportation is provided from Bora Bora’s airport to the town of Vaitape, crossing the lagoon via a shuttle boat. At departure, the airport shuttle leaves Vaitape 1h30min before flight times.
All about The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Shuttle Service
All about Conrad Bora Bora Nui Shuttle Service
All about The Westin Bora Bora Resort Shuttle Service
All About the InterContinental Bora Bora Shuttle Service
Best time to visit Bora Bora?
Bora Bora’s year-round temperature hovers between 75°F (24°C) and 86°F (30°C), but the best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season. The dry season generally extends from May to October.
Let’s have a look at a few points why this period is considered the optimal time to experience Bora Bora:
- Pleasant weather
The dry season in Bora Bora offers consistently pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine. The temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and relaxation. - Less rain
Rainfall is minimal during this time, which means you’re less likely to encounter heavy showers or storms. This is ideal for enjoying stunning beaches and outdoor adventures without weather disruptions. - Clear Waters
The lagoon and surrounding waters are crystal clear during the dry season, providing excellent visibility for snorkeling, scuba diving, and water activities. You’ll have a better chance to explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs. - Ideal for Outdoor Activities
Whether it’s hiking, water sports, or exploring the island, the dry season offers the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. The pleasant climate ensures you can fully enjoy Bora Bora’s natural beauty. - Lower Humidity
The dry season typically has lower humidity levels, making it more comfortable for visitors who may not be accustomed to tropical humidity.
When is the least busy time in Bora Bora?
While May to October is peak tourist season, Bora Bora is not as crowded as some other tropical destinations. It offers a balance between fewer tourists and pleasant weather conditions.
Therefore, you should not worry about big crowds and packed resorts in Bora Bora. However, if you want to make sure there are fewer tourists than usual, consider a trip to Bora Bora around November to April but try to avoid Christmas, NYE, and Spring Break.
Is it safe to walk in Bora Bora?
While Bora Bora is a relatively small island, walking as a means of transportation might be limited depending on where you are staying and your intended destinations. The availability of pedestrian-friendly paths can vary.
While Bora Bora is a small island, just 10km (6 miles) long, it’s not always the easiest place to walk around. Besides the heat and humidity, pedestrian paths are only available in touristy areas such as Vaitape and the area around Matira Beach.
The ring road, a circular trail around Bora Bora, is around 19 miles (31 km). It is a flat route. Yet it’s considered a challenging route because of the lack of pedestrian paths, the heat and humidity, and the many (mainly friendly) dogs. However, it’s doable if you don’t let the dogs scare you and if you bring enough water. You can walk around the entire island in around 6 to 7 hours.
E-sim for French Polynesia
With Apple’s latest iPhones being the first without a physical SIM card tray, the chance of you looking for an eSIM in French Polynesia is becoming real. At Wander in Paradise, we understand the need to upload a video of your arrival in Bora Bora. To your social media account or in your digital family hangout. Or just to stay in touch with those at home.
Since the eSIM is rather new, we had a good look into it. The eSIM in French Polynesia isn’t as common yet as in other countries. However, we found you the best eSIM for Bora Bora.
Etiquette in Bora Bora
As with every destination you visit, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture. Dress modestly when outside of the beach, and ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
While in many villages and cities, it isn’t common to say hello to strangers, in Bora Bora it is. Expect “Iaorana” (good day) or a nod from the chin up. The latest might confuse many as in many countries it would mean something like “What do you want?”. In Bora Bora, it is just a humble hello.
Packing for Bora Bora
We do provide an extensive guide to How to pack for Bora Bora, but in general, you pack the usual for a tropical destination. Pack light and breathable clothing, swimwear, snorkeling gear, and a camera to capture the island’s beauty. Don’t forget adapters for your electronic devices.
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Flip flops or sandals
- Camera
- Protective clothing to prevent sunburn
- Breathable clothing
- Casual Evening Wear
- Medications
- International adapter if not from an EU country
- Reusable water bottle
- Snorkeling items
- Insect repellent
- Beach bag or small backpack
- Sunhat
- Reef-safe sunscreen (preferably protective clothing)
- Underwater camera
- Sneakers or light sports shoes for when you want to go hiking
- Reef shoes (when not comfortable walking barefoot in the lagoon)
Comfortable clothing for Bora Bora
The tropical climate in Bora Bora asks for breathable fabrics. Important is to know that certain fabrics in Bora Bora can ruin your 4WD tour or ATV Tour, for example.
