Bora Bora Highlights And Hidden Treasures 

Discover Bora Bora’s best travel experiences - from crystal lagoons and coral gardens to cultural rituals and hidden motus. Explore French Polynesia’s dream landscapes where luxury, tradition, and island adventure meet.

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Mount Otemanu Hike
Rising dramatically from Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, Mount Otemanu is the island’s heart and soul. This ancient volcanic peak offers panoramic views of lush jungle, coral-fringed lagoons, and distant motus that shimmer in the sunlight. The air is thick with the scent of hibiscus, and every step reveals the island’s wild, mystical beauty.

  • Insider Tip: Go with a local guide - trails can be steep and unmarked.
    Timing / Best Time: Visit early morning for cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Matira Beach 
Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Matira’s powdery white sand melts into shallow, iridescent waters ideal for swimming and sunset strolls. The calm lagoon shimmers with shifting hues of aquamarine, while palms sway lazily overhead, framing postcard-perfect views.

  • Best Way: Arrive mid-afternoon, swim, then stay for the sunset spectacle.
    Good to Know: Free public access - rare among Bora Bora’s private beaches.

Lagoon Cruise & Snorkeling Tour 
Cruise the tranquil lagoon in a Polynesian outrigger, gliding past coral gardens and vibrant marine life. The water’s clarity feels otherworldly, with rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish weaving around coral blooms. Gentle ukulele music from your guide completes this immersive paradise experience.

  • Insider Tip: Choose a full-day trip that includes lunch on a private motu.
    Timing / Best Time: Mornings for calm waters and bright visibility.

Overwater Bungalow Stay 
Nothing defines Bora Bora like waking up in an overwater bungalow suspended above a translucent lagoon. Mornings begin with breakfast delivered by canoe, followed by snorkelling straight from your deck. At night, the water glows softly with bioluminescence under a canopy of stars.

  • Best Way: Book through resorts like St. Regis or Four Seasons for the finest lagoon views.
    Good to Know: Expect premium rates - plan stays during shoulder seasons for savings.

Coral Gardens Snorkelling Spot (near Motu Piti Uu Uta) 
This coral-rich underwater wonderland dazzles with colour and life. The gentle current carries you over a kaleidoscope of coral heads teeming with butterflyfish and parrotfish. The setting feels untouched, like swimming through a living tapestry of the South Pacific.

  • Insider Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
    Timing / Best Time: Visit late morning when sunlight illuminates the corals.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium 
A natural aquarium on a private motu where you can swim among reef sharks, rays, and turtles under the supervision of local guides. It’s part adventure, part education - showcasing Polynesian respect for ocean ecology and traditional fishing practices.

  • Best Way: Book a half-day excursion directly through local operators.
    Good to Know: Great for families and those seeking a safe snorkelling introduction.

Vaitape Village & Local Market 
The island’s main town offers an authentic glimpse into daily life beyond the resorts. Browse colourful pareos, vanilla pods, and black pearls while locals greet you with warm smiles and soft Polynesian music drifts from cafés.

  • Insider Tip: Visit on Sunday morning to catch the lively local produce market.
    Timing / Best Time: Late morning to early afternoon for shops and market activity.

Unique Experiences

Polynesian Feast & Dance Show 
Immerse yourself in Tahitian rhythms as dancers perform the tamure around a firelit stage while you savour poisson cru, roasted pig, and coconut desserts. The storytelling through dance, drumming, and costume reflects centuries of island tradition.

  • How to Do It: Reserve a cultural evening at a resort or at the famous Bloody Mary’s restaurant.

Vanilla Plantation Visit in Taha’a (Bora Bora’s “sister island”) 
Discover the aromatic journey of Polynesian vanilla - from delicate orchid blooms to sun-dried beans. The fragrance fills the air, and local farmers share stories of heritage and patience.

  • Good to Know: Combine this with a Taha’a day trip - ferry transfers are short and scenic.

Canoe Breakfast Delivery 
Start your morning the Polynesian way - breakfast arrives by canoe, delivered by smiling staff singing soft island melodies. Floating trays of fresh fruit, pastries, and coconut juice set a dreamlike tone.

  • Timing: Early morning after sunrise for perfect light and calm waters.

Traditional Tattoo Experience 
Tahitian tattoos hold deep cultural meaning - each design tells a story of ancestry and identity. Skilled local artists use modern tools but retain ancient symbolism, creating elegant, personal designs.

  • How to Do It: Book at a reputable artist studio in Vaitape; ensure sterilisation standards are followed.

Pearl Farm Tour 
Learn how Bora Bora’s legendary black pearls are cultivated in the calm lagoons. See oysters opened by hand, and marvel at the shimmering tones unique to this region. A fascinating mix of artistry and science.

  • Good to Know: Combine the tour with lagoon sightseeing - many farms are set on motus.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Motu Tapu 
Once reserved for Tahitian royalty, this tiny island is now an exclusive yet tranquil retreat fringed by coral reefs and palms. It offers unparalleled solitude and breathtaking lagoon vistas.

