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Planning a trip to Bora Bora? You’re in the right place!
We love exploring this dreamy South Pacific island, which is known for its turquoise lagoon, dramatic Mount Otemanu, and picture-perfect overwater bungalows. And there are certainly a lot of fun ways to discover its epic beauty, from 4×4 safaris and lazy sunset sails to swimming with rays and zipping around on a jet ski.
The only problem is that with so many unforgettable options on the table, deciding what to do first can be tough! That’s why we’ve picked the ten best experiences to help you plan the perfect trip and make lifelong memories. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this full-day lagoon tour! Snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, then savoring a Polynesian lunch beneath Mount Otemanu, was the perfect blend of adventure and island bliss.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Bora Bora
- 1. Explore Bora Bora’s Wild Side on a 4X4 Island Safari
- 2. Spend a day on the water with snorkeling, swimming, and island views
- 3. Walk underwater and meet tropical fish face to face
- 4. Snorkel your way through Bora Bora’s coral gardens
- 5. Go swimming with humpback whales
- 6. Zip over the water on a jet ski
- 7. Be your own captain for the day
- 8. Discover the island’s famous black pearls
- 9. Experience the best scuba diving
- 10. Sail into the sunset on an evening cruise
- Where to Stay in Bora Bora
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Bora Bora
1. Explore Bora Bora’s Wild Side on a 4X4 Island Safari
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Off-road jeep ride through Bora Bora’s rugged interior, panoramic views from Mount Popoti, WWII cannons, scenic overlooks, local history and culture
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (main island), professional guide, bottled water, fresh fruit
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Bora Bora’s rugged interior on this 4×4 safari is one of the most unique adventures on the island. It’s easy to get caught up in the lagoon and beaches, but this off-road tour reveals a completely different side of paradise.
The journey begins with a convenient hotel pickup before you climb into an open-air jeep. The ride quickly turns bumpy as you leave paved roads behind—but that’s part of the fun! Hold on tight and expect dirt tracks, steep inclines, and a real sense of adventure.
One of the first major stops is Mount Popoti, where you’ll enjoy an incredible 360° view of the lagoon, Mount Otemanu, and even neighboring islands. You’ll also visit old WWII gun emplacements for a fascinating look at Bora Bora’s wartime history.
Another highlight is exploring Faanui Valley, home to tropical fruit plantations and a local artist who hand-paints pareos. You can even sample fresh mangos and coconuts straight from the trees!
Lasting just over three hours, this small-group tour fits easily into a day of island exploring—but it’s absolutely packed with memorable moments. It’s no wonder HUNDREDS of travelers give it five stars!
Book this top-rated jeep tour here, with free cancellation!
2. Spend a day on the water with snorkeling, swimming, and island views
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays, swim through vibrant coral gardens, enjoy a scenic lagoon cruise, relax on a motu islet, Polynesian buffet lunch with cultural touches
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, snorkel gear, towels, lunch, soft drinks, bottled water, professional local guides
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Bora Bora’s famous lagoon, you should book this full-day tour ASAP! It combines the island’s best snorkeling spots with a relaxed Polynesian-style lunch, so you get adventure, culture, and downtime all in one unforgettable day.
Our guides picked us up right at the hotel dock and welcomed us aboard with big smiles and plenty of energy. Our first stop was the coral garden, where we floated among schools of bright tropical fish before wading into shallow waters to greet friendly stingrays. Then came the thrill of swimming beside blacktip reef sharks—an unforgettable rush from start to finish!
Around midday, we cruised to a private motu, where tables were set on the beach with Mount Otemanu rising in the distance. There, we feasted on a lunch of grilled fish, chicken, salads, and tropical fruit while we watched local musicians and a coconut-weaving demonstration. I really loved this part of the tour because it felt like we were guests at a Polynesian celebration rather than just tourists passing through.
The mix of adventure and downtime made the day fly by. With such a small group, we never felt rushed, and the guides made it feel personal from start to finish. Plus, with everything included, it couldn’t have been easier.
If you only have time for one excursion in Bora Bora, make it this one! It’s the perfect way to experience the lagoon in all its beauty, from the marine life to the culture that makes this island so unique.
Book this top-rated tour here before it sells out!
3. Walk underwater and meet tropical fish face to face
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Walk along the seafloor with a helmet dive, get up close to tropical fish and coral, safe and beginner-friendly underwater adventure, no swimming experience required
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, professional guides, helmet diving equipment, safety briefing
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Curious about Bora Bora’s underwater world but not into snorkeling? This aqua safari helmet dive is the perfect way to experience it. From the hotel pickup to the easy instructions on how everything works, your guides make the whole adventure simple—even for total beginners.
