A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (2024)

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The beauty of a vacation in Bora Bora is the remoteness of the location. Tucked away in the Society Islands in French Polynesia, this island is about as far-flung as you can get – no matter where you’re coming from. Wondering how to get to there? Look no further.

We’ll cover the ins and outs of travel to Bora Bora to help you plan your dream vacation in this magnificent and sought-after destination.

Read more about French Polynesia:

  • The Islands of Tahiti Travel Guide
  • Epic 2 Week Islands of Tahiti Itinerary
  • Best Time to Travel to Bora Bora

How to find the best travel deals:

  • Once you arrive in Bora Bora, you might need a car rental so make sure you check the best rates at RentalCars.com!
  • A great place to find a hotel, resort, or home rental is Booking.com and if you’re a Genius member, you can also save another 10-15%.
  • Be sure that you are covered! Learn more about travel insurance.

In This Article

  • How To Travel To Bora Bora
    • How to Fly to Bora Bora
    • How To Get To Bora Bora By Sea
    • How To Get To Bora Bora From Tahiti
  • Activities to Check Out While You’re In Bora Bora
  • Frequently Asked Questions

How To Travel To Bora Bora

A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (1)

We’ll start by saying that when considering how to get to Bora Bora, it’s important to accept that it is rarely simple, but always worth it. We mentioned the remoteness of the destination which of course makes it trickier and more costly to get to Bora Bora than other island destinations.

But once on the island, you’ll be well-rewarded with the bluest water you’ve ever seen, stretches of impossibly white beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. Once you’re swaying in your hammock on your private over-water deck you won’t even remember or care about the travel to get there.

How to Fly to Bora Bora

A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (2)

There are no direct flights available to Bora Bora. This holds true for most of theislands in French Polynesia. Simply put, the landmasses just aren’t big enough to accommodate the kind of runways needed to land large passenger jets.

So instead, all international flights to these islands land in Tahiti atFaa’a International Airport (PPT) near Papeete. From there, you can transfer by charter flight, helicopter, or scheduled flight to Bora Bora. The flight is only around 50-minutes and during peak seasons, there can be up to eight or nine Bora Bora-bound flights per day.

The last flight fromTahitito Bora Bora with Air Tahiti leaves at 17:30, so if your flight arrives in Tahiti in the late afternoon or evening, you may have to spend a night here before transferring to your resort on the island.

While it isn’t possible to fly direct toBora Bora, it is possible to fly direct to Tahiti and connect from there. This is the shortest and simplest way to fly to Bora Bora. Whichever route you take, there’s no way of reaching the island in fewer than two flights.

How To Get To Bora Bora From The United States

If you’re coming from the United States, many airlines fly direct to Tahiti (PPT):

  • United Airlines offers direct flights from San Francisco three times per week (Tue, Thu, Sun)
  • Air Tahiti flies direct from Los Angeles six days a week with multiple flights per day
  • Air France flies direct to Tahiti from Los Angeles up to four times a week
  • FrenchBee is a new low cost carrier that flies direct to Tahiti from San Francisco 3 times a week Wed, Fri, Sun)

Below is a list of the average flight times to Tahiti from major cities across the world:

  • 22 hours from Paris, France
  • 8 hours from Los Angeles, USA
  • 8 hours from San Francisco, USA
  • 5 hours from Honolulu, USA
  • 11 Hours from Tokyo, Japan
  • 12 and a half hours from Shanghai, China
  • 11 and a half hours from Hong Kong, China
  • 9 hours from Auckland, New Zealand
  • 11 hours from Santiago, Chile
A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (3)

Once you land in, you’ll transfer by boat to your hotel or resort. Air Tahiti offers a free boat transfer, but most hotels and resorts will come to collect their guests. These boats will be lined up outside the airport in Bora Bora and are all clearly marked with the name of the hotel or resort.

If you’re looking to fly to Bora Bora on a budget, there are ways to get here cheap. Otherwise…

FRENCH POLYNESIA GUIDE

Before you plan your trip to Bora Bora, make sure you read this all-around guide for French Polynesia.

Islands of Tahiti Travel Guide

How To Get To Bora Bora By Sea

A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (4)

Because of the remoteness of the island, it isn’t possible to reach Bora Bora direct by sea either. You would need to fly to Tahiti and then make your way to the islands by boat, or you could take a cruise to Tahiti which then takes in the other island. This option will not only be costly but will require a significant amount of travel time.