  • Getting There: Short boat ride from main island tours or resort transfers.
    Timing: Early morning or sunset for privacy and best photography light.

Anau Reef Dive Site 
A hidden underwater paradise where giant manta rays glide silently through clear waters. Known only to local divers, the site feels serene and untouched.

  • Good to Know: Visibility peaks between May and October when plankton levels drop.
    Timing: Morning dives for the highest chance of manta sightings.

Faanui Bay Ruins 
Deep within Faanui’s lush valley, moss-covered marae (temples) and ancient stone platforms whisper stories of Polynesia’s past. Few visitors venture here, yet it’s one of Bora Bora’s most spiritual corners.

  • Getting There: Rent a scooter or hire a local guide from Vaitape.
    Good to Know: Bring insect repellent and respect sacred sites.

Motu Piti Aau Quiet and idyllic, this motu offers intimate beaches and calm snorkelling spots ideal for couples seeking peace. The coral gardens here are vivid and uncrowded.

  • Timing: Visit midweek to avoid small group tours.

Valley of the Kings (Raiatea) 
Linked to Bora Bora through ancient Polynesian migrations, Raiatea’s sacred valley features archaeological remains and sacred trees believed to hold mana (spiritual power).

  • Good to Know: A short flight or ferry from Bora Bora - ideal for history enthusiasts

Farepiti Point 
A calm, little-visited lookout where you can watch cargo boats arrive at Bora Bora’s port and locals fish at sunset. The view across the lagoon is serene and cinematic.

  • Getting There: Easily reached by bike from Vaitape.
    Timing: Late afternoon for warm golden light.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Bloody Mary’s Restaurant 
One of the most famous - and delightfully eccentric - dining spots in the South Pacific, with sand floors, carved tiki décor, and a celebrity wall of fame. It’s part restaurant, part legend.

  • Why Go: Enjoy a laid-back meal where world travellers and locals mingle.
    Good to Know: Closed Sundays - reservations recommended in peak season.

Shark & Ray Feeding Experience 
Equal parts thrilling and humbling, standing in waist-deep water surrounded by graceful rays and reef sharks is an unforgettable encounter. The guides ensure it’s safe and respectful.

  • Why Go: Connects travellers to the island’s marine ecosystem and traditions.

Tahitian Pareo Workshop 
Learn the art of hand-painting your own pareo (sarong) using natural dyes and Polynesian motifs. Each design tells a personal story and makes a perfect memento.

  • Good to Know: Workshops are small and best booked a few days in advance.

Lagoon Night Swim 
Slip into Bora Bora’s lagoon under a starlit sky, where bioluminescent plankton sparkles with your every move - an ethereal, surreal experience.

  • Why Go: It’s one of the few ways to witness the lagoon’s night-time magic.

Suggested Activities by Region / City

Vaitape (Main Island)

• Explore artisan pearl boutiques and island cafés.
Insider Tip: Visit mid-morning before cruise crowds arrive.

• Rent a bike or scooter to tour the coastal road.
Best Way: Loop around the island clockwise for the best lagoon views.

• Shop the local market for handmade pareos and vanilla.
Good to Know: Cash preferred - ATMs can run low on weekends.

Motu Piti Aau

• Kayak along the quiet lagoon edge.
Insider Tip: Early morning offers glass-like water reflections.

• Snorkel coral gardens near your resort.
Best Way: Bring reef shoes to navigate shallow coral safely.

• Enjoy a candlelit dinner on a private beach.
Good to Know: Book through your resort – weather-dependent.

Taha’a (Nearby Island)

• Visit a rum distillery for a local tasting experience.
Insider Tip: Combine with a vanilla plantation tour.

• Discover secluded beaches perfect for paddleboarding.
Best Way: Rent boards locally and explore at your own pace.

• Tour local villages for authentic Tahitian crafts.
Good to Know: Sundays are quiet - plan shopping on weekdays.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

• Lagoon snorkelling safaris with sharks and rays.
Tip: Choose eco-certified operators for responsible encounters.

• Jet-ski tours circling Bora Bora’s lagoon.
Good to Know: Bring a waterproof camera - views are unbeatable.

• Paddleboarding through coral channels.
Tip: Calm mornings ensure smooth paddling conditions.

• Parasailing above the lagoon’s vivid blues.
Good to Know: Go during dry season (May–October) for best visibility.

Cultural & Food Experiences

• Traditional Tahitian dance and music evenings.
Tip: Book dinner shows in advance during high season.

• Polynesian cooking classes using fresh lagoon fish.
Good to Know: Many classes are hosted at resorts with local chefs.

• Visit a vanilla or coconut oil producer.
Tip: Buy directly from farmers - it supports the community.

• Taste tropical fruits and pastries at Vaitape market.
Good to Know: Open-air stalls peak early - visit before 10 a.m.