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. Here's everything you need to know about the most beautiful beaches in Bora Bora and how to best enjoy them during your trip to French Polynesia.
Discover the beaches and lagoon of Bora Bora
Bora Bora offers 3,800 hectares of lagoon populated by turtles, tropical fish, blacktip sharks, and rays. In the center, the main island, dominated by Mount Otemanu (727 m), is surrounded by a first ring: the 20-mile coastal road that circles the entire island 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 coral motu (islets).
The Bora Bora lagoon is a true treasure that will never cease to amaze you throughout your stay. In fact, the best diving spots in The Islands of Tahiti aren’t all found in Rangiroa or Fakarava (Tuamotu); you’ll also find beautiful reefs and coral gardens in Bora Bora. A delight for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts!
You’ll find breathtaking beaches on the main island and on the motus, which are home to some of the most luxurious resort and spa hotels in The Islands of Tahiti.
So, which is the most beautiful beach in Bora Bora?
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.
A breathtakingly beautiful white-sand Beach
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.
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 setting for a legendary va’a race
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 !
Check out the calendar of events to find the perfect time to visit The Islands of Tahiti.
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.
How to Get to Bora Bora’s motu Beaches
If you’re not staying at a luxury hotel or villa on a motu during your vacation, you won’t have direct access to Bora Bora’s private beaches. But don’t worry, there’s another way to enjoy them: book a lagoon tour with a local guide. The best way to explore the entire lagoon is to book a day cruise that includes shark and ray snorkeling as well as a picnic on a motu. This way, you can enjoy a beautiful, romantic beach accessible during your lunch break.
Want to enjoy an exclusive VIP experience? Why don't you treat yourself to a helicopter tour from Bora Bora to Tupai Atoll? Tahiti Nui Helicopters offers this unique experience in paradise. You’ll have access to a magnificent white-sand beach, far from the crowds and in an absolutely exceptional setting: a heart-shaped island just for you and your loved ones!
To discover even more during your trip to French Polynesia, check out the most beautiful beaches of Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island.
