You’ve seen the photos. Those neon-blue lagoons and those huts on stilts that look like they were plucked straight from a billionaire's daydream. Most people think Bora Bora is just a place where you sit on a deck and drink expensive juice until your skin turns a shade of lobster red. Honestly? That’s a waste of a plane ticket.
The real Bora Bora tourist attractions aren't just the stuff in the brochures. Sure, the overwater bungalows are cool—we’ll get to those—but if you don't leave your resort, you're basically paying five grand to stay in a very fancy floating hotel room. There is a whole island out there with WWII history, mountains that will make your calves scream, and a public beach that actually puts the private ones to shame.
The Mountain Most People Only Look At
Everyone takes a selfie with Mount Otemanu in the background. It’s the jagged, green volcanic remnant that defines the island’s skyline. But very few people actually set foot on it.
Here is the thing: you can’t actually summit Otemanu. The rock at the very top is too crumbly and dangerous. I've seen people try, and it's a bad idea. However, you can hike to the Anau Cave, which is high up on the mountain’s shoulder. It’s a sweat-fest. You’ll be scrambling over roots and through thick tropical brush.
If you want a view that doesn't require a helicopter, look into Mount Pahia. It’s the second-highest peak and, unlike its big brother, it’s actually climbable to the top. It’s roughly a 4-to-6-hour round trip. Don’t do this alone. The trails aren't exactly marked like a suburban park, and the "path" often involves pulling yourself up by ropes that some local legend tied to a tree three years ago.
Why Matira Beach is the Real MVP
Most of the "best" beaches in Bora Bora are technically private, owned by the big resorts like the Four Seasons or the St. Regis. But Matira Beach is the only public beach on the main island, and it’s arguably better than the private ones.
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It’s about a mile of powder-white sand on the southern tip of the island. The water is so shallow and clear that you can walk out hundreds of yards and the water still barely hits your waist.
- Pro Tip: Go to the western side of Matira Point for sunset. It’s the best free show on the island.
- The Vibe: It’s where the locals hang out. You’ll see families having picnics and kids playing in the water.
- Food: Skip the $40 resort club sandwich. There are "roulottes" (food trucks) and small cafes like Snack Matira right nearby where you can get poisson cru—raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk—for a fraction of the price.
The Truth About the "Aquarium" and Snorkeling
You’ll hear about "The Aquarium." It’s a specific snorkeling spot in the lagoon, usually near the Sofitel Private Island. It’s basically a natural fish tank.
But if you want something less crowded, you have to head to the Coral Gardens near the barrier reef. The current can be a bit strong here, so you sort of "drift" over the coral. You’ll see anemones, clownfish (yes, Nemo), and giant clams with neon-purple lips.
Then there are the sharks and rays. This is one of the most popular Bora Bora tourist attractions, but it’s a bit controversial. Tour guides usually take you to a shallow sandy area where Blacktip Reef Sharks and Stingrays congregate.
The guides often feed them to keep them around. Some people love the "interaction," while others find it a bit too "staged." Since 2012, there have been stricter regulations on shark feeding in French Polynesia, and technically, feeding them inside the lagoon is discouraged or banned depending on the specific zone. If you want a more natural experience, find a guide who focuses on observation rather than "attracting" the wildlife with bait.
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Vaitape: More Than Just a Pier
Vaitape is the main village. Most tourists only see it for ten minutes when they get off the airport ferry. That’s a mistake.
If you want to understand the actual culture, walk around. Visit the Saint Pierre Celestin Catholic Church—it has these incredible stained-glass windows that were built to survive cyclones.
Also, look for the Alain Gerbault Monument. He was a French yachtsman who was the first to sail solo across the Atlantic from east to west. He loved Bora Bora so much he basically never left. His grave is right there in the middle of town.
Shopping-wise, Vaitape is the place for Tahitian Black Pearls. Don't just buy the first shiny thing you see. Real pearls are graded on luster, surface, and shape. Places like Robert Wan are the "Tiffany's" of pearls, but you can find smaller boutiques where you can learn about the "oyster to neck" process.
The WWII Relics You Didn't Expect
Bora Bora wasn't always a honeymoon paradise. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. used the island as a supply base called Operation Bobcat. They built the airstrip (which is still the airport) and installed seven giant coastal guns.
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You can still find these guns today. They are rusting away on various hillsides, like Fitiiu Point. You usually need a 4x4 tour to get to them because the roads are essentially vertical mud tracks. Seeing these massive American cannons pointed out over a peaceful turquoise lagoon is a weird, jarring contrast that reminds you this island has a history beyond luxury spas.
Staying Over the Water: A Brief History
You can't talk about attractions without the overwater bungalows. Interestingly, they weren't even a Tahitian invention. They were started by three Americans—the "Bali Hai Boys"—in the 1960s on the island of Raiatea. They didn't have any beach at their hotel, so they just built the rooms over the water.
In Bora Bora, these are the main draw. Resorts like the InterContinental Thalasso use deep-sea water for their air conditioning (SWAC system), which is pretty wild from a tech standpoint. If you're going to splurge, look for a bungalow with a "Tahitian Television"—basically a glass floor panel where you can watch the fish swim under your bed.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book your flights early: Air Tahiti (the domestic carrier) is a monopoly. Flights from Papeete to Bora Bora fill up months in advance. Sit on the left side of the plane for the best views when landing.
- Rent a bike or a "Twizy": The main island is only about 20 miles around. You can cycle the whole thing in a few hours. It’s the best way to find hidden spots that tour buses ignore.
- Pack your own snorkel gear: Even if the resort provides it, having your own mask that actually fits makes a huge difference when you’re spending four hours a day in the water.
- Check the cruise ship schedule: When the big ships dock in Vaitape, the village gets slammed. Plan your "town day" for when there isn't a ship in port.
- Learn three words: Ia Orana (Hello), Mauruuru (Thank you), and Nana (Goodbye). A little Tahitian goes a long way with the locals.
Bora Bora is expensive, no doubt. But the real magic isn't in how much you spend; it’s in getting off the dock and actually seeing the island for what it is—a volcanic rock in the middle of the Pacific with a deep history and some of the best hiking in the southern hemisphere.