🏝️ Where to go on Bora Bora: 21 stops for your route

Bora Bora greets you with a lagoon in every shade of turquoise. The island is small, and you can drive around it in a day on the ring road. The catch is that half of what's worth seeing lies across the water, on the neighboring motu, where you can't get without a boat.

We've put together the stops worth adding to your route: shrines of the first Polynesians, viewpoints overlooking Mount Otemanu, private motu, a pearl farm, and two local festivals. For each spot, there's practical info: how to get there, what to see, and where to save time.

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What to see on Bora Bora

💡 In short:

Explore the south of the island by water: Teavanui Pass, Hiro's Bell rock, and the lagoon with its reefs
Head to Vaitape for fish and fruit on Sunday morning
Flight from Tahiti: 50 minutes, schedule and tickets verified 09/2026 on the official Air Tahiti website

The island is divided into two parts: a narrow ring of land around the lagoon and the outer motu, where the hotels are. Almost all the points of interest are on the ring, so it's convenient to start your route from Vaitape. Plan no more than four stops per day: the road is narrow, and you lose time driving between the two shores.

Historical sites and marae

1. Saint Pierre-Célestin Church

Panorama of Bora Bora lagoon with boats and houses

The parish in Vaitape showcases the modern religious life of Tahitians. Inside, you're greeted by colorful stained glass and near concert-hall acoustics: during services, the prayer music carries without microphones. The lyrics of local songs tell about the island's culture and customs. Stop in here before walking around town.

2. Marae Tainapa

Marae are stone temples of the first Polynesian settlers, built as stepped platforms of slabs and decorated with carvings. Several such sites survive on the island. Marae Tainapa lies on a hillside in the northern part of Povai Bay. The path to the shrine isn't easy to find: there are almost no signs, but in return you'll see stonework without fences or museum plaques.

Vaitape village by the mountain, view from the lagoon

3. Marae Fare-Opu

Stone marae among tropical trees by the lagoon

The Fare-Opu structure is squeezed between the road and the water. Turtle petroglyphs are carved into the well-preserved coral slabs, and the same motifs appear elsewhere on the island. Turtles were considered favorites of the gods here, were sacrificed to them, and their image was carved into stone. The site is easy to visit along the way, since it sits right by the roadside.

4. Coastal defense guns

The coastal defense guns and army bunkers were left on the island by American forces after World War II. To reach them, you climb a small hill on the east coast. From the top, you get a view of the lagoon and the outer motu. The climb is short but exposed to the sun, so bring water.

5. Bertrand Darras Maritime Museum

In the northern part of the island, there's a small private maritime museum opened by Bertrand Darras. You can only get inside by appointment and invitation. The collection includes dozens of models of canoes, tuna boats, and steamships, and the building's rooftop has a restaurant with its own menu. Arrange your visit in advance, or you risk finding yourself at a locked door.

Main street of Vaitape with palm trees and a moped

Panoramas, the lagoon, and pearls

6. TV tower viewpoint

Turning off the road between Bloody Mary's and Bamboo House restaurants, you arrive at the TV tower. From the platform at its top, the island and the turquoise waters washing over it are laid out before you. This is one of the few spots where the entire lagoon reads as a whole, together with its channels and motu. Go up on a clear morning, before any haze settles over the water.

Vaitape shops at the foot of a green mountain

7. Fitiiu Point

Fitiiu Point shows the American guns from another angle. From here, there's a good view of Mount Otemanu and the Te-Ana-Opea cave. The spot is on the loop road, so it's easy to combine with the ring drive. Linger here for the panorama and photos: the place doesn't require a separate outing.

Mount Otemanu above the Bora Bora lagoon

8. Hiro's Bell rock

Near the Teavanui shipping channel, which connects the lagoon to the open ocean, rises Hiro's Bell rock. According to legend, the god Hiro created it: if you strike the rock with a small stone, it rings like a bell. Cruise ships pass through the depths of the channel, and sharks and barracudas stay underwater. On a boat tour you stay in the boat; swimming here is not recommended.

Road signs on a street in Vaitape, Bora Bora

9. Bora Bora Lagoonarium

Net pens in the lagoon with Otemanu in the background

The Lagoonarium on the east coast is set up as a large open-air aquarium. With an experienced instructor, you swim among moray eels, sharks, and rays that are fed directly by hand; separate groups go to the dolphins. If you don't want to dive, you can see the inhabitants from a canoe. A seafood barbecue is prepared on site.

10. Pearl farm

Overwater bungalow in a turquoise lagoon under a blue sky

A tour of a pearl farm shows the entire process of cultivating black pearls. First, the shell is examined and its contents assessed: a large pearl is removed, a small one is left to grow. If the shell is not closed within fifteen minutes, the mollusk dies, and a single pearl takes about two years to mature. The brand store sells black pearl jewelry, and tours to a working farm are easy to compare on GetYourGuide. The catch: prices in the store are high, and the salespeople know how to persuade.

Art galleries on the island

11. Vitali Bora painter gallery

Vitali Bora Painter Gallery is a workshop and exhibition space in one building. Here you'll see not only canvases with local landscapes, but also the owner himself at work. The artist teaches guests to paint, so you can take home your own painting inspired by Bora Bora. Book in advance if you want to join a class.

12. Alain Despert Gallery

Absolut Despert poster with a bottle and landscape

Art lovers should stop by the Alain Despert Gallery (Galerie Alain Despert). His works are held in the collections of royal family members and celebrities. His most famous piece is an Absolut Vodka bottle floating in the lagoon: this work gained recognition far beyond the island. The gallery features vibrant canvases with the colors of Bora Bora that immerse you in the local palette.

