Located in the middle of the great Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora has been rising as the favourite tourist destination. This island boasts some of the best landscapes, serenity, adventure, and a sense of love in the air. Here are some of the remarkable stops you must tick off to truly feel the heartbeat of this South Pacific jewel.

Matira Beach- Soft, Sparkling, Serene

Matira is the island’s most famous public beach, often topping the world’s best beach lists. With sand as white as powdered sugar, water as clear as crystal, and a horizon where turquoise dissolves into sapphire, it’s the postcard-perfect slice of heaven.

Historically, Matira was a gathering place for locals before it became a global favourite. Unlike many private beaches in Bora Bora, Matira is open to everyone, making it a shared paradise.

Things to do:

Swim in the calm lagoon waters.

Snorkel along the shallows, spotting colourful fish.

Watch the sunset when the beach glows in fiery orange.

Sample snacks from nearby food trucks selling fresh coconut and island-style crepes.

Mount Otemanu – Majestic, Mysterious, Mesmerising

The jagged green peak of Mount Otemanu rises dramatically from the centre of Bora Bora, visible from almost every angle of the island. Once considered sacred by Polynesians, the mountain is a symbol of strength and legend. Some stories even suggest that ancient kings were buried in its caves.

Things to do:

Take a guided 4×4 Jeep safari to its base.

Hike around its lush trails with panoramic views.

Capture photographs from the lagoon, where Otemanu’s reflection doubles its grandeur.

Coral Gardens – Colourful, Captivating, Calming

Just off the main island lies a natural aquarium beneath the waves. The Coral Gardens are a snorkelling paradise where soft corals sway like underwater forests, schools of tropical fish dart like living rainbows, and manta rays glide with grace.

Things to do:

Snorkel with parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish.

Book an eco-tour to learn about coral conservation.

Float in the current, watching reef sharks from a safe distance.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium – Playful, Pristine, Protected

This natural lagoon turned marine sanctuary is like stepping into a watery playground. Unlike open-water dives, the Lagoonarium is shallow and sheltered, making it perfect for families or first-timers.

Things to do:

 Swim alongside turtles, rays, and harmless reef sharks.

 Feed tropical fish during interactive tours.

 Picnic on the sandy motu nearby.

 Take a glass-bottom boat ride if you’d rather stay dry.

Vaitape Village – Bustling, Beautiful, Bohemian

As Bora Bora’s main town, Vaitape offers a glimpse into everyday island life beyond the luxury resorts. With its colourful shops, pearl boutiques, and casual eateries, it’s the island’s cultural and commercial hub.

Things to do:

Shop for Tahitian black pearls, the island’s most treasured souvenir.

Visit local art galleries showcasing Polynesian craft.

Dine at Bloody Mary’s, the legendary restaurant visited by Hollywood stars.

Bora Bora Lagoon – Turquoise, Tranquil, Timeless

The lagoon is the island’s beating heart—a place of eternal calm framed by motus and coral reefs. Its beauty is what first earned Bora Bora the nickname “The Pearl of the Pacific.”

Things to do:

 Embark on a shark and ray feeding safari.

 Go paddleboarding or kayaking at dawn.

 Cruise on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe.

The Motus – Secluded, Sandy, Spiritual

Encircling Bora Bora are tiny islets called motus, each a world of its own. These sandy slices of paradise often host private resorts, intimate picnics, and secluded weddings. Historically, motus were fishing bases for Polynesians. Today, they are the ultimate escape.

Things to do:

 Take a boat excursion to a private motu.

Indulge in a traditional Polynesian feast on the sand.

Snorkel off the shallow reefs ringing the motus.

WWII Relics – Historic, Haunting, Hidden

During World War II, Bora Bora served as a U.S. military base. Even though the island never saw war or fights, it still has remnants of bunkers, cannons, and old airstrips, which serve as a reminder of a very horrific incident.

Things to do:

Visit Faanui Valley to see rusted artillery pieces.

Explore old bunkers tucked into the hills.

Luxury Resorts – Opulent, Overwater, Otherworldly

Bora Bora is synonymous with overwater bungalows, the ultimate symbol of tropical luxury. Staying in one feels like floating above the lagoon itself. With glass-bottom panels, private decks, and room service by canoe, these resorts redefine indulgence.

Mont Pahia- Trek, Timeless, Therapeutic

“That which was struck” was its original name, Pa’ihia. After its older sibling, Mount Otemanu, Mount Pahia, located in the municipality of Nunue, is the second-highest peak in Bora Bora. The most stunning view of the world’s most beautiful lagoon may be seen from the summit, which is 661 meters above sea level and accessible via a 7-kilometre hiking track.

Although there are rope fences to aid in climbing, exercise caution since parts of the slopes are slippery and can make the trail challenging. Parakeets nest in a cave called the “bird cave,” which is located high up on the mountainside.

Food & Flavours of Bora Bora

To know a place is to taste it. Bora Bora’s cuisine is a fragrant fusion of French elegance and Polynesian soul. Freshness defines every plate; think mahi-mahi grilled with vanilla sauce, ahi tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk, and taro chips crisped golden. The national dish, poisson cru, is a ceviche-like delight where raw fish mingles with citrus and coconut in a refreshing burst of flavour. Tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and breadfruit appear at every meal. Pair it all with a glass of Tahitian vanilla rum or a chilled Hinano beer.

Final Thoughts

The Bora Bora Islands are where crystal-clear waters coexist with lush green mountains and sand that glows like diamonds. Here, the days slip by in a rhythm of tides and sunsets, and nights arrive with starlit skies that feel close enough to touch. Whether you come seeking romance, adventure, or simply peace, Bora Bora offers not just a holiday but a story you’ll carry forever.

Because some places you visit—but Bora Bora? Bora Bora stays with you.