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You can do Bora Bora on a budget!
Who doesn’t want to go to Bora Bora? After all, US citizens can stay for 90 days within every 6 month period without a visa as long as their passport is valid for at least three months. Fortunately, beautiful Bora Bora on a budget is quite possible! After all, we just did Moorea on a budget (and the Galapagos on an earlier trip) so now we are going to get you to Bora Bora on a budget.
Where is Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is one of 118 islands in French Polynesia, which is an overseas country of the French Republic. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between California and Australia. The island is 14.6 square miles with a circumference of 19 miles, about 140 miles northwest of Papeete and is surrounded by a brilliant turquoise lagoon and a barrier reef. The waters are beautiful beyond words, calm and very safe.
Getting to Bora Bora on a budget.
Successful budget travel requires planning. To get the best airfare, first research which airlines (if any) fly direct from your location to Tahiti. (Airport code PPT.) Your choices include Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, American, French bee, Hawaiian, United, and Latam.
However, some departure cities require multiple flights. For example, Qantas does not fly direct to Tahiti but they do connect through Auckland for a direct flight via Air New Zealand. Regardless, all flights arrive at Faa’a International Airport on Tahiti before continuing onward. Google.com/flights will help you with this.
Other useful tools on Google.com/flight are their date grid, price graph, and nearby airports. These tools show the highs and lows of fares, based on dates, as well as flights from lesser-known airports. Once you have determined your preferred travel dates, activate the “track prices” button on the left side of the page and let Google do the work for you.
Then, go to the individual websites for each airline that flies to Tahiti, establish an account, and set yourself up for notification of discounts/sales. Although you can track airlines simultaneously on sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, etc, many airlines only post preferred pricing on their own sites. Now, sit back and track the input.
Continuing on with Bora Bora on a budget.
Check to see what your arrival time is as you may need lodging in Faa’a or nearby in Papeete. Fortunately, Tahiti Airport Motel is both accessible and inexpensive, although it is a 5-10 minute UPHILL walk from the airport. Therefore, it is better to take a cab at night. Otherwise, Both Booking or Agoda can provide other budget options.
The next portion of your trip is easy as only one airline flies between islands in French Polynesia, and that’s Air Tahiti! Be aware that at this time (Nov 2019) there are restrictions on the 15″ Macbook Pro laptop. They are not accepted, period. Also, check the other luggage restriction/requirements as they can be quite limiting on regional airlines. (All the more reason to learn to “pack light” but that’s another blog post!)
Unfortunately, Air Tahiti’s fares are rather expensive. However, if you are visiting multiple islands, choose a multi Island pass for discounts over individual purchases.
Arrival at the Bora Bora Airport is on Motu Mute, which is a small outer island. However, since your “budget” lodging will undoubtedly be on the main island (the luxury resorts are mainly on the Motus) you will need to catch the free Air Tahiti airport shuttle, the Bora Bora Navette, to the main town of Vaitape on Bora Bora. The shuttle runs about 20 minutes after the flight’s arrival and takes about 20 minutes to get to Vaitape. Don’t worry, you can’t miss the shuttle as the airport is very small. Just walk out to the docks and find the Bora Bora Navette which will be the biggest boat. Below are pictures of several of the transfer boats.
Choosing Bora Bora budget lodging.
It is a complete misnomer to call Bora Bora “expensive!” Of course, it CAN BE uber-expensive, (more on that later) but like most other places, Bora Bora’s budget options are plentiful. To start; when we were in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, we produced a short video on what to look for in an Airbnb rental. We did this because Airbnb is often our first option for budget lodging.
Guidelines for Airbnb.
Just like the airfare, this too requires some time and research. The most important activity is to read all the reviews. Check the date they were written and any responses from the host. We also look for a “superhost” as this generally indicates a more experienced individual. Then, scrutinize the pictures. Enlarge them if necessary and look closely. Don’t assume anything. If you have questions, ask them and note how long it takes for the host to get back to you.
Finally, choose a host who speaks your language. If you’re in a foreign language country, it helps to be able to understand your host and find your lodging. We learned this one the hard way in Spain. Our host did not speak English and we spoke minimal Spanish. We were in a car driving around and around on a busy street trying to find him! I finally got out of the car and stood in front of a prominent bank and directed him to find ME.
When choosing your Bora Bora Airbnb, check to see if the host will pick you up from the transfer dock (for free) and if they provide any bicycles, kayaks, snorkel equipment, and the like. It’s worth it to pay a bit more for an amenity-rich lodging as it will save you $$ in the long run. Since all you need is some shorts and swimwear, we had plenty of room to bring our snorkel masks with us.
Our Airbnb suggestions.
