Bora Bora · French Polynesia · Things to do
5 things to do in Bora Bora with kids
The five best things to do in Bora Bora with kids are staying over the lagoon, snorkelling the coral gardens, circling Mount Otemanu, picnicking on a motu and adding a stay on Moorea. The lagoon is calm and shallow, so most activities suit children who can swim. Bora Bora is expensive, so many families combine a short stay here with a longer one on Moorea.
What to do, in order
- 1
Stay over the lagoon
An overwater bungalow has a deck and ladder straight into the lagoon, with glass panels in the floor to watch fish pass underneath. Children love it, but check that the resort accepts families and has rails and gates suited to young ones, since the water below is deep. Overwater rooms are the costliest option on the island. Many families instead choose a pension or a beach room on the main island and visit the lagoon by day, which saves a large amount.
- 2
Snorkel the coral garden
The lagoon is warm, shallow and sheltered by the outer reef, so it suits beginners and older children. Lagoon tours usually stop at a coral garden to snorkel among colourful fish, and often at a spot with blacktip reef sharks and rays that come close. They are used to people, but give children a life jacket and a guide. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest, since the sun is strong, and do not touch or stand on the coral.
- 3
Circle Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is the tall volcanic peak that rises in the middle of the main island, and the shape that defines Bora Bora. The coastal road around the island is about thirty kilometres, so you can go by rented bike, scooter, open-top truck or small car in a few hours. Stop at Matira Beach, the public beach with shallow, clear water, and at the old Second World War gun emplacements on a 4x4 tour. Start early, before the heat builds.
- 4
Picnic on a motu
Motu are the small sandy islets that ring the lagoon. Many lagoon tours include a stop on one for a picnic, with fish grilled on the beach, tropical fruit and a swim. Children can paddle in the shallows, collect shells and look for hermit crabs. Take a hat, reef shoes and plenty of water, as there is little shade or shop. Pick a half-day tour over a full day if your children tire easily, and check weather before booking.
- 5
Add Moorea, the wilder island
Moorea is a greener, more rugged island that sits beside Tahiti, not beside Bora Bora, so it takes a little planning. Most families fly from Bora Bora to Tahiti with the local airline, around fifty minutes, and then take a short ferry from Papeete. Moorea has hiking trails, pineapple plantations, dolphin and whale watching in season, and cheaper family stays. It makes a good contrast, and it spreads the cost of a Polynesian trip.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to October is the drier, cooler season and the best time to go. November to April is hotter, more humid and wetter, with more cloud and rain.
- How long
- Three to four nights is enough for Bora Bora, and a longer stay on Moorea or Tahiti balances the cost. Long flights make a short trip tiring.
- Getting around
- Bora Bora has a ring road around the main island and resorts on the outer motu use boat shuttles. Most families rent bikes or cars, or book lagoon tours with a boat.
Good to know
- Book flights and rooms many months ahead, as Bora Bora fills early.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, rash vests and reef shoes.
- Ask resorts about child policies before you book an overwater room.
Frequently asked
Is Bora Bora good for kids? +
Yes, for children who can swim. The lagoon is calm and shallow, and snorkelling, boats and beaches keep them busy. It is expensive and remote, so it works best for a short stay.
Is Bora Bora expensive? +
Yes, among the most expensive family destinations in the world. Overwater resorts are the biggest cost. Staying in a pension on the main island and eating at local places lowers the bill a lot.
How do you get from Bora Bora to Moorea? +
Fly from Bora Bora to Tahiti, which takes around fifty minutes, then take a ferry from Papeete to Moorea, which takes about half an hour. There is no direct ferry between Bora Bora and Moorea.
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora? +
May to October, when the weather is drier and a little cooler. November to April is hotter and wetter, though prices are sometimes lower and the lagoon is still warm.