Inter-island Cruises

A great way to experience the best of French Polynesia is to take an inter-island cruise. Papeete, in Tahiti, is effectively the gateway for cruises as it is for flights, with various cruise ships setting off to explore the islands.

The most luxurious of which isPaul Gauguin Cruises. Carrying over 300 passengers, this modern ship is a popular option. The ship has stylish cabins, an outdoor pool, and a spacious deck.

For something a bit smaller than a traditional cruise liner,Windstar Cruisesoffers the chance to explore the island chain in a more romantic and intimate way. Think billowing white sails and casual elegance.

It’s also possible to fly to Hawaii and cruise to Bora Bora with Norwegian Cruise Lines or set out from the West Coast of the United States on a longer cruise, taking in the Hawaiian Islands too.

Of course, there are plenty of cruise options to choose from if you’ve got the time and the budget to spare.

How To Get To Bora Bora From Tahiti

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Now that you understand that it’s not actually possible to fly directly from an international destination to Bora Bora, how exactly can you get to there?

In 90% of the cases, it really starts with the island of Tahiti which has the capital of Papeete and also Faa’a International Airport (PPT).

The simple answer is that you’ll be flying Air Tahiti. They’re the only operator that flies inter-island and so you’ll be effectively looking at round trip flights from Tahiti (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB).

If you’re looking to hop around to other islands which is what we did in our 2 week Islands of Tahiti itinerary, keep reading!

Air Tahiti Passes

If you are planning to see more than one island on your trip, then it’s definitely worth checking out the variousAir Tahiti Passeson offer. These great value passes allow you to experience the Society Islands at an attractive price.

A further extension can offer you the chance to explore further out, including the Austral Islands and parts of the Marquesas Islands too.

Each pass has two classes, the S or Y class which offers up to 50lbs (23kg) baggage allowance, while the Z class includes up to 100lbs (46kg) of baggage.

You can see all or just a couple of the islands listed for each pass, and in some cases, you’re able to switch up the order in which you visit the islands. You must visit at least two islands, and you can only visit each island once.

The two main passes you want to look at are:

  • The Bora Bora Pass – This pass allows you to visit Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, as well as Bora Bora and Maupiti.
  • Bora-Tuamotu Pass – Explore the Society Islands as well as the beautiful atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Activities to Check Out While You’re In Bora Bora

When you’re in Bora Bora, make sure that you check out these bookable excursions. You want to make sure you have these booked beforehand so they don’t sell out and you can lock in cheaper prices than what the resorts offer.

  • Experience what Bora Bora is known for with this half day tour of the beautiful coral reefs and lagoons!
  • Land adventures more your speed? Check out the gorgeous Bora Bora Mountains on this ATV excursions.
  • No trip is complete without a full belly of the local cuisine! How does a sunset cruise with dinner sound?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get to Bora Bora?

To get to Tahiti, United Airlines or FrenchBee are the cheapest to get to Tahiti (PPT). From Tahiti, you will have to fly Air Tahiti. The best way to search for the cheapest flight is to use a tool like Skyscanner.

How do you get to other islands from Bora Bora?

Once you’re in Bora Bora, you’ll be taking Air Tahiti flights to other islands. Just be careful to pay attention to which islands you can go to from Tahiti. In some cases, you may have to go back to the hub of Tahiti (PPT) and hop to another island from there.

When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?

The truth is, there’s really never a bad time to go to Bora Bora but if you had to choose, the most popular time of the year is May to October. Make sure to read the full guide on the best time to travel to Bora Bora.

What you should read next

  • How to Travel Bora Bora on a Budget – Tips to keep Bora Bora trip costs low
  • Islands of Tahiti Packing List – French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava
  • Le Meridien Bora Bora Overwater Bungalow and Resort Review

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A Beginner’s Guide To How To Get To Bora Bora (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to get to Bora Bora? ›

To get to Bora Bora, most travelers fly into Bora Bora Airport also known as Motu Mute Airport. If you're coming from the U.S., you'll first stop at the Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti. Once you've cleared customs, you'll hop on a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.

