Bora Bora

Travel, through a family lens: from overwater mornings to coral-colored sunsets, in every shade of wonder.

I still find myself pinching reality when I think back on our time in Bora Bora. This was, without question, one of those rare trips that defies description. The only word our family ever landed on was simple and accurate: heaven. The view looked almost unreal, bright turquoise water shimmering beyond white sand in a way that felt AI-generated, and what we loved most was the connection we felt to nature.
We structured our stay in two parts: land and sea. Land came first. Three nights on a secluded, semi-private island, staying in villa accommodations designed in traditional Polynesian style huts. Every morning, we stepped directly from our villa into the water. Ski-in, ski-out, but tropical. I watched the girls paddle board, play in the sand and water, float, swing, hunt for hermit crabs, while I lounged under the shade, blissfully undisturbed. We let time pass the way it rarely does anymore.
Then came sea. For five nights, we chartered a catamaran with a captain and chef to sail around the entire island of Bora Bora. We slept on the boat, ate on the boat, swam from the boat, off the boat, and under the boat. This was easily the kids’ favorite part of the trip and a true core memory. On New Year’s Eve, the captain arranged dinner at Bora Bora Beach Club and later returned to pick us up so we could ring in the New Year on the water, fireworks lighting up the sky as we floated below. A moment we will never forget.
-Mimi, Cofounder

Family Travel Journal

Quick insights before you dive into planning…

Perfect for: Island-fever families seeking a semi-secluded escape with a taste for luxury, nature, and a bit of adventure.

Ages: 5+ or once kids can swim independently. At this stage, kids are old enough to snorkel, paddleboard, and appreciate the marine life without constant hands-on supervision.

When to Visit: Spring and summer break are ideal for catching the dry season, but the wet season is mild, and winter break can be a wonderful option for a quieter trip with off-season prices.

Trip Length: A week or more is ideal due to the logistics of flying in/out of Tahiti. While in Bora Bora, allocate a minimum of 5 nights to fully experience the beauty of this destination.

Combine with: Tahiti, Moorea, or other small islands in French Polynesia. Bora Bora itself can make a stand-alone trip, but if time is not an issue, planning additional days with neighboring islands is a way to extend a beach trip with a mix of accommodation styles.

Destination Fit

At a glance

Bora Bora feels impossibly far away, even by South Pacific standards. It belongs to French Polynesia, a collection of islands known for dramatic landscapes, clear lagoons, and a sense of remoteness. The three islands most commonly visited are Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, each offering a very different experience. Tahiti is the main gateway to French Polynesia and where all international flights arrive. It has the region’s largest town, most infrastructure, and a blend of local life, black-sand beaches, and cultural sites. Moorea, just a short ferry or flight away, feels greener and more relaxed, with lush mountains, accessible hikes, calm lagoons, and family-friendly resorts. Bora Bora is the most remote and iconic of the three, known for its brilliant turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows, and a feeling of total escape.

While Bora Bora is often associated with honeymoons, it is also an exceptional destination for families. Many resorts and private accommodations are well-suited for families, offering kids’ clubs, water sports, and activities that allow children to explore independently while parents relax. For families with confident swimmers, Bora Bora can be especially appealing, with water access woven into daily life. What makes Bora Bora unforgettable for children is the intensity of the experience. The colors are brighter, the marine life is closer and constant, and the pace of life is slower. It is the kind of place that creates lasting memories, not just beautiful photos, and leaves kids with an appreciation for nature and simple pleasures.

Our Favorite Things

Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.

Bora Bora is best known for its iconic overwater bungalows, and nearly all accommodations on the island fall firmly within the luxury category.
- St. Regis Bora Bora - The “go-big” Bora Bora pick for families who want maximum space and seamless luxury, with a standout range of dining from intimate overwater fine dining to lively themed beach BBQs.
- InterContinental- Bora Bora has two InterContinental resorts. We loved Thalasso for its iconic views and spacious bungalows that comfortably fit a family of four. Le Moana is slightly less expensive, offering a mix of beach and overwater bungalow options. Both are still a splurge, but a more reasonable step down from the very top properties. A free shuttle connects the two, so you can enjoy amenities at both.
- Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts - A great middle ground: still stunning, with beach and overwater bungalows in classic Polynesian style. It’s slightly less luxurious but still delivers the iconic lagoon experience at a more manageable price, making it an excellent option for families.
While overwater bungalow resorts define Bora Bora, a handful of lesser-known alternatives can be a great fit for families, offering more space, privacy, and flexibility. Reach out to us for recommendations on unique and special accommodations, including semi-private island stays or a catamaran experience.
Most dining will naturally start at the resort, but these are a few places we think are worth an afternoon or evening away.
- Bora Bora Beach Club - came highly recommended by our Captain and Chef as the best in Bora Bora, our family enjoyed a very special NYE dinner here.
- Kai Kai - popular and local lagoonfront spot in Povai Bay, serving fresh seafood and Polynesian-inspired dishes. Can be reached by car, taxi, or scooter from Vaitape or Matira Beach.
- Polynesian night - most resorts host weekly dinner shows, which are sure to be a hit with kids.
You’ve come this far to enjoy the sand and sea. Even the simplest activities feel extraordinary thanks to the breathtaking surroundings.
- Swim with Sharks - swimming with black-tip reef sharks is one of Bora Bora’s most unforgettable experiences. These sharks are small, calm, and accustomed to humans coming by.
- Snorkeling - head to the lagoon spot known for the “I Love Bora Bora” sign made of stones on the sandy bottom. It’s best visited midday on a calm, sunny day for the clearest visibility, and works well whether snorkeling or paddleboarding.
- Sail the Lagoon - charter a boat for stunning views and endless fun for kids in and out of the water.
- Explore Vaitape - Bora Bora’s main town is worth a visit for a glimpse of everyday island life. Browse local shops, stop for lunch, and pick up souvenirs or essentials. It’s a nice contrast to resort life and an easy way to ground the trip culturally.
- Excessive Beach Bumming - take time soaking in the sun, swimming in the clear water, and enjoying the water activities at your resort. Paddleboarding was a personal favorite for our family.
Because the island is remote and surrounded by the lagoon waters, shopping is not the focus here. Regardless, there are a few things to keep an eye out for.
- French Polynesia is known for its pearls, particularly black Tahitian pearls, as well as vanilla. Locally sourced jewelry and vanilla beans make for beautiful reminders of the island.
- Independent vendors cruise on their dinghies with jewelry and other souvenirs. Our kids got beautiful handmade bracelets with turtle charms. Note: this is rare and you’re more likely to see if you’re anchored in a boating area. We only were approached once.

