Ultimate Bora Bora Honeymoon Guide

Planning a honeymoon in French Polynesia? You’ll need our ultimate Bora Bora honeymoon guide…

Ultimate Bora Bora Honeymoon Guide | The Honeymoon Guide
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

A Bora Bora honeymoon scarcely needs an introduction. This slice of paradise in French Polynesia is the epitome of a dream!

But what about the practicalities of planning a honeymoon in Bora Bora? If you’re wondering how to plan your dream trip, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get planning with our Ultimate Bora Bora Honeymoon Guide!


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Good to know about Bora Bora

Time Zone: GMT – 10

Language: French | Tahitian | English

Capital: Vaitape 

Population: 11,000

Currency: CFP / XPF Franc ₣

A few phrases in Tahitian:

Hi: Ia ora na

Thank you: Mauruuru roa

Goodbye: Nana

Bora Bora, dubbed the Pearl of the Pacific, is an extraordinary haven in the South Pacific islands, is

It is a remote island surrounded by motus and coral reef. Motus are small sand islets. Mount Otemanu overlooks the warm crystal clear lagoon and pristine white sand that sits shimmering and dazzling below.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this quintessential honeymoon backdrop.

Bora Bora and the islands of French Polynesia are often called the islands of Tahiti or just Tahiti. The island of Tahiti itself is distinct, lying 270 km away. Tahiti the administrative heart of French Polynesia.

aerial view of overwater villas in turquoise lagoon bora bora french polynesia honeymoon

Best time to visit Bora Bora for honeymoon

Bora Bora is a tropical destination where the temperatures are warm all year round averaging around 28°C / 83°F.

However, the island experiences a ‘rainy’ and ‘dry’ season.

The best time to visit Bora Bora for a honeymoon is from May to October during the dry season.

The rainy season is from November to April. However, the wettest months are from December to February when you can expect occasional short downpours but plenty of sunshine too.

However, during the rainy season, the weather is generally fine but you can unlucky! It might be unpredictable with a chance of tropical storms and cyclones occurring occasionally.

The shoulder months of March, April, May & November are good times to visit too, because of the lower risk of adverse weather and better prices.

Check out our Bora Bora weather month-by-month guide

aerial view of large expanse of turquoise blue lagoon and sall island of overwater bungalows in bora bora french polynesia

How to get to Bora Bora

Bora Bora is remote! You’ll need to fly to the main airport in French Polynesia, Faa’a International Airport aka Tahiti International Airport (airport code: PPT).

It’s located on the island of Tahiti around 5 km southwest of Papeete, the capital city.

There are direct flights from many western US cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Seattle (SEA).

You can fly direct from Auckland (AKL), New Zealand and Tokyo (NRT) in Japan. You can also fly from Paris (ORL or CDG) but there is a technical stopover in the San Fran or Los Angeles

It takes around 24 hours from Europe, 8-17 hours from the USA and at least 10 hours from Australia.

You then have to book one of the inter-island flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora (BOB) with Air Tahiti.

It takes around 50 minutes. Just remember you most likely will have to collect your bags and check in again so give yourself plenty of time in Tahiti. 

There are also flights from other islands in French Polynesia, although less often, including Moorea (MOZ – 1 hour 20 minutes), Raiatea (RFP – 20 minutes), Huahine (HUH – 25 minutes) and Rangiroa (RGI – 1 hour 15)

Once you arrive in Bora Bora, you can easily arrange a transfer through a local company or the resort.

aerial view of mountain covered in vegetation with sand beaches and overwater villas  surrounded by turquoise blue lagoon in bora bora french polynesia

Getting around Bora Bora

A Bora Bora honeymoon is very resort based on your own tiny motu!

There will be water taxis available from your resort. There is no Uber and only limited taxis available on the main island.

The island is compact in size so you can rent bicycles for exploring at your own pace.

You can book car hire with RentalCars.com but the main island is so tiny you’d only need it for a day. Some areas are best accessed in a 4×4 /Jeep tour instead. Tahitians drive on the right side.

Many couples opt for organised tours to discover the islands.

8 over water bungalows with brown thatched roofs sitting over a blue lagoon with greenery in the background in bora bora french polynesia

Bora Bora Honeymoon Resorts

Most Bora Bora honeymoon resorts are on their own private motu (islet) with white sand, palm trees and a range of beach bungalows and the iconic overwater bungalows.