For $72 a nite (price may fluctuate based on season / demand) Vincent will pick you up at the dock and take you to your very own “Lagoon Side Private Studio.” There, you have a full kitchen, free internet and a welcoming host living next door to help you. What could be better? This unit sleeps four and has two bicycles. It’s not a plush resort but it is a great budget opportunity.
If you prefer a quieter place, away from the roosters and sounds of town, for $77 a nite (prices fluctuate) will get you your own “Bora Bora House.” While not right on the water, there is “direct access to the sea 300m from the house.” It is described as “sparkling clean” plus bicycles are available along with free dock pickup before 6 pm.
If you want an authentic experience, then the “Chez Rosalie et Marc – chambre privée” might be perfect for you. At $66 / night (prices fluctuate) for a private bedroom and shared bath and house, you are immersed in local daily living and culture in this Westside home. Guest rave about the hospitality and experience at this lodging.
There are many other lodging options under $100 which are truly budget opportunities in a place where overwater bungalows can cost over $1500/nite! If a $100 is too rich for your blood (no, I’m not going to tell you to stay home) then try Couchsurfing. While we have never personally tried Couchsurfing, many others have and have enjoyed it. My bones are too old for couch sleeping!
Budget transportation in Bora Bora
The Island of Bora Bora is small with just a 19 mile (31km) circumference. With that in mind, no matter where you are, you’re not too far from your destination. Avis offers a variety of interesting options, everything from a Renault Twizy to a Trek bicycle. Pricing ranges from $11900 XFP to $2100 XFP.
For bicycles and e-bikes, Bora Bora e-bike has rentals but no website. Their phone is 87 75 52 56. Also, there are vendors at Matira Beach (South end of the Island) that rent bikes and e-bikes. One of these, Roulette Matira, is across from Hotel Matira. Take a taxi or shuttle to Marita Beach from the docks. A bicycle will get you most places you need to go, but if your funds don’t support it, there is always hitchhiking, which seems to be commonplace. Bus service is minimal and the schedule irregular so don’t depend on it. There are taxis but they are rather expensive.
Activities for your budget Bora Bora trip.
Although small in size, Bora Bora is huge when it comes to activities. Some are rather pricey while others are free.
As you can see, your lodging choice may come with “activities” by way of bicycles, SUP’s, snorkel equipment and kayaks that are included with the rental. Also, a local host who offers budget lodging is more likely to know the “budget” activities and may have friends in the hospitality industry. In addition, many resorts have “free” entertainment, be it music or Tahitian dancers. Oftentimes, all it takes is the purchase of a beer or some wine to sit at the bar and enjoy.
But honestly, you may find that just being there is enough. With snorkel mask in hand, you can enjoy the beauty of the entire island. However, there is one activity we highly recommend. We did this back in 2009 when we got married in Bora Bora, and again this time.
Our most favorite Bora Bora activity.
Did you know, the waters of Bora Bora are so calm and protected, that anyone over the age of 18 can rent a small pontoon boat with a 6 hp engine for an entire day (also partial day rentals) and motor around the whole Island. Go to La Plage Bora Bora boat rental and forget about paying to go on a snorkel tour with others. The rental agent (owner) provides you with a map showing exactly where the “Coral Garden” and everything else is located.
We anchored our boat and snorkeled at “The Garden” twice. Then, we went around the Island and stopped along the way to watch the Manta Rays. And finally, a cooler, anchor and emergency phone are provided. A full day is $250 but in our opinion, so much fun!
We saw jet skis go whizzing by, which is another activity you can do. Just about anything you can think of in the water is available here. Both GetYourGuide and Viator offer many options.
Or not!
However, this time in Bora Bora, we were at the Bora Bora Intercontinental Thalasso Spa and Resort on a Motu. As I mentioned earlier, we got married on Bora Bora 10 years ago on my birthday, and this trip was our 10th anniversary present to ourselves. It is NOT how we usually travel but once every 10 years is “doable.” We wanted to share a few pictures with you and will include others later, in a separate blog post. Yes, we do plan to return to French Polynesia, but it will be “on a budget.” Mauruuru for taking this journey with us.
Please join us on our journeys as we’d love to have you along. Sign up for automatic “new post” notification on the sidebar. Comments/questions are welcome below.
What an exciting read. Bora Bora has always been on my bucket list of places to go!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Bora Bora is magical and we plan to return…again and again hopefully!
Great article! Looking to retire at the end of next year and looking to plan my yearly winter retreats on a tight budget on the islands of Tahiti (don’t like Chicago winters!). I have no doubt I can do this as I stayed on 6 islands for 5 weeks right before the pandemic.
There is always a way to take the expensive trip and turn it in to a fun, budget staycation. Congrats on your upcoming retirement and enjoy Tahiti. We love it there.