Dreaming of a honeymoon in Tahiti and Bora Bora? Overwater bungalow calling your name? We understand completely – it truly is one of the most spectacular and romantic destinations on earth. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon in Tahiti and Bora Bora, helping you turn your dream into a reality.
For the ultimate romantic escape (aka: your honeymoon), it’s hard to go past the palm-fringed beaches, crystalline lagoons, majestic mountain peaks and vivid tropical sunsets of these South Pacific pearls. We can’t even say “Bora Bora” or “Tahiti” without conjuring up a picture of honeymoon bliss! And we want to make it easy-breezy to plan your Tahiti and Bora Bora honeymoon with this complete guide — from the best time to visit and must-see attractions to booking the most unforgettable luxury accommodation for couples.
So, let’s dive into one of the world’s most beautiful honeymoon destinations with our ultimate guide to a honeymoon in Tahiti & Bora Bora.
Is Tahiti & Bora Bora good for a honeymoon?
The perfect honeymoon calls for a once-in-a-lifetime location. And it’s hard to topthe dazzling natural beauty and unspoiled tropical charms of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the islands of French Polynesia. Their screensaver scenery has inspired generations of artists, sailors and adventurers from around the world, with writer James Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world”. Countless starry-eyed couples agree!
All those beautiful backdrops are served up with luxury resorts that deliver honeymooner-approved privacy and indulgence. This is the home of the overwater bungalow after all. You’ll also fall for the local culture and warm Polynesian hospitality that is forever entwined with this magical destination.
Where are Tahiti & Bora Bora?
You’re not alone in wondering: where exactly is Bora Bora? First, find the region of French Polynesia — east of Australia and south of Hawaii — which comprises several island chains. Tahiti and Bora Bora are both part of the Society Islands group (often called Tahiti and Her Islands). Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands and home to the Faa’a International Airport. So, you’ll always begin and end your romantic adventures here.
Bora Bora is located northwest of Tahiti and accessible via ferry (around 8 hours) or plane (less than one hour). For maximum time spent melting into honeymoon bliss, most couples opt for the more expensive but much faster flight. Keep reading for more practical info about how to travel around Tahiti and Bora Bora.
Where to go on your honeymoon in Tahiti & Bora Bora
Okay, so we know you have eyes on those Insta-ready bungalows — but Tahiti and Bora Bora offer a wide range of accommodation for couples. From charming guesthouse rooms to luxury resort suites and the quintessential Tahitian overwater bungalows with every bell and whistle (we’re talking private decks, plunge pools and personal butlers), you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Our top tips for booking your honeymoon accommodation in Tahiti & Bora Bora:
- Look for seasonal & all-inclusive packages. Off-peak pricing and inclusions will make your honeymoon dollar stretch further while having basics like transfers and breakfast covered with an all-inclusive package help you really relax. We’ve shared the best time to visit Tahiti and Bora Bora for good weather below.
- Consider beachfront options. Overwater is the dream, but a beach base comes with upsides including direct lagoon access, powder-soft sand for sunbathing, and proximity to resort facilities including restaurants and spas.
- Mix & match room categories (perfect if you’re on a budget). Maybe a beach bungalow in Tahiti and an overwater retreat in Bora Bora.
More tips on booking a luxe Tahitian honeymoon on a budget
Romantic things to see & do
There are many reasons couples choose Tahiti for their honeymoon — and island-hopping is definitely one of them! The ocean is known as Moana in Tahitian (yep, like the movie) and local culture is entwined with the sea. Set sail (or fly over the ocean) to discover French Polynesia’s 100+ islands, from lush and lively Tahiti to more off-grid gems such as the Marquesas and Austral island groups where traditional life is wonderfully preserved.
Try and leave at least a day or two to enjoy the main island (divided into Tahiti Nui in the north and smaller Tahiti Iti in the south). Encircled by majestic mountain peaks, with a choice of sugar-white sand or dramatic black-sand beaches, Tahiti is a fabulous destination with something for everyone.
Discover the capital Papeete for shopping, dining, nightlife, world-class spas, and the world’s only Pearl Museum. Bonus: Tahitian pearls make a romantic honeymoon memento! Or venture into the island’s lush and mountainous interior, chasing waterfalls on a guided hike or seeing the sights on a Jeep safari.
Ready to head offshore? Northwest of Tahiti (just half an hour by ferry), the ‘Magical Island’ of Moorea offers excellent snorkelling and sublime scenery. Rent a car and zoom around the island in a day, stopping for incredible bay views, a dip in the beautiful lagoon, and a taste of traditional life at the Tiki Village Cultural Centre.
You can also go green on the verdant ‘Garden Island’ of Huahine (a three-hour ferry ride north from Tahiti) or get off the beaten track and explore the delightful pink-sand beaches of the ‘Pink Island’ Tikehau (an hour’s flight northeast from Tahiti). Our pick for wine-lovers? Sip rosé at French Polynesia’s only winery, Vin de Tahiti, on beautiful Rangiroa (close to Tikehau).
Discover Why You’ll Loe Tahiti and Sailing Bora Bora with travel writer Helen Hayes.
