The cobalt blue waters of Bora Bora lure you in with their mesmerizing beauty.
And what about the iconic overwater bungalows in Bora Bora?
We understand.
Those bungalows are so alluring that it’s hard to tear yourself away to check out activities – no matter how many wonderful things to do in Bora Bora are dangled in front of you.
The island and its surrounding necklace of motus are so steeped in beauty that all you want to do is chill on the deck of your bungalow, drinking in the views of Mt Otemanu – and occasionally slipping into the lagoon for a cooling dip.
But when you’re ready for a change of scene, there are actually lots of unique adventures and fun experiences to enjoy.
So don’t leave this French Polynesian island without signing up for at least some of the following Bora Bora activities!
Things to do in Bora Bora
So, what can you do in Bora Bora?
It’s mostly about beaching and swimming, isn’t it?
True, many of the activities in Bora Bora involve the water. But not all.
Here are 15 amazing things to do in Bora Bora.
Best things to do in Bora Bora
1) Snorkel with sharks
2) Bicycle around Bora Bora
3) Chill at Matira Beach
4) Take a jeep tour
5) Snorkel in the Lagoonarium
6) Try the local beer
7) Hike up Mount Pahia
8) Stay in an overwater bungalow
9) Care for sea turtles at the turtle sanctuary
10) Go on a helicopter ride
11) Shop for pearls
12) Learn to SUP
13) Ride a jet ski around the island
14) Eat at Bloody Mary’s
15) Pet the stingrays
1) Snorkel with sharks
If you don’t know what to do in Bora Bora besides swimming and sunning, you can start with snorkeling with sharks.
Don’t worry, these little fellows aren’t dangerous to humans. And you snorkel in waters shallow enough to stand in.
Side-by-side with other snorkelers, we hung on to a rope and watched as a guide threw out chum.
The shiver of black-tipped reef sharks darting about zoomed in to tear at the fish bits. (Shiver: Isn’t that a cool name for a group of sharks?)
And you don’t just snorkel with sharks.
The experience starts in a different snorkeling spot with petting and feeding stingrays.
Should you snorkel with sharks in Bora Bora?
It’s a tough question – because it was thrilling for us to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The problem, though, is that feeding sharks is a controversial practice called “chumming” – it teaches them to associate humans with food.
We’ve dived with sharks elsewhere in the world – the Galapagos, Mexico, Indonesia…
This shark feeding experience in Bora Bora was different, for example, from scuba diving with sharks in the wild in Cabo Pulmo, Mexico – there, we simply entered their world to observe it.
If we’re going to travel responsibly, we should educate ourselves on issues like this. One way is to learn why sharks are an important part of the ecosystem and why we need to protect sharks.
2) Bicycle around Bora Bora
Taking a biking adventure is one of the most fun things to do in Bora Bora.
You can easily circumnavigate the island on two wheels. So rent a bike and hit the road!
The paved coastal road around Bora Bora is 20 miles (32 km) and it’s flat the whole way.
Pedal past quaint fishing villages, check out ancient Polynesian temples and soak in the stunning scenery at various lookout points. Allow 4 hours for your ride.
A cool place to stop for lunch and drinks after your ride is Bloody Mary’s (see #14).
Where can you rent bicycles on Bora Bora?
Bicycle rentals are available in the Matira Beach area.
Try Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora (Hotel Maitai): +(689)-40-60-30-00.
Maybe opt for an e-bike if you’re concerned about getting pooped. We managed just fine, though, with regular push bikes.
3) Chill at Matira Beach
This beach is exquisite with its white sands and sparkling lagoon water – one of the best beaches in Bora Bora (perhaps even the best beach).
Matira Beach stretches for about a mile along the southernmost tip of the island.
It’s a public beach, so you can enjoy hanging out along the shores and go for a swim. The waters are gentle and the sandy entry is easy.
There are also some great coral sections where the fish hang out, so snorkeling is very good here too.
Spread out your beach mats and towels underneath the coconut palms, and settle in for a relaxing day.
Several affordable cafés and restaurants strung along the waterfront will happily welcome you when you get hungry or thirsty.
Visiting Bora Bora for a day on a cruise?
Cruising French Polynesia is a lovely way to see Bora Bora and some of the other islands.
In Bora Bora, you can reach Matira Beach from the cruise pier by taxi (about $15 USD) or local bus.
The cost for the local bus is $5 USD p.p. Pick up the bus on the main road in front of the cruise port building. Buses run about every 30 minutes.
Visiting Matira Beach on your own is one of the best, easiest and cheap things to do in Bora Bora – no pricey shore excursion charges.
Just make sure you don’t leave it to the very last bus to get back to the ship!
Are you a beach baby? Then these 35+ beautiful beaches around the world are for you
4) Take a Bora Bora jeep tour
We must include taking a jeep tour in our list of top activities in Bora Bora.
