A Bora Bora Honeymoon has become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean lies the island with turquoise lagoons and beaches covered with white sand. You will soon realize why so many newlywed couples dream about spending their honeymoon there. Bora Bora is one of top honeymoon destinations, but not many couples actually manage to come there and the exclusivity is what makes it even more special!
All the luxurious resorts and private overwater bungalows will make you feel like you are in a paradise. You can either choose a ‘readyto-go’ honeymoon package, or you can tailor your own. And if you still have not tied the knot, you can do it here. Choose one of the two ceremony styles (Polynesian Traditional ceremony or Western ceremony) and say ‘I do’ in one of many romantic Bora Bora resorts or in a romantic chapel on top of the hill. Just imagine an intimate wedding in the sunset, with a magnificent view…
WHY GO TO BORA BORA FOR MY HONEYMOON
The pictures really do tell the story of this tropical paradise. If you are looking for a quiet, private and romantic location to spend with your partner, Bora Bora offers a place to enjoy each other’s company with crystal clear blue water and overwater bungalows sure not to disappoint.
With average sea temperatures that don’t get below about 27oC (81oF), the climate is truly available all year round to enjoy.
HOW TO GET TO THERE
Bora Bora is a group of islands with the main island surrounded by a lagoon and a series of smaller islands. The island group is about 1 hour flight time Northwest from Papeete in Tahiti which has direct flights from many destinations. Once at Faa’a airport in Papeete, catch a connection to the airfield. Be sure to have your camera ready for arrival into the island – The dormant volcano on the main island with the surrounding lagoons and islands make for a great photo. If you get in the line up early enough, try and sit on the left side of the plane for the arrival for the best photos and views.
The airport is on a separate island from Vaitape so you can expect a boat transfer upon arrival to one of the resorts. If you are flying with Air Tahiti, you may have a shuttle boat to Vaitape included in your airfare. Your resort may also offer boat airport transfers so be sure to see what transfer services they have available.
Flight times from:
| New York: 18 hours | New Delhi: 26 hours |
| L.A.: 11 hours | Beijing: 20 hours |
| London: 26 hours | Dubai: 29 hours |
| Sydney: 11 hours |
THINGS TO DO IN BORA BORA HONEYMOON
Although it is a prime destination for a relaxing, romantic honeymoon, it offers a selection of other activities for those couples looking for something more. Below is a list of honeymoon activities available on the island.
Enjoy a couples massage – There are a few places where you can book a massage for you and your loved one. Some therapists are willing to come to your place, too. They offer various techniques, including the Polynesian massage, with a wide range of different oils to choose from.
Swim with the sharks – It is not as scary as it sounds. If the weather conditions are right, you can take a small boat and go outside the reef. The water is crystal-clear, so you can easily see some blacktip reef sharks passing below.
Visit Alain Despert Studio – Art-gallery with works of internationally acclaimed artist Alain Despert. You will see his ‘Absolut Despert’ – a painting of a bottle of vodka floating in the Bora Bora lagoon, and many other colorful contemporary paintings, as well.
Enjoy a holistic spa treatment – Choose between different natural spa services and holistic disciplines – shiatsu and Thai massage, foot reflexology, or yoga. Some places offer beauty services and esthetic treatments, as well.
Bora Bora Stargazing Tour – The tour is intended for a small group of people – no more than twelve. It all starts with a sunset cruise by boat and continues on a private Motu (Islet), where you will enjoy listening to stories and legends about Polynesian people who used the stars as their guide across the Pacific Ocean. The price includes free hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as bottled water and a glass of sparkling wine.
Take a lagoon tour – Get on the boat, and enjoy breathtaking views of the lagoon. There is no better place for taking pictures than this. And it is a great place for snorkeling, too. Be sure to visit the lagoonarium – a small area in the lagoon, with captivated sea life. You will enjoy watching different marine species in their natural habitat.
Have a picnic on a Motu – Come to one of the small private-islands, where you can enjoy various water and beach activities. The best excursions include a Polynesian picnic with fresh fruits, grilled yams, poisson cru, grilled mahi-mahi, and coconut bread, served on large plates of hand-woven leaves.
Swim at Matira Beach – This two-mile long white sand beach is the only public beach in Bora Bora. It is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world.
Shop for black pearls – Your loved one will surely be thrilled if you take her to some pearl shopping. But remember – Tahitian Pearls may vary in their shape, size, color, and quality, so it is important that you know how to buy them. Arc En Ciel in Vaitape has plenty of strong reviews and would be a great place to start your shopping.
Try jet-skiing – Nothing boosts up your adrenaline as a jet-ski ride around the lagoon. This is one of the most exciting water sports. It may be a little intimidating for beginners, but once you learn the basics – you will enjoy it.
Shop at Vaitape markets – There you will find a wide variety of different hand-crafted jewelry, pearls, home-wares, and other interesting souvenirs for only a few dollars. You can spend hours there, especially if all the stalls are open (they are closed on Sundays and Holidays, and some of them are even closed if there are no cruise ships at the dock).
