9 TIps For Visiting Bora Bora On A Budget
Ever thought to yourself, “dang, it must be nice to visit a place like Bora Bora. If only I could afford it!”
I’ve seen these comments everywhere, and as someone who also used to have these same thoughts, I get it.
Bora Bora seems unattainable to most, but the truth is, visiting this paradise island doesn’t have to bust your bank account as much as you might think.
I know this to be true because we’ve now spent 3.5 months in French Polynesia, and we know exactly how to save money where it counts.
Here are 9 tips that will help you plan your dream trip to Bora Bora without going broke:
Bonus: Grab our free guide below!
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🛑 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.
9 TIps For Visiting Bora Bora On A Budget
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 to help you do the same:
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-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION
Great Mid-Range Stays
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.
Mike and I have only ever visited French Polynesia during the rainy season and each time we visit, we spend no more than $800 roundtrip on airfare from Los Angeles to Tahiti.
Of course, you’ll need to get from Tahiti to Bora Bora (which are NOT the same island – a common misconception), so save room in your budget for an additional flight (about $250-300 roundtrip).
You’ll also find awesome deals on hotels and guesthouses during this time. Instead of paying $350+ per night for a mid-range resort, you can pay as little as $150 per night.
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.
Best Places To Stay In moorea
- Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea (cheapest overwater bungalow)
- Moorea Island Beach Hotel (mid-range)
- Beachfront Bungalow (low cost)
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!
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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.
Look for Chin Lee Supermarket in Vaitape. Here are some common prices you’ll find in this store and around the island:
- 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:
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.
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.
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.
BUDGET TRAVEL TIP #8: 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!
BUDGET TRAVEL TIP #9: 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.
Keep reading about your dream trip here:
