Bora Bora for dummies

If you have never been to Bora Bora and you have decided to reach this wonderful destination lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you probably have some questions regarding your arrival. Thanks to this guide, you’ll find (I hope) your answers.

When is the best time to go to Bora Bora?

There are two seasons in Bora Bora. Summer is the warmest but the rainiest (Southern summer) and winter is the coldest and less rainy one (Southern winter). Summer is from November to March and winter from April to October. Temperatures in Bora Bora are mostly above 70-73 °F and the warmest can go up to 86-88 °F.

In terms of accommodation and airfare, “high” and “low” season rates are generally applied. In fact, as the number of visitors is higher during the Southern Winter, airfares can increase significantly. Therefore, it will be cheaper to come in summer during the “rainy” season than in winter (please note that due to the actual covid-19 crisis, the number of tourists decreased so the applied rates are more attractive)

The Southern Summer : When travelling during summer you take the risk to have rain for several days during your stay in Bora Bora. However, it happens to have warm and sunny days for several weeks. In this case you will gain financially and encounter fewer tourists around the pool of your hotel or on the beach.

The Southern Winter : During the month of July, the Heiva takes place. It is a big traditional festival during which you will have the opportunity to see dance performances, traditional floral decoration, sports events such as the fruit carrier race, … This period is very popular because it allows you to discover the Polynesian culture and to attend beautiful shows that are the result of several months of preparation. The only drawback of this period is the climate which can be very windy with spontaneous showers. The weather will generally calm down around mid-August/September. The month of October is my favorite month in terms of climate. Temperatures are hot but not too much, the weather is generally clear, the winds will allow you to walk without suffering from the heat. The whale season is between July and November. If you travel between these dates, you may have the chance to see some during an ocean excursion.

These are only indications and suggestions, please note that the weather is always unpredictable. Due to climate change the seasons tend to shift or even disappear. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula and we can always be surprised by the weather.

Where to stay in Bora Bora?

There are different types of accommodation depending on your budget and your desires.

The luxury hotels you see on the postcards will offer you a quiet and comfortable retreat and let you enjoy the sweetness of a vacation in your overwater bungalow.

For smaller budgets, you can stay in small hotels and guesthouses. The guesthouses offer less services than hotels but are managed by Bora Bora residents who will be delighted to show you the beauty of Bora Bora and to share their culture with you. Please note that pensions and hotels can be located on a Motu (small islets around the island) or on the main island.

Motu

If you choose to stay on a Motu, you can only reach the main island by boat. This option is ideal if you want to cut off the world with a beautiful view of Bora Bora Island and the sound of the ocean. You will still be able to enjoy the lagoon activities because the service providers will pick you up by boat.

Main Island

If you stay on the main island you will have more freedom to explore the island of Bora Bora and organize your days according to your desires. It is a personal choice that will only depend on you and your intentions.

I invite you to visit the page Hotels and Pensions to see the different accommodations offered.

Where are the stores in Bora Bora ?

Food stores :

The two main supermarkets are located in Vaitape (city of the island) : Chin Lee is located in the center of Vaitape in front of the gas station and Toa Amok (Super U : French Supermarket Brand) is located a little further on the way to Faanui. There is another Super U called Toa Areni located in Anau closer to the hotel shuttle bases.

If you stay on Matira you can go to Matira Market or Tiare Market. All around the island you will also find small stores to buy your basic necessities.

Other stores :

Most of the stores are in Vaitape. But you will also find some in Matira.

Where are the gift shops in Bora Bora ?

The gift shops in Bora Bora are in Vaitape. You will find clothing and souvenir shops. You can also go to the local craft market which is located on Vaitape harbour. When you arrive by boat, it is located right in front of you. You will find jewelry, pareos, monoi oil, … made by local artisans.

What should I do once I arrive at the airport ?

Once you arrive at the airport of Bora Bora, after your long journey, you will have to take the boat (short ride). Indeed, the airport is located on a Motu (small island) and the only way to get there is by boat. Two options are available :

If you stay in a hotel or a pension located on a Motu, you will have your transfer previously arranged by the hotel or pension. They will meet you directly at the airport and you can enjoy the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora. For the Intercontinental Le Moana, the hotel is located on the main island but you can take the hotel shuttle boat.

If you stay on the island, you can take the free Air Tahiti shuttle boat that will take you directly to Vaitape. Vaitape is the “city” of Bora Bora. Then depending on where you are staying you will be escorted directly by your guesthouse, your hotel or your Air BNB host. Otherwise cabs are present at the arrival time of the shuttle and will be able to take you to your accommodation.

Is there a foreign exchange counter at the airport ?

No. Unfortunately, there is no foreign exchange counter at the airport. Hotels offer currency exchange services. Otherwise you can go to a bank in town. Dollars and euros are accepted in some stores. If you come from a Euro-Zone, the conversion rate is fixed, so you can withdraw the desired amount in cash directly from the ATMs located in town without any unpleasant surprise about the exchange rate (ask your bank about any withdrawal fees that may apply). You can also pay directly by credit card in most restaurants and stores.

Is there a bank at the airport ?

There is no bank at the airport. The banks are all located in Vaitape. The Banque de Polynesie (Société Générale) will be the first bank that you will see when you arrive by boat, you can also withdraw money from the ATM of the Post Office which is located a few meters away from the Banque de Polynesie if you follow the direction of Matira (see details below). The Banque de Tahiti is located a little further on near Gelato (towards Matira). The bank Socredo is on your left towards Faanui.