🇵🇫 Society Islands French Polynesia
“A volcanic jewel in a turquoise lagoon”
Avg. Ships / Day
Avg. Time in Port
Peak Season
Not really a peak season
13 sailings over the next 12 months
Based on cruises available on Cruisello
Bora Bora is built around a lagoon, with Mount Otemanu, a jagged volcanic peak, rising 727 metres from the centre of the island. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Vaitape, the main town, which amounts to a few streets with shops and a post office. The lagoon is the reason people come here. Overwater bungalows line the motus (small islets) on the reef edge, and the water is absurdly clear in every direction. Snorkelling and diving in the lagoon put you alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and coral gardens. Matira Beach, on the southern tip, has good swimming in shallow, calm water. Outrigger canoe tours and jet ski rentals cover more of the lagoon. The craft market in Vaitape sells pareos, carved tikis, and black pearl jewellery. Poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, is the local dish to order. French and Tahitian are spoken, but English works at most tourist spots.
Top-rated shore excursions that fit a typical ~12h port call
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.
Starting prices per person. We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links — at no extra cost to you.
5-Day Forecast
Sail to Bora Bora Island for $1,337pp
Compare 13 upcoming sailings.