On a guided tour, you’ll bounce along bumpy roads in your tough little jeep on a trip around the volcanic island. We had to hang on tightly to the roll bars to avoid getting tossed around – but that was part of the fun.
On the way, you’ll get a crash course in the fruit trees and flowers of the island (when your driver stops).
If you’ve been to Hawaii, you might recognize some of them.
The ancient Polynesians took “canoe plants” with them to Hawaii, where they now produce Hawaiian fruits such as breadfruit (which also grows in French Polynesia). You’ll likely sample coconut and pomelo.
What’s also cool: During World War II, Bora Bora was an American military base. Your jeep tour will stop at the 20-foot cannons left behind after the war – good photo opps!
This all-day tour includes a morning jeep tour, lunch at Bloody Mary’s and a 2-hour jet ski experience in the afternoon.
Or swap out the jet ski experience for snorkeling with sharks and sting rays in the afternoon instead on this island tour by 4WD vehicle.
5) Snorkel in the Lagoonarium
The Lagoonarium is a natural (not man-made) part of Bora Bora’s lagoon where you can snorkel in safety under the supervision of guides.
Located near the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, the family-owned attraction is perfect if you want to see all manner of marine creatures in one space.
You’ll spy turtles, sting rays, eagle rays and sharks. Tropical fish like parrot fish, butterfly fish and jackfish swim around you as you watch in awe.
You might even get to see dolphins as they play in the water!
The Lagoonarium is particularly ideal for families with children or if you’re new to snorkeling.
Several tours package the Lagoonarium with other Bora Bora activities.
6) Try the local beer
You have to try the local beer of the island. The traditional local beer of Tahiti is Hinano lager. It’s been brewed since 1955.
Named after a white flower indigenous to the South Pacific, Hinano has a bitter crisp taste. Some people love it while others would rather buy another general beer at the local grocery store.
Since Hinano beer is brewed locally, it’s much less expensive than the imported beers with heavy taxes. (We should let you know that the legal drinking age in French Polynesia is 21.)
Do you like trying the local drinks when you travel? Then check out these 15 cool Mexican margaritas (from the traditional lime co*cktail to trendy “skinny” margs)
7) Hike up Mount Pahia
Yes, Mount Otemanu is one of the most striking Bora Bora attractions. But there’s also Mount Pahia.
And if you’re up for a challenge, traipsing up Mount Pahia is one of the most adventurous things to do in Bora Bora.
What makes this tough hike worth it is the view at the top – the lagoon views are truly staggering.
Also, few people set out on the island’s hiking trails, so you get to enjoy Bora Bora’s glorious outdoors without other people around you.
The trail starts near the center of Vaitape and it’s generally easy to follow. You might therefore be tempted to go on your own.
But don’t be fooled by the mountain’s relatively small size – 2,159 feet (658 meters).
The hike up Mount Pahia is difficult and steep. You hike through thick jungle, and there are five short, and especially steep, sections where fixed ropes are attached to help you.
Getting back down is perhaps even more difficult (you might be scooching down on your butt a lot).
For safety’s sake, we’d recommend having a guide if you’re going to tackle Mount Pahia. It’s supposed to be a 6-hour roundtrip hike, though it takes some hikers up to 8 hours to get back down.
8) Stay in an overwater bungalow
The ultimate Bora Bora experience includes staying in an overwater bungalow.
Made of pandanus palms and other local wood, these bungalows typically have palapa roofs.
And as they perch on stilts over the water, the crystal clear waters of the lagoon are right below your feet.
A wonderful way to greet the day is to jump from your deck into the water for a pre-breakfast swim!
Many of Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows have glass panels in the floor where you can stare at the fish as they swim underneath you.
Some – like those at the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa – even have their own private pools too!
You can choose from ultra-luxury overwater villa resorts like the Four Seasons Bora Bora (where we stayed) to more rustic and intimate bungalow resorts.
So you love staying at OMG resorts? Then you’ll love these 27+ epic villa resorts with private pool suites
9) Care for sea turtles at the Bora Bora turtle sanctuary
Get a hands-on experience with sea turtles at the turtle sanctuary.
Located at Le Meridien Bora Bora, the non-profit Turtle Center Project was established in partnership with Bora Bora’s environment ministry.
Injured sea turtles are brought to the sanctuary to be nursed back to health, so they can hopefully be released back into their natural world.
You can help care for them, perhaps by cleaning a turtle’s shell to prevent algae buildup.
The marine biologists who take care of these sweet animals are extremely knowledgeable, and you’ll learn as much as you want to know about rehabilitating sea turtles.
Then you can swim with the turtles. There are other sea creatures like eels and puffer fish to see as well.
