How to explore the Pacific’s most beautiful island, from lagoon tours to top activities

Sometimes the exaggerated claims of tourist boards turn out to be true. Yes, this truly is the most outrageously beautiful island in the Pacific.

Who goes there

In 2022, the French Polynesian government limited Bora Bora to 1,200 cruise passengers per day, effectively banning large ships. However, many smaller cruise lines such as Oceania, Ponant and Windstar have recently increased their capacity in the region, and Silversea is operating its first full season there this year. Other visitors include Azamara, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn. Paul Gauguin Cruises (now owned by Ponant) and mixed freight-passenger operator Aranui Cruises are local experts.

sail away

If you can’t be bothered to come on deck for your arrival, you should be arrested. The striking volcanic peak of Bora Bora looms before you, then you pass low-lying islands and atolls and enter a lagoon filled with electric blue waters that may become pink and orange as you sail later. But don’t just look ahead: keep an eye out for local outrigger-wielding youngsters who like to use the ship’s wake for rowing practice.

docking ceremonies

The lagoon off Vaitape on the west side of the island does not have a cruise terminal or even a pier where ships anchor. Tenders take you ashore to a very modest pier where you will be greeted by eager locals offering tours. The town is just that, a few shops and a few churches. There is no need to linger on such a magnificent island.

Disembark

This sudden explosion in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a combination of emerald green peaks, squeaky white sand beaches and a lagoon dotted with small sand islands and surrounded by luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. There is no such view, but the view is fascinating. Matira has the best beach and Povai Bay has the most spectacular views. You’ll also come across several villages, ancient temples, and the ruins of a World War II naval base at Faanui.

Don’t miss

You should definitely take a boat tour to the shallow, calm and extremely dazzling lagoon, whose vivid blues are so intense that you feel like they’ve been photoshopped. Even novice snorkelers will be able to appreciate coral gardens and schools of saucy fish and have up-close encounters with blacktip reef sharks and manta rays. A friendly ukulele-playing boat crew will serenade you with Polynesian songs.

Be active

The lagoon attracts with jet ski tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing and swimming. There are many scuba diving spots in Bora Bora such as Anau, Motu Toopua and Motu Tapu. You also have scenic off-road options: rent a bike and pedal the 20-mile coastal path that circles the island, or hike to the Valley of the Kings or Point Fitiuu. The ambitious can make the challenging six-hour return hike up Mount Otemanu, but you’ll need a guide.

best bites

Unless you go to a resort hotel, dining opportunities are limited. However, if you will be staying in French Polynesia before or after your trip, the best dish is poisson cru, or raw tuna marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk. Barbecued chicken fafa served with sweet potatoes is another classic. For dessert, try po’e (a type of banana pudding served chilled with coconut cream) and firi firi, the local donut.

further away

Bora Bora is not a huge place and no trip can take you beyond that. Unless you’re on a trans-Pacific voyage, your ship will likely depart the next day for other French Polynesian islands such as Raiatea, Moorea, or Huahine. Some itineraries also cover more remote atolls in the Tuamotus, such as Fakarava, known for its corals, tropical fish and some of the world’s best shark diving.