How to get there?
Bora Bora is a small, tropical island located in the Pacific Ocean about 160 miles northwest of Papeete, Tahiti. It is part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia and is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and luxurious overwater bungalows. Bora Bora is often referred to as the “Jewel of the South Pacific” and is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a slice of paradise.
The easiest way to get to Bora Bora is to fly to Papeete, Tahiti and then take a short, 45-minute flight to Bora Bora. Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and is served by a number of international airlines, including Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and United Airlines. From Papeete, you can catch a connecting flight to Bora Bora with Air Tahiti, the national airline of French Polynesia.
If you prefer to travel by boat, you can take a ferry from Papeete to Bora Bora. The ferry ride takes about five hours and departs from Papeete several times a week. You can also take a combination of flights and ferries to get to Bora Bora. For example, you can fly to Papeete and then catch a ferry to Bora Bora, or you can fly to another island in French Polynesia and then take a ferry to Bora Bora.
Once you arrive in Bora Bora, you can get around the island by taxi, rental car, or boat. Taxis and rental cars are readily available at the airport, and there are several boat tour companies that offer guided tours of the island and its lagoon.
Overall, getting to Bora Bora requires a bit of planning and coordination, but the effort is well worth it. The island is a true paradise, offering visitors the chance to relax on its beautiful beaches, explore its stunning lagoon and coral reef, and learn about its rich culture and history. With a little planning and some help from a travel agent, you can easily get to Bora Bora and experience the beauty and magic of the South Pacific.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a trip to Bora Bora depends on a variety of factors, including the time of year you visit, your mode of transportation, where you stay, and what activities you participate in. Here are some rough estimates of the costs you can expect to incur for a 10-day trip to Bora Bora:
Airfare: Round-trip airfare from the United States to Papeete, Tahiti (the closest major airport to Bora Bora) can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on your departure city and the time of year you travel. From Papeete, you can catch a connecting flight to Bora Bora for about $150 to $200 round-trip.
Accommodations: Bora Bora has a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury overwater bungalows. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type of accommodation you choose. For example, a budget guesthouse may cost around $100 per night, while a luxury overwater bungalow can cost $1,000 or more per night.
Food and drink: Prices for food and drink in Bora Bora are similar to those in the United States, with meals costing around $20 to $40 per person. If you plan to eat out at restaurants frequently, you can expect to spend at least $300 to $400 on food and drink over the course of your trip.
Activities: There are many activities to enjoy in Bora Bora, including snorkeling, diving, boat tours, and cultural experiences. Prices for activities can vary widely, but you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 for a half-day snorkeling or diving trip, and $50 to $100 for a boat tour.
Overall, it’s difficult to give a precise estimate of the cost of a trip to Bora Bora, as it depends on your specific travel plans. However, as a rough estimate, you can expect to spend at least $3,000 to $5,000 or more for a 10-day trip to Bora Bora, including airfare, accommodations, food and drink, and activities. This is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost of your trip may be higher or lower depending on your specific travel plans.
Please bear in mind, that Bora Bora is one of the most expensive places on earth. We did sent more than $10'000 for our 1 week stay.
Top 10 things to explore on Bora Bora
Here are our top 10 things to explore on Bora Bora:
Matira Beach: This is a must-visit destination on Bora Bora. It is a long stretch of white sandy beach with turquoise waters and is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is also a great spot for watching the sunset.
Mount Otemanu: This 727-meter-high peak is the highest point on Bora Bora and offers breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding lagoon. You can either hike to the top or take a helicopter tour to see the island from above.
Snorkeling and diving: Bora Bora has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world. The coral reefs surrounding the island are home to a wide variety of colorful fish and marine life. Some popular snorkeling and diving spots include Shark Island, Tapu, and the coral gardens.
Overwater bungalows: These are the iconic accommodation options on Bora Bora and are a must-experience for any visitor. The bungalows are built on stilts over the lagoon and offer stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape.
Pearl Farm: Bora Bora is known for its black pearls, which are highly prized for their rarity and beauty. You can visit a pearl farm and learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting pearls.
Visit a traditional Polynesian village: Bora Bora is home to several traditional Polynesian villages where you can learn about the island’s culture and history. The villages are usually located on the outer islands and can be reached by boat.
Go fishing: Bora Bora is a great place for fishing, with a variety of species including tuna, marlin, and barracuda. You can hire a boat and a guide or join a group fishing tour.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: The lagoon surrounding Bora Bora is calm and perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent equipment and explore the lagoon at your own pace or join a guided tour.
Take a boat tour: Bora Bora has several boat tour options that allow you to explore the island and the surrounding lagoon. Some popular options include a tour of the lagoon, a sunset cruise, and a tour to a nearby motu (small island).
Visit a spa: Bora Bora has several luxury spas where you can relax and rejuvenate with a massage or other spa treatment. The spas often use locally sourced ingredients and offer traditional Polynesian treatments.
Le Meridien Luxury Resort
Le Meridien Resort is a luxury hotel located on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The resort is located on the eastern side of the island and offers breathtaking views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape.
The resort has a range of accommodation options including overwater bungalows, beachfront villas, and garden suites. The overwater bungalows are built on stilts over the lagoon and offer stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The beachfront villas and garden suites are located on the beach and offer a more traditional hotel experience.
Le Meridien Resort has a range of dining options including a main restaurant, a beachfront grill, and a poolside bar. The main restaurant serves a mix of local and international cuisine, while the beachfront grill offers a more casual dining experience. The poolside bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.
The resort has several amenities including a spa, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. The spa offers a range of treatments using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Polynesian techniques. The fitness center is equipped with a range of cardio and strength training equipment. The swimming pool is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the lagoon.
Le Meridien Resort also offers a range of activities and excursions for guests to enjoy. These include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon, as well as cultural activities such as visits to traditional Polynesian villages and pearl farms.
Final thoughts
Overall, Bora Bora is a tropical paradise that offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors. If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, be sure to add Bora Bora to your list of must-see destinations.
However, you really have to plan your trip carefully. As it’s that expensive, we would suggest to book an overnight stay in Papeete before heading to the island.
