Our guide to cruising to Bora Bora

Quick insights

• Bora Bora is a picturesque island located in French Polynesia with many scuba and snorkeling opportunities.
• The island is a popular honeymoon destination known for its prevalence of thatched roof bungalows hovering above Bora Bora’s turquoise waters.
• Many major cruise lines offer South Pacific cruises that stop in Bora Bora and other neighboring islands.

There is a reason that Bora Bora has long been a popular travel destination. Bora Bora means “created by the Gods” in Tahitian, and with the nickname the “Jewel of the South Seas” it’s clear to see why it lives up to the allure. This small, yet captivating island is known for thatch roofed bungalows hoovering over crystal clear waters set to a backdrop of a mountainous, tropical rainforest.

In this article, we’ll talk about why you may want to consider a Bora Bora cruise if you’re looking for the best of what French Polynesia has to offer.

What to know about Bora Bora

Bora Bora is part of an archipelago called the Society Islands, which also includes Tahiti and Mo’orea. These islands were formed from volcanic eruptions which gave way to lush vegetation, coral reefs and unrivaled mountain view vistas of the Pacific.  

Bora Bora is uniquely beautiful thanks in part to the sand fringed islets and turquoise lagoon that circles most of the island. The water depths surrounding it can vary dramatically, giving the waters of Bora Bora a dazzling array of blues.  

Best time to cruise to Bora Bora

There isn’t really a bad time to visit Bora Bora. The weather year-round is temperate with the average highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s. And seas around the island are generally calm thanks in part to the coral reef surrounding Bora Bora.

The height of tourist season lasts from June to August. Those looking to avoid crowds and higher prices might prefer to visit Bora Bora during the shoulder season, which is April, May, September and October. During Bora Bora’s wet season—December to March—you might contend with more rainy days and mosquitoes.

Bora Bora cruise itineraries

Cruises to Bora Bora will typically fall into one of two categories: a larger ship stopping at several islands in the South Pacific or smaller cruise ships that sail among the Society Islands or French Polynesia at large.

Many popular cruise ship operators offer week-plus Pacific crossing cruises that may stop in Tahiti, Mo’orea, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands and other popular islands in French Polynesia in addition to Bora Bora.

You can also find smaller cruise ships that offer weeklong cruises that sail to several islands within French Polynesia. Several of these small cruise lines offer a high-end experience and are priced accordingly.

Things to do in Bora Bora

When stopping in Bora Bora, travelers have plenty of options for enjoying this slice of heaven on earth.

Water sports reign supreme on Bora Bora. Thanks to the lagoon and coral reefs, the island has world class scuba and snorkeling. You can also kayak, jet ski and swim with schools of tropical fish.

If you’re looking to take in the sites in a more passive way, Matira Beach is a public beach on Bora Bora that is widely considered one of the best beaches in the world. You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists enjoying its white sandy beaches and calm waters.

For adventure seekers, there’s Mount Otemanu towering over the island. You can hike, helicopter or take a Jeep tour to the top for a view like no other on the island.

There are several world class restaurants in the high-end resorts and lodges of Bora Bora as well. Food on the island will often be a mix of French, Asian and Tahitian flavors. You can also expect an abundance of fresh seafood. Poisson cru, a dish made of raw fish marinated in coconut milk, is a popular local dish.

Preparing to cruise to Bora Bora

Traveling to this remote island in the South Pacific will take some planning and preparation. Here are a few things to consider before embarking on a cruise to Bora Bora:

• Travel documents: You will need a valid passport to cruise to Bora Bora. Check with your cruise operator to determine if you need to bring additional documentation or identification.
• Packing: The mosquitos can be aggressive and overwhelming on Bora Bora at times. You may want to save room for strong insect repellant in your suitcase.
• English: The main languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourist population, many natives of Bora Bora also speak English.

In summary

Bora Bora is a dreamy island destination. This tiny island has long captivated world travelers and romantics looking for a slice of heaven on Earth. It’s natural splendor and breathtaking ocean views are unrivaled even among the beauty that is the islands of French Polynesia. Cruising to Bora Bora will give you a taste of the island and the best of what the South Pacific has to offer.