Once you’ve experienced the stunning overwater bungalows and the crystal-clear lagoons that are synonymous with things to do in Bora Bora, you might find yourself yearning to explore beyond its idyllic shores. Day trips from Bora Bora offer a splendid opportunity to delve into the rich Polynesian culture and discover the diverse marine life and untouched beauty of the surrounding islands.
Venturing out from Bora Bora, you’re introduced to a broader palette of things to do in French Polynesia, from the sacred sites on Raiatea to the vanilla plantations of Taha’a. These excursions enrich your understanding of the islands’ heritage and natural wonders, providing a deeper connection to this paradise.
Deciding where to stay in Bora Bora is crucial for maximizing your experience, as the right spot can offer unparalleled views of the island’s iconic peaks and easy access to both relaxation and adventure. The perfect accommodation blends luxurious comfort with the essence of Polynesian hospitality, ensuring your stay is as enchanting as the island itself.
Discover Best Day Trips from Bora Bora, French Polynesia
1. Tahaa, French Polynesia
Tahaa, known as the “Vanilla Island” due to its numerous vanilla plantations, offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes and traditional Polynesian culture. Visitors can tour vanilla farms and enjoy snorkeling in its pristine waters.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: A boat trip from Bora Bora to Tahaa usually takes about 1.5 hours
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Vanilla plantations, snorkeling in pristine waters
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Vanilla Plantation Tour: $10
- Snorkeling Tour: $50-$100
Budget: Approximately $60-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Vanilla Farms, Coral Gardens, Motu Tautau
Travel Tip: Try the local vanilla-infused dishes and purchase some Tahitian vanilla to take home as a fragrant souvenir.
2. Raiatea, French Polynesia
Raiatea, considered the spiritual heart of the Polynesian triangle, is rich in Polynesian culture and history. It’s home to the Taputapuatea Marae, an ancient sacred site recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: The journey from Bora Bora to Raiatea typically takes about 1 hour by boat
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Taputapuatea Marae (UNESCO World Heritage site), Faaroa River
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Marae Entrance: $5
- River Kayaking: $30
Budget: Approximately $40-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Faaroa River, Mount Temehani, Motu Ofetaro
Travel Tip: Visit the Faaroa River, Polynesia’s only navigable river, by kayak for a unique adventure.
3. Maupiti, French Polynesia
Maupiti, a small, less-visited island, is often likened to Bora Bora’s younger sibling. It offers unspoiled beaches, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and a glimpse into the traditional Polynesian way of life.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: Traveling to Maupiti from Bora Bora generally takes about 1 hour by boat
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Unspoiled beaches, snorkeling, Mount Teurafaatiu
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Snorkeling Tour: $50-$80
- Hiking Tour: $20
Budget: Approximately $70-$150 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Terei’a Beach, Haranae Bay, Mount Teurafaatiu
Travel Tip: Climb up Mount Teurafaatiu for stunning panoramic views of the island and its lagoon.
4. Huahine, French Polynesia
Huahine, known as the “Garden Island,” is a lush and less touristy destination with archaeological sites, verdant forests, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s great for exploring Polynesian temples and enjoying water activities.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: The boat ride from Bora Bora to Huahine takes around 2 hours
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Archaeological sites, verdant forests, Polynesian temples
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Archaeological Site Tour: $10
- Boat Tour: $50
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Maeva Village, Faie Bay, Huahine Nui
Travel Tip: Explore the Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti parts of the island for a full experience of its diverse landscapes.
5. Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea, with its dramatic peaks and azure bays, is ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. The island’s beautiful lagoons and friendly locals make it a popular day trip destination.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: Travel from Bora Bora to Moorea typically involves a short flight back to Tahiti followed by a ferry to Moorea, taking about 3 hours in total
Transportation: Flight + Ferry
Main Attractions: Hiking, snorkeling, dolphin watching
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Snorkeling Tour: $50-$100
- Dolphin Watching: $75
Budget: Approximately $100-$200 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, Belvedere Lookout
Travel Tip: Rent a scooter or a bike to explore the island’s interior and coastal roads at your own pace.
6. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, offers a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Visitors can explore Papeete’s markets, black sand beaches, and the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands.
Distance: Approximately 260 km
Travel Time: A flight from Bora Bora to Tahiti takes about 50 minutes
Transportation: Flight
Main Attractions: Papeete’s markets, black sand beaches, Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Museum of Tahiti: $8
- Black Sand Beach Tour: $20
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Papeete Market, Point Venus Lighthouse, Arahoho Blowhole
Travel Tip: Don’t miss trying the local street food at Papeete’s roulottes (food trucks) in the evening.
7. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Tetiaroa, once a retreat for Polynesian royalty and now home to a luxury eco-resort, is an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon. It’s a sanctuary for birds and marine life, offering pristine natural beauty.
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Travel Time: Accessing Tetiaroa from Bora Bora usually requires a flight to Tahiti followed by a charter flight to the atoll, taking about 2.5 hours in total
Transportation: Flight + Charter Flight
Main Attractions: Pristine natural beauty, bird sanctuary, luxury eco-resort
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Guided Eco Tour: $100
- Bird Watching Tour: $50
Budget: Approximately $150-$300 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Bird Sanctuary, Coral Reefs, Lagoon
Travel Tip: Book a guided tour to learn about the atoll’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
8. Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Rangiroa, one of the largest atolls in the world, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, known for its rich marine life and exceptional dive sites like the Blue Lagoon and the Tiputa Pass.
Distance: Approximately 355 km
Travel Time: The journey to Rangiroa from Bora Bora typically involves a flight, taking about 1.5 hours
Transportation: Flight
Main Attractions: Rich marine life, diving, Blue Lagoon, Tiputa Pass
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Dive Tour: $100-$150
- Snorkeling Tour: $50
Budget: Approximately $150-$300 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Blue Lagoon, Tiputa Pass, Avatoru Pass
Travel Tip: Plan a dive or snorkeling trip to witness the incredible underwater life, including dolphins, sharks, and manta rays.
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Sources:
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