Fiji vs. Bora Bora: Honest Comparison & Where To Travel 2024
Are you trying to decide between Fiji vs. Bora Bora for your next tropical vacation? You’ve come to the right place.
Both of these islands in the South Pacific Ocean are high on many people’s bucket lists, thanks to their beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and relaxing overwater bungalows.
While they’re both similar in many ways, they’re also very different and each has its own special attractions.
In this post, we’ll look at the similarities and differences between Bora Bora and Fiji, including the costs, weather, activities, and more, to help you decide which is better for your next trip.
Fiji vs. Bora Bora: Which Island Is Better?
If you’re trying to decide which of these islands to visit, it can be a really tough choice and one where there is no right or wrong answer. Which you choose to visit will depend on things like your budget and the activities you like.
Both of the islands are beautiful and worthwhile and are actually very similar. Both have plenty to do, great places to relax, and beautiful accommodations. A few of the top differences between Fiji and Bora Bora include the cost to visit and their culture.
Here’s everything that you’ll need to know when planning your trip to Fiji or Bora Bora.
Key Differences Between Fiji vs Bora Bora
If you’re trying to decide which of these two tropical islands to visit, you’ll want to know a few of the key differences.
Whether you go to Bora Bora or Fiji, you can have a similar experience. That said, the islands do have some differences to consider, especially in terms of cost. Here’s what to expect.
Costs & Prices
When looking at the costs of Bora Bora vs Fiji, you may be a bit overwhelmed, as both of these islands are pretty expensive. It’s hard to avoid the pricetags that you see.
Between the two of them, Fiji is generally cheaper than Bora Bora. This is partly because Bora Bora has become very luxurious and resorts have taken over the island. In fact, many people consider Fiji to be a great alternative to Bora Bora.
When you put together costs like flights, accommodations, food, and excursions, both destinations become expensive very quickly, but if you’re looking to save some money, it’s best to head to Fiji.
The two biggest costs on either island are accommodations and flights.
Accommodations on Bora Bora tend to be very expensive, especially if you go for luxury resorts or overwater bungalows. They usually cost between $300-$1,000 per night.
Flights are also expensive, depending on where you’re flying from, and the travel time is long.
Here’s an approximate breakdown of what you can expect to spend in Bora Bora on a week-long trip:
- Flights: $1,000-$2,500 (depends on departure location)
- Accommodations: $2,000-$4,000
- Food: $300-$500
- Excursions: $200-$400
- Transportation: $100-$200
- Other: $100-$300
As for Fiji, you can still expect to spend a large chunk of money on accommodations and flights, but it tends to be cheaper.
There are still luxury hotels that can cost upwards of $1,000 per night, but with a larger population, there are more affordable options like all-inclusive resorts, Airbnb or budget hotels.
Flights into Fiji are also a large expense and will eat up a huge part of your budget.
And here’s an approximate of what to set aside for a 7-day vacation in Fiji:
- Flights: $500-$2,500 (depends on departure location)
- Accommodations: $1,000-$3,000
- Food: $200-$500
- Excursions: $200-400
- Transportation: $100-200
- Other: $100-300
Weather
One of the best parts about visiting Bora Bora or Fiji is that the weather is beautiful year-round, and you’ll almost always find warm temperatures and sun. Because the islands are in the Southern Hemisphere, their winters happen between June and September, and summer is from December to March.
They’re also located fairly close together in the Southern Pacific Ocean, so the weather is fairly similar between the two.
In Fiji, temperatures rarely drop below 70°F. The cold season is between June and October, with average lows around 70°F and highs around 80°F. The warm season is from December to April, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F.
The summer months in Fiji also bring the most rain and the highest risk for tropical cyclones.
As for Bora Bora, the weather is pretty similar, except that there is even less variance, and the temperatures stay pretty similar.
Average lows hover around 75°F year-round, and average highs are around 85°F throughout the year. The rainiest season is between the months of November and April.