Book a sunset cruise – Sunset cruises are not reserved only for romantic couples. You can book a small group cruise on a sailing catamaran for you and your friends. Enjoy watching sunset, with champagne and some snacks.
Go hiking – There are a few different Bora Bora walking tours, but the most popular is the one through the Valley of the Kings. All these tours are possible only during the dry weather. But the tours are not only about the hiking – you will learn something about the geology, and hear some fascinating Polynesian legends.
Watch Tahitian dancing shows – Traditional Tahitian dancing shows are held in the evening at restaurants and bars in many of the Bora Bora resorts. To attend the shows you need only to purchase a cocktail from the bar, but for others, you will need to have the whole dinner.
Take professional photographs – Bora Bora is a perfect place for taking breathtaking photos. There is also an option of taking the photos under water in Bora Bora’s lagoon. This will be an amazing experience and you will have something to bring home and show to your friends and family.
STAYING FOR LONGER?
Is there a better way to spend your vacation in Tahiti, than in an ultra-luxury cruise ship?
Crystal Cruises – You can choose between four South Pacific cruise itineraries. In their all-inclusive packages, they offer a wide variety of complimentary services, such as an open bar and various onboard activities.
Paul Gauguin Cruises – All-inclusive packages include food, drinks (except some expensive liquor labels), and many activities. Other things that are not included are spa treatments, cabin upgrades, and shore excursions with guides, but they usually give a shipboard credit as a bonus. You can use this credit towards most of these additional expenses.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT 1
Watch the sunset from the water – When visiting Bora Bora with your loved one, be sure to book a private sunset cruise. You will definitely enjoy this romantic experience which usually lasts for two hours. Most companies include a bottle of champagne, and some may even offer you a dinner.
FESTIVALS IN BORA BORA
Tahiti Pearl Regatta – This four-day sailing race, between Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine, and Taha´a, is usually held in May. The race attracts both local and international competitors since it is open to all types of sailing boats – monohull, catamaran, private sailboat, charter, sailing canoes… Once the races are over, participants and other visitors can enjoy parties, games, and local cuisine tasting, as well as arts and crafts.
Bora Bora Liquid Festival – Every year in December, hundreds of water athletes compete in the lagoon. The Liquid Festival closes the Waterman World Tour (WWT) championships. In addition to the competition, numerous beach parties, as well as children’s activities, are held all across the island.
Heiva I Bora Bora – The biggest annual festival in Tahiti, held every summer. On the island, it takes place in an open area in Vaitape. You can either stand on the side and watch all the events for free, or you can buy tickets and make yourself comfortable in the seated area. Whatever way you choose, you will enjoy the beauty and diversity of Polynesian history and culture. This festival combines dance, music, and handcrafted costumes, as well as various sports and other competitions.
HOW TO GET AROUND
With the unique island layout, boats will be one of you primary methods to get around the islands. Your resort may have a boat to transfer you to the main island if you situated off it.
Car hire is an option out of Vaitape or look for bicycle rental if you are after a cheaper alternative to get around the island. Taxis are available but be their rates can be higher than you may be expecting. Scooters can also be a cheaper option if you are after motorised transport.
ACCOMMODATION IN BORA BORA
Although it is considered a luxury destination, there are various accommodation options.
Budget – Choose one of pensions, guest houses or family hotels. You will enjoy in a friendly atmosphere, and you will not spend more than $150 per night.
Mid-Range – Beach or garden bungalows are always a good choice if you plan to spend no more than a few hundred per night, but still want to have a luxury vacation experience.
Luxury – There are a few levels of luxury accommodations on the island – the more features you add, the more prices go up (from nearly $1.000 to up to a few thousand).
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES IN BORA BORA
With an all-inclusive package, not only you will save some money, but you will also enjoy a relaxed holiday without having to worry about prices. The only true all-inclusive resort on the island was Club Med, but it closed in January 2009. There are no ‘official’ all-inclusive resorts.
In French Polynesia, the term ‘all-inclusive’ usually means that you have three meals a day included in the price. If you are looking for an all-inclusive experience, you can also book an all-inclusive cruise through Tahiti. Choose between Paul Gauguin and Crystal cruises, and enjoy sailing into the most beautiful lagoons in the Pacific Ocean.
ADULT ONLY RESORTS
People who do not have their own children or choose the island as their honeymoon destination usually look for adults only accommodation. Unfortunately, there are not any available. Though there are not many children, as well. To lower the possibility of spending your holiday with someone else’s kids, choose the time of your vacation wisely.
Families usually travel during the school breaks – from June to August or in December and January. Another option is to choose a resort that is reserved exclusively for adults and children over the age of twelve (The Sofitel Private Island Resort) or a resort with an adults-only pool (The St. Regis Resort).
