Bora Bora
French Polynesia

Bora Bora

Photo by Damien Chaudet on Unsplash

Destination Overview

Endless clear blue ocean, pristine white sand beach, a single palm tree lazing into view…Bora Bora is the paradise island you’ve always dreamt you would honeymoon on. The island’s natural beauty (think blazing sunsets, tropical flowers and a balmy climate) evokes a feeling of romance as soon as you and your newlywed arrive.

The island is not only rich with stunning scenery but with activities that are perfectly suited for honeymooners. Firstly, be sure to reserve a night (or two!) to cozy up with a bottle of bubbly and enjoy each other’s company under an array of stars. Because of the lack of light-pollution on the island the night sky is magnificent and should not be missed– you may even catch a shooting star. Next, don’t forget to book a couples massage on the beach. What better way to relax than to enjoy a massage while listening to the gentle crashing of waves? And of course, book an intimate dinner by the sea where you can enjoy 5-star service with your toes in the sand.

While relaxing beachside might be the first activity that comes to mind for your Bora Bora honeymoon there are numerous adventurous activities to do as well. Mount Otemanu is one of two peaks of an extinct volcano located at the center of the island. It will tower majestically in the background of your vacation photos. A hike is a popular way to enjoy Mount Otemanu but it’s not the only option. You can enjoy Mount Otemanu via a 4×4 tour, a boat tour, a helicopter tour as well.

All visitors to Bora Bora should take advantage of the stunning marine life that the area has to offer. Snorkeling and scuba diving is a huge attraction for visitors to the island. The serene blue waters surrounding the island are home to millions of colourful reef fish, sea turtles, starfish, manta rays and sharks. You can also enjoy a birds-eye view of the island and all of its offerings on a parasail adventure.

For the best gastronomy experience in Bora Bora, choose the most local ingredients. Unsurprisingly, seafood is a must and the fresh fish in French Polynesia can be found on nearly every menu. A popular dish is Poisson Cru: a dish of tuna marinated in lime and coconut. Another meal to try is the ‘fish of the gods’ or ‘saumon des diex’ in French.

While there are a number of exquisite resorts to choose from on the island it’s the over-water villas that immediately come to mind as luxury at it’s finest. The over-water villas offer a front-row seat to your own private slice of paradise. A stay in an over-water villa is the perfect way to disconnect from the rest of the world and focus on your new spouse!

About Bora Bora

At a Glance

  • Bora Bora is part of France. Bora Bora is officially located in French Polynesia (more commonly known as Tahiti) which is made up of 118 islands that are divided into five groups.
  • Take a flight over Tupai — a tiny atoll located just north of Bora Bora– it’s perfect for honeymooners because the island is shaped like a heart!
  • Visit Matira Beach. Consistently ranked one of the top ten beaches of the world Matira beach is home to beautiful calm waters. Consider bringing water shoes to avoid stepping on any sharp coral.
  • Surprise your beau with a very Tahitian souvenir: an exotic Tahitian black pearl.
  • Visit the Lagoonarium. The lagoonarium is a natural aquarium where you’ll find sharks, turtles, rays and many different kinds of ocean fish.

Honeymoon Hints

  • To get to Bora Bora, most travelers fly into Bora Bora Airport also known as Motu Mute Airport (BOB). If you’re coming from the U.S., you’ll first stop at the Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti. Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll hop on a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.
  • Bora Bora uses the French Pacific Franc as its currency. The US dollar may be accepted as direct payment in hotels, restaurants and large shops, but will get a low rate of exchange. There are a few ATMs on the islands but it is best to bring some local currency with you.
  • Bora Bora is made up of 3 villages: Anau, Faanui and Vaitape. There are fewer than 9,000 permanent residents.
  • Because the island is so small, there are no forms of public transit on Bora Bora. Most visitors will either walk, rent a car or bike to get from place to place.
  • Bora Bora is halfway between Australia and the US.