Essential Bora Bora things to know

Planning your vacation to Bora Bora? There are a few essential Bora Bora things to know. Bora Bora's unique geography makes getting around, where you stay, and what you do, different to any other vacation you will have had! When booking a Bora Bora vacation, things to know include:

Most of Bora Bora's luxury resorts are on small islands in the lagoon called 'motus'

This may be top of the Bora Bora things to know. Take into account that if you stay at a motu resort you will be spending the majority of your time at the resort. Scheduled resort-shuttles boat to and from the main island of Bora Bora, usually for a small fee. Bora Bora resorts have private beaches for exclusive use by their guests. Excursion and activity providers will pick you up from your resort's dock.

Bora Bora excursions and tours are an essential part of the experience

While there are things you can do on your own in Bora Bora, to see the best that Bora Bora has to offer, you need to take organized excursions. The most beautiful snorkeling spots, the prettiest island motus, the unique marine life and the grandest hikes; all need the assistance of a boat, or locals. One island even needs approval to visit it, as it is sacred grounds of the Tahitian royal family. If you would prefer a more intimate experience, book a private tour with a guide.

Matira Beach is Bora Bora's world famous public beach

 It's at the southern most tip of Bora Bora's main island. There are a few places to eat at near Matira beach. If you are staying on the main island and would like to go to the beach, you will need to taxi, ride, or walk to Matira Beach.

You will be on 'island time'

Another of the important Bora Bora things to know is to let go of schedules and rushing as you board that plane to Tahiti. Many folk here are on 'island time'. Sometimes things don't run to schedule (like Le truck - the island bus), and sometimes things don't run at all (also like Le Truck)! Much around your resort will reflect French values and operate similar to other 4 and 5 star resorts that you're accustomed to. But it's likely that you will have moments when the awareness that they're on 'island time' will give you the best time. Relax ... and remember that you are on island time too.

Most Bora Bora accommodation is over water bungalows

If you desire a luxury Bora Bora vacation you can live the fantasy of a lifetime being pampered in a villa over the enchanting, turquoise lagoon. Some resorts are exclusively over water bungalows, others offer different styles of accommodation, including beach bungalows, garden bungalows, and a couple even have traditional block style accommodation with thatched roofs. Not all over water bungalows are equal. Their size, view, and amenities varies between resorts and their categories. The best over water bungalows have aspects to Mt Otemanu and private pools. Those with glass floor sections provide extra fun from lagoon views below. While over water bungalows are usually in the most expensive accommodation categories at the resorts, this isn't always the case. The most luxurious and expensive villas at the Bora Bora St Regis, and the Four Seasons Bora Bora, are vast luxury estates with private pools. At Bora Bora resorts you get much more than just a room!

There are ways to save money on your vacation to Bora Bora

The cost of a Bora Bora vacation is comparable to other special island destinations. The average Bora Bora vacation costs over $10,000, so discover savvy, insider- Bora Bora things to know for saving on your dream vacation.

Vacations to Bora Bora are best organized with a Tahiti specialist

This will ensure that you have a smooth vacation with all logistics and planning handled by someone who knows the island and resorts. The right Tahiti specialist will actually save you money by bundling everything together, plus shortcut you to the essentials needing to be organized for your Bora Bora trip. The best Tahiti travel agents can also get you free inclusions from their strong relationships with the Bora Bora resorts. On our last trip we had breakfasts, a couples massages, flower bed, and champagne, all included in the package. If we'd booked through an on-line booking engine the price would have been higher and we would not have had these inclusions! There are even more benefits from using this Tahiti specialist travel agent for booking our Bora Bora vacation packages.

See Bora Bora by water

If you only do one activity in Bora Bora, take a lagoon tour. Bora Bora's fluorescent, turquoise lagoon is the main attraction and, from out on the water, dramatic Mt Otemanu can be seen from every striking angle. You'll have sneak peeks at  Bora Bora's string of sandy, coral motus encircling the lagoon and the glamorous over water bungalows of Bora Bora's resorts. Being on, and in, the lagoon is an essential Bora Bora experience and one of the best things to do in Bora Bora.

More Bora Bora things to know

• What to take to Bora Bora
• Best time to go to Bora Bora
• Bora Bora weather
• How to save money on your Bora Bora vacation

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