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Tips

How to get there

Bora Bora is only accessible by air from Tahiti, so plan your trip with Tahiti as the anchor. All international flights arrive in Tahiti, and from there you’ll take a short, scenic inter-island flight to Bora Bora that’s typically under an hour. Book this leg early, especially during peak travel months, and aim for daylight flights when possible. The views of the lagoon from the plane are part of the experience and a memorable first glimpse for kids and adults alike.

How to island hop

Inter-island flights are short, usually under an hour, which helps with younger travelers. For ferry travel to Moorea, two companies (Aremiti, Terevau) offer frequent departures from Tahiti (Papeete) to Moorea. There are also faster options (Aremiti Express) and car ferries, running daily. Check official websites for the latest times and book ahead for cars.

Including Tahiti & Moʼoreʼa

Our trip was part of a two-week journey through French Polynesia, including time in Tahiti and a day trip to Moorea. If we were to do it again, I would shorten our time in Tahiti to 2-3 nights and spend the additional 3-4 nights in Moorea instead. A rental car in Tahiti is essential if you want to explore the island, and can even be taken over to Moorea. Tahiti is less about the pristine swimming beaches, as its waters are not comparable to Bora Bora, but it is a great alternative location to enjoy an overwater bungalow at a more accessible price point.

Water Safety Considerations

Bora Bora’s famous lagoon surrounds the island, keeping most swimming areas calm with minimal waves or currents, making it perfect for kids. Still, with water all around, both of our daughters needed to be strong, confident swimmers, to give us the peace of mind to truly relax.

Low season travel

Visiting during the wet season can actually be a great option. With some flexibility and the right expectations, you can still enjoy warm, sunny days mixed with some overcast days and occasional tropical rain. And a bonus of visiting during the low season is that prices tend to be lower, and less advanced planning is required.

Currency and payments

The local currency in Bora Bora is the CFP franc (XPF), but U.S. dollars are accepted at most resorts, hotels, and tour operators. While credit cards are widely used, we still recommend carrying a modest amount of CFP francs for incidentals and tipping or for purchasing souvenirs from boat vendors.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected in Bora Bora or throughout French Polynesia. Service is included, and hospitality professionals are paid fair wages, so there is no tipping culture like in the U.S. However, tipping is always appreciated for exceptional service, particularly from guides, boat captains, or staff who go above and beyond.

Getting around within Bora Bora

Most resorts are on small islets, or motu, separated from the main island, so travel is usually by boat. Resorts generally provide airport transfers and can arrange shuttles for town or excursions, with daily needs handled on-site. On the main island, getting around is easy, with taxis available but limited and typically used only for exploring Vaitape.

Managing mosquitos

Mosquitoes do exist in Bora Bora, but they are generally manageable and far less intrusive than in many tropical destinations. Resorts actively control mosquitoes through regular treatments, and steady lagoon breezes help keep numbers down, especially in overwater and beachfront areas. Outside of resorts (for example, on a semi-secluded island), mosquito control is minimal, so you’ll need to manage it yourself with repellent, incense, or other personal measures.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, sun protective wear (the sun can be harsh even in a downcast), water shoes, and goggles for kids are all musts. We also recommend packing a good insect repellent, preferably one that is reef-safe, and bringing lightweight long sleeves for evenings.

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Trusted Family Voices…

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@thetravelsquadfamily
“You won’t want to miss a second spent on this gorgeous island! 😍 Bora Bora is known for luxury resorts with overwater bungalows.”
Liv, travel age 9

From Mimi’s daughter:
“I loved looking at the bright blue water. I’ve never seen water that pretty or fish in so many colors!”
Ivy, travel age 6

From Mimi’s daughter, “My favorite memory from Bora Bora was celebrating my birthday there, swimming with sharks, and going on a boat... I wish to do everything again!”
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@luxe.tourista
“Most people think this destination is only for honeymoons, but let me tell you, @fsborabora is one of the most magical places on earth to bring your family 🥹.”
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@KenxTori
“Join us on a heartwarming journey to Bora Bora! Discover family travel moments and breathtaking views.”
Alan

The Dad POV, “Swimming with sharks [in Bora Bora] is right up there on my life‘s most memorable list after my first time playing Pebble Beach.”

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