Bora Bora
Beautiful Bora Bora - The jewel of French Polynesia and one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific
See the sights
Bora Bora’s spectacular lagoon and dramatic volcanic peaks create one of the most recognisable landscapes in the South Pacific.
Mount Otemanu
Rising dramatically from the centre of Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu is the island’s most recognisable natural landmark. This jagged peak is the remnant of an ancient volcano that once formed the island and today stands 727 metres above the lagoon, making it the highest point on Bora Bora.
The mountain’s rugged cliffs and sharp basalt formations dominate the skyline and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island or surrounding lagoon motu. Surrounded by brilliant turquoise waters and a coral reef, the contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the vivid lagoon colours creates one of the most iconic landscapes in the South Pacific.
While the summit itself is extremely steep and rarely climbed, visitors can admire Mount Otemanu from a variety of viewpoints around the island or during lagoon cruises that circle Bora Bora. As the sun begins to set, the peak often glows in soft golden light while clouds drift across its summit, creating one of the most memorable scenes in Tahiti.
Matira Beach
Located on the southern tip of Bora Bora’s main island, Matira Beach is widely considered the most beautiful public beach on the island. A long sweep of soft white sand gently slopes into the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon, making it perfect for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery.
Fringed by coconut palms and looking out toward the brilliant turquoise lagoon, the beach offers uninterrupted views across the water to the outer reef. Because the lagoon is protected by the surrounding coral reef, the water here is usually calm and crystal clear, creating ideal conditions for a refreshing swim or casual snorkelling close to shore.
Matira Beach is also one of the few beaches on Bora Bora open to the public, which makes it a favourite gathering place for both visitors and locals. Nearby cafés and small restaurants provide the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or sunset drink, while the beach itself becomes especially magical in the late afternoon as the sun sets over the lagoon.
Whether you’re strolling along the shoreline, snorkelling in the warm lagoon waters or simply relaxing beneath the shade of a palm tree, Matira Beach captures the laid-back beauty that makes Bora Bora so unforgettable.
Lagoon Snorkelling Tours
Bora Bora’s lagoon is one of the most spectacular snorkelling environments in the South Pacific. Protected by a surrounding coral reef, the calm, crystal-clear water provides excellent visibility and ideal conditions for exploring the vibrant underwater world just metres from the surface.
Many lagoon excursions visit shallow coral gardens around the motu where snorkellers can drift above colourful reef formations teeming with tropical fish. Butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and damselfish are commonly seen moving through the coral, while giant clams and bright coral structures create a natural aquarium beneath the water.
Some guided lagoon tours also include stops at sandbanks where visitors can safely observe stingrays gliding across the lagoon floor and even spot gentle black-tip reef sharks in the shallow water.
Whether you are exploring a coral garden near the outer reef or snorkelling directly from a lagoon motu, the warm turquoise waters of Bora Bora offer an unforgettable glimpse into the extraordinary marine life of Tahiti.
Bora Bora on Bike
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Bora Bora is by bicycle. A scenic coastal road circles the entire island, making it possible to ride around Bora Bora at a relaxed pace while taking in its spectacular lagoon views and tropical landscapes. The loop follows the shoreline for roughly 32 kilometres, passing small villages, coconut groves and quiet beaches along the way.
The ride offers a wonderful glimpse of everyday island life beyond the luxury resorts. Cyclists pass colourful Polynesian homes, roadside fruit stands and local craft stalls while Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above the island’s lush interior. With mostly flat terrain and gentle coastal breezes, the route is suitable for casual riders who want to experience Bora Bora at a slower pace.
Many travellers stop along the way at scenic locations such as Matira Beach, small lagoon viewpoints and quiet waterfront cafés. Because the island is compact, the full circuit can comfortably be completed in a few hours, allowing plenty of time to pause for photographs or a swim in the turquoise lagoon.
Exploring Bora Bora by bike offers a refreshing perspective on the island, revealing hidden corners and peaceful coastal scenery that are often missed when travelling only between resorts.