LOCAL FOOD
Once you get to this island, be sure to enjoy the fresh local Polynesian food. The fish here is amazing (choose ocean fish, instead of lagoon fish). And you have to try poisson cru – a delicious dish of tuna marinated in lime and coconut. When it comes to eating out, you can either visit local grocery stores and buy some snacks, or you can visit one of the cafes and restaurants. But, whatever you choose, try not to miss ‘roulottes’ – rolling food trucks which serve grilled fish and fries, as well as kebabs and barbecued meat. These food trucks are a Tahitian tradition.
It would be a good idea to choose resorts with breakfast and dinner included, so you do not have to take a boat ride across the lagoon every time you want to eat something. Another option is to book a pension with fridge and a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.
LANGUAGE IN BORA BORA
The main language spoken is French and Tahitian. French is used primarily in businesses and Tahitian is preferred between the locals. Fear not if your French and Tahitian is not good – English is widely spoken throughout the island particularly in the resort areas.
Below we’ve listed some Tahitian phrases for your use – a hello in Tahitian will be well received!! Otherwise some basic French will also go a long way.
Useful Tahitian phrases
- Hello = la ora na
- Good morning = Ia ora na ‘oe
- Good evening = Ia ora oe i teie po
- Good night = Taoto maita’i
- Goodbye = Nānā
- How much is this? E hia moni teie?
- Thank you = Mauruuru roa
- You’re Welcome = ‘aita pe’ape’a
- Yes = E
- No = Aita
- Where is the toilet = E hia te fare iti?
MONTHLY WEATHER IN BORA BORA
Bora Bora offers a year round honeymoon destination with warmer air and sea temperatures throughout the year. The water temperature will sit at about 26oC (79oF) year round so you can make the most of the beautiful temperate water and beaches. Bora Bora has a prominent rainy season from November to March with high humidity and increased rainfall. Cyclones are rare during the rainy season however check that El Nino effects are not in the area before considering travel to Bora Bora – during the El Nino period there is increased risk of high rainfall and cyclone and hurricane effects.
High season: May to October
Dry Season: April to October
Rainy Season: November to March
| Months | min. Temp. | max. Temp. | Average Sea temp. | Rain days | Rainfall | Season | |||
| January | 25°C | 77°F | 31°C | 88°F | 27°C | 81°F | 23 | 270 mm | Wet |
| February | 25°C | 77°F | 30°C | 86°F | 27°C | 81°F | 19 | 235 mm | Wet |
| March | 25°C | 77°F | 30°C | 86°F | 28°C | 82°F | 16 | 180 mm | Wet |
| April | 25°C | 77°F | 29°C | 84°F | 28°C | 82°F | 15 | 190 mm | Changing |
| May | 24°C | 75°F | 29°C | 84°F | 29°C | 84°F | 15 | 135 mm | Dry |
| June | 24°C | 75°F | 28°C | 82°F | 29°C | 84°F | 11 | 95 mm | Dry |
| July | 24°C | 75°F | 28°C | 82°F | 29°C | 84°F | 12 | 80 mm | Dry |
| August | 24°C | 75°F | 28°C | 82°F | 28°C | 82°F | 12 | 60 mm | Dry |
| September | 24°C | 75°F | 28°C | 82°F | 28°C | 82°F | 14 | 65 mm | Dry |
| October | 24°C | 75°F | 29°C | 84°F | 28°C | 82°F | 14 | 95 mm | Dry |
| November | 24°C | 75°F | 29°C | 84°F | 27°C | 81°F | 17 | 205 mm | Changing |
| December | 25°C | 77°F | 29°C | 84°F | 27°C | 81°F | 18 | 280 mm | Wet |
COST OF THINGS IN BORA BORA
| McDonalds Combo Meal | $11.83 USD |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | $2.89 USD |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | $3.29 USD |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $3.99 USD |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | $ 3.33 USD |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | $2.30 USD |
BORA BORA TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
Take reef shoes with you as the Bora Bora sand and ocean floor is composed of live and crushed coral. You can expect cuts and discomfort if you choose not to wear them – but don’t worry if you can’t get them before you get there, the shops will have some available. Otherwise an old pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet will do just fine.
There is no hospital on Bora Bora, just a Medical Centre in Vaitape, so it is a good idea to take a small first aid kit with you. If you do some serious damage to yourself, you can expect a ride back to Papeete where there are suitable medical services.
Nothing works in town on Sundays or Holidays. And if there is no cruise ship at the dock most local stalls in the markets are closed even during the work week. To see the full range of stalls, be sure to check them out when a cruise ship is in town.
Tipping is not compulsory, but if you appreciate the service, they will definitely appreciate any form of gratuity.
Tap water in Bora Bora is normally safe to drink, however check with your resort to confirm its current state when you get there.
IS BORA BORA SAFE?
The Bora Bora Islands are considered a safe place to visit with low crime rates and violence. However be sure to limit opportunities for petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the French Polynesia page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for Bora Bora.
A Bora Bora honeymoon is up there with the best of them. SAFE TRAVELS!!