Top 8 activities in Bora Bora
Renowned the world over as a paradise destination, Bora Bora's idyllic landscapes and relaxed lifestyle are the stuff of dreams. Here, people take the time to savour every moment, especially during outdoor activities!
Part of the Leeward Islands of the Society Archipelago, Bora Bora's nearest neighbours are the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea. It can be reached quickly by plane from Tahiti and Moorea, but as soon as you arrive at the airport you'll need to take a boat to your accommodation on the main island or one of its many motus. Once there, there's no doubt that you'll be seduced by the beauty of the setting, with its lush green jungle, white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoon. And to make the most of this enchanting place during your stay, check out the Top 8 things to do in Bora Bora, apart from the inevitable lazing around!
1 - Snorkelling in the Bora Bora lagoon
When you see the striking blue of the lagoon, it's hard to resist the urge to dive in! So don't wait any longer and try one of the best things to do in Bora Bora: snorkelling. Using only a mask and snorkel (and why not flippers?), take to the water in the lagoon to discover the rich fauna and flora typical of Polynesian lagoons: small tropical fish, stingrays, blacktip sharks, etc. You'll be dazzled by the beauty of this colourful and peaceful underwater environment, making snorkelling in Bora Bora an experience not to be missed!
And for an adventure to the best snorkelling sites in the Bora Bora lagoon, don't hesitate to take part in an excursion guided by a local: you'll benefit from interesting information about the life that inhabits the lagoon and a different approach to snorkelling. Depending on the guide, you may even be able to do the activity with the help of an underwater scooter, so you can move around like a fish in water!
2 - A boat trip on the Bora Bora lagoon
What better way to spend a day than on a boat in Bora Bora? Aboard a speed boat, pontoon boat, catamaran or even a Polynesian pirogue for an experience in the local atmosphere, you'll get an eyeful of the breathtaking scenery of the island and its lagoon. Most of these cruises offer snorkelling stops along the way, giving you the chance to discover the underwater world of the Bora Bora lagoon.
Depending on what you're looking for, you'll be able to find the boat trip that's right for you: boat hire with a private skipper; a sunset cruise, with or without a romantic dinner; an all-day adventure; and so on. Bora Bora is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family, your partner or your friends!
3 - Go whale watching in season
From July to early November, humpback whales travel to the warm waters of French Polynesia to reproduce and give birth. So it's a great time to go out and see them, either from a boat, or underwater with flippers, mask and snorkel if the weather and the animals allow, while respecting the safety distances imposed.
This extraordinary experience is very popular in Tahiti and Moorea, where many cetaceans visit, but it's also possible to gowhale watching in Bora Bora! You'll even be able to enjoy this adventure without too many other boats around your group, which will be much more pleasant not only for you, but also for the whales, who will be more relaxed.
4 - Scuba diving
Even if you've never tried scuba diving before, everyone knows that scuba diving in Bora Bora is an experience not to be missed, given the world-famous beauty and richness of the Polynesian seabed. In fact, it's not unusual for honeymooners in French Polynesia to take part in a scuba diving experience together in Bora Bora, taking photos and videos of their activity to create superb memories!
From first dives to exploration and training dives, Bora Bora offers a wide range of diving opportunities, both in the lagoon and on the ocean side of the reef. There are plenty of dive sites where you can discover all the treasures that Polynesian waters have to offer: coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, lemon sharks, Napoleon fish, etc. Enough to justify why scuba diving is an absolute must-do activity in Bora Bora!
5 - Flying over Bora Bora, its lagoon and Tupai
Activities in Bora Bora, like accommodation, come at a price. But one of the most expensive experiences, and also one of the most extraordinary on the island, is undoubtedly a private helicopter tour of Tupai, with a stopover on this uninhabited piece of paradise. If you can afford this one-of-a-kind escapade, with breathtaking views of the heart-shaped island, your trip will be one to remember!
But rest assured, it's perfectly possible to admire Tupai from the air for less, simply by taking a helicopter flight in Bora Bora shared with other passengers, or by deciding to take off on your own for a microlight flight in Bora Bora. Just don't forget to bring your camera/GoPro so you can take photos of the superb panoramas that await you!
6 - Jet-skiing across the Bora Bora lagoon
The islands of French Polynesia are renowned for their relaxation and well-deserved rest, but if you fancy a bit of adrenaline, that's also possible! And there's nothing better than a jet ski excursion on the lagoon of Bora Bora, an outing that doesn't require you to have a boat licence to take control of the machine.
Accompanied by a local guide, you'll ride your jet ski around the island and its lagoon, combining speed and thrills to take a break from your relaxed daily routine on Bora Bora. Some tours include snorkelling breaks, and even a tasting of fresh local fruit for an even more memorable experience!
7 - Discover the island of Bora Bora from land
Bora Bora not only boasts one of the most sublime lagoons in the world, it's also a verdant island with a few remnants of its past as an American military base during the Second World War. So don't hesitate to set off on an excursion to discover its secrets, as well as the most beautiful views of the lagoon and the motus that surround it!
The island is small, so you can hire a bike and explore it at your own pace for half a day or more. But if you don't feel like pedalling, why not try exploring Bora Bora on a quad bike, with a local guide? Last but not least, don't miss out on a hike up Mount Otemanu, one of the best things to do in Bora Bora, on the highest point of the island.
8 - Parasailing from Pointe Matira
From a height of up to 150 metres, parasailing over Bora Bora's lagoon is sure to leave you with incredible images of the island and its exceptional palette of colours. Between the white of the fine sand on the beaches of Pointe Matira and the surrounding motus, the shimmering green of the island's jungle, and of course the striking blue of the lagoon contrasting with the deep blue of the open sea, you're sure to get an eyeful!
What's more, unlike a flight from a helicopter or microlight, you'll be able to clearly see stingrays, blacktip sharks and other lagoon fish moving beneath the crystal-clear waters. With no windows to restrict your view, you'll have the pleasure of admiring the scenery all around you, the fresh sea air caressing your face throughout the flight, which can last from 15 to 25 minutes.
Whether you're enjoying the marvellous setting of Bora Bora with your family, as a couple, with friends or even on your own, there's absolutely no shortage of things to do to entertain yourself in this little Polynesian paradise. What's more, this Top 8 does not include all the experiences available on the island!
You can also discover the lagoon of Bora Bora on a stand-up paddle, a perfect family activity for a moment of tranquillity on the water; take part in a wakeboarding session on the lagoon of Bora Bora, a great way to work off your energy and enjoy the thrills; as well as kitesurfing, wingfoiling, flyboarding and, for those brave enough, skydiving!
And if you're still on the fence about visiting the pearl of the Pacific during your stay in French Polynesia, maybe you can decide between Moorea and Bora Bora thanks to our comparison!