4WD Island Safari
A 4WD safari is a great way to explore Bora Bora beyond the lagoon and discover the island’s stunning lush interior. Travelling by open-air 4×4 vehicle, guided tours climb into the hills surrounding Mount Otemanu, where panoramic viewpoints reveal spectacular views across the island’s famous turquoise lagoon and surrounding motu.
Along the way, visitors often stop at hidden lookouts, tropical plantations and ancient Polynesian sites while learning about the island’s culture and legends from local guides. Some tours also visit historic relics from World War II, including large American cannons that were installed when Bora Bora served as a strategic military supply base during the Pacific war.
The safari reveals a completely different side of Bora Bora — dense jungle vegetation, mountain ridges and dramatic views that cannot be seen from the lagoon. Many tours include short stops for fresh tropical fruit or demonstrations of local crafts, giving travellers a deeper insight into everyday life on the island.
Exploring Bora Bora by 4WD is a memorable adventure that combines scenery, history and culture while offering some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of Tahiti.
Foodie Hot Spots
From Luxury International Resorts to Local Eateries - the island feeds your soul and nourishes you with local island culinary creations
Foodie Highlights
Moorea offers a wonderful mix of relaxed beachfront dining and lively local eateries, with several standout spots around the island. Moorea Beach Café sits right on the lagoon with sweeping views toward Tahiti, making it a perfect setting for sunset dining and refined French-Polynesian cuisine. For a more casual and authentic experience, Snack Mahana is a local favourite right on the water’s edge, famous for its fresh lagoon fish and signature mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce. Near Cook’s Bay, Arii Vahine Restaurant provides a peaceful waterfront setting serving classic Polynesian flavours alongside French-inspired dishes, ideal for a relaxed lunch or evening meal. For those craving something hearty after a day exploring the island, Holy Steak House is a lively and popular choice known for quality steaks, seafood and generous portions.
Shhhh. Sharing Bora Bora Secrets
Not just beaches and lagoons
WWII Cannon Trail
While the island is best known for its turquoise lagoon and luxury resorts, the island also hides an unusual chapter of history. During World War II the United States established a major supply base here as part of Operation Bobcat, stationing thousands of troops and building defence fortifications across the island.
Today, several of the original coastal cannons remain scattered across the hills of Bora Bora. Adventurous visitors can hike short trails to these historic sites, where the rusting artillery sits high above the lagoon offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
It’s a surprising and fascinating reminder that this idyllic island paradise once played a strategic role in the Pacific war.
The Coral Garden
You may wish to visit to experience the famous luxury Tahiti resorts, yet one of the island’s most magical experiences lies just beneath the surface of its lagoon. Hidden among the motu are coral gardens where shallow, crystal-clear waters reveal an underwater world of vibrant coral formations and colourful tropical fish.
Accessible by small boat or kayak, these quiet snorkelling spots feel like swimming through a natural aquarium. The calm lagoon conditions and exceptional visibility make it easy to glide above coral formations while watching butterflyfish, parrotfish and even gentle reef sharks moving through the reef.
Many visitors never realise these coral gardens exist beyond the main resort areas. Yet those who venture out often discover some of the most beautiful and peaceful snorkelling in all of Tahiti.
A Selection of our Bora Bora Resorts
Four Seasons Bora Bora
Getting to Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a seamless journey through the heart of French Polynesia. Travellers fly into Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, before a short domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport. From there, a private boat transfer takes guests across Bora Bora’s iconic turquoise lagoon to Motu Tehotu, where the resort sits with uninterrupted views of Mount Otemanu.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is an intimate haven of Polynesian elegance. Stylish bungalows, including dreamy overwater villas, the resort offers a serene setting for romance.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Perfectly placed on a private motu, the resort faces the main island of Bora Bora, framed by crystalline lagoon waters and the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu. *RESORT CLOSURE 01 JUNE 2026 TO MID 2027.