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How to Get to Bora Bora

How to Get to Bora Bora

Bora Bora Society Islands, French Polynesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Air travel provides the main way of reaching A Stunning island in french polynesia. This involves an international flight to Tahiti, followed by a domestic flight to Bora Bora. All international flights arrive at Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti.

Airports & Carriers

  • International Gateway: Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti.
  • Bora Bora Airport (BOB): Motu Mute Airport, for domestic flights.
  • Global Airlines: Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, United, Delta, Hawaiian, Air New Zealand, LATAM.

Domestic Flights & Transfers

Air Tahiti is the sole inter-island airline. It operates frequent flights from Tahiti (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB), approximately 50 minutes. Book inter-island flights well in advance.

Transfers to Accommodation

  • Mandatory Boat Transfer: All travelers require a boat transfer from BOB.
  • Resort Shuttles: Most luxury resorts operate dedicated boat shuttles.
  • Public Shuttle: Air Tahiti operates a complimentary public boat shuttle from BOB to Vaitape Pier.

Seasonal Availability

Flight frequency pricier in high season (May-Oct), prices elevated. Low season (Nov-Apr) offers potentially lower prices. Flexibility for savings.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Skyscanner for price comparisons.

Airport Facilities

PPT (Tahiti) offers restaurants, shops, currency exchange. BOB (Bora Bora) has very basic facilities.

Direct Flight Options

North America & Europe

  • La (LAX)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Seattle (SEA)
  • Paris (CDG, ORY)

Oceania & Asia

  • Honolulu (HNL)
  • Auckland (AKL)
  • Tokyo (NRT)
  • Santiago (SCL) via Easter Island (IPC)

Air Travel Tips

Inter-island Pass

When booking inter-island flights with Air Tahiti, consider purchasing an "Air Tahiti Pass" if you visit multiple islands. This can offer savings over individual tickets.

Booking Ahead

Book international and inter-island flights well in advance, typically six to twelve months prior, to secure better rates and availability, especially for high season.

Airport Arrival Time

For international flights, arrive at PPT at least 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights at BOB, 1 hour is usually sufficient, considering boat transfer time.

Land Transportation

Driving & Rentals

Land transportation primarily applies to the main island of Bora Bora. The island lacks connections to other landmasses. Driving takes place on the right side of the road. Roads on the principal island are well-maintained, and traffic remains minimal outside Vaitape.

Requirements & Tips

  • A valid national driver's license from most Western countries is accepted for up to one year.
  • Speed limits are low, typically 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph).
  • Local car hire companies include Europcar and Avis in Vaitape. DiscoverCars.com for reservations.

Scooters & Bicycles

Two-wheeled scooters are widely available for rent from various shops in Vaitape. Bicycles are readily available for rent from shops in Vaitape and sometimes directly from guesthouses.

Rental Details

  • Scooters: Popular and affordable way to explore. Helmets are provided and should be worn.
  • Bicycles: Pleasant way to explore the relatively flat main island. Typical cost around $15-$25 USD/day.
  • Consider negotiating a flat rate for a return taxi journey or a half-day hire for multiple stops.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling offer excellent ways to experience the beauty of A Stunning island in french polynesia at a relaxed pace, especially on the main island. The circular road around the main island is approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) long.

Routes & Safety

  • Vaitape is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks.
  • Main island road is walkable and cyclable, offering scenic views.
  • Cyclists share the road; traffic is light and slow-paced. Helmets recommended.

Specialized Transport

Beyond standard options, Bora Bora offers specialized transportation methods, mainly focused on its famous lagoon. Boat taxis are the main means of transport between the largest island and motus.

Options & Tours

  • Boat taxis for island-to-motu transfers.
  • Lagoon tours: Snorkeling, shark/ray viewing, coral gardens, often with picnic lunch.
  • Some tour operators offer open-air bus tours circling the island.

Important Notes for Land Travel

  • No trains or long-distance buses. "Le Truck" (local bus) runs irregularly.
  • Road conditions are generally good on the main loop.
  • No-go areas for pedestrians: motus without boat transfer, unguided mountain trails.
  • Taxis are available but expensive; confirm fare before starting journey.
  • Vaitape is pedestrian-friendly.
  • Accessibility services for mobility needs continue to be limited; ask directly resorts/operators.

Sea Travel & Departure

Sea Arrivals

While air travel is the main method at the time of arrival for tourists, sea access plays a role, notably for cruise ship passengers and those arriving from nearby islands on cargo services.

Cruise & Ferry Information

  • Cruise Ports: Bora Bora is a popular cruise destination. Ships anchor in the shallow bay near Vaitape.
  • Tenders: Passengers use small boats (tenders) to come ashore at Vaitape Pier.
  • Ferry Services: No public ferry directly connects Bora Bora to Tahiti or Mo'orea for passenger travel.

Immigration & Connections

For cruise passengers, immigration procedures are typically handled onboard the ship upon its initial arrival in French Polynesia (often in Tahiti or another port of entry).

Procedures & Access

  • No repeat immigration upon arrival in A Stunning island in french polynesia for cruise passengers cleared at a previous port.
  • Land Transportation: From Vaitape Pier, taxis, rental cars, scooters, and hotel transport are available.
  • No significant rivers for river-based transportation.

Exit Fees

No specific departure tax for air travel from French Polynesia is collected separately at the airport. This fee is typically included in your airline ticket.

Departure Timing

Domestic flights (BOB to PPT): Arrive at BOB at least 1 hour before flight. International flights (from PPT): Arrive at least 2.5-3 hours before flight.

Airport Facilities

Bora Bora Airport (BOB) has minimal facilities. Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti offers duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Departure Checklist

Reconfirm your international flight status and departure gate before leaving your accommodation in Bora Bora, as details can change.