Is Bora Bora Worth the Hype? Here’s What No One Tells You
I remember the first time I saw photos of Bora Bora’s lagoon; luxurious overwater bungalows floating on a sea of vibrant turquoise waters.
It was an Instagram post from a travel influencer, and the comments all echoed the same dream:
‘I want to go so bad!’
‘Dream trip!’
‘Absolutely stunning. I wish I could go 😍‘
And after years of gawking at those dreamy photos, we finally decided to see Bora Bora for ourselves. But was it really worth the hype? Did the pictures live up to the reality of this island paradise?
And most importantly, was it worth the price tag?
Is Bora Bora Actually Worth The Hype?
The Dream vs Reality
As of October 2024, we’ve spent 3.5 months in French Polynesia.
So now I’m spilling the beans on Bora Bora:
Bonus: Grab our free guide below!
👇 👇 👇 👇 👇
Is The Cost of A Bora Bora Trip Worth It?
A Quick OVerview
Cost of A Bora Bora Trip: The Full Breakdown
The biggest qualm travelers have with visiting Bora Bora is the price.
Isn’t it ridiculously expensive? Will I still have a savings account and be able to pay my mortgage after my trip to French Polynesia?
After spending 3 months on the islands of French Polynesia, we’ve come up with some numbers that might help you make the decision for yourself.
How much does Bora Bora REALLY cost?
👉 Cost of Getting To Bora Bora
($1,000 – $2,300 roundtrip)
To get to Bora Bora, you must first fly into the island of Tahiti.
If you’re flying from the USA, you can catch a direct flight from Los Angeles, which was really surprising to us the first time we went.
Your roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti (Papeete) will cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500 depending on the time of year.
Here are some examples I found on Google Flights:
October to November 2024
December 2024 to January 2025
February 2025 to March 2025
A flight sample for March 4th to March 15th, 2025
When I first saw the price of these flights, I was floored. I assumed it would cost a LOT more to fly there.
But here’s the thing…
Once you get to Tahiti, you must then fly over to Bora Bora. This is where prices start to increase.
AIRLINES THAT SERVICE BORA BORA
– Air Moana
– Air Tahiti
NOTE: Other companies partner with the airlines above like United and Delta.
Expect flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora to cost anywhere from $200 to $800+ roundtrip depending on the season and when you decide to book.
We’ve found that the best time to book your flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is 2-3 months in advance.
In total, you can expect your roundtrip flights from Los Angeles to Bora Bora to cost around $1,000 to $2,300.
As I mentioned, your flight from Los Angeles will land in Tahiti first, and here’s the catch…
Most travelers end up spending at least one night in Tahiti before catching a short flight to Bora Bora the next day.
Why does this matter?
Because this layover isn’t just a time commitment, it’s also an unexpected expense. Whether it’s booking a hotel in Tahiti, grabbing a meal, or just arranging transportation, it all adds up.
👉 Cost of Accommodation
($28 – $1,500 per night)
The cost of your accommodation will ultimately depend on where you stay on the island.
What most people don’t know is that there are plenty of lower-cost options for accommodation on Bora Bora. While we did experience the epic-ness of overwater bungalows, we also stayed in vacation rentals for less than $200 per night.
Here are some of the best options for accommodation on Bora Bora for every budget:
BUDGET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION
Great Mid-Range Stays
Overwater Bungalows
Psst! Don’t forget to grab our free guide
How To Stay In Overwater Bungalows For Free!
👇 👇 👇 👇 👇
👉 Cost of Food
($10 – $75 per person per day)
When it comes to the cost of food in Bora Bora, much of it depends on where you decide to stay. You essentially have two options:
- Stay on the main island
- Stay at a resort on a private motu (small island)
If you’re staying at a luxury resort like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, or Conrad, which are located off the main island, you’ll likely be eating at the resort’s on-site restaurants for most of your meals.
While these restaurants offer amazing dining experiences, they come with a higher price tag.
Expect these meals to cost anywhere from $20-$50+ per person per meal, not including drinks.
If you decide to stay on the main island, you’ll have easier access to grocery stores or local markets, which can potentially reduce the cost of food during your trip.
But I will say, the prices you’ll find at the grocery store will probably still shock you.