How do you get into Bora Bora? ›

There is no commercial airport on Bora Bora. To get there, you'll need to take a short flight from Tahiti's main island to Bora Bora's airport on Motu Mute. From there, you can take a boat or seaplane to the main island.

How much money would you need to go to Bora Bora? ›

ExpenseCost
Round-trip Airfare (per person)$1,000 - $2,500+
Transportation (taxi, rental car)$50 - $200+
Activities$200 - $400+
Total$1,890 - $5,580+
2 more rows
Feb 27, 2023

How many days are enough for Bora Bora? ›

IDEAL TIME TO SPEND IN BORA BORA ? I would recommend a bare minimum of atleast 4-5 days. Ideally a week would be the perfect sweet spot (which is what we did) – that way you can split your time across 2 different resorts (or even a resort and an airbnb) to get 2 different experiences.

How much is $100 US in Bora Bora? ›

USD to BORA
AmountToday at 4:31 am
50 USD295.43 BORA
100 USD590.87 BORA
500 USD2,954.34 BORA
1,000 USD5,908.68 BORA
4 more rows

How to get to Bora Bora fast from us? ›

The cheapest way to get from United States to Bora-Bora is to fly and ferry which costs $440 - $1,200 and takes 22h 2m. What is the fastest way to get from United States to Bora-Bora? The fastest way to get from United States to Bora-Bora is to fly which takes 13h 28m and costs $550 - $1,600.

What documents do you need to go to Bora Bora? ›

Do I Need a Visa for Bora Bora? Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required.

Do I need a passport to fly to Bora Bora? ›

Need to Know

In Papeete, you'll be required to clear customs before continuing to Bora Bora. All visitors must have a valid passport and an outbound ticket. As entry requirements and customs regulations are subject to change without notice, please consult the appropriate authorities before travelling internationally.

Is Bora Bora in danger? ›

Bora Bora is one of the safest destinations. But with wild animals, tropical climate, and a unique culture, there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow the guide!

Can you use American money in Bora Bora? ›

While the official currency in Bora Bora is XPF, US dollars are widely accepted at resorts, main restaurants, and the two main supermarkets, Toa Amok & Chin Lee. However, it's important to keep in mind that the exchange rate will not be in your favor, and change might not always be available.

What language is spoken in Bora Bora? ›

The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English. Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside luxury resorts.

What is the cheapest month in Bora Bora? ›

The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora island is during the off-season which happens to be the wet or rainy season. Bora Bora experiences this season between November and April.

How much would a 5 day trip to Bora Bora cost? ›

So, how much do Bora Bora vacation packages go for? A 5-night Bora Bora package in a mid-priced hotel will run between $3500 and $5000 per person depending on the season and the price would start at $5000 for a luxury resort such as Four Seasons or St.

What month is the best time to go to Bora Bora? ›

May to October is the best time for blue skies and sunshine

Temperatures during the winter are also less intense than in the summer months, with daytime highs around 28°C (82°F). This ideal weather for basking in the sun makes the dry season the most popular time to visit Bora Bora.

Is 5 nights in Bora Bora too long? ›

If you are visiting Bora Bora only, then 5 or 6 nights is plenty of time. 1 night: Arrive in Tahiti and stay at a regular hotel (no bungalow) OR if you are trying to save, spend a couple of days here in an overwater bungalow (instead of Bora Bora) before moving on to the next island.

Can you fly direct from US to Bora Bora? ›

The best one-way flight to Bora Bora from United States in the past 72 hours is $609. The best round-trip flight deal from United States to Bora Bora found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $924. There are no direct flights from United States to Bora Bora.

What airport do I fly into for Bora Bora? ›

Bora Bora Airport (IATA: BOB, ICAO: NTTB), also known as Motu Mute Airport, is an airport serving the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. It is located on the islet of Motu Mute. The airport was opened in 1943, during World War II.

What is the closest major airport to Bora Bora? ›

What is the nearest airport to Bora-Bora? The nearest airport to Bora-Bora is Bora Bora (BOB) Airport which is 5.6 km away. Other nearby airports include Raiatea (RFP) (39 km) and Huahine (HUH) (79.3 km).

How long does it take to fly from the US to Bora Bora? ›

The total flight duration from United States to Bora Bora is 10 hours, 50 minutes. This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.

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