The exclusive overwater bungalows in the area aren't known for being cheap.
French Polynesia, the island nation it is part of, is a lot of things, but not cheap.
I have spent years bootstrapping my way around the globe, finding budget ways to enjoy places like the Maldives, and other expensive places. I believe you can make it affordable with some effort. Here are your options.
Accommodations in the Bora Bora area.
I have spent 4.5 months on the island of French Polynesia and it is easily the most expensive. If you want to buy a bungalow on Bora Bora, you will pay twice as much as you would on other places.
It is my opinion that the beauty of the place, as well as its fame as a honeymooner's destination, has made it more expensive and exclusive. You can find a place to stay on the island for as little as $100 or as much as $3k. Read on.
The most luxurious hotels in the world.
Four Seasons Bora Bora.
The main island of the Four Seasons Bora Bora has overwater bungalows that are over 1000 square feet and a beautiful view of the volcanic cliffs. It has a lagoon sanctuary with free snorkeling tours, a beachfront spa, and a gym. The average cost for an overwater bungalow at this resort is $2000/night during high season.
Conrad Bora.
If you are looking for an overwater bungalow with its own pool at a resort on a private cove, the Conrad Bora Nui has you covered. You will be spoiled for views, lagoon swims, and all-marble bathroom with this property. In high season, the overwater bungalows with a pool and sunset view cost $3000/night.
St. Regis is in the area.
Reviewers love the St. Regis Bora Bora, a luxury option with large bungalows, marble bathroom, and pools. The resort has free snorkeling and wind surfing equipment for guests and a butler service. During high season, overwater bungalows range from $2100 to $3500.
There are mid-range options.
The intercontinental name is Bora Le Moana.
If you want to get into an overwater bungalow during high season, the Intercontinental Le Moana is a good place to stay. This is where I stayed during my stay in the area. It is located on the main island, which gives you more freedom to explore and eat outside of the resort. It was beautiful, with a lagoon view.
Royal Bora.
You can find beachfront rooms on a white sand beach on the main island next to the Intercontinental Le Moana. The cheapest mid-range find on this list is a twin room for as little as $267/night during high season. The rooms are less fancy than the others on the list, but for a tenth of the price of a luxury bungalow, it is easier on the wallet.
Fare Ahuna.
Fare Ahuna is a private escape that can accommodate up to four people in its two bedrooms. For those who want more authenticity and less of a resort vibe, this can be a special experience in French Polynesia. This is what I look for when I travel in this part of the world. It's a plus to speak some French.
There are affordable hotels and pensions.
Villa Yrondi.
Is it Amalfi or is it Bora? The rooms at Villa Yrondi are gorgeous and can be found in a range of prices from $172 to $313 for an ocean view. The home has a pool, continental breakfast, and free bikes.
No Lodge.
The local feel one typically finds in the smaller islands of French Polynesia can be found in this pension. Reviewers love the Matira Beach accommodation, which is located on Matira Beach and offers lagoon tours to see the sharks and rays. The rooms range in price from $150 to $350 per night. You can book it here.
Oa Oa Lodge.
Rooms at the Oa Oa Lodge are the cheapest on the list, costing as little as $102 per night. The main island is close to places to eat and shops. Reviewers praise the staff and it is hard to find a cheaper option on an expensive island.
The transport company is called Bora Bora.
There are a lot of options to choose from when you travel to and around the area. If you are staying at a fancy resort on a small private island, you should get the transportation. If you are staying in a mid-range place, they will charge for the airport transport. I was quoted $75 per person. You don't have to pay the higher prices, there is a local option.
If you are staying on the main island, you can take the airport ferry which runs on a fixed schedule and is free. Taxis are waiting at the port. They can take you to the other side of the island for $25USD. If you have a full taxi with more than 3 people, they will charge more than $50. You have to take the hotel's transport if you are on a motu.
You can rent a car, scooter, or bicycle once you're on the island. If you are staying at a more exclusive resort that is on a private island, you won't have as much flexibility as you would at a resort, but once you are there, these rental options will be available to you.
The food is called Bora Food.
Food on the island can cost a lot. If you are staying at one of the more expensive resorts, you should expect to pay for food and alcohol at the restaurants. Unless you take a boat to the main island, you will be stuck with these options. Your trip costs can be added up a lot faster if you do this.
If you have access to a kitchen, it will be easier to shop at the market on the main island. Don't expect the market to be cheap. groceries are very expensive in French Polynesia
The cheapest food you can find is at local eateries. In French Polynesia, small, local eateries are called snacks. They serve up a raw, cured tuna dish known as Poisson cru in French Polynesia. On every island I have visited, you will usually find raw sashimi dishes and carpaccio, which are usually made with raw, sliced fish and olive oil. Rice, fries, and sometimes sandwiches can be found in these snacks. They are usually open during lunch hours, but some are open in the evening. Plates are priced at 15 to 20 dollars on Bora Bora. I like to eat snacks all the time in French Polynesia.
French Polynesians love fresh, raw seafood. Most of the food you eat is fresh and doesn't need to be chilled. If you are not a seafood lover or can't stomach raw fish, you will probably have to go with options that cater to tourists and may be a bit more expensive. The main island has pizza for around 25 dollars.
There are things to do in Bora Bora.
The tour takes you to the lagoon.
A lagoon tour is one of the most popular things to do in the area. The famous rays and reef sharks can be seen here. Most of the people who visit Bora go on one of these tours. You can book it here for less than $90, or you can go out on a smaller boat with a local.
Humpback whales are swimming in the water.
Every year, I go back to French Polynesia to swim with Humpback whales. If you are only visiting the island, you should take a private boat out to swim with the whales. The best months to view are from the middle of August to the end of October.
Land and sea adventures.
The day tour includes a lagoon tour and a 44 adventure on land. You can get a panoramic view as well as lunch at a local restaurant. You can book it here.
SCUBA diving.
French Polynesia can be experienced from under the sea. If you are a scuba diver and want to experience some of the best scuba diving in the world, I highly recommend taking a couple of tanks out and going underwater. You can book it here.
Hike Mt. Pahia.
Want to do something for free? You can access the trail from the main town. Pahia, a 4-hour hike that is best attempted only in dry weather, can become muddy and slippery if the trail is not maintained. You don't have to pay to see the view over Bora Bora.
There are a lot of things to do on the island.
If you are on a budget, you can still enjoy the place, even if it is one of the more expensive places that I have visited. With rooms that can be as low as $100 per night, eating local cuisine at snacks as often as possible, and choosing hiking over expensive tours, you can still spend less money on where you need to.
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