Here are a few items you can use to compare to grocery prices you might find at home:
- A bag of veggies ($9 USD)
- A 6 pack of beer ($18.50 USD)
- A liter of cow’s milk ($3 USD)
- 200g of butter ($3 USD)
- Lay’s potato chips ($12 USD)
- A carton of ice cream ($12 USD)
With all of this said, I’d recommend the following budgets based on where you decide to stay:
👉 Cost of Transportation
($0 – $50 Per Day)
Once you’ve arrived in Bora Bora, how do you get around the island, and what will it cost?
Well, that depends on a few key factors.
If you’re staying at a private resort on a motu, you likely won’t need much transportation. Most resorts, like the Four Seasons or St. Regis, provide a complimentary airport pickup by boat.
Once you’re at the resort, just call the concierge, and they’ll arrange for a golf cart to shuttle you around the property. We found this especially useful since some of the resorts are huge, and those pathways can feel long in the heat.
At The St. Regis, they even give each guest a bike to ride around the resort, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
If you are staying on the main island, you’ll need to a way to get around. During our stay on the main island, Mike and I rented a motorbike
We rented our motorbike through MRC Rent Bora Bora and it was about $46 USD per day. This included two helmets. Reach out to them via Facebook here!
👉 Cost of Activities
($0 – $500+ Per person)
Unlike Mo’orea, another French Polynesian island known for public beaches and hiking trails, there aren’t TONS of free activities to do on Bora Bora, so you’ll want to budget for this when planning your trip.
Free things to do on bora bora
⏩ Go to the beach
Whether you stay on the main island or at a private resort, you’ll want to spend a fair amount of your time at the beach.
Your resort will likely have a beautifully manicured beach with lounge chairs and fresh towels.
During our stays at larger resorts like the Four Seasons and The St. Regis, we found that there were several different beach areas to choose from.
Some were quiet and secluded, which were ideal for when we wanted a peaceful escape, while others were more lively with guests, which offered us a chance to enjoy some of the resort activities.
Outside of the resorts, you’ll find Bora Bora’s most popular public beach, Matira Beach (pictured below).
Mike and I rode our motorbike here several times while on the main island. Be sure to pack plenty of water, towels, and snacks for your day at the beach. The heat can become a bit much, and there isn’t much shade here.
Places for snacks near Matira Beach:
– There is a smoothie stand just down the road from Matira Beach toward Vaitape.
– Bora Bora Beach Club is also a great option, although we only had dinner here.
– Chin Lee Supermarket is located in the heart of Vaitape.
⏩ Go Hiking
You won’t find nearly as many amazing hiking trails on Bora Bora as you would on Mo’orea, but there are still a few you can add to your itinerary.
The best hikes include:
- Valley of the Kings
- Point Fitiuu Cannons
You can also hike up to Mount Otemanu or Mount Pahia, but honestly, I don’t think you want to. It would be like the equivalent of hiking up Mount Rotui on Moorea, which I highly suggest skipping due to dangerous edges and a completely vertical ascent.
⏩ Snorkeling
If you’re anything like Mike, it’ll be hard for you to take your snorkel gear off at the end of each day in French Polynesia. The diversity of fish, coral, and other sealife is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced (and we travel a LOT).
I put this under “free” activities because whether you’re staying in a fancy-schmancy resort or you’re in a vacation rental, your accommodation will almost always provide snorkel gear for guests.
We’ve stayed in over 15 different properties in French Polynesia (hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and guest houses) and we have yet to find a place that doesn’t ar for free.
⏩ Other Free Activities
If you are staying at a resort, you will find that they offer many fun and free activities, too.
Most resorts have numerous pools (some for adults-only), kayaks, gyms, tennis courts, bikes, and paddleboards available for guests, which will allow you to enjoy your holiday without spending extra.
Paid things to do on bora bora
⏩ Lagoon cruise ($100+ per person)
As one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, it’s a must to hop on a lagoon cruise and see the island from all angles.
Believe me when I say, you’ll feel like you’re Moana sailing around Motunui.
You can choose to take a catamaran around the island during the day for snorkeling, lunch, and other water activities, or you can set sail in the evening for a dinner and sunset cruise. Your choice!
Book your cruise beforehand with our recommendations below:
>> Full-Day Tour with Lunch (highest rated)
>> Half-Day Catamaran, Snorkel, & Floating Bar (best bang for your buck)
⏩ Jet-Skiing ($130 Per Person)
If you’re rather race around the lagoon on your own jet ski, consider taking a tour or renting one from your resort.
