Major city · French Polynesia
Bora BoraPora Pora
Go for 3–5 nights if the overwater bungalow is the point of the trip; otherwise 3 nights on the main island and day-trip the lagoon.
Bora Bora is one lagoon, one extinct volcano and a ring of motu islets, 50 minutes by air from Tahiti. The island is small — 31 km of road around the main island — and very expensive. What you pay for is the lagoon and the view of Mount Otemanu; everything else is logistics. Three nights covers the lagoon tour, Matira Beach and one slow day. Five nights lets you add diving or a second motu.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- XPF
- Best months
- May–Oct (dry season)
- avoid Nov–Apr (wet season, storms; Dec–Jan busiest and priciest)
- Airport
- BOB
- Nights
- 3–5
Rules in force · 6
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Polynesia ↗In much of Polynesia Sunday is kept for church and family: expect shops, tours and some flights to stop, and dress and behave quietly in villages.
- French Polynesia ↗Entry rules are set by France but separately from Schengen: EU citizens enter freely, other passports should check the French government's rules for French Polynesia, and an onward ticket is required.
- French Polynesia ↗Declare food, plants and animal products on arrival; moving plants and soil between islands is also restricted.
- French Polynesia ↗Drive on the right, as in France; scooters and cars can be hired on the main islands.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bora Bora17 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bora Bora, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the CFP franc (XPF), also used in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, pegged to the euro (€1 (≈ US$2) = 119.33 XPF)…French Polynesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMVini (OPT) is the main network, with Vodafone (Onati) as the other; tourist SIMs at Faa'a airport and Vini shops need a passport.French Polynesia-wide
- Tap waterTap water in Papeete and many Tahiti and Moorea communes is treated; on atolls it is rainwater.French Polynesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; service is included.French Polynesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.French Polynesia-wide
- SafetyBora Bora is a low-crime island; the real risks are sunburn, coral cuts, strong lagoon currents and the cost of a missed boat transfer.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; few public ones — use cafés, malls and the ferry terminal.French Polynesia-wide
- Emergency numbers17 police · 15 Medical (SAMU) · 18 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close around 11:30–13:30 on many islands and most close Sunday afternoon; the Papeete market is busiest on Sunday dawn.Shops close around 11:30 AM–1:30 PM on many islands and most close Sunday afternoon; the Papeete market is busiest on Sunday dawn.French Polynesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOB Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute) (On a motu north of the main island; Air Tahiti from Papeete about 50 min, several flights a day.
- Getting aroundOne sealed road circles the main island (31 km (19 mi), about 1 h to drive without stops).One sealed road circles the main island (19 mi (31 km), about 1 h to drive without stops).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Sit-down mealRestaurant dinner, main course3,000–6,000 XPF
- Street or quick mealBeer at a snack / resort bar600–1,500 XPF
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2,500–4,500 XPF
- Budget bedGuesthouse or pension double, a night, per roomXPF 12,000
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or pension double, a night, per roomXPF 20,000
- High-end bedGuesthouse or pension double, a night, per roomXPF 35,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget XPF 12,000 · Mid XPF 22,000 · High XPF 45,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOB Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute) (On a motu north of the main island; Air Tahiti from Papeete about 50 min, several flights a day. Free shuttle boat to Vaitape; resorts meet their own guests at the airport.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Oct
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jun (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jul (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bora Bora: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Sep
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
One sealed road circles the main island (31 km, about 1 h to drive without stops). A single bus runs roughly hourly on part of the loop; taxis exist but are few. Rent a car, scooter or e-bike in Vaitape for a day. Motu resorts move you by boat on their own timetable — ask before booking activities elsewhere.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
- Papeete full guide260 km (162 mi)162 mi (260 km) south-east of Bora Bora
From Papeete: Air Tahiti flight, about 50 min · Overnight or more
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lagoon tour (shark and ray snorkel)
goDoor to door: Half day to full day
Boat from Vaitape or your resort quay; most operators run a half or full day
The reason to come. Book with a licensed operator; ask about pick-up from your accommodation.