Before heading underwater, you’ll get a clear explanation of how the helmet works and what to expect. It can feel a little strange at first to breathe while standing beneath the surface, but the guides are incredibly patient and make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable before the dive begins.
Once you’re in the lagoon, you’ll don a special helmet that lets you breathe normally as you walk along the sandy seafloor about 3 meters (10 feet) deep. The entire experience includes around 30 minutes underwater—plenty of time to admire the coral garden, watch schools of tropical fish drift past, and simply enjoy the calm of being below the surface. Plus, the helmet keeps your head completely dry and clear, so you can even wear glasses or contact lenses without worry.
Relaxed and safe, with friendly guides who stay nearby the entire time, it’s a great option for anyone wanting to see Bora Bora’s lagoon from a different perspective. Even experienced divers say it’s one of the most unique and accessible ways to enjoy the island’s underwater beauty!
Read hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this unique tour here!
4. Snorkel your way through Bora Bora’s coral gardens
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departures between 9 am and 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Snorkel through coral gardens, see colorful tropical fish, manta rays, eagle rays, blacktip sharks, explore Bora Bora’s crystal-clear lagoon, small-group personalized experience
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, snorkel gear, towels, professional local guides
- Rating: 5 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for another incredible way to explore Bora Bora’s underwater world, this coral gardens snorkeling tour is hard to beat. It combines adventure, marine life, and lagoon scenery into one unforgettable experience that lets you see the island’s reefs up close and in full color.
From the very first stop, it’s clear why this tour is so popular. We got to snorkel alongside manta rays as they glided gracefully past us, then explored two stunning coral gardens filled with colorful fish, giant clams, and shy moray eels. The coral formations were particularly impressive—I think they were some of the healthiest and most diverse I’ve ever seen.
Later, we ventured into deeper waters in search of eagle rays and blacktip sharks. The guide stayed close and offered hands-on assistance to those in our group who weren’t confident swimmers, making everyone feel safe and included. Plus, the small group size meant we got personal attention and plenty of space in the water without feeling crowded.
Everything was thoughtfully planned, from the bottled water and towels to the shaded boat for relaxing between stops. It’s no wonder this tour has earned more than 900 five-star reviews—travelers clearly love it just as much as we did!
Book this popular snorkeling tour here and enjoy free 24-hour cancellation!
5. Go swimming with humpback whales
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 7:30 am or 12 pm
- Highlights: Spot humpback whales up close, enjoy Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, learn about whale behavior from knowledgeable guides, chance to see dolphins and other marine life
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, professional guide, snorkeling equipment, bottled water
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing humpback whales up close in their natural habitat, this whale-watching tour in Bora Bora is an absolute must. What makes it even more special is that it was the first whale-watching tour to launch in Bora Bora, and the crew now has over 15 years of experience observing these incredible creatures.
Led by owner and marine expert Simon, the team’s passion for humpback whales really shines through. Because the groups are kept small, there’s plenty of time to ask questions and learn about whale behavior, migration patterns, and communication. As you cruise across Bora Bora’s turquoise waters, a directional hydrophone lets you listen to the whales’ hauntingly beautiful songs as they echo beneath the surface.
When conditions are right, travelers may even have the chance to swim near the whales—always under strict safety rules and from a respectful distance. Even from the boat, though, the experience is unforgettable: you might spot whales breaching, dolphins playing nearby, and the lagoon sparkling in every shade of blue.
The tour lasts around three and a half hours and packs in an incredible amount of marine life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s earned hundreds of glowing five-star reviews from travelers who’ve had the privilege to see these gentle giants in the wild.
Grab your spot on this small group whale watching tour here!
6. Zip over the water on a jet ski
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Explore Bora Bora’s lagoon by jet ski, cruise past Mount Otemanu, swim and snorkel stops, see coral gardens and tropical fish, small-group experience for personalized attention
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, jet ski rental, fuel, life jacket, snorkeling gear, professional guide, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for a thrilling way to see Bora Bora from the water, this jet ski tour is just the ticket. It was so exhilarating! We had a blast zooming across the crystal clear waters and past the lush green slopes of Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s tallest peak. Honestly, we felt like rock stars!
After a lot of fun zipping around, our guide led us to a small motu where we took a break to go swimming and watch a coconut husking demonstration. We even got to rehydrate with fresh coconut water while we took in the beautiful scenery—it was the ultimate tropical experience!