You can do nothing but enjoy your newly wedded bliss! Relax as you marvel at the shades of blue in the lagoon and sky with the emerald green mountainous peaks.

Bora Bora resorts are not all inclusive and it’s not possible to book an inclusive honeymoon package.

Honeymoon resorts in Bora Bora are usually booked on a bed & breakfast or half board rate and you pay for other things like drinks, other meals, snacks and spa treatments at the end of your stay. 

Let’s take you to the best Bora Bora honeymoon resorts…

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

fourseasons.com

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a true icon when it comes to the best Bora Bora honeymoon resorts.

This idyllic haven is surrounded by azure waters and beautiful views of Mount Otemanu.

There’s a range of luxurious overwater bungalows with direct access to the warm shallow water of the crystal-clear lagoons.

Book the One-Bedroom Mountain-View Overwater Bungalow Suite with Plunge Pool for the ultimate in Bora Bora honeymoon luxury.

You’ll find a mix of local and international cuisine. From Mediterranean classics at Arii Moana to fish specials at Faré Hoa Beach Bar & Grill.

Book treatments that draw on ancient Polynesian traditions at the overwater spa, Te Mahana.

Four Seasons Bora Bora is truly a bucket list honeymoon resort!

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deep green lagoon under a grey sky with brown buildings and overwater bungalows with mountain in background at four seasons resort bora bora french polynesia

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

ihg.com

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa sits along the east coast of the island with breathtaking views of the ocean and the iconic Mount Otemanu.

Opt for the Overwater Pool Villa Lagoon View, with traditional Polynesian design elements.

There’s an array of lovely places to dine, complemented with theme dinners that showcase traditional Polynesian song and dance. You’ll find the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia.

The Deep Ocean Spa is located between the lagoon and the ocean with overwater bungalows that allow you to view marine life as you banish any post wedding stress!

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Conrad Bora Bora Nui

hilton.com

Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s tropical allure is unmatched. Perched on a stretch of powdery white beach on a private islet overlooking the azure waters from the west coast of Bora Bora.

Book the King Sunset View Overwater Pool Villa and wake up to panoramic lagoon views and lounging in your private infinity pool.

There are five unique restaurants and bars including French and Chinese. Don’t miss Upa Upa which has perspex floors to see the reefs while you have cocktails!

The Hina Spa is named after the Polynesian goddess of beauty. The spa sits on top of a hill with unmatched views of Mount Otemanu and Maupiti Island.

Yan go snorkelling in the crystal-clear lagoon and explore the prettiest islet in Bora Bora, Motu Tapu, which is exclusive to the resort’s guests.

Learn to play the ukulele or weave a coconut leaf hat – learn the ancient Polynesian way of life.

The downside (if you could call it that) to Conrad Bora Bora Nui is that the villas don’t have views of Mount Otemanu.

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The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

marriott.com

The former Le Meridien Bora Bora is set to reopen in August 2024 as The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

At the foot of Mount Otemanu, the latest innovations are expected to make this one of the best honeymoon resorts in Bora Bora.

There will be overwater bungalows and villas promising privacy and panoramic views with lush interiors.

Days can be spent lounging on pristine beaches, exploring the lagoon’s vibrant marine life, or unwinding by the infinity pool.

It’s expect that the Bora Bora Turtle Center which is housed within the resort and rescues sea turtles will reopen to the public, too (a wonderful activity to add to your Bora Bora honeymoon activities list!).

Full details will be announced soon, but if you’re researching late 2024/2025 Bora Bora honeymoon resorts, then keep this one on your short list!

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The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

marriott.com

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is one of our top picks for Bora Bora honeymoon resorts.

This exquisite retreat is set against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Otemanu. The Overwater Royal Otemanu room has breathtaking views and a private pool and deck that seem to float above the turquoise waters.

You’ll find a suspended over-water Lagoon Restaurant, with stunning views and a taste of French Polynesia along with Italian and Asian outlets.

Ask your personal butler to arrange multiple treatments at the Iridium Spa (the unique Polynesian Taurumi massage is a must). 

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overwater walkway along a sandy beach with palm trees at st regis bora bora

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

ihg.com

This second ICH property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is a little difference as its nestled at the edge of the lagoon on the main island. It’s one of the cheapest Bora Bora honeymoon resorts.

There is a range of bungalows, from beach villas to overwater villas, adorned with local artisan wood carvings and traditional Polynesian décor. 

