About Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, famed for its sheltered turquoise lagoon and a central volcanic peak.
Formed by volcanic activity and later colonised by Polynesian peoples, the island became part of French Polynesia and developed as an international tourist destination in the 20th century, especially after WWII.
Located in the central South Pacific about 230 kilometres northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is accessible by air via a nearby island airport and by boat transfers to the main island and surrounding motus.
- Resort logistics: Most accommodation is on motus (small reef islets) around the lagoon and reached by boat transfers from the main island; expect resort-style services and water activities.
- Viewing note: The island’s central peak is rugged and not open to casual climbing; viewing from boats and authorized viewpoints provides the standard perspectives used in most photographs.
What to See#
- Mount Otemanu: Mount Otemanu, the jagged remnant of a volcanic peak rising above the island’s central lagoon and a prominent landmark visible from resorts and motus.
- Matira Beach: Matira Beach at the southern tip of the main island, the island’s most accessible public beach and a common spot for swimming and sunset views.
- Lagoon and motus: The lagoon and surrounding motus - a shallow, turquoise lagoon ringed by coral reef and small islets that host most of the island’s resorts and water-based activities.
Nearby Attractions to Bora Bora
Best Time to Visit Bora Bora
May-October is the prime season for calm seas and sunny skies; travel in shoulder months for better rates and manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Bora Bora
Bora Bora's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1805 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 239 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 206 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 177 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 29° | 26° | 158 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 28° | 26° | 135 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 98 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 87 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 61 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 84 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 116 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 28° | 25° | 173 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 28° | 26° | 271 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Bora Bora
Most visitors fly to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, then take an inter-island flight to Bora Bora (Bora Bora Airport, VVB) via Air Tahiti. From the airport, boat transfers connect to resorts on the motus; schedules are arranged by accommodation.
Tips for Visiting Bora Bora
- Book an overwater bungalow well in advance - the most characteristic accommodation sells out months ahead in high season.
- Take a lagoon cruise to see Mount Otemanu from the water at sunset - many operators include snorkeling stops.
- Visit in the shoulder seasons (May-June, September) for lower rates and good weather.