Moorea — Guide complet
Just 30 minutes from Papeete, Moorea offers a more authentic experience with its spectacular bays and hiking.
Lire l'article →Why Bora Bora?
What Nobody Tells You Before You Go
The first time I flew over Bora Bora in an ATR72 from Raiatea — in less than 20 minutes — I understood why this island became a global obsession. The lagoon isn't just turquoise, it's luminous: a dozen shades of blue that change throughout the day, framed by flat atolls and Mount Otemanu in the background. The photos don't lie. It's really that beautiful.
What they don't tell you: Bora Bora is small. The main island is 7 km long. A drive around it takes 45 minutes. The white sand beaches are on the atolls — not on the main island. If you book a hotel on the roadside without checking, you'll have the mountain on one side and the main road on the other. The lagoon is on the atolls. Keep that in mind.
Bora Bora attracts honeymooning couples and wealthy travelers, but also backpackers and families. There are accommodations for all budgets, from luxury bungalows at €1,200 a night to family pensions at €100. Water activities — snorkeling, diving, lagoon tours — are exceptional and accessible. And contrary to what you might think, July-August isn't the only time to visit.
Mon conseil
Évitez juillet-août si vous n'aimez pas la foule. En mai ou octobre, les prix baissent de 20-30%, les hôtels sont plus calmes et les conditions de snorkeling sont identiques. Bora Bora hors saison, c'est l'île à son meilleur.
Planification
French Polynesia Travel Budget
How much to budget for Bora Bora and other islands? Estimates by profile.
→
Things to Do
Must-Do Experiences in Bora Bora
Tour de lagon en bateau
Snorkeling avec raies et requins, pique-nique sur motu
From €80/person
Scuba Diving
Les passes de Bora Bora parmi les plus belles du monde
From €95/dive
Jet Skiing & quad lagoon
Fast-paced motu exploration with thrills
From €120/person
Hiking Mount Otemanu
Vue panoramique sur le lagon et les motus environnants
Gratuit ou avec guide
Spa & Polynesian Massage
Le taurumi traditionnel et soins avec huiles locales
From €60/session
Motu Tapu & plages
The sacred motu facing Mount Otemanu, accessible by boat
Inclus tours lagon
Where to Stay
Best Accommodations in Bora Bora
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
★★★★★
Resort de luxe · Bungalows sur l'eau
InterContinental Le Moana
★★★★★
Resort · Overwater Bungalows & plage
Pension Maeva — Option budget
✓ Local Favorite
Pension de famille · Room avec vue lagon
Locations & villas (Airbnb / Booking)
Private Bungalow
150€ - 400€/nuit
Villa avec piscine
300€ - 600€/nuit
Studio lagon
80€ - 200€/nuit
Room chez l'habitant
70€ - 150€/nuit
Transportation
Flights & Access
Paris
CDG
→
Papeete
PPT
→
Bora Bora
BOB
Vol international
Paris → Papeete
Duration
~16-18h (1-2 escales)
Prix
600€ - 1 200€
Inter-island Flight
Papeete → Bora Bora
Duration
~1h en avion commercial
Prix
200€ - 300€ (aller-retour)
Alternative rapide
Depuis Raiatea (45 min)
Duration
~45 min en ATR72
Prix
100€ - 150€ (aller-retour)
Tip : If you're coming from Raiatea (where I live), the flight to Bora Bora takes just 45 minutes by ATR72. It's faster and cheaper than from Papeete. Inter-island connections are daily.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Visa
Pas requis pour les UE
90 jours sans visa pour ressortissants UE, suisses, canadiens
Monnaie
Franc CFP
1€ = 119 CFP. Cards are accepted everywhere
Time Difference
-11h (hiver)
When it's noon in Paris, it's 1 AM in Bora Bora
Best Time
May to October
Dry, cool (26-28°C), fewer tourists than July-August
Electricity
220V / European Plug
No adapter needed for French devices
Internet
Bon (4G/5G)
Arue and Vodafone have good coverage on the island. WiFi in hotels
Budget Estimate
Average Budget for Bora Bora (7 days)
| Poste | Moderate Budget | Budget moyen | Budget premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vols Paris ↔ Bora Bora | 800€ | 1 100€ | 1 500€ |
| Accommodation (7 nuits) | 840€ (120€/nuit) | 1 400€ (200€/nuit) | 3 500€+ (500€/nuit) |
| Repas quotidiens | 630€ (90€/jour) | 980€ (140€/jour) | 1 400€ (200€/jour) |
| Activities & visites | 400€ | 700€ | 1 200€+ |
| Transport local | 80€ | 150€ | 300€ |
| Total (7 jours) | 2 750€ | 4 330€ | 8 000€+ |
Note : These estimates are per person. Couples and families can reduce costs by sharing accommodations and some activities. In low season (May, September, October), expect 20-30% discounts.
