Tropical Adventures Await: Best Attractions in Bora Bora for Unforgettable Memories
Are you ready for an unforgettable vacation that is out of this world? Then you must plan a trip to Bora Bora! An iconic destination, the lush tropical island is situated in the turquoise waters and stunning peaks of French Polynesia.
Whether it’s enjoying a romantic sunset sail or snorkeling through crystal-clear waters, there are so many activities to explore on Bora Bora that will ensure your visit there remains etched in your memory forever.
Here, we take you through some of the best attractions on offer and highlight why they make up part of creating an amazing holiday experience on this beautiful Pacific Island paradise!
1. Soak in the Sun on Matira Beach
Matira Beach in Bora Bora is an incredible tropical paradise that offers guests a unique and unforgettable experience. Located on the South Pacific coast of the island, this secluded beach is fully accessible by public transportation and offers stunning views of the lagoon with its crystal clear turquoise waters.
Matira Beach features white sand and lush palm trees lining the shore. Guests can soak up the sun while enjoying activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. The water at the public beach is calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming or relaxing in a hammock hung between the palms.
The beach also has plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including restaurant options, umbrellas for rent, showers, and restrooms. Plus, there are vendors selling souvenirs along the shoreline. If you’re looking for a truly special experience on your trip to Bora Bora then you won’t want to miss visiting Matira Beach!
2. Take a Hike on Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia
Hiking Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia in Bora Bora is an adventure of a lifetime! Located on the northeast side of the island, these two mountains offer visitors stunning vistas and dramatic landscapes. The hike to the summit of both mountains takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on your fitness level, but it’s worth every minute for the breathtaking views you get along the way and from the top.
The climb starts with a long walk from Vaitape Village up to Mount Pahia. From here, you can trek cross-country until you reach a path that will take you through lush native vegetation before leading you up to the summit of Otemanu. Once at the top, be sure to take some time to catch your breath and enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon below and all its splendor.
Hiking Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia in Bora Bora is a truly unique experience that offers unforgettable sights, peaceful solace, and unparalleled beauty! Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax in nature, this excursion should not be missed!
3. Try the Local Beer
If you want a truly one-of-a-kind experience while visiting Bora Bora, grab yourself some Hinano Beer! This exquisite lager beer has been brewed since 1955, and it’s perfect for savoring in paradise. Enjoy its crisp flavor that will stay with you long after your vacation ends – an essential for any traveler wishing to keep the memories of their time in Bora alive.
In addition to Hinano, other popular beers include Hinano Ambrée, Hinano Gold, Triple Red Mo’o, Bora Bora Lounge, Tabu Mojito, and Tabu Lemon. Prices for a six-pack of 12 oz cans or bottles range from $15-18 US dollars.
If you’re looking for something different than beer, there are many other local beer options available in the Islands of Tahiti. For example, Uru (Breadfruit) Beer is an increasingly popular health-conscious option that is becoming more widely available internationally.
4. Head Underwater with an Aqua Safari
An Aqua Safari is a unique and unforgettable way to explore the stunning underwater world of Bora Bora. Guests start their exploration with a briefing and introduction on snorkeling safety before heading out on an awe-inspiring journey to explore the very shallow waters, coral gardens, natural aquarium, lagoons, and spectacular sea life just below the surface.
An Aqua Safari usually lasts around two hours, during which guests will get up close and personal with tropical fish, beautiful corals, and other incredible marine and underwater life there. The adventure also includes plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling along the way.
If you’re striving for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in French Polynesia, then an Aqua Safari in Bora Bora is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed!
5. Stay in Overwater Bungalows
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora offer a truly magical and luxurious experience. The bungalows are perched over the aquamarine lagoons, allowing guests to take in breathtaking views of the ocean while they relax in their private villas.
The bungalows come fully equipped with private terraces, outdoor showers, and amenities such as air conditioning, satellite TV, and mini-bars. The interior of the rooms is often modern and exquisite, featuring bohemian tiki interiors and luxurious furnishings.
The location of the bungalows provides unparalleled access to aquatic activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or just lounging around on the private beach surrounded by crystal blue water!
6. Ride a Jet Ski around Bora Bora
Jet skiing around Bora Bora is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Glide over crystal blue waters surrounded by the majestic peaks of Mount Otemanu on one side and the tropical lagoons on the other.
Jet ski riders will experience thrilling speed runs, leisurely cruises, and jet ski tours. There are also plenty of sightseeing opportunities, as you can make stops along the way to explore beaches, snorkeling spots, and hidden coves.
