French Polynesia · Trip plan
5 days in Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows on the world's most beautiful lagoon.
- Best time
- May – Oct
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $700 per person
- Trip for two
- about $7,000
Planning a 5-day trip to Bora Bora? Here's a day-by-day Bora Bora itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and calm water, and October is the shoulder month with lower prices.
Bora Bora is a small volcanic island in French Polynesia surrounded by a stunning turquoise lagoon and coral motus.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May: a good time to go
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov
- Dec
May to October: 24–29°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Bora Bora
- 01
The lagoon
Turquoise water around Mount Otemanu.
- 02
Shark and ray snorkel
With blacktip reef sharks and stingrays.
- 03
Overwater bungalows
The classic honeymoon stay.
- 04
Matira Beach
The island's best public beach.
Day by day
Bora Bora itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Arrive
- Morning
- Boat transfer from the airport motu to your resort.
- Afternoon
- Swim from your bungalow deck.
- Evening
- Sunset dinner facing Mount Otemanu.
Transfers are by boat.
- D2
Day 2: Lagoon tour
- Morning
- Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays.
- Afternoon
- Coral gardens and a picnic on a motu.
- Evening
- Dinner at the resort.
Book a tour that includes lunch.
- D3
Day 3: Matira and the island
- Morning
- Morning at Matira Beach, the island's best public beach.
- Afternoon
- 4x4 tour of the island's WWII cannons and viewpoints.
- Evening
- Polynesian dance show.
Rent a bike on the main island.
- D4
Day 4: Relax
- Morning
- Spa morning.
- Afternoon
- Paddleboard on the lagoon.
- Evening
- Sunset drinks.
Calm mornings are best for paddling.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Morning swim.
- Afternoon
- Boat transfer to the airport.
- Evening
- Fly home via Tahiti.
Allow time for connections in Papeete.
Shorter or longer
Bora Bora in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Bora Bora
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Bora Bora
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Bora Bora trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $300 | $3,000 |
| Mid-range | $700 | $7,000 |
| Luxury | $2,000+ | $20,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Bora Bora is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Bora Bora for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Bora Bora
Poisson cru
Raw fish in coconut milk.
Mahi-mahi
Grilled.
Vanilla
From Tahaa.
Getting there
How to reach Bora Bora
- Travel
- Fly to Tahiti (Papeete), then a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora.
- Getting around
- Resort boats and bikes.
- Bring snacks; food on the motus is expensive.
- Combine with Moorea to save money.
Before you go
What to pack for Bora Bora
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Bora Bora trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Bora Bora?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: The lagoon, Shark and ray snorkel, Overwater bungalows. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Bora Bora trip cost?
Roughly $300 a day per person on a budget, $700 mid-range and $2,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $7,000 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
May – Oct. The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and calm water, and October is the shoulder month with lower prices.
Where should I stay in Bora Bora?
Budget: Guesthouses on the main island (Vaitape), from about $200 a night. Mid-range: Resorts on the motu (Motu), from about $800 a night. Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora (Motu Tehotu), from about $2,000 a night.
How do I reach Bora Bora?
Fly to Tahiti (Papeete), then a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora.
Is 4 days enough for Bora Bora?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Bora Bora?
May to October: 24–29°C.
What food should I try in Bora Bora?
Poisson cru: Raw fish in coconut milk. Mahi-mahi: Grilled. Vanilla: From Tahaa.
How do I get around Bora Bora?
Resort boats and bikes.
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