I was also pleasantly surprised by just how easy the jet skis were to handle. Before we went, I was a bit concerned that it might be difficult, but actually it was pretty intuitive. You can choose between a solo or a shared jet ski, and since this is a small group tour, it’s really easy to keep up with the guide, and there’s plenty of freedom.
Two hours absolutely flew by on this tour—that’s what happens when you’ve got adrenaline, adventure, and picture-perfect views! This is one of the most exciting ways to explore Bora Bora, but fair warning: it will definitely give you the jet ski bug, and you’ll be eager for your next ride.
Book this top-rated tour here with FREE cancellation!
7. Be your own captain for the day
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Explore Bora Bora’s lagoon at your own pace, stop at coral gardens for snorkeling, anchor at secluded beaches, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Otemanu and turquoise waters, independent small-group experience
- Inclusions: Boat rental with fuel included, safety equipment, detailed map and itinerary suggestions, hotel pickup and drop-off (on request)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want complete freedom to explore Bora Bora at your own pace, this self-drive boat rental is hard to beat. It’s your chance to become captain for the day and cruise the lagoon on your own private adventure! Before setting off, you’ll receive detailed instructions, safety gear, and a map with suggested routes and stops—so even first-time boaters can navigate confidently.
Once out on the water, you can explore the lagoon however you like. Cruise past Bora Bora’s iconic overwater bungalows, anchor at quiet beaches, or snorkel around colorful coral gardens. Keep an eye out for rays gliding beneath the boat—spotting them in their natural habitat is always a thrill.
The best part about this experience is the flexibility. You can stop wherever you want, stay as long as you like, and see the island from a completely new perspective. It’s the kind of independence you just can’t get on a guided tour, and it’s easy to see why travelers love it.
If discovering Bora Bora on your own terms sounds like your kind of adventure, this self-drive boat rental is the perfect way to do it!
Read the glowing reviews and book this exciting private tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Discover the island’s famous black pearls
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm
- Highlights: Learn about the creation of black pearls, dive to pick your own pearl, guided snorkeling around the pearl farm, hands-on cultural experience
- Inclusions: Boat transport, bottled water, use of snorkeling equipment and beach towels, pearl collected during the activity, all fees and taxes
- Rating: 5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Did you know that Bora Bora is famous for its unique black pearls? This pearl farm tour is one of the best ways to learn how these stunning treasures are cultivated—and you’ll even get the chance to find one yourself!
The adventure begins with a short boat ride to Motu Taufarii, where guides share the fascinating history of black pearls and explain the delicate techniques used in pearl farming. After learning how the process works, you’ll slip into the water for a quick snorkel near the coral garden to see the oyster lines gently swaying in the lagoon.
The team provides clear guidance throughout, from helping you select the right oysters to showing you how to check whether one hides a precious pearl inside. It’s a fun, interactive experience that combines learning with a bit of suspense—will your oyster reveal a pearl? Many visitors even leave with their own to take home, making it one of the most memorable souvenirs from Bora Bora.
This tour offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the island’s most iconic exports. It’s educational, hands-on, and truly unique. It’s no wonder it’s earned so many glowing 5-star reviews.
This pearl farm tour fills up fast—book it here so you don’t miss out!
9. Experience the best scuba diving
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Multiple departures between 7:30 am–12 pm
- Highlights: Two guided dives for certified divers, explore Bora Bora’s coral reefs and marine life, see manta rays, sharks, and tropical fish, expert dive master guidance
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, two-tank scuba dives, use of scuba equipment, dive guide, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 240+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a certified diver looking to explore Bora Bora’s incredible underwater world, this two-tank morning dive tour is exactly what you need. We got to visit two stunning dive locations and get close to some jaw-dropping marine life, including reef sharks and manta rays!
One thing I loved about this tour is that our group was capped at five divers per instructor, so that we got plenty of personal attention and guidance. The first dive took us into the shallow lagoon, where we saw a rainbow array of tropical fish and lots of vibrant coral. Then, the second dive was just outside the reef, and that’s when things got really exciting because it’s where we encountered manta rays and reef sharks!
Between dives, we enjoyed light refreshments including hot tea, water, and cookies while relaxing on the specially designed dive boat. It couldn’t have been better! If you’re a certified diver visiting Bora Bora, this tour is hands down the best way to see rays, sharks, and the vibrant coral reefs up close.
And if you’re not a certified diver, no worries, because you can do this introductory dive instead! It’s a great way to try out diving without committing to a full PADI course, and you’ll still get to see a ton of incredible fish and rays. No matter which you choose, both options offer an unforgettable glimpse into Bora Bora’s vibrant lagoon and its amazing marine life.