Book the Overwater Bungalow Otemanu Mountain View, with beautiful views of Bora Bora’s iconic peak.

The handy location means you can explore the main island easily.

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Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

leborabora.com

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is a Polynesian-owned paradise. Set on picturesque Motu Tevairoa, there is a range of bungalows, but the Pool Overwater Villa is our top pick.

Wake up to the gentle sounds of the lagoon, peek through the glass bottom at the colourful marine life and take a dip in your private pool, all while being surrounded by Bora Bora’s natural beauty.

Several dining options feature, each offering a fusion of international cuisine with a French-Polynesian twist. 

The Tāvai Spa at Le Bora Bora is nestled in lush gardens, with treatments inspired by traditional Polynesian healing rituals.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts may not be as refined as some of the ultra luxury Bora Bora honeymoon resorts but it’s a wonderful choice nonetheless.

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aerial view of sloping hill covered in vegetation with sand beaches and overwater villas  surrounded by turquoise blue lagoon in bora bora french polynesia

Things to do on a Bora Bora honeymoon

Snorkelling

A Bora Bora honeymoon is all about the tropical scenes above and the underwater marvels below!

There are so many incredible snorkelling opportunities around the island that it’s easily one of our top things to do on a Bora Bora honeymoon.

From the Lagoonarium to the Coral Gardens you’ll be in marine heaven. Diving into the crystal-clear waters and swimming with colourful fish including stingrays and sharks.

You can opt for a unique Aqua Safari Helmet Diving excursion which is kinda halfway between snorkelling and scuba diving or try a tour on a traditional outrigger canoe.

Scuba Diving

Dive deeper than snorkelling at one of the many stunning scuba diving sites around the island.

You can even swim with sharks in their natural habitat including blacktip reef sharks and hammerhead sharks.

Whether you’re beginners or are certified, Eleuthera Bora Bora Diving Center has you covered.

Island Tour

Don’t miss a tour of Bora Bora island. You can hire bikes and cycle the 32km coastal road, known as the Circle Island Road. Spend an hour

While some couples hire a vehicle, we’d recommend a 4WD / Jeep tour or ATV / Quad bike tour is an ideal way to get to more difficult spots and viewpoints.

Water Sports

Think a Bora Bora honeymoon has to be quiet with not much to do?

For couples who love some action, you’ll find an array of water sports like jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, flyboarding, parasailing, sea kayaking, and kitesurfing.

We also love the unique underwater scootering. A Bora Bora honeymoon promises many adrenaline-fuelled memories!

Hiking

While water activities on the lagoon can be leisurely or adrenaline filled, trekking up Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu definitely falls into the latter.

Breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the island’s beauty await for adventurous couples who love challenging hikes!

Only go hiking in Bora Bora if the conditions are dry underfoot.

aerial view of mountain covered in vegetation with sand beaches and overwater villas  surrounded by turquoise blue lagoon in bora bora french polynesia

Boat Trips

A fun glass bottom boat trip to see the underwater marine life. Your own boat out on the lagoon just the two of you. A romantic sunset cruise. Maybe even a private luxury cruise if budget allows.

Taking the lagoon on a boat trip to witness the island’s beauty from the calm waters is an absolute must on your Bora Bora honeymoon.

If you’re planning a Bora Bora honeymoon between late July and November, you can witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate on a whale watching tour.

At least on boat trip is an unmissable addition to your things to do in Bora Bora list!

Helicopter Tour

Seeing the island from above is one of our top picks for things to do on a Bora Bora honeymoon.

Soar above the island on a helicopter ride, to see the extraordinary lush tropical landscapes and azure waters.

Make sure your tour includes a trip over the heart-shaped atoll of Tūpai, 16 kms north of Bora bora.

Shopping

Ok, admittedly Bora Bora is not exactly a shopping mecca (and many items to purchase are super expensive!), it is a place you can pick up some unique treasures.

Explore Vaitape and you’ll see galleries selling Polynesian art and shops like Sibani Perles selling Tahitian Black Pearls.

Don’t forget to take home some Tahitian vanilla, too.

Eating

On a Bora Bora honeymoon, couples mostly dine in their resort.

However, there are a few local dining options on the main island too like Bora Bora Yacht Club, Saint James Bora Bora and the (currently closed) Bloody Mary’s.

In your Bora Bora honeymoon resort, options range from luxurious fine dining, overwater restaurants with international and Polynesian cuisine to casual beachside grills. Enjoy fresh seafood, traditional French dishes, and exotic fruits.

