The South Pacific Ocean is home to the more than 100 islands that make up French Polynesia. It is well-liked among honeymooners and tourists alike due to its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and breathtaking surroundings. Taha’a and Bora Bora are two of French Polynesia’s most well-known islands. In order to assist you in choosing which island to visit on your upcoming holiday, we will compare and contrast these two in this post.
Location and Accessibility
The Society Islands, a collection of islands in French Polynesia, include Taha’a and Bora Bora. They are not, however, situated adjacent to one another. Raiatea is roughly 30 kilometers northeast of Taha’a, while Tahiti is around 143 kilometers northwest of Bora Bora. This implies that getting to one of these islands from French Polynesia if you are coming from North America or Europe would probably need you to take a number of connecting flights.
Taha’a is a little less accessible than Bora Bora in terms of accessibility. The primary airline of French Polynesia, Air Tahiti, flies into the Bora Bora Airport, which is located on the island of Bora Bora. On the other hand, Taha’a lacks an airport, therefore travelers must go to the island by boat from Raiatea for 35 minutes. Although this might seem like a little annoyance, it might mount up if you intend to travel to several islands in French Polynesia.
Accommodations and Activities
Taha’a and Bora Bora both have a variety of lodging options, from modest guesthouses to opulent overwater bungalows. But, the high-end resorts in Bora Bora, many of which have private beaches, infinity pools, and Michelin-starred dining establishments, are what the island is famous for. Bora Bora might be a better option for you if you’re seeking a luxurious vacation.
Both islands include a variety of water-based activities, including swimming with sharks and rays, scuba diving, and snorkeling. To understand more about the vanilla manufacturing process and experience some of the goods made with vanilla, travelers can take tours of Taha’a’s vanilla plantations. Taha’a is renowned for its pearl farms, and tourists can go on tours to learn about the method and buy pearls. On the other hand, Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano that rises up from the island’s center, is what makes Bora Bora famous. The volcano and the surrounding lagoons can be seen from above on helicopter excursions of the island.
Beaches and Scenery
The magnificent beaches and azure lagoons of Taha’a and Bora Bora are well-known. Yet, Mount Otemanu, which provides a dramatic backdrop for its lagoons, is one of the reasons that Bora Bora is sometimes regarded as having the more gorgeous landscape. The beaches of Bora Bora are renowned for having smooth white sand and clear water, making it a favorite honeymoon destination.
On the other side, Taha’a is renowned for its quiet beaches and crystal-clear waters. The lagoons on the island are shielded from powerful currents and waves by the coral reef that surrounds the entire island. As a result, Taha’a is a fantastic location for swimming, snorkeling, and families with young children who wish to play in the ocean.
Food and Drink
There are several dining alternatives available in Taha’a and Bora Bora, ranging from laid-back coastal cafes to elegant restaurants. Though many of the island’s recipes and sweets contain vanilla, Taha’a is renowned for it. Moreover, tours of vanilla farms are available for those who want to learn more about the history and production of vanilla on the island. Taha’a is also well-known for its homegrown rum, which is produced on the island from sugar cane. Tourists can sample various rum kinds while on tours of the rum distillery.
French and Pacific influences are combined in the cuisine of Bora Bora. Visitors can sample a variety of dishes made with fresh fish and shellfish because seafood is a mainstay of the island’s cuisine. The island is also home to a large number of upscale eateries, many of which have chefs who have earned Michelin stars.
Budget and Crowd
There are also significant variations between Taha’a and Bora Bora in terms of spending and crowds. Generally speaking, Bora Bora is more expensive than Taha’a, especially when it comes to lodging and food. Visitors should expect to pay more for meals and activities since the island’s upscale resorts can be fairly pricey.
In contrast, Taha’a has a selection of more affordable accommodations, such as guesthouses and small hotels. By taking advantage of the island’s natural attractions, like its beaches and coral reefs, visitors can also save money.
There are more people in Bora Bora than Taha’a since it is a more popular tourist destination, and there are more people there at the busiest travel times. Finding a peaceful restaurant or a remote beach may become more challenging as a result. On the other hand, Taha’a is a more remote island, so tourists may anticipate a calmer, more laid-back vibe.
Conclusion
Your choices and travel style will eventually determine whether you choose Taha’a or Bora Bora. Bora Bora might be a better alternative for you if you’re searching for a luxury getaway with first-rate lodging and eating options as well as breathtaking landscape. But, Taha’a might be the best alternative if you’re searching for a more cost-effective option with an emphasis on natural attractions, such as coral reefs and vanilla plantations, as well as a quieter, more laid-back attitude.
Whatever island you decide to visit, French Polynesia is a stunning region that is sure to make an impression. For every traveler seeking a tropical paradise, it is a must-visit location because of its turquoise waters, gorgeous beaches, and distinctive culture.
Our Top FAQ's
The best time to visit Taha’a and Bora Bora is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, visitors can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. However, this is also peak travel season, so visitors should book accommodations and activities well in advance.
Some of the best activities to do in Taha’a and Bora Bora include snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, taking a vanilla plantation tour in Taha’a, visiting the Marae Taputapuatea archaeological site in Bora Bora, and enjoying a traditional Polynesian dance performance.
The official currency of French Polynesia, which includes Taha’a and Bora Bora, is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Visitors can exchange currency at banks or ATMs on the islands, but many businesses also accept major credit cards.
Visitors can fly to French Polynesia’s main international airport, Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, and then take a domestic flight to Taha’a or Bora Bora. Alternatively, visitors can take a cruise to the islands, which often includes stops in multiple destinations in French Polynesia.