Romantic honeymoon ideas in Bora Bora
For that quintessential tropical island honeymoon in French Polynesia, it has to be Bora Bora. Once you arrive, the temptation may be to sun, swim and sip Champagne … on repeat. But there are also plenty of attractions if you want to shift gears. Here are five of our favourite things to see and do around Bora Bora for couples.
- Soak up the sunset on Matira Beach. If you’re wondering about the best beach on Bora Bora, it’s good to note that most beaches here are privately owned (making your choice of resort extra important!). However, on the island’s southern tip, you’ll find glorious Matira Beach, open to everyone! Flop under the shade of a palm tree, grab a bite at a beach café, or follow the 1.5 km of pristine white sand that slopes gently into the warm waters of the lagoon. The perfect perch to soak up a splashy South Pacific sunset.
- Snorkel or dive the coral gardens. Braceleted by a magnificent coral reef, Bora Bora is ideal for snorkelling and diving, with the crystal-clear waters of the Bora Bora Lagoon teeming with tropical fish. For excellent visibility and a water depth of around five metres, look for the ‘Aquarium’ in the island’s south or snorkel right off Matira Beach. Beginner divers can drift among the vibrant marine life on a ‘lagoon’ dive while more experienced adventurers can head further afield for an ocean dive with sharks, turtles, barracuda, trevally and manta rays.
- Channel your inner Avatar. Bora Bora boasts many stunning nature trails, hikes and 4WD adventures, including some to American cannons left behind after the Second World War. For a popular moderate-level walk, try the Valley of the Kings: a four-kilometre round trip through some of the island’s most stunning flora and fauna. Look out for the giant banyan tree Tuma Ora (Tree of Life) a burial site for local nobles and royalty. This magnificent specimen brought the Valley of the Kings to global attention after reportedly inspiring director James Cameron and the movie Avatar.
- Hike iconic Mount Otemanu. If you’re up for a challenge, take a guided hike to the ‘shoulders’ of Bora Bora’s extinct volcano and highest point. This tough but rewarding climb delivers incredible views across the island and million-blues lagoon.
- Visit the main town of Vaitape. For a taste of ‘city’ life (we use that term loosely) on Bora Bora, head to the main town of Vaitape on the west coast. Sunday mornings are especially good for markets, snacks and souvenirs, and, just like everywhere else on Bora Bora, there are incredible views. The churches offer a good photo-op, framed by a backdrop of emerald-clad mountain peaks.
When is the best time to visit Tahiti & Bora Bora for good weather?
Most of French Polynesia enjoys a warm tropical climate with a summertime feel for most of the year. If you’re chasing the sun, the best time to visit Tahiti and Bora Bora is the main dry season (May to October) when you can expect warm, sunny weather ideal for exploring. However, you’ll also encounter more crowds and peak pricing, especially in June/July/August.
Also consider the shoulder months of April and November when the weather is usually still good and there are fewer tourists (you want that beach all to yourselves, right?). The wet season months of December to March will score you low-season rates and fewer crowds but more rain and humidity with the possibility of tropical storms.
Where to stay in Bora Bora for your Honeymoon:
Bora Bora is renowned for its stunning scenery, sophisticated ambiance, and exceptional hotels. The overwater bungalows in this paradise are nothing short of extraordinary, offering unparalleled luxury and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine waking up to the sight of brightly coloured fish swimming beneath your glass-floored bathroom, having direct access to the crystal-clear waters from your private terrace, and enjoying room service delivered by an outrigger canoe. If you’re seeking a truly romantic and luxurious experience for your honeymoon in Bora Bora, look no further than these five exquisite overwater villas.
Good to Know
Transport: All international flights arrive in the Tahiti-Faa’a international airport, located close to Papeete and several major hotels. The domestic airport for Air Tahiti is located inside so you can stay and explore or fly straight out to your island of choice. Many of the French Polynesian islands are also linked by ferry. You can get around Tahiti by taxi or rental car (a good option if you’re staying a couple of days) and explore by sea on a yacht charter or cruise.
Most couples begin their Bora Bora honeymoon with an efficient one-hour flight from Tahiti, followed by a free 30-minute ferry transfer to the main island. This is because Bora Bora’s domestic airport is located on its own island. Most resorts then offer a boat or car transfer. On Bora Bora, public transport is limited but there are plenty of ways to explore including by taxi, helicopter, yacht charter, and 4×4 tour. You can also hire a car, bicycle or scooter to traverse the gorgeous terrain.
Language: French is the official language of French Polynesia with most locals also speaking Tahitian. English is widely spoken in most hotels, shops and tourist areas.
Currency: The official currency of the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia is the Pacific franc (XPF), with ATMs located on the major islands. Credit cards are used widely in hotels, resorts and the main towns but cash is handy for local markets and less-visited locations.
Why you will love a Bora Bora & Tahiti Honeymoon:
A romantic getaway usually reserved for A-listers and screensavers. However you choose to spend your honeymoon in Tahiti and Bora Bora, you’ll be stepping into the kind of postcard-perfect scenery and incredible experiences that will stay in your hearts forever.
Looking for an island romantic getaway? Discover 18 of the most romantic honeymoon islands here.