Climate
Weather by Month
January
30°C
💧 200mm
February
30°C
💧 180mm
March
29°C
💧 150mm
April
28°C
💧 100mm
May
27°C
💧 80mm
June
26°C
💧 70mm
July
25°C
💧 60mm
August
26°C
💧 70mm
September
27°C
💧 80mm
October
28°C
💧 100mm
November
29°C
💧 130mm
December
30°C
💧 170mm
The dry season (May-October) offers the best conditions with less rain and pleasant temperatures. July-August are the most touristy months. Avoid November-April (tropical cyclone season).
Frequently Asked Questions
Tout ce que vous vous posez sur Bora Bora
How Long to Stay in Bora Bora?
▼
3-7 days is ideal. Three days are enough to see the island and do main activities (lagoon tour, snorkeling, Mount Otemanu). If you want more relaxation time and deeper exploration, a week is perfect. More than 10 days is really for honeymooning couples maximizing time in overwater bungalows.
Is It Safe? Are There Sharks?
▼
Yes, there are sharks in French Polynesia, but incidents are rare (fewer than 5 per year across all of Polynesia). Sharks in the lagoon are usually small reef sharks and harmless. Snorkeling tours are very safe. The island is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft is rare but possible in touristy areas: keep your money and valuables in your hotel room.
Peut-on visiter Bora Bora avec un petit budget ?
▼
Absolutely. Family guesthouses cost €100-150/night. Local meals (food trucks, small restaurants) run €10-15. The lagoon tour is a must-do and costs around €80. You can spend a comfortable week in Bora Bora for €2,500-3,000 including flights from Paris on low-cost airlines or via Raiatea.
Faut-il un permis de conduire pour louer une voiture ?
▼
Yes, a valid French or international driver's license is required. Roads are well-maintained and driving is on the left (like in Great Britain). A complete tour of the island by car takes about 45 minutes. Fuel is fairly expensive (around €1.50/liter). Many guesthouses offer free bikes, which can be enough to explore the island at a slower pace.
Quel est le meilleur moment pour photographier Bora Bora ?
▼
Photos are beautiful year-round, but best conditions are May-October (dry season, clearer skies). Golden hour (sunset/sunrise) offers incredible tones. If you fly over the island by plane, it's unforgettable — lagoon colors from the sky are postcard-worthy. Lagoon tours also offer excellent photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bora Bora
Is Bora Bora really worth the price?
Bora Bora is the most expensive island in French Polynesia, with prices 50-70% higher than other islands. However, the lagoon landscape (considered one of the world's most beautiful) partially justifies the cost. If budget is tight, consider Moorea or Tahiti for better value. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Bora Bora is worth the splurge for the incomparable setting — but stay at least 3-4 nights to justify the access costs.
What's the best time to visit Bora Bora?
May to October (dry season) is ideal with stable weather, lower humidity, excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. July-August is peak season with the highest prices and more tourists. September-October offers better conditions than April-May at similar budget. Avoid December-February (possible cyclones and very expensive). March-April can have rough weather but prices drop 20-30%. Overall, May-October is recommended.
Tips for overwater bungalows?
Overwater bungalows are unforgettable but pricey (€400-800/night minimum). Book well in advance for July-August. Beachfront bungalows cost less (€200-500) but are equally memorable with direct lagoon access. Check if the lagoon is directly accessible or requires ladder descents. Early bungalows closer to the bay offer better views. Negotiation is often possible for multi-night stays. Swimming and snorkeling directly from your bungalow is the main appeal.
What is there to do besides the beach?
Lagoon tours by boat (€50-70) include snorkeling, shark and ray viewing. Trekking Mount Otemanu offers spectacular panoramic views (guide recommended). Japanese WWII fortifications remain and tell fascinating history. Scuba diving offers varied sites, water sports, and sunset cruises. Nearby motus like Tupai offer day trips with beach picnics. Shops and restaurants in the main village provide some activity. Most visitors focus on beach relaxation, water activities, and sunset experiences.
How do you get to Bora Bora?
The international airport has direct flights from Papeete (50 min, 2-3 departures/day). International connections exist for larger aircraft. Inter-island ferries exist but take 3-5 hours — rarely used except for vehicles. Domestic flights cost €100-150 one-way. The airport is 10 km from town, accessible via paid shuttle or car rental. Arriving early in the day maximizes your time to enjoy the lagoon.
Tips for a Bora Bora honeymoon?
Bora Bora is an ideal honeymoon destination with romantic overwater bungalows, spectacular sunsets, and intimate atmosphere. Book an overwater bungalow for the complete experience (private pool, incomparable views). Plan a private sunset cruise. Celebrate with a special dinner at the resort or a romantic boat dinner. May-July and September-October offer the best value for honeymooners. Budget: €6,000-10,000 for a week (flights + hotel + activities) for two people. This investment creates memories for a lifetime.
Also Read
Articles connexes
Rangiroa — L'atoll des plongeurs
The largest atoll in French Polynesia with world-famous diving passes and pristine beaches.
Lire l'article →
2-Week Polynesia Itinerary
Explore 4 islands in 14 days: Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora. Budget, transportation and practical tips included.
Lire l'article →