Make sure you choose comfortable fabrics to wear in Bora Bora. Wander in Paradise recommends natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. But there are a few choices out of many for summer. In our How to Pack for Bora Bora guide, you find an extensive overview of comfortable fabrics for Bora Bora.
Bora Bora dress code for dinner
Some bars & restaurants require a resort evening dress code. This often means leaving your bathing suit at the accommodation and wearing appropriate clothing.
They don’t ask you to wear a co*cktail dress and a three-piece suit. A casual dress code in Bora Bora asks for cotton clothing and fabrics that breathe. So don’t worry about co*cktail dresses and high heels, unless you want to feel easily overdressed or you have a special occasion. But in general, the weather asks for light and comfy so people wear light and comfy.
Language
The official language is French, although the unofficial language, Tahitian, is probably more widely spoken. English is spoken throughout the resorts and accommodations, and also by some native islanders.
Do you want to impress the locals? Make sure you learn the above words and forget about the Bonjour and Au Revoir. And if you want to learn even more Tahitian words, have a look at the digital booklet from Air Tahiti Nui which makes learning Tahitian easy and fun!
Time
UTC -10:00, with no daylight saving time change throughout the year.
Currency
The local currency all over French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), but the majority of shops, accommodations, and activities also accept dollars. In some cases euros too.
Weather
French Polynesia enjoys a tropical marine climate, with a lot of sun all year round. Just enough rain to nurture lush vegetation and colorful blooms.
The region receives an annual average of eight hours of sunshine per day with temperatures between 75°F (24°C) and 86°F (30°C) and lagoon water temperatures between 73°F (23°C) and 79°F (26°C).
There are two distinct seasons. November to April marks the wet season with January the wettest month. August is the driest month.
Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is a prominent natural landmark in Bora Bora, adding to the island’s unique and picturesque landscape, and is the highest peak on the island. It is a dormant volcano that rises 727 meters (2,385 feet) above sea level.
This iconic mountain is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its rugged and imposing appearance is what characterizes the mountain. The mountain’s formation dates back to millions of years.
While Mount Otemanu is a popular subject for photographs, hiking the mountain isn’t common. The terrain is steep and challenging, making it a demanding climb. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach the summit. Wander in Paradise recommends hiking the area with a knowledgeable guide.
Some tour operators offer guided excursions to Mount Otemanu. These can include hiking trips with experienced guides who can help you explore the mountain’s terrain and learn about its geological and cultural history.
Religion
The dominant religion in Polynesia is Christianity, with the majority Protestant and a large contingent of Catholics.
FAQ Bora Bora Travel Guide
Where is Bora Bora located?
Bora Bora is a small island located in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of French Polynesia. It is situated approximately 143 miles (230 kilometers) northwest of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia.
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season, which typically extends from May to October. This period offers pleasant weather, less rain, and clear waters, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Where is Bora Bora’s airport located?
Bora Bora’s airport is situated on Motu Mute and is accessible only by boat. Free transportation is provided from the airport to the town of Vaitape.
Is there a specific dress code in Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is generally very casual due to the tropical climate. Some bars and restaurants may require a more resort-appropriate dress code in the evenings, but it typically involves wearing light, breathable clothing rather than formal attire.
What is the official language in Bora Bora?
The official language is French, although Tahitian is also widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourist areas and by some native islanders.
What is the currency used in Bora Bora?
The local currency in Bora Bora is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), but most shops, accommodations, and activities also accept U.S. dollars and, in some cases, euros.
What is the weather like in Bora Bora?
Bora Bora enjoys a tropical marine climate with abundant sunshine. Temperatures typically range from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), and the water temperature in the lagoon hovers between 23°C (73°F) and 26°C (79°F). The wet season is from November to April, with August being the driest month.