10) Go on a thrilling helicopter ride
One of the best things to do in Bora Bora is taking a short helicopter ride around the island.
The views will leave you speechless. You see the turquoise waters from above and get aerial views of Mount Otemanu and Pahia.
To book a Bora Bora helicopter ride
11) Shop for black pearls in Vaitape
Black pearls are said to give visitors “pearl fever” as they hunt for these bewitching gems.
They’re cultivated by pearl farmers in French Polynesia’s lagoons.
Bora Bora’s main town, Vaitape, has numerous upscale stores where you can shop for these pearls. Some of the jewelry is truly exquisite – and the prices eye-popping.
But it’s possible to buy reasonably-priced black pearls to take home as a memory of your Bora Bora trip.
12) Learn to SUP
Learning to SUP is no doubt one of the top things to do in Bora Bora.
You have to know the cool lingo first, so “SUP” is really learning to do stand-up paddleboarding on the water. (If you already know how to do it, then just have fun and get some core exercise.)
If you’re a newbie, you’ll start with kneeling on your board to get the feel of balancing on it. Pretty soon, you’ll feel comfortable enough to stand up.
The water is flat and calm much of the time in Bora Bora’s lagoon, so this is an ideal place to learn to SUP. And if you fall off, well, the water is warm – and falling is all part of the fun, right?
Look for fish and stingrays while you SUP, get a little workout and enjoy this different way to experience being out on the water.
Most resorts have SUP boards, and they’re usually free to use.
13) Ride a jet ski around Bora Bora
Zip around the island on your own jet ski or wave runner!
Going on a 2-hour jet ski adventure is one of the most thrilling things to do in Bora Bora.
You’re in for the ride of your life as you cruise through the crystal clear blue water. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, and watch how the lagoon turns different shades of blue and aqua.
Jet ski Bora Bora tour
This guided 2-hour circle island tour with top-rated Moana Adventure Tours includes pick-up from your resort (or the Vaitape pier) plus a coconut husking demonstration and two stops for a swim.
You can choose to ride solo or double.
14) Eat at Bloody Mary’s
You have to eat at Bloody Mary’s while you’re in Bora Bora!
Built of bamboo with a sandy floor, the whole place looks like a tiki bar straight out of a movie. Indeed, the resto is a Bora Bora attraction for stars.
Celebrities like Pierce Brosnan, Jimmy Buffet, Paris Hilton and anyone with paparazzi appeal have all dined here.
Yet with its wood tables and simple wooden stools, Bloody Mary’s also manages to hang on to an unpretentious fun vibe.
What to order? The fresh fish caught by local fishermen just hours earlier.
15) Pet the stingrays
Every afternoon, wild stingrays are fed at the beach at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.
You kneel in the water and the stingrays swim around you, brushing their smooth (and silky-feeling) bodies against your legs.
If you wish, you can take a piece of fish from the guide to feed a stingray.
The mouth of a stingray is underneath its body. So it will “climb” up your arm to suck up the fish.
You can also pet or stroke the top side of the stingrays – their skin feels soft and slippery.
The stingrays are so used to being fed at this spot that they theoretically don’t pose a danger (so long as you don’t touch their stingers).
Of all the things to do in Bora Bora, petting the stingrays is one of the most unique experiences.
But it’s best if you can remain calm when the rays come to you, so you don’t accidentally hurt them by moving suddenly or stepping on them.
Do stingrays like to be touched?
Research seems to show that stingrays aren’t affected by being petted by humans – and may even like it.
On the other hand, it also appears that regular ray feeding changes the rays’ natural behavior. For one, they come to rely on humans for food. And that’s not good for a wild creature.
In an ideal world, we’d probably leave wild creatures alone to do what they naturally do in the wild. But that’s hard when we want to see and interact with them (even help them when they’re in trouble), isn’t it?
These top activities in Bora Bora will keep you having fun your entire trip!
Of course, take time to recharge at your resort and play in the lagoon before you head out on these adventures.
And then, enjoy some or all that Bora Bora offers!
Experience more fabulous places in the Pacific!
Kauai: From tubing through old sugar plantation canals to gaping at Waimea Canyon, check out these awesome things to do in Kauai. There are also lots of Garden Island activities which are free too!
Fiji: Fijian bures (bungalows) are the perfect design. And now there are some fabulous overwater bungalows in Fiji for living out your Polynesian fantasies!
Lanai What to do in Lanai? Why, lots! There’s hiking, snorkeling, golf and a cool kitty sanctuary.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Pin this if you like this Bora Bora travel guide!
Photo credits:9, 10, 13, 15, 25, 26, 31 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 18 InterContinental Bora Bora Resort |19, 20 Le Meridien Bora Bora | 22 Tahiti Nui Helicopters
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Bora Bora is a popular tourist destination known for its cobalt blue waters and iconic overwater bungalows. The island offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the concepts mentioned in the article and information related to them:
Snorkel with sharks
- Snorkeling with sharks is one of the thrilling activities you can do in Bora Bora.
