Top 10 List
Top 10 Things to Do in Bora Bora
The experiences actually worth your time and money in Bora Bora — ranked, with honest tips on when to go and how to book.
No. 1
Take a Bora Bora Lagoon Tour
- Best for
- First-time visitors
- What makes it special
- Circle the island by boat, swim in clear water and see the lagoon's full range of color.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Choose a small-group departure for a quieter pace.
- Don't Miss
No. 2
Spend Time at Matira Beach
- Best for
- Easy beach days
- What makes it special
- Bora Bora's best-known public beach has shallow water and a lovely sunset outlook.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Arrive early for shade and calmer water.
- Don't Miss
No. 3
Snorkel With Rays and Reef Sharks
- Best for
- Wildlife encounters
- What makes it special
- Guided lagoon trips make it easy to observe rays, reef sharks and tropical fish responsibly.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- One of Bora Bora's most memorable wildlife experiences, especially for first-time visitors who want to see the lagoon up close.
- Our Take
No. 4
See Mount Otemanu
- Best for
- Photography and scenery
- What makes it special
- The volcanic peak anchors nearly every iconic view of Bora Bora.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- See Mount Otemanu from the lagoon in the morning, when the light often gives the peak its clearest outline.
- Don't Miss
No. 5
Stay in an Overwater Bungalow
- Best for
- A signature splurge
- What makes it special
- Direct lagoon access and sunrise coffee over the water make this more than a room.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- One or two nights can deliver the experience without defining the whole budget.
- Our Take
No. 6
Take a Sunset Cruise
- Best for
- Couples
- What makes it special
- Trade the daytime blues for warm evening light and a peaceful sail across the lagoon.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Bring a light layer for the ride home.
- Don't Miss
No. 7
Kayak or Paddleboard the Lagoon
- Best for
- Active mornings
- What makes it special
- Quiet, human-powered exploring is ideal when the lagoon is calm.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- A peaceful way to experience Bora Bora at your own pace, especially early in the day when the lagoon is usually calmer.
- Our Take
No. 8
Go Scuba Diving
- Best for
- Certified divers
- What makes it special
- Outer-reef sites offer coral gardens, sharks and rays beyond the protected lagoon.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Share your certification and recent dive history when reserving.
- Don't Miss
No. 9
Explore the Main Island
- Best for
- Culture and local life
- What makes it special
- Circle the island for villages, roadside fruit stands, studios and changing mountain views.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Rent a bicycle or small car and leave time for unplanned stops.
- Our Take
No. 10
Have a Polynesian Experience
- Best for
- Cultural connection
- What makes it special
- Music, dance, food and storytelling add meaningful context to the landscape.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Choose experiences led by local hosts and artisans.
- Don't Miss
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