1. Full-Day Lagoon Tour — The One You Can't Skip
If you do only one thing in Bora Bora, make it a lagoon tour. A half-day tour runs $110–160 per person and typically includes shark and ray feeding, snorkeling at the Coral Gardens, and a stop on a private motu (islet). But the full-day version — $180–250 per person — is the move.
Want it all to yourself? Private lagoon tours range from $320–850 through operators like Toa Boat Bora Bora.
2. Shark and Ray Feeding
Usually bundled into lagoon tours ($110–140 per person). Stand waist-deep in warm water while blacktip reef sharks and stingrays cruise past — thrilling without being dangerous.
3. Snorkeling Coral Gardens
Parrotfish, butterfly fish, Moorish idols, and incredible coral formations. Most lagoon tours include a stop, or paddle out free from your resort.
4. Jet Ski Island Circuit
A two-hour guided circuit runs $150–200 for a full circumnavigation of the island with photo stops and Mt. Otemanu views.
5. Mount Otemanu Hike
Completely free. 2–3 hour moderate hike to the base/viewpoint with panoramic lagoon views. Can't summit (sacred peak).
6. Parasailing Over the Lagoon
$100–150 per person for aerial views of the lagoon color gradient and Mount Otemanu.
7. Sunset Catamaran Sail
$80–150 per person, usually includes drinks. The most romantic activity on the island.
8. Helicopter Tour
$250–450 per person for 15–30 minutes. The ultimate splurge for aerial photography.
9. ATV/Quad Tour on the Mainland
$100–150 per person. Elevated lagoon views, local villages, and WWII gun emplacements.
10. Dinner at Bloody Mary's
Legendary thatched-roof restaurant with sand floors. Main courses $30–60. Pick your fish at the raw bar.
11. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
$50–80 per person, 1 hour. Perfect for non-swimmers and families.
12. Polynesian Cultural Experience
Free at many resorts, or $50–80 for off-resort cultural shows with fire dancing and workshops.
13. Spa at a Luxury Overwater Resort
$200–500+ for treatments in overwater rooms at the Conrad, Four Seasons, or St. Regis.
14. Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Sunrise
Free at most resorts or $30–50 rental. The sleeper pick — glide across glass-calm water at dawn.
Book It With Points
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui — 80,000–120,000 Hilton Honors points/night
- St. Regis Bora Bora — 60,000–100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points/night
- InterContinental Bora Bora — IHG One Rewards points
Practical Tips for Bora Bora 2026
When to visit: May–October (dry season). November–April is wetter but fewer crowds.
Currency: CFP franc (XPF). Credit cards widely accepted at tourist activities.
Book ahead: Lagoon tours and jet ski circuits fill up fast in peak season (June–August).
Share this article
Travel.free Team
The Travel.free editorial team covers points strategy, destination guides, and deal alerts to help you travel better for less.
Stay in the Loop
Get the best travel points deals, island guides, and credit card strategies delivered weekly.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe with one click.
