Bora Bora's Most Beautiful Beaches
In French Polynesia, you will experience an exceptional moment in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The island known as the Pearl of the Pacific is a true jewel of turquoise waters, dominated by the magnificent Mount Otemanu. Everywhere you look, the stunning view of the turquoise lagoon and lush mountains will leave you in awe.
You might be tempted to spend more time in the water than on the beach. Bora Bora and its lagoon cover an area of 3800 hectares populated by turtles, tropical fish, blacktip sharks and rays. In the center of the main island, you will find the famous Mount Otemanu, the highest peak of Bora Bora which rises up to 727m. Traveling around its first crown, the 20 miles coastal road will drive you to several stops at postcard-perfect viewpoints. Then comes the second crown of the island, between the lagoon and the ocean; the reef barrier to observe some motu coral motu (islets). You'll find breathtaking swimming spots on the main island and on the motu, home to some of the most luxurious resort & spa hotels in The Islands of Tahiti.
So, where are the most beautiful beaches of Bora Bora? Read on !
Matira beach
There's only one public beach in Bora Bora, on the southern tip. It's called Matira and is one of the most mythical spots in French Polynesia. You are free to discover this beach on your own as you take a tour of the island.
It extends on both sides of Matira Point, at the far south of the main island of Bora Bora. Several hotels nestle along the beach and have great views without being inconvenient for their visitors: they are open to the public, especially their dining area overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
You can therefore enjoy hotels with bungalows facing the sea. Matira Beach is not only the most famous in Bora Bora, but also one of the best beaches for travelers who love snorkeling or free diving in crystal-clear water. Matira is perfect to stay, eat, sunbathe, read a book, share precious family time, and do some snorkeling around the lagoon : rays often swim by the beach.
Matira is the finishing point of the world-famous va'a Hawaiki Nui race, which takes place every year at the end of October in Bora Bora. The va'a is the traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. During this race, each team is composed of six paddlers. Along with the Heiva i Tahiti, it's one of the most popular events in The Islands of Tahiti. Thousands of enthusiastic visitors gather in French Polynesia to welcome the teams after their three-day marathon linking the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. It’s a unique event that connects the Leeward Islands and its welcoming people. This makes it one of the best times of the year to visit The Islands of Tahiti. Travel during this event to experience the amazing atmosphere of the Hawaiki Nui !
Finally, this white sandy beach resembles the succession of features of an architect who cut the blues following lines of different dimensions and depths. This unrealistically blue lagoon is so unique that one could confuse its color with a swimming pool of the most beautiful resorts existing.
The show is magical and vivacious in Matira Beach, because depending on the sun, wind, clouds, or air humidity, the blues and greens vary and dissolve in a picture with iridescent shades. You can't miss it! Be sure to visit this spot at least once at sunset, to watch the night fall and listen to the gentle melody of the waves on the sand. This breathtaking spectacle is a must see.
The various motu beaches in Bora Bora
If you're staying on one of the island's motu, then you'll have other "Matira" available to you.
The motu surrounding the main island offer breathtaking views of the mountains, lush vegetation and majestic cliffs. On the other side of the islet, the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see.
All hotel and palace private beaches have been landscaped, as have those of guesthouses and private motu. Each resort in Bora Bora will offer you a white sandy beach nearby or within the resort itself, and an amazing view. The island of Bora Bora is known worldwide for its overwater bungalows.
To make the most of this experience, book your stay at one of the island's resorts: Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort, Bora Bora by Pearl Resort (formerly Pearl Beach), St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Four Seasons Resort, or InterContinental Resort.
No wonder that most of the Bora Bora resorts with bungalows are located on the motu: each of the Bora Bora motu displays beautiful colors, from the coconut trees’ shade, to the softness of this slow time. I can only invite you to enjoy these suspended moments, second after second throughout your stay. They are a rare and precious gift to cherish.
As in Moorea and the other main Polynesian islands, the hotels are also the starting point for numerous lagoon excursions, such as boat tours and scuba diving trips. Don't hesitate to hire a private guide for a day cruise or a tour to discover all the wonders of Polynesian waters during your trip. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a boat without a license to share an amazing day with your loved ones.
Activities on the Beaches of Bora Bora
Relaxing, picnicking on the sand, sunset-watching and sunbathing aren't the only activities available on the beach! You can explore by kayak, jet ski, water ski wakeboard, etc. Many other activities are available, often departing from the pontoons and beaches of hotels.
If you love adventure, book a guided snorkeling tour or take one of the many boat tours around the island to explore its vibrant marine life during your vacation.
Note that Bora Bora's beaches are so pristine that there are few coral outcrops near the beach. This means you can swim easily and encounter stingrays, but you won't come across many fish close to shore. Bora Bora's best snorkeling spots are the two coral gardens, and a magical place called “l’Aquarium”. Plan an excursion to discover all the treasures of these crystal-clear waters.
Ready to discover one of the world's most beautiful lagoons? Book your stay now with our flight + hotel vacation packages, and experience The Islands of Tahiti at the best price!