Luckily, Bora Bora is outside of the region for most natural disasters, so cyclones and tsunamis are pretty rare. But the island can experience tidal waves from earthquakes along the Pacific Coast.
Food
Since both of these popular destinations are islands, you’ll find that both have a heavy diet of fish. You’ll find a lot of local restaurants to serve fish. But they also each have their own unique foods to try.
In Bora Bora and French Polynesia, one of the most popular dishes is called Tahitian Poisson Cru; raw fish marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and other ingredients.
You’ll also find that locals eat a lot of sweet potatoes, local fruit and vegetables, chicken, and pork. Many foods are also cooked in a traditional Polynesian underground oven called Ahima’a. This is a hole in the ground where hot stones are placed on the bottom and leaves are placed on top while the food cooks.
As for Fiji, you can find similar foods, with many locals eating a lot of sweet potatoes and local fruit, as well as cassava. Kokoda is a popular Fiji dish, which is a sort of fish ceviche with coconut milk.
Culture
Both of these islands have their own unique culture, and you can experience it for yourself in some ways during your visit.
As for Bora Bora, you’ll find some of the French Polynesian culture, but when you’re inside of the resort, you won’t see it as much. To really experience the culture of Bora Bora, be sure to take an excursion or two outside of your resort.
Bora Bora has a culture based around family and tradition. Their lifestyle moves a bit slower, offering a relaxing way of living that you’ll feel on the island.
A few unique cultural aspects of Bora Bora to be sure to experience include seeing the Tahitian Ahima’a at dinner, tasting some of their local cuisine, and watching their ‘Ori Tahiti dances.
In Fiji, you’ll find similar practices with their slow-paced lifestyle and welcoming nature. Again, it’s best to leave your resort to really experience the local culture, but you can sometimes see it even on the resort.
One of the top Fijian traditions, rooted in cultural history, is fire walking, where firewalkers slowly walk over hot stones. Another is a Kava Ceremony, where you’ll get to try a traditional Fijian drink called kava and experience a unique ceremony.
You can also expect to find very kind, friendly people in Fiji, as well as the practice of many different religions.
Geography & Landscape
Both Bora Bora and Fiji are beautiful volcanic islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean.
When it comes to the geography and landscape of Bora Bora vs Fiji, the two are very similar! They’re both surrounded by gorgeous teal water, have thousands of palm trees, white sand beaches, and towering mountain landscapes.
One of the main differences in geography between the two is that Fiji is comprised of over 300 small islands, while Bora Bora is just one small island within the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The two main islands in Fiji are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Both islands are volcanic, so they each have tall volcanoes. But there haven’t been volcanic eruptions from either island in many years. The tallest point on Bora Bora is Mount Otemanu, which stands at 727 meters (2,385 feet), while the tallest in Fiji is Mount Tomanivi at 1,324 meters (4,344 feet).
When you look around either island, you’ll see tropical mountains covered in bright green trees and grasses popping out of the blue water.
Of course, you can also expect to find gorgeous beaches everywhere you look on both islands.
Fiji vs. Bora Bora: Which Is Better To Visit In 2024?
Whether you’re traveling with kids, are looking for romantic honeymoon destinations, or want to visit the South Pacific on a budget, there are a lot of questions to ask when you’re deciding between Fiji vs. Bora Bora.
Here are the answers to a few popular questions about which destination will be best to visit for you.
Which Has Better Nightlife: Fiji or Bora Bora?
If you enjoy going out after dark and letting the day slip into the night, then Fiji will be the best place for your next trip.
Bora Bora has been known to slow down after dinnertime, and many people head to their overwater bungalows to relax for the night. On the other hand, Fiji has a fantastic nightlife that lots of visitors rave about.
There are several clubs around the island where you can go to grab a drink, dance, and listen to music, well after dark.
Which is Better for Families: Fiji or Bora Bora?
