Best Things to Do in Bora Bora: A Complete Activity Guide for 2026

1. Full-Day Lagoon Tour — The One You Can't Skip

If you do only one thing in Bora Bora, make it a lagoon tour. A half-day tour runs $110–160 per person and typically includes shark and ray feeding, snorkeling at the Coral Gardens, and a stop on a private motu (islet). But the full-day version — $180–250 per person — is the move.

Want it all to yourself? Private lagoon tours range from $320–850 through operators like Toa Boat Bora Bora.

2. Shark and Ray Feeding

Usually bundled into lagoon tours ($110–140 per person). Stand waist-deep in warm water while blacktip reef sharks and stingrays cruise past — thrilling without being dangerous.

3. Snorkeling Coral Gardens

Parrotfish, butterfly fish, Moorish idols, and incredible coral formations. Most lagoon tours include a stop, or paddle out free from your resort.

4. Jet Ski Island Circuit

A two-hour guided circuit runs $150–200 for a full circumnavigation of the island with photo stops and Mt. Otemanu views.

5. Mount Otemanu Hike

Completely free. 2–3 hour moderate hike to the base/viewpoint with panoramic lagoon views. Can't summit (sacred peak).

6. Parasailing Over the Lagoon

$100–150 per person for aerial views of the lagoon color gradient and Mount Otemanu.

7. Sunset Catamaran Sail

$80–150 per person, usually includes drinks. The most romantic activity on the island.

8. Helicopter Tour

$250–450 per person for 15–30 minutes. The ultimate splurge for aerial photography.

9. ATV/Quad Tour on the Mainland

$100–150 per person. Elevated lagoon views, local villages, and WWII gun emplacements.

10. Dinner at Bloody Mary's

Legendary thatched-roof restaurant with sand floors. Main courses $30–60. Pick your fish at the raw bar.

11. Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

$50–80 per person, 1 hour. Perfect for non-swimmers and families.

12. Polynesian Cultural Experience

Free at many resorts, or $50–80 for off-resort cultural shows with fire dancing and workshops.

13. Spa at a Luxury Overwater Resort

$200–500+ for treatments in overwater rooms at the Conrad, Four Seasons, or St. Regis.

14. Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Sunrise

Free at most resorts or $30–50 rental. The sleeper pick — glide across glass-calm water at dawn.

Book It With Points

• Conrad Bora Bora Nui — 80,000–120,000 Hilton Honors points/night
• St. Regis Bora Bora — 60,000–100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points/night
• InterContinental Bora Bora — IHG One Rewards points

Practical Tips for Bora Bora 2026

When to visit: May–October (dry season). November–April is wetter but fewer crowds.

Currency: CFP franc (XPF). Credit cards widely accepted at tourist activities.

Book ahead: Lagoon tours and jet ski circuits fill up fast in peak season (June–August).