- The experience involves snorkeling in shallow waters with black-tipped reef sharks.
- It is important to note that these sharks are not dangerous to humans.
- However, it is worth considering the controversy surrounding shark feeding practices, as it can teach sharks to associate humans with food.
- To travel responsibly, it is recommended to educate oneself about the importance of sharks in the ecosystem and the need to protect them.
Bicycle around Bora Bora
- Biking around Bora Bora is a fun way to explore the island.
- The coastal road around Bora Bora is approximately 20 miles (32 km) long and is flat, making it suitable for biking.
- Renting a bike is possible in the Matira Beach area, and e-bikes are also available for those who prefer assistance.
Chill at Matira Beach
- Matira Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Bora Bora.
- The beach features white sands, gentle waters, and good snorkeling spots.
- It stretches for about a mile along the southernmost tip of the island and is a public beach.
- Visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- There are also affordable cafés and restaurants along the waterfront.
Take a Bora Bora jeep tour
- Taking a jeep tour is a popular activity in Bora Bora.
- The tour involves bouncing along bumpy roads in a jeep and exploring the volcanic island.
- Guides provide information about the fruit trees, flowers, and historical sites on the island.
- Some jeep tours also include stops at World War II remnants, such as the 20-foot cannons left behind by the American military.
Snorkel in the Lagoonarium
- The Lagoonarium is a natural part of Bora Bora's lagoon where visitors can snorkel under the supervision of guides.
- Located near the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, it offers the opportunity to see various marine creatures, including turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, sharks, and tropical fish.
- The Lagoonarium is suitable for families and beginners in snorkeling.
Try the local beer
- Hinano lager is the traditional local beer of Tahiti, including Bora Bora.
- It has been brewed since 1955 and is named after a white flower indigenous to the South Pacific.
- Hinano beer has a bitter crisp taste and is less expensive than imported beers due to lower taxes.
Hike up Mount Pahia
- Mount Pahia is another mountain in Bora Bora that offers a challenging hike.
- The hike provides stunning views of the lagoon and is less crowded compared to Mount Otemanu.
- The trail starts near the center of Vaitape and is generally easy to follow, but it can be steep and requires physical fitness.
- It is recommended to have a guide for safety and to navigate the difficult sections with fixed ropes.
Stay in an overwater bungalow
- Staying in an overwater bungalow is a quintessential Bora Bora experience.
- These bungalows are built on stilts over the water and offer direct access to the lagoon.
- Many overwater bungalows have glass panels in the floor for observing marine life.
- There are various resorts in Bora Bora that offer overwater bungalow accommodations, ranging from ultra-luxury to more rustic options.
Care for sea turtles at the Bora Bora turtle sanctuary
- The Bora Bora turtle sanctuary, located at Le Meridien Bora Bora, is a non-profit project aimed at rehabilitating injured sea turtles.
- Visitors can participate in caring for the turtles and learn about their conservation.
- The sanctuary also provides opportunities to swim with turtles and observe other sea creatures.
Go on a thrilling helicopter ride
- Taking a helicopter ride around Bora Bora is a popular activity for enjoying aerial views of the island.
- The ride offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters, Mount Otemanu, and Mount Pahia.
- Tahiti Nui Helicopters is one of the companies that provide helicopter tours in Bora Bora.
Shop for black pearls in Vaitape
- Vaitape, the main town in Bora Bora, is known for its black pearls.
- Black pearls are cultivated by pearl farmers in French Polynesia's lagoons.
- There are upscale stores in Vaitape where visitors can shop for black pearls, ranging from exquisite to reasonably-priced options.
Learn to SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular water activity in Bora Bora.
- Bora Bora's calm and flat lagoon makes it an ideal place to learn and practice SUP.
- Most resorts provide SUP boards for guests to use.
Ride a jet ski around Bora Bora
- Jet skiing is a thrilling activity that allows visitors to explore the crystal clear waters of Bora Bora.
- Guided jet ski tours are available, offering the opportunity to see dolphins and enjoy the changing shades of the lagoon.
- Moana Adventure Tours is a top-rated company that provides jet ski tours in Bora Bora.
Eat at Bloody Mary's
- Bloody Mary's is a popular restaurant in Bora Bora known for its tiki bar ambiance.
- The restaurant has been visited by celebrities and offers fresh fish caught by local fishermen.
Pet the stingrays
- At the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, visitors can interact with wild stingrays.
- The stingrays swim around visitors, and it is possible to feed them and pet their topside.
- It is important to remain calm and avoid touching their stingers for safety reasons.
Please note that the information provided is based on search results and snippets.