If you’re traveling with family, Fiji tends to be the better choice because it’s more affordable and has lots of excursion opportunities to get out of the resort.
Many of the resorts are built to cater to families as well, so you can expect to find kid-friendly activities at some of them.
And because Bora Bora can get really expensive very quickly, Fiji is a family favorite as you can save some money on travel with little ones.
Which is Better for Couples: Fiji or Bora Bora?
Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or just a couple’s getaway to a tropical island, both Fiji and Bora Bora are great options. But in our opinion, Bora Bora tends to be the best option for couples.
One of the main reasons Bora Bora excels in this department is accommodations. There are so many beautiful overwater bungalows that make for a romantic stay. You can also book a stay in an all-inclusive resort in Bora Bora that makes your vacation much easier.
Which Destination is Better on a Budget?
If you’re looking to save some money but still want to visit the South Pacific Islands, it’s best to plan a trip to Fiji. You won’t find the price drop to be drastic, but it will save you some compared to Bora Bora.
While it’s well known that none of the islands in this region are cheap, you can find more affordable options for accommodations, flights, and food in Fiji vs Bora Bora.
The average cost for a week-long vacation to Fiji could cost you around $2,500-$7,000, depending on how luxurious of accommodations you plan to book.
On the other hand, Bora Bora might cost you closer to $3,500-$8,000. For honeymoons, you can check out this Honeymoon In Bora Bora Cost Guide.
Which Island is Better for Avoiding Tourists?
Bora Bora or Fiji both have their fair share of tourists since they’re both popular destinations for travelers. But if you want to come in contact with fewer tourists, head to Bora Bora.
The island is smaller and can be more difficult to get to, so you’ll typically find fewer visitors. And because it’s more expensive, there aren’t as many people using it as their vacation destination.
Fiji To Bora Bora Map
Below is a map of the flight path between Fiji and Bora Bora. While Google Maps shows this as a direct flight, your trip will likely have one or more connections.
Getting From Fiji To Bora Bora
The best and easiest way to get from Fiji to Bora Bora or vise versa is to take a flight. Since these two destinations are in the ocean, there really isn’t any other way to get between the two, besides flying.
You can typically expect to pay between $1,200-$3,000 either direction. If you’re able to travel in the off-season, prices will likely be cheaper.
One important thing to note is that flights between these two islands can be limited. So you may need to be flexible with your travel dates.
➡️Fiji to Bora Bora Flight Time
A flight between Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji to the Moto Mute Airport in Bora Bora will take about 15 to 20 hours when combining flight time and layovers.
You’ll have at least one layover in Papeete, Tahiti, since there aren’t any direct flights from Fiji to Bora Bora. And there most likely will be one more layover in Auckland, New Zealand.
➡️Fiji To Bora Bora Distance
If you were to go straight across the ocean from Bora Bora to Fiji, the distance would be 3,206 kilometers, or 1,992 miles. But during a flight, you won’t take this exact route, because of layovers.
Typically you’ll fly from Nadi International Airport to Auckland, then to Tahiti, and finally to Bora Bora.
Fiji: Best Things To Do
Fiji is a beautiful island with plenty of activities to keep you busy, from participating in local traditions to exploring the beautiful scenery around you. Be sure to book your excursions in advance, as they can book up quickly.
✔️ Attend a Kava Ceremony
Participating in local traditions during your visit to Fiji is one of the best activities to really experience the Fijian culture.
One of the most common traditions in Fiji is a Kava Ceremony, which consists of participating in a ceremony and then drinking the country’s traditional national drink, kava. After drinking it, you might feel a tingling in your tongue, and you’ll likely feel relaxed.
During the ceremony, everyone will sit in a circle around a wooden bowl known as a Kava Tanoa, and the leader will create the kava by kneading it in a cloth sack and mixing it with water. You’ll then have the opportunity to drink the earthy-tasting drink and take part in the other ceremonial tasks.