Whether it’s your first time out on the open water or you’re an experienced jet skier, riding a jet ski around Bora Bora offers stunning views, exciting thrills, and an almost unforgettable day of adventure!
7. Visit Tahiti Pearl Market
Jewelry connoisseurs, if you have not yet visited the Tahiti Pearl Market in Bora Bora, then it is an absolute must! You’ll find a wide array of pearls here; from South Sea white and black to freshwater varieties. All are locally sourced, so your money goes back into the community too.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for one-of-a-kind pieces! You can find stunning pieces made from these pearls and created by local artisans.
Adorn yourself with luxurious pearl accessories, like necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that can be tailor-made to your specific requirements. In addition to the unbeatable quality of these items, they are also wallet-friendly – making it effortless for you to find one-of-a-kind pieces without breaking the bank.
Visiting the Tahiti Pearl Market in Bora Bora is a great way to add some unique beauty to your jewelry collection and bring home a unique piece of local culture!
8. Drive around the Scenic Circle Island Road
Take a leisurely drive around the awe-inspiring Circle Island Road in captivating Bora Bora to take in all its grandeur. Along this winding route, be amazed by stunning sights such as lush rainforests, glistening white beaches, and enchanting turquoise lagoons that will make for an unforgettable journey through the main island’s majestic landscape.
As you traverse the island, be sure to take time and celebrate its most iconic locations, like Bloody Mary’s beach bar, Mount Otemanu, or Matira Beach. When it comes time for a little respite from your journey? Make certain to check out any nearby restaurants and cafes – they are just what is needed for some well-deserved refreshment!
For those seeking thrilling exploration or a peaceful journey filled with remarkable sights, driving around Circle Island Road in Bora Bora is the ideal way to satisfy any craving!
9. Spot Some Blacktip Reef Sharks on a Polynesian Outrigger Canoe
Gliding through the waters of Bora Bora in a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe and spotting Blacktip reef sharks is an unparalleled experience! These canoes have served as powerful vessels for islanders over centuries, providing them with transportation, fishing opportunities and so much more.
Ready to take on a unique adventure? Cast your line and come face-to-face with majestic blacktip reef sharks near the coast. Delve into aquamarine depths, uncover hidden beaches, explore stunning coral reefs, and witness breathtaking views of nature’s grandeur.
Experience the thrill of encountering blacktip reef sharks from a Polynesian outrigger canoe in beautiful Bora Bora! It is an amazing adventure to discover the local wildlife and should not be missed.
10. Enjoy Colorful Coral Gardens
Exploring the gorgeous coral gardens and other Bora Bora islands is a must-have experience! The vibrant reefs surrounding the island are teeming with an array of sea creatures, including resplendent coral polyps that produce a kaleidoscope of colors in the oceanic world.
You can explore both shallow waters and deep areas of the barrier reef, either on your own or with a knowledgeable guide. Keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and manta rays as you admire the beauty of these colorful corals.
Spend some time snorkeling in the warm waters and enjoy an unforgettable experience getting up close to these magnificent coral gardens in Bora Bora!
11. Feed Some Sharks and Stingrays and Other Tropical Fish
Feeding the native blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in Bora Bora is a thrilling experience! With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get to go out on a traditional outrigger canoe and feed some of the local blacktip reef sharks.
As you approach the shore, you’ll also have the chance to feed other tropical fish and other sea creatures, such as stingrays swimming close to the surface.
You’ll be able to observe these incredible sea creatures from just a few feet away – it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
12. Grab a Drink at Bloody Mary’s
Experience the ultimate taste of paradise at Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora! Located on a postcard-worthy beach, this iconic bar has been delighting guests with exquisite cocktails since the 70s. Enjoy an ice-cold piña colada and bask in breathtaking views as you savor your favorite tiki drink to its fullest. Make sure to add Bloody Mary’s to your next tropical escape for memories that will last forever!
Bloody Mary’s is also known for its fun island-style atmosphere with live music, dancing, and local performers – it’s the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long day out exploring Bora Bora’s top. So grab a drink and enjoy the unique ambiance of Bloody Mary’s!
13. Take Lagoon Tours in French Polynesia
Tour the stunning lagoon in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and experience a paradise like no other. With crystal clear waters and colorful coral gardens, you’ll be able to snorkel with tropical fish, rays, and even sharks. You can also relax on the boat while admiring the island’s breathtaking views.