Mike and I never got the chance to hop on jet skis, but it looked like a blast.
If you’re looking for a jet ski tour recommendation, check out this one:
>> Bora Bora Jet Ski Tour (highest rated)
⏩ Bora Bora Pearl Farm ($180+ Per Person)
A visit to a pearl farm is an experience that is pretty unique to Bora Bora.
French Polynesia is known for its black pearls, and these farms give you the opportunity to see how they are cultivated.
Whether you’re there to shop or just to learn more about the pearls, the experience is totally worth it. Some farms even offer free boat transfers, so you get a scenic ride across the lagoon as a bonus.
>> Book your black pearl tour ahead of time by clicking here!
⏩ Scuba Diving ($120+ Per Person)
If you have your PADI certificate, I likely don’t need to convince you to book a scuba diving tour during your time in French Polynesia.
The lagoon around Bora Bora is teeming with marine life, including manta rays, blacktip reef sharks, schools of tropical fish, and some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world.
Even if you’re new to diving, many tours offer beginner-friendly options, so you don’t need to be a pro for this experience.
Book your dives early as these can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (May to October).
>> Click here to book the best dive tour for beginners!
>> Not a beginner? Here’s the highest rated tour for certified divers!
⏩ Shopping ($0 – $500+)
Bora Bora isn’t exactly a shopping mecca, but there are still some cool finds if you know where to look.
If you’re at a large resort, you’ll likely find some shops there where you can find black pearls and other souvenirs that are unique to French Polynesia.
Otherwise, head on over to the center of Vaitape for boutique shops and markets.
How To Travel to Bora Bora on a Budget
A common misconception is that Bora Bora is only for the ultra-wealthy.
I get it… most of the photos you see are of luxury resorts and overwater bungalows that make it seem completely out of reach.
But here’s the truth: Bora Bora can be done on a budget.
🛑 QUICK BUDGET GUIDE
– Accommodation: Alaroots Bora Bora Camp (super budget-friendly) – OR – Lokai House (budget-friendly)
– Flights: Book them between November to April (off season)
– Food: Purchase groceries at Chin Lee Supermarket and cook for yourself
– Activities: Spend time at the beach, snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing for free
With the recommendations above, you could expect to spend no more than $3,000 for one person for 7 days, or $4,000 total for two people for 7 days.
In fact, back in 2020, Mike and I were determined to visit French Polynesia, even though we were on a very tight budget. At the time, our travel blog had just started bringing in good income, and we were still working on paying off a hefty amount of debt.
With some planning, we easily found ways to experience Bora Bora without breaking the bank.
Here are some quick tips:
BUDGET Travel TIP #1: Stay on the Main Island
You don’t have to stay at a luxury resort to enjoy Bora Bora. There are plenty of affordable accommodations on the main island, including guesthouses, Airbnbs, and small hotels.
You’ll still have access to the stunning lagoon and beaches, and you can always book a day pass to experience the fancy resorts (more on this later!).
BUDGET Travel TIP #2: Travel During the Off-Season
Visiting between November and April (rainy season) can save you a ton on flights and hotels. The rain is usually sporadic, with plenty of sunshine in between showers. If you’re willing to be flexible with the weather, you can score great deals.
Budget Travel Tip #3: Go To Mo’orea Instead of Bora Bora
We are obsessed with the island of Moorea and for good reason! In many ways, Mo’orea offers the same jaw-dropping scenery as Bora Bora, but at a much lower cost.
- Accommodation on Mo’orea: Whether you’re looking to stay in hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals, they will typically run you about half the price of what you’d pay in Bora Bora.
- To get to Moorea: You can take a quick and affordable ferry ride from Tahiti. On the contrary, getting to Bora Bora requires a flight from Tahiti, which is at least 6x more expensive.
- Getting around Moorea: Once you’re on the island, it’s much easier to get around because Moorea is one island whereas Bora Bora has the main island and several motus (small islands).
- Activities on Moorea: If you love hiking and outdoor activities, Mo’orea is paradise. It offers far more free adventures compared to Bora Bora.
Personally, if I had to pick between the two, Moorea wins almost every time. It’s stunning, packed with things to do, and way easier on your budget.
Budget Travel Tip #4: Stay in an Overwater Bungalow for Free
While overwater bungalows are iconic, you don’t need to stay in one for your entire trip. Book a more affordable room for most of your stay, and treat yourself to a FREE in an overwater bungalow at the end.