Diving and the outer reef

13. Swimming with leopard rays

In the southern part of the island there is a calm spot for diving and encounters with leopard rays: they slice through the turquoise water with their wide fins. There are few people here, and you stay underwater longer than on group tours. Boat tours and snorkeling on GetYourGuide help you reach the rays with a guide, boat, and equipment. Check the itinerary and departure time when booking.

14. Tupitipiti Point

Tupitipiti Point is a favorite among divers. Here you scuba dive to purple corals, with parrotfish and sea bass darting between them. If you're lucky, a humpback whale passes by the point. With an experienced guide, such a trip goes more smoothly: he knows the spots and keeps a distance from the animals. Schedule your departure for the morning and confirm equipment when booking.

Town, motu and festivals

15. A walk around Vaitape

Vaitape is considered the most populated place on the island: it is its main town and harbor. The town itself is not the most remarkable, but here you can see the everyday life of the locals. You buy groceries, have lunch at port cafes and take care of everyday errands in relative civilization. On Sunday morning, food stalls with local delicacies open along the main road. Come at opening time, before it gets hot.

Vaitape harbor with a church and a ferry

16. Motu Fanfan

Sunset over the ocean and silhouettes of distant islands

For a change of scenery, Motu Fanfan is a good choice: a small island with a sandy beach and a coral garden. It is privately owned, so the trip must be booked in advance. A personal captain brings guests on his own boat, and while lunch is being prepared, you lie on the sand or dive to see eagle rays and Buddha statues on the bottom. It is better to bring your own snorkeling gear.

17. Heiva i Bora Bora festival

Dancer in Polynesian costume at the Heiva festival

Heiva i Bora Bora translates as "celebration of life" and usually takes place in July in Vaitape, on the main square of the town of Tu Vavau. The program includes songs, dances and sports competitions, and teams from local districts perform. For getting to know French Polynesian culture, this is the best week of the year, with the stands cheering for their own. The dates shift every year, so check them with the tourist office (as of: 09/2026).

18. Bora Bora Liquid festival

In December, the island hosts Bora Bora Liquid: canoe races and water competitions in the lagoon. During the day, athletes compete on the courses, and in the evening everyone gathers for beach parties with cocktails. The event runs for several days, so you have time to see both the races and the sunsets. If you are going in December, book accommodation in advance.

How to get around the island

19. Around the island by water

Bora Bora lagoon with overwater bungalows

The lagoon serves as the island's main transport. Rent a jet ski or water skis and ride across the lagoon at speed. You can take a motorboat or canoe and stop to snorkel and have a picnic on the shore. Kitesurfers find wind on the waves, and families will enjoy the semi-submersible vessel Aquascope, designed by Jacques Rougerie, a friend of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The day ends with a sunset cruise accompanied by musicians and dancers.

20. Around the island by air

Panorama of Bora Bora lagoon with a sand spit

From above, the island reads differently. You fly by helicopter over the lagoon and see the ring of reef around Mount Otemanu. For those who are not afraid of heights, there is parasailing: under the parachute, the island opens up along with the channels and hotels on the motu. Flights depend on the weather, so schedule them at the beginning of your trip.

21. Around the island by land

By land, the island is explored on a quad bike or in an off-road vehicle with a local guide. This way you reach scenic spots, meet local families and learn how to tie a pareo, traditional Polynesian clothing. Bicycles are available for rent: the ring road passes the main attractions, and along the way you can cool off in the lagoon or have a cold drink at a coastal restaurant. Walking tours are also an option, with a guide telling the history and legends of the island. If you prefer to drive yourself, compare car rental options.

Tours and tickets in Bora Bora

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight to Bora Bora?

The flight from Tahiti takes 50 minutes (Air Tahiti, as of: 09/2026). International flights arrive in Tahiti, then you fly on a domestic flight or go by sea. From the airport on the motu, you are taken by boat to Vaitape or your hotel, so arrange the transfer in advance.

How many days do you need on the island?

Three full days are usually enough: drive the ring road, go into the lagoon and visit a pearl farm. If you want diving at Tupitipiti Point and a trip to a private motu, add two more days. Overwater hotels are booked several months in advance, especially for the dry season.

When is the best time to go to Bora Bora?

The dry season lasts from May to October: less rain, calmer seas and better visibility in the lagoon (as of: 09/2026, French Polynesia tourist office). In December, the island comes alive for the Bora Bora Liquid festival. If you are going for diving, choose the dry months and do not plan your trip for the height of the rainy season.

Can you get around the island without a boat?

Yes. The ring road goes around the entire island, so a bicycle, quad bike or car is enough. But the outer motu and most snorkeling spots are only accessible by water, and boat excursions are booked with local operators in advance. On foot you will also see a lot, if you do not mind the heat.

How to save money on the trip?

Most of the money goes on accommodation: overwater bungalows cost several times more than guesthouses in Vaitape. The difference is better spent on excursions, snorkeling, diving and a trip to a private motu. Compare hotel prices in advance, as options run out quickly in high season.

In short: what to book

A trip to Bora Bora is built around the lagoon: it is the water that determines what you will do on the island.

If you have three days: a hotel on the ring road, one boat excursion and an evening in Vaitape.
If you are going for diving: days at Tupitipiti Point and in the southern lagoon with the rays.
For romance: private Motu Fanfan and a sunset cruise.
For culture: July with the Heiva i Bora Bora festival and a trip to a pearl farm.

Water hotels get booked up months in advance, so compare prices on Trip.com early. Guided tours with equipment are easier to find on GetYourGuide.

Bora Bora: a three-day route around the island and lagoon