One of our favourite unique things to do on a Bora Bora honeymoon is a Polynesian-style floating breakfast. Indulge in room service with a difference and have your breakfast delivered by traditional outrigger canoe.

How about a picnic lunch on a secluded motu. Maybe sunset cocktails and private dinner under the constellation of stars? Bora Bora is the best place to stargaze.

Try the local beer Hinano or Vin de Tahiti from the Tuamotu archipelago. Yes French Polynesia has it’s own tiny wine producers!

Beach Days

So you’re planning a Bora Bora honeymoon for the heavenly tropical landscapes with overwater bungalows, turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

Most resorts have their own stretch of paradisiacal beach.

While Bora Bora may not boast many public beaches, Matira Beach is the main public beach and is regularly cited as one of the best beaches in the world.

It’s the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and is one of the essential things to do on a honeymoon in Bora Bora –  sun-soaked serenity and honeymoon bliss awaits!

image of swaying palm trees and cream coloured sand and blue water on french polynesia polynesia beach on Bora Bora

Bora Bora Honeymoon Frequently Asked Question

Is Bora Bora good for a honeymoon?

Absolutely, Bora Bora is a total paradise and one of the ultimate honeymoon destinations in the world for lovers of beautiful tropical landscapes.

However there are some potential downsides. It is remote and luxury accommodation is limited to a handful of resorts. Plus, it is not the most direct or cheapest place to get to.

Yet overall we think it is worth the hype!

Which is better for a honeymoon, Bora Bora or Maldives?

Both a Bora Bora honeymoon and a Maldives honeymoon will be stunningly beautiful!

However, there are some things that can help you decide. First is season, Maldives is better in winter and Bora Bora is better in summer.

Other factors are location and budget. Depending on where you are in the world one may be near than the other so therefore cheaper to get to than the other!

A Maldives honeymoon means more choice for accommodation and better choice for dining. However, the landscape is a little more diverse in Bora Bora.

We’ve got a full breakdown of how Bora Bora and the Maldives differ.

Is Bora Bora safe for LGBTQ+ couples?

Bora Bora is considered a safe destination for LGBTQ+ couples.

Generally, you are unlikely to experience petty crime in Bora Bora.

As French Polynesia is under French Law, it’s illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people

It is a relatively tolerant destination. Interestingly, Polynesian culture has a third gender, called Māhū, too.

How long should we stay in Bora Bora for our honeymoon?

The duration of a Bora Bora honeymoon will depend on several factors, including your available time, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking to have.

A Bora Bora honeymoon means taking a long flight. So, we would recommend at least 7 to 14 nights to make such a long trip count, recover from jet lag, have time to explore and relax.

Travelling for longer makes your honeymoon sustainable and we highly recommend adding on other islands for a stunning French Polynesia honeymoon itinerary.

When planning your Bora Bora honeymoon, remember that 2 nights will only give you 1 full day to explore or relax, 3 nights = 2 full days, 4 nights = 3 full days, and so on.

Do we need a visa for Bora Bora?

Most nationalities do not need a visa for French Polynesia for stays up to 90 days.

However, you need to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and a confirmed return ticket.

If you need help to obtain a visa, check out iVisa.com.

Do we need travel vaccinations for Bora Bora?

French Polynesia is malaria-free however there have been previous cases of zika virus.

Some travel vaccinations may be needed.

We encourage you to visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date travel vaccination recommendations or speak to a Tropical Medicine Specialist.

Is a Bora Bora honeymoon package expensive?

Bora Bora is a pricier honeymoon destination, known for its overwater bungalow resorts.

The cost of a Bora Bora honeymoon package will vary depending on where in the world you’re travelling from and what time of year. 

Bora Bora honeymoon packages easily stretch into five figures

The cheapest time to plan a Bora Bora honeymoon is during the rainy season from December to March (although during the Christmas holiday / vacation season prices will jump).

If you travel during the low season, there is a possibility you’ll have long sunny days, but there is a higher risk of adverse weather.

If you can go in the shoulder season, book early, and mix up the accommodation and room categories, you can claw back and make a saving on your Bora Bora honeymoon!

Should we use a travel agent to book our Bora Bora honeymoon?

A travel agent who books Bora Bora honeymoon packages regularly will be able to take care of the details and good travel agents may even have preferential rates.

