A family vacation in Bora Bora takes you to an island of silvery sand beaches and blue skies which floats in its own protected lagoon sheltered by coral gardens. It’s heavenly.
White sand beaches, palm trees, imposing volcanic mountains and little outrigger islands, Bora Bora is known as “motu” in Tahitian.
It’s a romantic’s dream and right up there with honeymoon greats like the Seychelles and Maldives. Don’t let that put you off visiting with kids.
The island’s luxury resorts have long given up on the idea that only couples want to play in paradise and now boost the island’s natural appeal with plenty of water sports, cultural experiences, kid’s activity programmes and clubs. Which, added to Bora Bora’s world-class snorkelling, lagoon swimming, jungle expeditions and the fact that travelling around almost always involves boats or bikes, makes it an idyllic island vacation for families.
One of the French Polynesian Leeward Islands, Bora Bora is 45 minutes by air from Tahiti.
Temperature averages of 80˚F all year round with a rainy season between November and April.
Geographically unusual, with a main island surrounded by smaller islands (motus) set in a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef.
Bora Bora’s lagoonarium is one of the most marine-rich in the Pacific and has clear waters to depths of 30 feet.
One of the world’s leading snorkelling and diving destinations.
Bora Bora’s first resort was only built in 1961 and, although tourism is the only industry, island life is still dominated by traditional Polynesian customs and culture.
A good choice for families, Four Seasons has an excellent kid’s activity programme and offers a choice of one, two and three bedroom beachfront villas or over-water bungalows suites.
This is the island resort with a turtle sanctuary, resident marine biologist and an eco-activity programme for kids.
St. Regis has the widest range of family villas and is one of the few resorts with larger over-water bungalows sleeping up to seven guests.
Range of free water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding, Cat sailing and pedal boating.
Bike and boat are the most common transport on Bora Bora. Air Tahiti has a free airport shuttle service to Vaitape and all the motu-based resorts have their own guest launches. Taxis are expensive and fares increase after 7 pm but bike hire is cheap and there’s only one road round the island. You can also charter boats if you want to self-sail in the lagoon. Rental cars are available but the fleets are quite limited so booking in advance is a good idea.
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