Many of the hotels in Fiji have their own Kava Ceremony, so you’ll be able to take part in it right from your accommodations.
✔️ Go Scuba Diving
Fiji is well known for having some of the most beautiful reefs to scuba dive in the Southern Pacific Ocean. With thousands of brightly colored fish, sharks, rays, and more, it’s a must-do experience.
You’ll be able to wander through the reefs to check out the tropical fish, or even go shark diving – an attraction at Beqa Lagoon that attracts divers from all around the world.
Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or have never tried the sport, there are fantastic diving and snorkeling options for you in Fiji.
👉 Check out prices and availability for a shark snorkeling tour here.
✔️ See a Fire Show
Another tradition on the islands of Fiji is fire dancing. We definitely recommend experiencing this unique style of dance during your vacation.
You can find two different types of fire dancing. One is where the fire dancers twirl sticks of fire through the air, lighting up the sky and creating beautiful designs with the fire. Another is fire walking, where fire walkers slowly walk across hot stones, a tradition done on the island of Beqa.
Taking a tour is one of the best ways to experience all of the popular Fiji traditions in one day. This one features a Kava Ceremony, fire dancing, cooking lunch in a traditional earth oven, and more.
👉 Check out a full-day Fiji culture tour with fire dancing and a Kava Ceremony here!
Bora Bora: Best Things To Do
Just like in Fiji, Bora Bora has so many activities to do that you won’t be able to fit all of them into one trip. Again, book excursions well in advance of your trip to make sure that you don’t miss out.
✔️ Stay in an Overwater Bungalow
One of the reasons that Bora Bora is so popular for tourists is because of the picturesque overwater bungalows that line the shoreline of the ocean. Booking a stay in one is one of the best ways to make the most of your visit.
Each of the bungalows is perched on stilts over the water, with many of them having a ladder that leads you right into the teal water. You’ll never want to leave your bungalow, because there’s so much to do right outside your door.
While they’re expensive, it’s totally worth it if you’re able to splurge.
One of the best and most popular resorts with overwater bungalows is the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
👉 See Prices and Availablity for the Four Seasons Resort here.
✔️ Try Snorkeling in the Lagoon
Being in such a beautiful, tropical location makes Bora Bora one of the best places to go snorkeling. While the views above the water are great, the views below the water are arguably even better.
In the Bora Bora Lagoon, you’ll find hundreds of species of bright-colored fish, sting rays, reef sharks, and more.
Booking an excursion from the shore is one of the best ways to experience the underwater world of French Polynesia, as you’ll have a guide to take you out to the best reefs.
Or, if you’re staying in an overwater bungalow, bring your own snorkel gear and head out right from the door of your room!
👉 Check out the Lagoon snorkeling tour in Bora Bora here.
✔️ Jet Ski or SUP Around the Lagoon
The lagoon in Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful parts of the island. There are many ways to explore it, but two of the best ways are to jet ski or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
Either way, you’ll get to cruise over the turquoise waters, admire the beautiful views around you, and look out for marine life underneath the surface. If you’re a thrill seeker, a jet ski may be best for you, but if you prefer to relax a bit more, take out an SUP.
The Bora Bora Lagoon usually has very calm water, so even beginners can enjoy paddle boarding. Taking a tour on a jet ski is the best way to enjoy the water, while some resorts offer complimentary SUP boards for guests.
👉 Check out a Bora Bora jet ski tour of the Lagoon here.
The Wrap-Up: Fiji vs. Bora Bora
From beautiful swaying palm trees to white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, these two island vacation destinations are high on many people’s bucket lists.
When you’re planning a trip and are wondering whether to visit Fiji vs Bora Bora, there are many things to consider.
If you’re on a budget, traveling with family, or are looking for some great nightlife, with excellent beaches then head to Fiji. But if you have room to splurge, are heading out for a romantic getaway, or want more relaxation, Bora Bora is the place for you.