Matira Beach
goDoor to door: 20–30 min from Vaitape
Bus or rental car to the south tip of the main island
Free, shallow and calm; the island's main public beach.
Mount Pahia hike
cautionDoor to door: Half day
Trailhead above Vaitape; guide strongly advised
Steep, partly unmarked, crosses private land; not for casual walkers.
Maupiti
overnightDoor to door: Half day plus
Air Tahiti, about 15 min, limited days
A quieter lagoon island; go only if you have spare nights.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Matira (south tip of main island)
The main public beach, snacks and a handful of guesthouses; the cheapest way to be on the water.
Vaitape (west coast)
The only town: ferry quay, groceries, roulottes and the airport shuttle. Practical, not scenic.
Motu resorts (off the main island)
Overwater and beach bungalows on islets; boat transfer is included but you are tied to the resort's schedule and prices.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget (guesthouse, self-catering)
- 12,000–20,000 XPF excl. bed
- Mid (hotel or pension, some tours)
- 20,000–35,000 XPF excl. bed
- High (resort dining and daily tours)
- 35,000–60,000 XPF excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or beach bungalow double1 × 3 nights × XPF 55,000 | XPF 165,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × XPF 22,000 | XPF 132,000 |
| Air Tahiti Papeete–Bora Bora return2 × XPF 40,000 · check | XPF 80,000 |
| Lagoon snorkel tour, half day2 × XPF 12,000 · check | XPF 24,000 |
| Car rental, 24 h1 × XPF 12,000 · check | XPF 12,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × XPF 3,000 | XPF 6,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | XPF 41,900 |
| Trip total≈ XPF 76,800 per person per day, bed included | XPF 460,900 |
2026 estimate in CFP francs; international flights and inter-island air excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Roulotte meal (burger or grilled fish with fries) | 700–1,400 XPF |
| Pizza at a Matira shack | 1,300–1,900 XPF |
| Restaurant dinner, main course | 3,000–6,000 XPF |
| Beer at a snack / resort bar | 600–1,500 XPF |
| Scooter rental, 4 h / 24 h | 5,500 / 6,800 XPF (check) |
| Electric two-seater, 4 h | 8,000 XPF (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | 2,500–4,500 XPF |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Everything is expensive: food, transfers and activities all sit at the top of the range.
- Motu resorts are not walkable to town; a missed boat transfer can cost you a tour.
- Wet season (Nov–Apr) brings heavy rain and unpredictable storms.
- Mount Pahia trail crosses private land and has lost hikers; go with a guide.
- Book Air Tahiti seats early — flights from Papeete fill up.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 17
- Medical (SAMU)
- 15
- Fire
- 18
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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Bora BoraPora Pora
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
I teie vahi, na reiraTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police17
- Medical (SAMU)15
- Fire18
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies on Bora Bora; the US, UK, Australian and other consulates are in Papeete, Tahiti (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport shuttle boat to Vaitape: free with Bora Bora Navette (check)
- Air Tahiti Papeete → Bora Bora: about 50 min, several flights a day (check)
- Taxi Vaitape → Matira: about 3,000–4,000 XPF (check)
Say or show
- Ia ora na — Hello (yo-rah-nah)
- Mauruuru — Thank you (mah-roo-roo)
- Nana — Goodbye (nah-nah)
- E / Aita — Yes / No (ay / eye-tah)
- E hia te moni? — How much is it? (ay hee-ah teh moh-nee)
- Te fare iroto i hea? — Where is the toilet? (teh fah-reh ee-roh-toh ee heh-ah)
Tipping is not expected; a thank-you to a guide is welcome.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bora Bora. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (dry season) · avoid Nov–Apr (wet season, storms; Dec–Jan busiest and priciest) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BOB: Air Tahiti seat, shuttle boat to Vaitape, resort boat fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Vaitape, Matira, Pofai Bay, the motu resorts.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (lagoon tours, Matira, Mount Pahia, black-pearl farm) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTahiti Tourisme — Bora Bora
- officialAir Tahiti
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bora Bora, revision 5241968 (CC BY-SA 4.0)