However, if you prefer to book a D-I-Y Bora Bora honeymoon package, it’s actually very easy.

We’d recommend choosing a flexible hotel rate with free cancellation with Booking.com. You can get great discounts with their loyalty programme.

Bora Bora books up quickly in high season, so book early to avoid disappointment if you’re travelling during the peak season.

When you’re booking international flights, it’s a good idea to give yourself enough time to change planes. We’d recommend at least a 2 to 3-hour layover for a stress-free experience.

Airlines usually release flights around 10-11 months before departure.

It’s easy to book transfers and tours with Viator or GetYourGuide.

Don’t forget to have travel insurance in place before booking!

What about travel insurance?

Here at The Honeymoon Guide, we want you to have the best honeymoon possible.

Safety is paramount, so it’s important to have travel insurance in place when you book your honeymoon. If you don’t have travel insurance, check out WorldNomads.com to learn more.

World Nomads provide travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance from World Nomads.

What should we pack for a Bora Bora honeymoon?

Bora Bora is a laid back haven with a tropical climate, so opt for relatively comfortable clothes, like shorts and t-shirts most of the time.

You may want to go glam with chic and cute summer dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits and chinos for men. Add plenty of swimwear to your Bora Bora packing list!

Don’t forget practical footwear if you’re going hiking or exploring.

Book an eSim, so you have the internet on the go.

Check out our Free Bora Bora Packing List!

Should we bring cash / should we tip in Bora Bora?

Yes, bring some cash or at least use an ATM in Tahiti on arrival.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in luxury resorts and the busier tourist areas, but cash is still king.

Tipping is not part of Polynesian culture. However, a tip for good service is always appreciated.

Where can we tag on to Bora Bora for a multi-destination honeymoon?

As you can see you can easily spend your whole honeymoon in Bora Bora!

However, we’d highly recommend adding on other islands in French Polynesia. It is a long way to travel to just spend a few days!

Air Tahiti (not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui – the international airline) has a handy flight air pass if hopping around multiple destinations with French Polynesia.

Most couples need to pass through another destination to get to Bora Bora.

If you have more time, you could stopover in a city like Los Angeles or San Francisco or take a classic road trip.

You can also fly from Auckland too, so you could consider New Zealand for an adventure road trip leg of your honeymoon.

A New Zealand or California road trip and a French Polynesia beach honeymoon combination would be unforgettable!

There is a weekly flight from Hawaii ’s Oahu to Tahiti so you could combine Hawaii with Bora Bora for a stunning Polynesian honeymoon.

There are also flights from Tokyo so for a truly wow multi-destination honeymoon you could combine Bora Bora with Japan, if you had more time (and money!).

row of overwater bungalows facing mount otemanu with sun setting behind the mountain in bora bora french polynesia

Things to consider before booking a bora Bora honeymoon

While we love to recommend Bora Bora for honeymoon, there are some potential downsides that you might want to consider so you can make a well-informed decision and plan your dream honeymoon!

  • Weather Vulnerability: While you would be unlucky to encounter a cyclone, Bora Bora’s cyclone season can occasionally lead to regular heavy rains and winds which could spoil your honeymoon.
  • Cost: Bora Bora is an expensive destination, with high costs for accommodation, dining, and activities, which might not suit your budget.
  • Distance: Depending on where you are in the world, Bora Bora may be further away and if you only have a short time for your honeymoon, it may not be worth travelling so far away. You don’t want to have to deal with jet lag for your whole honeymoon!
  • Food: While Bora Bora’s landscape is unmatched in beauty, some couples find the culinary offerings less diverse compared to other destinations.

    Couples seeking extensive gourmet experiences may find the options more limited.

    As always, we recommend exploring local dishes for the most authentic taste of the island’s culinary culture! It’s a great opportunity to feast on fish and delicious tropical fruits!

Map of Bora Bora

TL;DR?

key Points

  • Best time to visit is April to October
  • It’s not a cheap destination but you can go in low season or mix room categories if honeymooning on a tighter budget
  • Bora Bora is *not* an all inclusive destination
  • It takes at least 2 to 3 flights to get there

We would love to hear from you if you are planning a Bora Bora honeymoon! Let us know if this guide was useful or if we left out any essential information!

Check out more of our Ultimate Honeymoon Guides series. We’re always adding new guides and please contact us if there is somewhere you’d love to see on The Honeymoon Guide!

Happy Planning x

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