3 Days In Bora Bora Itinerary

Day 2: Road Trip Around Bora Bora

On the second day of this Bora Bora itinerary, we’ll hit the road and circle the island. Bora Bora’s 32-kilometer coastal road is perfect for road-tripping on a bicycle, scooter, or whatever else has wheels. Of course, you can also join a guided 4X4 tour of Bora Bora or even join a quad bike tour. However, such tours are on a half-day basis. As for lunch options, aim (and prepare) for a picnic lunch at Fitiuu Point, dine with the yachties at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, grab a casual lunch in Vaitape Village, or a late afternoon lagoonside bite at Snack Matira.

Pro Tip

This circle island itinerary begins around the Matira Peninsula and travels in a counterclockwise direction.

Paoaoa Point

Bora Bora’s east coast is the quieter part of the island. It’s home to small communities and pretty views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu, the island’s highest point. Paoaoa Point is a small peninsula about 15 minutes from Matira Beach. Beyond the dirt road, there’s a small path leading to the peninsula’s highest point. From up here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the lagoon and the summit of Mount Pahia. Please note that the peninsula is a residential area on private land. You must ask permission from the locals before entering.

Paoaoa Point to Fitiuu Point

The short section between Paoaoa Point and our next stop is mostly uneventful, but this is the most “local” part of Bora Bora. Pull over to the side of the road whenever you feel like it and perhaps strike up a conversation with the locals. On this stretch of the coastal road, you are right at the western base of mighty Mount Otemanu.

Vairou Bay & Fitiuu Point

The coastal road gently climbs above magnificent Vairou Bay, heading towards Fitiuu Point. This is arguably the prettiest spot on the main island. Vairou Bay may not have the azure colors of Matira Bay, but its perfect shape with Mout Otemanu in the background makes this spot one of the prettiest vistas in the South Pacific. From here, you can even spot the massive cave just under the mountain’s summit.

At Fitiuu Point, pay the local family a small fee and enter this elevated peninsula that’s dotted with interesting sites. A trail leads from the entrance in the main road to Fitiuu Point, the highest point at the peninsula’s edge. Enjoy the views of Mount Otemanu and the glowing lagoon as you walk to the WWII canons at Fitiuu Point. These relics are part of Operation Bobcat, a U.S. military operation that modernized and fortified Bora Bora.

Keep walking beyond the canons under the shade of the coconut palms and try spotting the overwater bungalows that appear to be within reach. From here, you can also hike down to the private beach. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear, as you might spot manta rays underwater. From here, it’s back to the car or hang around this pretty spot for a picnic lunch.

Fitiuu Point to Tai’hi Point

There are no special points of interest on this stretch of the coastal road, but the lagoon is prettier than along the east coast of the main island. You can also pull over and enjoy small slivers of sand all to yourself. If you’re into maritime history, pay a visit to the Bora Bora Naval Museum (free).

Additional WWII Relics

Now on the island’s west coast, there are two additional WWII sites worth visiting, though both require climbing a steep cement road to the viewpoint. The first is the Faanui site, complete with the ammunition bunker still intact. Further towards Vaitape, the site named Canons Américains WWII comes complete with an old gunnery position and sensational views of Vaitape.

Faanui to Vaitape

You’ve seen these views on the ferry from the airport to the main village, but you now have the chance to slow things down and enjoy the views. The stretch of road from Faanui to Vaitape affords pretty vistas of Faanui Bay and Mount Pahia. Pull over whenever you feel the urge.

Vaitape Village

There’s no particular reason to visit Vaitape other than for some (overpriced) shopping, dining, and to take advantage of the usual amenities you would expect to find in the island’s main village. You’ll find a few stalls along the main road selling black pearls and souvenir shops. After sunset, Vaitape hosts a few food trucks (roulottes) along its quay for casual dining.

Cross Island Road

At Pofai Bay, you have the option to leave the coastal road and head inland briefly. Take the dirt road towards Āmanahune and park the car beneath the shade of the large trees just before the steep ascent. From here, it’s a steep walk up the cement road towards the communication towers. This panoramic spot affords views of both coasts.

Pro Tip

All guided island tours head up to the Āmanahune, saving you the steep climb to the finish line.

Matira

The area on both sides of the Matira Peninsula is the center of tourism on the main island. You’ll find here a wide selection of tour operators, restaurants, grocery shops, and hotels, the fanciest of which is the InterContinental Le Moana. For a quieter experience, head to Matira Bay. A long stretch of soft sand and coconut palms make this beach an ideal escape, even for local families. The water is deeper here than at Matira Beach, and Snack Matira is just behind you.

If you’re traveling with small children, head to Matira Beach. This public beach has facilities but little parking. The water at Matir Beach is crystal clear, but it’s very shallow. You can actually walk hundreds of meters from the beach and still be in knee-deep water.

Day 3: Lagoon Tour

Joining a lagoon tour is the top activity in Bora Bora, and if you have the time and budget, opt for a full-day lagoon tour that includes more snorkeling spots and an awesome BBQ lunch in a dream location. There are thrilling ways of exploring the lagoon, such as on a jet ski tour or a unique boat tour, but the most “classic” way is a guided lagoon tour. This day is a memorable way to wrap up this Bora Bora itinerary.

Swimming With Sharks

Depending on the supplier, the full-day lagoon tour usually begins with some snorkeling outside the lagoon pass. Beneath the waves are dozens of reef and lemon sharks waiting to play. Your guide will dive deep and play with the sharks as if they were man’s best friend.

Snorkeling In the Coral Garden

Back in the comforts of the protective lagoon, the next stop is in an area known as the coral garden. This is a busy section of the lagoon, but the crew will time your visit so it’s not too congested. Put on your snorkeling gear, jump into the water, and swim with the colorful fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident moray eel and perhaps even a stonefish.

Feeding Stingrays

The next stop is usually in a shallow area of the lagoon. You’ll step off the boat and get close and personal with the resident stingrays as harmless reef sharks circle the group looking to get in on the action. It’s a surreal experience feeding these creatures. Their skin is jelly-like, and they just suck the food out of your hand.

Picnic Lunch

For lunch, you’ll be dropped off on a private motu (small islet on the edge of the reef), where the crew is putting the finishing touches on a delicious lunch. Food is super yummy, plentiful, and served in plates made from palm leaves – just to keep it ‘extra real’. Around the motu. flocks of birds like to hang out, and baby sharks roam the clear water.

Logistics

The full-day lagoon tour runs from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and usually includes free transfers to and from your accommodation on the main island. Wear reef shoes/sandals, bring sunscreen, a mask and snorkel, a hat, and beach gear. They’ll provide towels, fins, food, and drinks. Don’t expect to have the lagoon all to yourself. Lots of other operators run similar tours, and parts of the lagoon can feel a bit congested if the guides don’t time it right. This is especially true when cruise ships arrive for the day. Tours are enjoyable even if the day is cloudy with a bit of rain.

What’s Next?

This sample 3 days in Bora Bora itinerary should give you a good taste of the island if you’re looking to go beyond the comfortable confines of a luxury resort.  For more information about Bora Bora and French Polynesia, check out these recommended guides.