Enjoy a romantic dinner on Vahine Island or indulge in an ultimate spa experience at Sofitel Private Island. With Moorea Miti Tours, you can explore the lagoon with a unique snorkeling excursion and a delicious BBQ lunch.
For an unforgettable adventure, book your tour with Narii and enjoy a ride on a private motu while swimming with lemon sharks. Then, experience all that French Polynesia has to offer by taking lagoon tours!
14. Search for Manta Rays and Eagle Rays
Visiting Bora Bora is an unforgettable experience, and one of the highlights of any trip is snorkeling with manta rays and eagle rays. The waters around Bora Bora are home to various marine life, including these majestic creatures. Manta rays can be up to 7 meters in size, with brachial slits located on their bellies and oversized pectoral fins welded to their heads, enabling movement. Eagle and sting rays have distinctive diamond-shaped bodies and long tails that help them swim gracefully through the water.
The best place for snorkeling with manta rays and eagle rays is Anau, located on the east side of Bora Bora. This site is well known as a “cleaning station” where reef manta rays can be found almost all year round. You may even spot large groups of up to 100 or more eagle rays swimming together! Other marine life you might encounter includes blacktip sharks, stingrays, and a multitude of tropical fish.
If you’re looking for a guided tour, several companies offer lagoon tours around the island that will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling with manta rays and eagle rays. In addition, Tuaiva is an eco-friendly local guide who really puts his heart into the trip – perfect for those looking for an authentic experience!
15. Care for Sea Turtles at the Bora Bora Turtle Sanctuary
Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in French Polynesia? Head on over to the Bora Bora Turtle Sanctuary, a sea turtle conservation center located on the southern tip of the stunning island of Bora Bora.
Established to conserve and safeguard these glorious animals, the sanctuary has since become home to more than 200 matas (sea) turtles. By taking part in activities like guided tours, art workshops, and educational programs, visitors can discover all they need to know about sea turtles as well as their environment.
At the sanctuary, volunteers have a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience by assisting with numerous everyday tasks such as scrubbing enclosures, offering food to turtles, and participating in research efforts or monitoring activities.
You can also join in on educational talks that focus on sea turtle biology and conservation efforts. Additionally, the facility offers a unique opportunity to swim with these amazing animals!
16. Go Scuba Diving at the Eleuthera Bora Diving Center
Go Scuba Diving in Bora Bora is an experience like no other. At the Eleuthera Bora Diving Center, you can explore the Polynesian archipelago’s vibrant coral reefs and unique marine life. With experienced dive instructors and various dives available, you’ll be able to experience the wonders of this underwater paradise.
From introductory dives to drift-through-the-pass dives and even shark dives, there’s something for everyone at Eleuthera Bora Diving Center. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the depths of this beautiful destination.
So come and discover why scuba diving in Bora Bora is one of the most popular activities in French Polynesia!
17. Appreciate Paradise on a Sunset Cruise
Experience the beauty and serenity of French Polynesia with a paradise sunset cruise in Bora Bora. With breathtaking views of the island’s blue lagoons, shimmering turquoise waters, and majestic mountains, you’ll be captivated by its natural splendor.
As the sun sets over the horizon, you can enjoy a selection of delicious snacks while relaxing on board your private luxury catamaran.
Guided by extremely knowledgeable and friendly crewmembers, the tour takes you on a magical journey around the numerous motus (small islets) dotting Bora Bora’s lagoon. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins and manta rays as they glimmer gracefully through the crystal-clear waters beneath your boat.
18. Visit Bora Bora’s Main Town
Bora Bora’s main town is perfect for tasting French Polynesian island culture and history. Located on the island’s northwest coast, this bustling spot has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer a unique taste of French Polynesia.
Take some time to explore Vaitape – a picturesque village with colorful buildings and friendly locals. Savor traditional dishes at one of the many eateries or shop for souvenirs at one of the local stores.
You can also visit one of the island stories and many other art galleries and cultural centers, which offer insights into Bora Bora’s diverse heritage, art, and traditions. In addition, there are plenty of activities to do in and around towns, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and reef snorkeling. Besides, you can take a helicopter tour to see the beauty of the whole island!
Bottom Line
Ready for a dream vacation? Look no further than Bora Bora! With its lush tropical landscape, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable attractions, this Pacific Island paradise is the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From snorkeling in coral gardens to hiking Mount Otemanu, feeding sharks and stingrays, and relaxing in overwater bungalows, there’s something for everyone in Bora Bora.
So why wait? Plan your unforgettable trip to this iconic destination today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
