Things to do in Bora Bora

Do nothing at all while relaxing on one of Bora Bora's sugar-white beaches or explore the island on a choice of outdoor activities.

Bora Bora offers an array of exciting things to do: don a mask and discover a magical underwater world, cruise the vast lagoon and picnic on one of the 30 motus (islets) that encircle the main island or explore Bora Bora's pristine mountainous interior aboard an open-air 4WD jeep – perfect for adventurous honeymoon couples.


Snorkelling

Some of French Polynesia's finest snorkelling lies in the shallow lagoon off Matira Beach; the ‘Aquarium’ at the southern end of Pitiaau motu and around the motus of Piti Uuuta, Toopua and Toopua Iti.

Swim among more than 1000 species of colourful marine life including sharks and manta rays in Bora Bora’s beautiful aquamarine lagoon. Other popular sites include coral reefs in front of Hotel Bora Bora and coral gardens around the Bora Bora Lagoonarium.


Bora Bora Lagoonarium

Swim alongside sharks and other marine creatures in this remarkable outdoor aquarium; you can even have a short movie made of your adventure.


Scuba diving

Dive Tupitipiti Point, a steep drop-off renowned for colourful sponges and large fish including sharks, rays, groupers and big parrotfish, swim among gray sharks, barracudas and colourful reef fish including parrotfish and butterfly fish at the entrance to ‘White Valley’ reef.

Pet friendly spotted and gray rays, which seem to like being caressed during the ‘ray feeding’ excursions at the reef entrance off Point Matira.

Or dive outside the reef at Motu Tapu, an easily accessible islet situated just south of Teavanui Pass.


Hawaiki Nui Va'a Canoe Race

Watch more than 100 traditional canoes compete in the world's largest and longest international open-ocean canoe race, a gruelling 123km between Huahine and Bora-Bora.

Held annually in October, this three-day spectacle is not to be missed. Both the start and finish are celebrated with an elaborate festival of food, music and dance.


Tahiti Pearl Regatta

(May 16-20, 2012) – Watch or compete in this three-day international regatta between the islands of Raiatea,Tahaa and Bora Bora.

At the finish of each stage, the winners receive their trophy for the various categories and at the end of each day all participants enjoy a dinner with traditional Tahitian entertainment.


Heiva I Bora Bora

(June 29 to August 5, 2012) – See the annual singing, dance and traditional sports competition as well as crafts demonstrations, to be held at Moto'i Place in Vaitape, Bora Bora.


Game fishing

Hook up a charter from Vaitape to chase mahi mahi, marlin and yellow fin tuna year around and wahoo and barracuda from July to November.


4WD safari

Explore the interior of Bora Bora on a guided 4WD excursion to visit marae (ancient stone sites once used for prayer and sacrifice), WWII sites and enjoy panoramic vistas over the lagoon, which at 80km2 is three times the size of the island.


Hiking

Stroll hand-in-hand along the picturesque road between the Hotel Bora Bora and Matira Point, which overlooks the gorgeous Matira Beach. For a more challenging walk, try the trail from Vaitape to the top of Mount Pahia or ascend the slopes of Mount Otemanu.


Horseback riding

Saddle up for a scenic ride up a mountain trail or along a beach splashing through the shallows of the lagoon.


Shopping

Best buys in Bora Bora include gorgeous black Tahitian pearls and colourful patchwork blankets called tifaifai.


Latest update: Things to do in Bora Bora: 19 April, 2022



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