Mike and I have stayed in three different overwater bungalows worldwide for free and we teach you how we did it in our guide below!
👇 👇 👇 👇 👇
Budget Travel Tip #5. Eat Like a Local
Instead of dining at expensive resort restaurants every night, head to Vaitape to grab snacks or meals from the supermarket. We did this periodically throughout our trip, particularly for lunches.
Budget Travel Tip #6: Use Public Beaches and Free Activities
Places like Matira Beach are free and just as beautiful as resort beaches. Take advantage of free activities like snorkeling, hiking, and biking. Check with your accommodation for snorkel gear and bikes; most will provide these things for free.
Budget Travel Tip #7: Book Flights 3-4 Months In Advance
Flights to Bora Bora can be expensive, but if you book your flights 3-4 months out, you’re bound to get the best deals.
Check different travel aggregators like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare the best prices.
What the Pictures Don’t Show: The Good and The Bad
Overtourism?
One of the things I was worried about before visiting Bora Bora were the crowds.
All these other destinations around the world (Tulum, Bali, Santorini, etc) have been destroyed by overtourism, surely the most gorgeous place on earth would be too, right?
Surprisingly… no!
At most of the resorts we stayed at, rows of overwater bungalows sat completely empty. Even the beaches on the main island were peaceful and quiet, even on the sunniest days.
I think the potentially astronomical price tag scares a lot of people off from visiting French Polynesia. With many assuming it costs $10,000 or more per person for a 7-day trip, it can seem unattainable.
And while it CAN cost a lot of money, you can also visit on a smaller budget.
So if you’re looking to avoid mobs of other travelers on holiday, don’t count Bora Bora or French Polynesia out.
Important note: Always treat any destination with respect. Follow local rules and laws, be courteous, etc. While YOU are on vacation, the locals are at HOME.
Secluded resorts?
You may have read this and thought, “perfect, I am looking for a secluded vacation on a tropical island.”
And that might be a great option for a few days, but it might feel too quiet after a while.
Resorts on private motus are stunning, but you may find yourself craving a little more variety whether it’s dining options, exploring other parts of Bora Bora, or trying local activities.
Pro Tip: When planning you trip, consider splitting your time between a private resort and accommodations on the main island. That way, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds.
Mosquitos?
This was something I was definitely not warned about before our trips to French Polynesia: the mosquitos can be unbearable.
We’re from Minnesota, where mosquitos are both abundant and as big as birds, so we thought we could handle anything thrown our way.
Unfortunately, the mosquitos on Bora Bora gave us a run for our money.
They are tiny, so it’s difficult to spot them, and with the warm, humid climate, they stick around year-round.
If you plan on visiting French Polynesia, bring your favorite bug repellent. You won’t regret it.
Note: We noticed the mosquitos weren’t as bothersome in our overwater bungalow compared to other accommodations. Another reason to splurge!
Rainy season?
If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, be mindful of the rainy season.
While the islands still look beautiful, you should be prepared for heavy downpours periodically throughout the day. Rainy season lasts from November to April.
That being said, I wouldn’t necessarily avoid rainy season because you’ll find prices to be a lot more reasonable during this time.
Mike and I *only* visit French Polynesia during the rainy season, and we found plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
With a little flexibility, you can easily make the most of your trip, even with occasional rain. Plus, there’s nothing like watching a storm roll in from the comfort of your overwater bungalow!
Pro tip: If you’re expecting rain, put your snorkel and goggles on for a rainy day adventure under the sea. You’re going to get wet anyways, you might as well take advantage of the time you have.
Things No One Tells You About Bora Bora
🚨 Tahiti is NOT Bora Bora
Thanks to our expertise on French Polynesia, we’ve helped many travelers plan their trips to this archipelago.
And the #1 assumption I see people make is that Tahiti and Bora Bora are the same island. Honestly, this is understandable because sometimes when you look up images for Tahiti on Google, they will show you pictures of Bora Bora.
Do not be fooled.
While Tahiti will be part of your plans since you’ll need to fly into this island before going over to Bora Bora, they are two very different islands hundreds of miles apart.
🚨 Skip Spending Time In Tahiti
Along those same lines, we often see travelers who want to split their time between Bora Bora and Tahiti or Moorea and Tahiti.
