Bora Bora is one of my favorite places in the world and one that I keep wanting to return back to over and over again. This idyllic South Pacific gem is an epitome of a luxurious island escape and is well known for it gorgeous views of the mountains, crystal clear lagoon, overwater villas and incredible marine life. Here are 9 bucketlist things to do in Bora Bora :

1 ) Stay in an Overwater villa

Did you know French Polynesia had the first overwater villas in the world! An overwater villa is so synonymous with Bora Bora and there are so many incredible luxury resorts to choose from. We have stayed at a couple of resorts so far, check out my post on the 5 best resorts in Bora Bora, and what I loved about each of them.

2) Get a Canoe breakfast

If you visit Bora Bora, a canoe breakfast is a must do bucketlist experience ! They deliver a delicious breakfast in a Va’a ( Polynesian canoe ) to your overwater villa. While breakfast is being served on your deck, you can go out for a ride in the beautiful turquoise lagoon and maybe even try your hand at the canoe. Once you come back to your villa you can enjoy the breakfast in the privacy of your villa with stunning views of the mountain and the lagoon. Most resorts will offer this as well, we did it at the St Regis Bora Bora.

3) Romantic beach dinner

If you are headed to Bora Bora on a honeymoon or special occasion,  most resorts have many specialty dining options they can arrange for you for a more intimate dining experience. We did this at the St Regis Bora Bora and it was handsdown one of the most memorable dining experiences we have ever had.

4) Swim with the sharks and rays

The number 1 thing to do in Bora Bora is a lagoon excursion on the world famous lagoon – meeting stingrays and sharks up close, snorkeling with the most colorful fish, cruising some unreal blue waters, learning about Polynesian culture and also enjoying a delicious island style lunch on a private motu. You can do this in a group tour or private tour for a more intimate experience.

5) Cruise the dreamy lagoon 

The blues of Bora Bora are absolutely unreal and the only way you will see it is if you go out on the lagoon on a boat tour, catamaran or even on jetskis!

6) Go on an ATV tour around the main island

A 4×4 tour of Bora Bora is such a great way to explore the island. We did this ATV tour via Tinggly and it was so epic! We got to drive to the highest point in Bora Bora which you can drive to, to get an unforgettable 360 degree view of Bora Bora. You can use code SHANKAR20 to get 20% off any experience and getaway collections.

7) Catch a sunset over Mount Otemanu

Its true what they say about sunsets in Bora Bora, they are truly so magical! Watching the sky light up with Mount Otemanu as the backdrop is something I will never get over.

8) Visit Matira beach

For the best beach in Bora Bora, don’t forget to visit world famous Matria beach, deemed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is quite possibly the most stunning public beach I have ever been to. While you are here, grab lunch at the iconic Bora Bora Beach club, our fave !

9) Take a helicopter tour

This is something I am yet to do, and have it on my list for the next time we are in Bora Bora! Tahiti Nui helicopters does this and it would be the dream helicopter ride. You can already get a birds eye view when you fly in to Bora Bora on the domestic flight ( sit on the left side of the plane for the best view!).

Check out my full travel guide to Bora Bora, for more travel tips for Bora Bora.

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