10 Best Things to Do in Bora Bora

The best things to do in Bora Bora showcase the island’s beauty in all its glory, enjoyed alone or via guided tours. A small South Pacific island, Bora Bora is a dream holiday destination for many. Its idyllic sandy islets, glittering turquoise sea, lush mountains and majestic coral reefs offer not just paradisical photo opportunities, but also a myriad of unforgettable activities.

Stay above land to explore Vaitape’s harbour or take a quad tour of the mountains. Alternatively, venture into the deep on an underwater safari walk or delve into scuba diving sessions amongst the coral gardens. Either way, Bora Bora’s attractions will leave memories that will last a lifetime.

What are the best things to do in Bora Bora?

1. Bora Bora beaches

Utopian picture-perfect beaches 

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

First on anyone’s itinerary when it comes to the best things to do in Bora Bora should be the island’s glorious beaches. These palm-tree-studded stretches of powdery white sand caressed by crystal-clear turquoise waters are often lauded as the most beautiful beaches in Tahiti, if not the South Pacific.

The public Matira Beach is ideal if you like calm and safe swimming on a tranquil shore almost untouched by tourism. For mesmerising snorkelling opportunities in a private tropical oasis, visit Motu Tapu lagoon via the Conrad Bora Bora Nui resort. Alternatively, if you’d like a taste of true luxury, enjoy underwater encounters, wellness retreats and sunset cruises on the exclusive paradise beach belonging to the Four Seasons resort.

See nearby properties

2. Bora Bora lagoon

A tour of paradise 

Good for: Couples, Photo, Luxury

It’s no secret that Bora Bora boasts breathtaking feats of nature, and the best way to take these in is via a boat tour of the Bora Bora lagoon. Climb aboard a chic catamaran and allow your guides to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey that will stay with you long after your holiday has ended.

The dazzling colours of the coral reefs and marine life will provide unparalleled snorkelling opportunities. You’ll be able to pet playful rays and swim with friendly lemon sharks and blacktip reef sharks. Between spots of snorkelling, lounge on the boat’s deck, take in paradisical vistas and soak up the gorgeous sun with a cocktail teeming with fresh fruit.

See nearby properties

3. Coral gardens

Vibrant underwater gardens awaiting discovery 

Good for: Couples, Adventure, History

As a highly volcanic island, Bora Bora is home to some staggeringly beautiful coral gardens that can only be accessed by specific dive sites. It’s hard to say which one is the best, as each location provides something uniquely wonderful.

The vast coral garden at Anau, the eastern tip of the island, is a sprawling forest-like environment that attracts scores of manta rays. Meanwhile, south of Sofitel Motu, you’ll find what the locals call ‘the Aquarium’. The coral garden here is an array of dreamy pastel colours and teeming with neon butterflyfish and parrot fish. Finally, head to the idyllic Motu Fanfan to find unusual and brightly coloured reefs and awesome underwater tiki statues.

See nearby properties

4. Vaitape harbour

Bora Bora’s dynamic main settlement 

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Looking out onto the turquoise lagoon and backdropped by Mount Otemanu, any afternoon spent at Vaitape harbour will be filled with good food, leisurely walks and plenty of sunshine. You can watch sleek catamarans gliding along the water while you dine on French Polynesian delicacies like a refreshing poisson cru or a decadent pastry.

The small town of Vaitape holds the same laidback lifestyle as the rest of the island. Marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the town’s churches and visit the Bora Art Upstairs gallery for gorgeous Tahitian artwork before sampling the local fare at a waterside eatery. For the perfect souvenir, chic boutiques and their friendly sellers offer enchanting black pearl jewellery or artisan crafts.

See nearby properties

5. Take an ATV/Quad island tour

A drive for sights and culture 

Good for: Families, History, Photo

If your time on Bora Bora is limited or you’d like to see as much as possible, then taking an ATV or Quad island tour is your best option. Expert guides will instruct you in driving the state-of-the-art vehicles before unleashing you into the wild landscape of Bora Bora.

Drive to the summit of Mount Popoti for incredible views of the islands of Taha’a and Raiatea or traverse rocky paths to reach the Faanui Valley and its cultural relics. You’ll be treated to Bora Bora stories and legends from your guide along the way, making your tour a truly memorable experience.

See nearby properties

6. Aqua Safari Underwater Walk

Fun-filled aquatic adventures 

Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure

If you’ve already been on a glass-bottomed boat, you’ve snorkelled and you’ve scuba-dived, how about donning an air-supplied helmet and embarking on an Aqua Safari Underwater Walk? At a depth of 3 metres (10 ft), you’ll get to walk around the remarkable coral gardens and see their aquatic inhabitants up close with the help of an expert guide.

If you don’t know how to swim or dive, there’s no need to worry, as your feet will stay planted on the ocean floor. All your equipment is provided so you can focus on the breathtaking sights. If you’re lucky, a tropical fish might even eat out of your hand, or a manta ray may allow you to pet it.

See nearby properties

7. Jet ski tour

A bracing lagoon expedition 

Good for: Couples, Adventure, Photo

Nothing quite compares to the thrill of zipping through the ocean waves on a jet ski tour with the wind in your hair and the sea spray on your face. Couple that with the jaw-dropping scenery of the Bora Bora lagoon and you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meander your way past water bungalows, catamarans and picturesque bays with a guide, by yourself or with a loved one for an exhilarating date idea. It’s possible to see the entire island on one of these tours, so do make sure you bring your camera to immortalise these amazing sights.

See nearby properties

8. Āmanahune viewpoint

Scenic vistas as far as the eye can see 

Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget

Towering above the beautiful Pofai Bay, the Āmanahune viewpoint offers views so magnificent that they’re hard to put into words. It’s a steep and bumpy road to the summit so it’s best tackled on a quad, but we promise the reward is more than worthwhile.

Alongside views of the lagoon and surrounding islands, you’ll also spot the WWII cannons, the Matira Beach and the mysterious Anau Cave. The Āmanahune plateau is a particularly stunning place come evening when the blazing sun appears to melt on the horizon. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular location for romantic proposals and celebrations.

Location: F7HC+844, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

See nearby properties

9. WWII Guns Faanui

For a slice of WWII history 

Good for: History, Photo

WWII Guns Faanui stands as a testament to the time when Bora Bora served as a vital supply base for American forces. Several vast and intimidating cannons remain perched upon the island’s mountaintops and are mostly reached through thick jungle. So, the best way to see them is via guided tour, especially as some stand on private property.

You’ll find the cannons and even some artillery bunkers located at Points Tereia, Fitiiu, Farepiti and Matira. Your guide will provide plenty of intriguing backstory to the impressive machinery, and you’ll also have plenty of great photo opportunities. The imposing cannons make for a stark contrast against the gorgeous island background.

See nearby properties

10. Best hikes in Bora Bora

Treks through tropical landscapes 

Good for: Couples, Photo, Budget

The best hikes in Bora Bora take you through its sensational landscape where you can immerse yourself in this miraculous feat of nature. Ensure you time your hike outside of the hottest temperatures, take water and snacks and wear appropriate footwear.

The commanding Mount Otemanu provides an intense hike, ending at the mountain’s renowned cave. Alternatively, beginners may prefer the short trail from Faanui village to see the WWII cannons. Lovers of local legends should follow a guide through the Valley of Kings to see ancient temples and royal tombs. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran hiker, going solo or on a guided tour, there are dozens of trails that showcase the very best of the island’s beauty.

See nearby properties

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.