Bora Bora's extinct volcanic peak, Mount Otemanu, rises directly from a lagoon of extraordinary, almost implausible turquoise, protected by a surrounding coral reef, the setting that inspired the overwater bungalow concept now copied by resorts worldwide.
The Lagoon
A lagoon tour by boat is the essential Bora Bora activity, snorkelling with reef sharks and stingrays in shallow water, often literally standing in waist-deep water as rays glide past, is a safe and genuinely thrilling wildlife encounter.
Snorkelling directly off an overwater bungalow's private deck is often excellent on its own, given the lagoon's exceptional clarity, meaning some of the best marine life viewing requires no boat trip at all.
Getting There and Costs
Bora Bora is reached via a connecting flight from Tahiti (Papeete), itself a long-haul flight from most of the world, factor the full multi-leg journey into your planning, as it adds a full travel day in each direction.
This is one of the most expensive destinations in the world for accommodation, a beach villa is a significantly more affordable alternative to an overwater bungalow if budget is a major consideration, without sacrificing much of the resort experience.
Recommended Stay · Bora Bora · Motu Tehotu
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows on a private motu (islet) with a direct, unobstructed view of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon, glass floor panels let you watch the reef from your own living room.
