Bora Bora is best enjoyed with a split stay: a few nights on the main island near Matira/Vaitape for local life and shopping, then the rest on a motu resort for lagoon access, sunrise swims, and overwater-bungalow magic. Tahiti Tourisme highlights Bora Bora for lagoon tours, snorkeling/diving with rays and sharks, motu picnics, hiking Mount Otemanu, local handicrafts, and sunset cruises—those become the backbone of the week.
Nights 1–3: Main island (Vaitape or Matira area) for easy access to shops/markets, beach time at Matira, and simpler logistics for island tours.
Nights 4–7: Motu resort (lagoon-side) for the classic Bora Bora experience—direct lagoon entry, calmer evenings, and easy add-ons like canoe breakfast, spa time, and sunset cruises.
Arrive, settle in, and do a gentle first swim/walk at Matira Beach (iconic white sand + calm lagoon feel).
Sunset: keep it simple—Matira sunset or a short “golden hour” drive stop for lagoon views.
Book a guided lagoon tour to visit coral gardens and key snorkeling areas; Tahiti Tourisme emphasizes lagoon tours as a top priority activity.
Ask for a route that includes ray/shark spotting where appropriate and safe (common on Bora Bora lagoon circuits).
Do a 4x4/cultural island tour focusing on viewpoints, WWII cannons, and a marae (ancient temple) stop—this style of tour is a well-known Bora Bora offering.
Afternoon: souvenir and pearl browsing around Vaitape before you move to a motu.
Transfer to your motu resort and plan a low-structure day: lagoon floating, snorkel right off the bungalow (if available), and spa time.
Evening: book a canoe breakfast or a Polynesian BBQ-style resort night if offered (classic resort experiences promoted for Bora Bora).
Choose a “snorkeling safari” style outing; Tahiti Tourisme specifically calls out snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks, rays, turtles, coral gardens, and recommends scuba for deeper marine life encounters.
Build in rest after: Bora Bora sun + saltwater days are more fun with downtime.
Daytime: do a picnic on a motu (often paired with a traditional Polynesian BBQ lunch), which Tahiti Tourisme lists as a signature Bora Bora day.
Evening: sunset cruise (sail, canoe, or paddle)—another Tahiti Tourisme “bonus” must-do.
Option A (active): a guided hike outing connected to Mount Otemanu (note: conditions and access can be challenging; go guided).
Option B (easy): final lagoon swim + last shopping run for pearls, pareos, and locally made items.
Guided lagoon tour (private or shared).
Snorkeling safari with rays and sharks.
Scuba diving (for expanded marine life viewing).
Jet ski or fast lagoon exploration by boat.
Picnic on a motu (often with Polynesian BBQ).
Sunset cruise (sail/canoe/paddle).
Fishing with local guides (lagoon or offshore).
Canoe breakfast (classic resort experience).
Luxury spa day.
Cultural shows: traditional dance/music/fire dancing at resorts.
Matira Beach.
Bora Bora lagoon (the “main attraction” for most visitors).
Mount Otemanu (viewpoints and guided hikes).
Coral gardens (snorkeling zones on many lagoon routes).
Private motu islets around the reef (picnic/lunch setting).
Vaitape (main town for browsing and local services).
WWII cannons (often visited on island tours).
Marae/ancient temple stops (commonly included on cultural circuits).
Lagoon wildlife areas (blacktip reef sharks, rays, turtles; location depends on conditions).
Resort cultural nights (dance/music/fire shows).
There are popular souvenirs available on Bora Bora: pareos, pearls/jewelry, hats/baskets, and monoi—these are the core Bora Bora buys as well. One officially listed boutique example on Bora Bora is Mahana Bora Bora, described by Tahiti Tourisme as a concept store for Pacific designers.
Tahiti Tourisme: Bora Bora destination page.
Tahiti Tourisme: “What to do in Bora Bora.”
Tahiti Tourisme: Shopping (Islands of Tahiti).
Bora Bora (commune) “BORA BORA OFFICIAL” portal.