I think the name “Tahiti” makes a lot of people think it’s a tropical paradise.
Tahiti kind of has its own charm, but it’s very different from the postcard-perfect lagoons and overwater bungalows that Bora Bora is famous for.
Tahiti is busier, with more of an urban vibe, and while it has some great experiences like markets, museums, and black sand beaches, it doesn’t have the same luxury, or iconic scenery that Bora Bora has.
A short stay in Tahiti might be convenient, but trust us… Bora Bora is where the magic truly happens.
🚨 resort Day passes are available
Let’s say you want to experience Bora Bora, but staying at one of the fancy resorts isn’t in your budget. That’s okay!
You can opt for one of the budget-friendly accommodations we’ve listed in this post and still enjoy the luxury resorts by purchasing day passes. These passes give you access to the resort’s amenities (pools, beaches, spas, and restaurants, etc.) without having to book an overnight stay.
Most will even give you a certain amount of credits toward meals and other experiences, so you’re getting a really good deal.
Day passes are a great way to soak in the luxury experience for a day (or two) without breaking the bank. As far as cost, these passes will run you anywhere from $150 to $250 per person.
Be sure to email the resort ahead of time about reserving day passes. Typically these properties only have a select number of passes available for day visitors and they can sell out!
🚨 Experience Bora Bora’s Best Resorts on a Budget
Staying at one of Bora Bora’s luxury resorts doesn’t mean you have to splurge on an overwater bungalow. While those bungalows are often the highlight of the island, they also come with a big price tag.
But you can still experience the same resort amenities and stunning surroundings while staying in a garden view or beachfront villa for a fraction of the cost.
Pro tip: If you really want to experience an overwater bungalow, consider booking just one or two nights at the end of your stay. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds without blowing your entire budget.
🚨 In an Emergency, It’s a Flight to Tahiti
While Bora Bora offers incredible luxury and natural beauty, it’s important to know that the island’s medical facilities are limited.
If you encounter a minor issue, like a small injury or illness, local clinics can provide basic care. However, for anything serious or life-threatening, you’ll need to be airlifted to Tahiti, where more advanced medical facilities are available.
In some cases, emergency flights to Tahiti can be delayed due to weather, which is important to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Pro tip: Don’t skip travel insurance for your trip! Truthfully, we used to pass on it, thinking that since we’re young and healthy, we didn’t need it. Looking back, I realize that was both lazy and risky. Unexpected things can happen anywhere, especially in remote places like Bora Bora, where medical emergencies require a flight to Tahiti.
For low-cost and reliable travel insurance, we use and recommend SafetyWing – click here to get a quote!
🚨 Home to Some of the Last Healthy Coral Reefs
While coral reefs across the globe are struggling due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing, the reefs in French Polynesia have shown resilience. In fact, these reefs are some of the healthiest and most vibrant on the planet, which attracts marine biologists and researchers from around the world.
One of the coolest parts of our time in French Polynesia was finding out about their extensive ecological research.
Specifically, the Hilton Moorea is deeply involved in protecting the local reefs and supporting conservation efforts. Through partnerships with research programs like the Moorea Coral Reef Long-Term Ecological Research (MCR LTER), they are helping to conduct valuable studies on how coral reefs adapt to environmental changes.
While snorkeling across the French Polynesian islands we saw firsthand how alive these reefs are. The water was crystal clear, and colorful fish were abundant in the coral gardens, making it feel like we were swimming through an aquarium.
If you’re planning to snorkel or dive, please consider using reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral from harmful chemicals. It’s small actions like these that help these reefs stay healthy.
Alternatives to Bora Bora: Other Islands That Might Be Better
Although spectacular, Bora Bora is certainly not the only place in the world where you’ll find paradise.
Through our travels, we’ve found several destinations that can rival Bora Bora, whether you’re looking for better activities, more affordable stays, or simply a unique experience.
So, if you’ve got your heart set on a tropical getaway but are open to exploring other options, here are a few places to consider:
Alternative Destinations In The South Pacific
Mo’orea
Taha’a
Huahine
Raiatea
Rangiroa
Marquesas Islands
Fiji
Rarotonga
Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Vanuatu
Alternative Destinations Worldwide
Maldives
Mauritius
Zanzibar
Turks & Caicos
Reunion Island
Palau
Whitsundays
Koh Rong
Palawan
Siargao
