Tahiti & Bora Bora, French Polynesia — Travel Guide
French Polynesia
4.8/5.0

Tahiti & Bora Bora

French Polynesia's 118 islands spread across an ocean area the size of Europe — an overwater bungalow civilization of turquoise lagoons, black pearl atolls, and Marquesas cliffs. Bora Bora's reef-protected lagoon is the world's most beautiful; Moorea's volcanic peaks mirror from glass-calm water; and Rangiroa's famous Tiputa Pass is the greatest drift dive in the Pacific.

Best Time to Visit
May–October (dry season)
Budget From
$3,500/week
Region
pacific

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$175/day
$3,500/week

Budget guesthouses (pensions), roulottes food trucks, public le truck bus, lagoon swim free

$$

Business Class

$700/day
$11,200/week

Overwater bungalows, lagoon tours, snorkeling, whale swim, motu picnic

$$$

Luxury

$1500/day
$24,000/week

St. Regis or Four Seasons Bora Bora, private lagoon, pearl jewelry, helicopter

Top Experiences

1.
Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Snorkel the Bora Bora lagoon with sharks and manta rays
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Take a glass-bottom boat tour over the coral gardens
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
4.
Hike to the Belvedere viewpoint on Moorea for views over Cook's Bay
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Take a 4WD tour of Tahiti's interior waterfalls and marae ceremonial sites
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Swim with humpback whales off Moorea (July-November)
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Take the pearl farm tour on Rangiroa for black pearl education
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Eat poisson cru (Tahitian ceviche) and fresh tuna at a beach fare
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Fare Suisse Tahiti — hotel in Tahiti & Bora Bora
$ Budget Smart

Fare Suisse Tahiti

$85/night

What guests say

Claire B.★★★★4.3

The best budget option on Tahiti — not cheap by global standards but exceptional for French Polynesia. Very helpful for organizing Moorea and Bora Bora connections.

Mark T.★★★★4.2

Good value for an extremely expensive destination. Clean, friendly, and well-placed for the Papeete ferry terminal.

Le Meridien Bora Bora — hotel in Tahiti & Bora Bora
$$ Business Class

Le Meridien Bora Bora

$800/night

What guests say

Amanda S.★★★★★5.0

The overwater bungalow dream realized — crystal floor panels in the floor of the bedroom, Mount Otemanu above, and the clearest lagoon water I have ever seen.

Roberto L.★★★★★4.9

Bora Bora is the most beautiful place I have ever visited and Le Meridien makes the experience perfect. The lagoon tour, the snorkeling, the food — all exceptional.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — hotel in Tahiti & Bora Bora
$$$ Luxury

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

$2,500/night

What guests say

Sophia W.★★★★★5.0

The finest overwater resort in the world. The Royal Overwater Villa is a complete floating palace. Butlers, private pool, manta rays under the deck — perfection absolute.

Edward M.★★★★★5.0

No hotel experience on earth compares to the St. Regis Bora Bora at its best. The lagoon, the volcano, the villa — it is the pinnacle of Pacific luxury.

Getting There

Find the best flight deals to Tahiti & Bora Bora. Compare hundreds of airlines and get the lowest fares.

Free Concierge Planning

Plan My Trip to Tahiti & Bora Bora

Tell us your budget, dates, and vibe — we'll build you a full personalized itinerary within 24 hours. No commitment required.

Plan My Trip →

Tours & Activities

Book a WDC curated experience in Tahiti & Bora Bora — private guides, skip-the-line access, and unique insider activities at every budget tier.

Book a Tour in Tahiti & Bora Bora

Getting Around

Car Rental

Rent from locals or traditional agencies for maximum flexibility exploring Tahiti & Bora Bora.

Search Rentals via Turo →

Private Transfer

Door-to-door service with professional, vetted drivers.

Available at Business tier and above

Travel Insurance

Protect your investment with comprehensive travel and medical coverage.

Get a Quote →

Local Insider Tips

  • French Polynesia is expensive — book packages that include flights, transfers, and accommodation
  • The overwater bungalow experience requires the right island — Bora Bora is the finest lagoon
  • Moorea is significantly cheaper than Bora Bora and almost as beautiful — consider it as a base
  • The roulottes (food trucks) in Papeete Vaiete Square are the best cheap food in French Polynesia
  • Snorkeling is free — the lagoon life is extraordinary and you don't need SCUBA to experience it

Compare Hotel Deals in Tahiti & Bora Bora

🏨Compare Hotel Deals

Search thousands of hotels in Tahiti & Bora Bora — compare prices, read reviews, and book with free cancellation on most rooms.

Search Hotels on Booking.com →

Powered by Booking.com · WDC may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Related Destinations

More amazing places in pacific to inspire your next trip.

Ready to Visit Tahiti & Bora Bora?

Book your perfect trip with our member pricing, exclusive deals, and hands-on concierge support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Tahiti & Bora Bora?

+
The best time to visit Tahiti & Bora Bora is May–October (dry season). During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Tahiti & Bora Bora?

+
Getting to Tahiti & Bora Bora in French Polynesia is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Tahiti & Bora Bora?

+
Budget travelers can explore Tahiti & Bora Bora from around $3,500 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $7,000–$12,250 per week. Luxury experiences start at $17,500+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Tahiti & Bora Bora safe for tourists?

+
Tahiti & Bora Bora is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Tahiti & Bora Bora?

+
Top must-see attractions and experiences in Tahiti & Bora Bora include: Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon, Snorkel the Bora Bora lagoon with sharks and manta rays, Take a glass-bottom boat tour over the coral gardens, Hike to the Belvedere viewpoint on Moorea for views over Cook's Bay, Take a 4WD tour of Tahiti's interior waterfalls and marae ceremonial sites. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
Affiliate Disclosure: World Destination Club earns a commission when you book through partner links with Travelpayouts (flights), Booking.com (hotels), GetYourGuide (tours), Expedia Partnerize (hotels), Travelocity (travel deals), AWIN partner merchants, CJ partner merchants at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep our guides free and our team traveling. We only recommend partners we trust. Learn more.
Plan Your Trip to Tahiti & Bora Bora