You can choose from lagoon viewpoints, beaches, coral snorkelling sites, the main village and boat excursions to the outer islets. The nine places to visit in Bora Bora below cover the island and its surrounding lagoon.
1. Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is the highest peak on the island and gives it a recognisable profile. Climbing is not feasible for most visitors, so it is usually viewed from the lagoon or on a boat circuit.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | The island’s highest peak and lagoon backdrop |
| Location | Central Bora Bora |
| Suitable travel period | Clear days for lagoon and boat views |
| Entry | No fee to view; boat circuits are charged |
| Things to do | View the peak from the lagoon or a boat circuit |
| Tip | It is admired from afar rather than climbed |
2. Matira Beach
Matira Beach is the main public white-sand beach on the island, with shallow, calm water. It suits swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding, and is one of the few beaches with open public access.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Public white-sand beach with calm water |
| Location | Southern Bora Bora |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime for swimming and water activities |
| Entry | Free public access |
| Things to do | Swim, snorkel or paddleboard from the shore |
| Tip | Carry sun protection, as shade is limited |
3. Lagoonarium
The Lagoonarium is an enclosed lagoon area where visitors can swim among rays, small sharks and tropical fish. It is usually reached as part of a boat or tour arrangement.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Enclosed lagoon with rays and tropical fish |
| Location | On a motu in the lagoon |
| Suitable travel period | Booked tour timings during the day |
| Entry | Tour or entry charge; verify current arrangements |
| Things to do | Swim among rays, small sharks and tropical fish |
| Tip | Access is usually part of a boat tour |
4. Coral Gardens
The Coral Gardens are shallow snorkelling sites within the lagoon, with coral formations and marine life. The shallow water makes them accessible to less experienced snorkellers.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Shallow-water coral snorkelling |
| Location | Within the Bora Bora lagoon |
| Suitable travel period | Calm, clear conditions for visibility |
| Entry | Usually part of a snorkelling or boat tour |
| Things to do | Snorkel over the coral and lagoon marine life |
| Tip | Suitable for less experienced snorkellers |
5. Vaitape
Vaitape is the main village and the arrival point for the island, with markets, shops and restaurants. It is where most local services and Tahitian cuisine are found.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Main village, markets and restaurants |
| Location | Western Bora Bora |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime for markets and shops |
| Entry | Free to explore |
| Things to do | Shop for souvenirs and try Tahitian cuisine |
| Tip | It is the island’s main services hub |
6. Anau Lookout
Anau Lookout is reached by a short but steep hike and gives panoramic views over the lagoon and surrounding islands. It is a viewpoint stop rather than a long excursion.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Panoramic lagoon and island views |
| Location | Eastern Bora Bora |
| Suitable travel period | Cooler parts of the day for the hike |
| Entry | No fee reported |
| Things to do | Hike up for the lagoon viewpoint |
| Tip | The hike is short but steep; wear suitable footwear |
7. Matira Point
Matira Point is a peninsula at the southern tip of the island, with views over the lagoon and towards Mount Otemanu. It is a common spot for sunset walks.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Southern peninsula and sunset views |
| Location | Southern tip of Bora Bora |
| Suitable travel period | Around sunset for the views |
| Entry | Free |
| Things to do | Walk the shoreline and watch the sunset |
| Tip | Combine it with a Matira Beach visit |
8. Turtle Centre
The Turtle Centre works on the conservation of endangered sea turtles and allows visitors to observe them up close. Feeding sessions may be available at set times.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Sea-turtle conservation centre |
| Location | Attached to a lagoon resort |
| Suitable travel period | Scheduled visitor or feeding sessions |
| Entry | Visitor arrangement; verify current access |
| Things to do | Observe turtles and any feeding session |
| Tip | Confirm access and timings in advance |
9. Motu Tapu
Motu Tapu is a small private islet reached by boat, with beaches and clear lagoon water. It is visited on a boat excursion for swimming, snorkelling and a picnic.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Private islet with beaches and clear water |
| Location | A motu in the Bora Bora lagoon |
| Suitable travel period | On a scheduled boat excursion |
| Entry | Part of a booked excursion |
| Things to do | Swim, snorkel and picnic on the islet |
| Tip | Access is by boat excursion only |