Ready for manta rays and reef sharks? Book this scuba diving tour here!
10. Sail into the sunset on an evening cruise
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 4:15 pm, 4:30 pm, 4:45 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: Sail around Bora Bora’s lagoon, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Otemanu, relax on a comfortable catamaran, watch the sunset with light snacks and drinks
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, family-friendly catamaran cruise, light snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, professional crew, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This catamaran sunset sail is the ultimate way to end a day in Bora Bora! The island’s epic scenery looks even more stunning at sunset, and nothing beats chilling out on a catamaran!
We were picked up right on time at our hotel dock, and the crew gave us a warm welcome. After a quick transfer to the catamaran, we settled onto the padded lounge area and sunbeds while chill music played over the sound system.
Then, the captain hoisted the sails, and the engine cut out as the boat glided silently across the turquoise waters. The views were breathtaking, with Mount Otemanu rising dramatically in the distance as the sky moved through shades of orange, pink, and purple.
As we watched the sky do its thing, the crew kept us refreshed with chilled drinks and light snacks, including fresh mango slices and chips. They shared a few fun insights about the island and were open to questions, but they also just let us chill and relax.
The catamaran had plenty of space to move around, and the front netting was perfect for lounging and taking in the scenery. At one point, a short rain shower produced a double rainbow, which felt pretty magical.
The entire vibe was relaxed and intimate, so we think that this experience is perfect for couples or small groups. If you want a stress-free way to enjoy paradise while sipping a cold drink and watching one of the most stunning sunsets imaginable, this sunset sail is unbeatable!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and book this popular sunset tour here!
Where to Stay in Bora Bora
Now that you know what to get up to in Bora Bora, you just need a great place to stay! Accommodation here tends to be pretty luxurious—think secluded beachfront suites and stunning overwater villas.
Budget is a relative term in Bora Bora, but we’ve sifted through all of the options and picked our favorite luxurious, mid-range, and budget-friendly options to help you find the perfect base for your vacation. Because places here book up fast (especially the top-rated ones), reserving early is definitely your best bet.
Luxury – $$$
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the pinnacle of luxury in Bora Bora! It offers overwater and beachfront villas with breathtaking views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. Each villa features hand-carved Polynesian décor, Italian marble bathrooms, and options like private pools, whirlpools, or outdoor showers. This truly is next-level luxury.
Beyond the opulent villas, there are also two pools on site, and you can even enjoy a floating breakfast! There are also multiple restaurants on site, including the Lagoon, which serves Asian-French fusion, and Bam Boo, which offers teppanyaki and sushi. Meanwhile, the Iridium Spa provides massages, a sauna, a steam room, and beauty treatments, making it easy to unwind completely.
This would be the ultimate place to stay if you’re heading to Bora Bora on your honeymoon! Prices typically range from $1,600 to $7,000 USD per night, depending on villa type and season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts offers a gorgeous island escape. Guests have a choice of garden villas with private pools, beachfront suites, or overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access. How dreamy is that? Each unit comes with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a 20-inch LCD satellite TV, all designed for comfort with breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu. Meanwhile, dining here is exceptional.
The resort is home to three restaurants and a bar, including Otemanu Restaurant, which serves al fresco meals overlooking the turquoise lagoon. There’s also a huge communal pool, a top-notch tennis court, and a serene spa. Prices typically start at $1,300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Maitai Bora Bora sits on the famous Matira Point Beach in southern Bora Bora, offering a mix of garden-view rooms, lagoon-view rooms, and bungalows with direct beach access or overwater locations. Best of all, the overwater bungalows feature glass tables so you can watch tropical fish from your room – how cool is that?
Dining is a treat at Haere Mai restaurant, where French and Polynesian cuisine is served alongside traditional Polynesian singing and dancing. You’ll also be able to take advantage of free snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing equipment.
With the beach at your doorstep and the airport just six miles away, Le Maitai Polynesia combines convenience, charm, and a relaxed island vibe. Prices typically range from $250 to $1,500 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
For more options, click here to see all listed properties in Bora Bora!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Bora Bora completely swept us off our feet with its turquoise lagoon, lush mountains, and endless ways to explore paradise. From jet skiing around Mount Otemanu to snorkeling with rays and relaxing on sunset sails, every moment felt unforgettable—and we hope this guide helps you plan your own dream escape.
If you’re craving more island inspiration, check out our other Australasia guides here. They’re filled with our favorite tours, tips, and hidden gems to make your next adventure just as memorable. Or check out some of our most popular blogs below to get started!
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