Two of the most well-known travel spots in French Polynesia are Tahiti and Bora Bora. They both have pristine seas, breathtaking natural beauty, and opulent overwater bungalows. However, there are some significant distinctions between the two locations that may influence your decision as to which one is best for you.
Location and Geography
The largest and most populous island in French Polynesia is Tahiti. The island is part of the Society Islands archipelago, which also contains the islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Tahiti is renowned for its untamed interior and luxuriant, mountainous scenery.
On the other hand, the Leeward Islands are home to the tiny coral island of Bora Bora. It is renowned for its wide variety of marine life as well as its flat, white-sand beaches and pristine lagoon.
The kinds of overwater bungalows that are offered are greatly influenced by the terrain of these two islands. The bungalows in Tahiti are often situated on the hillsides facing the ocean, offering breathtaking all-encompassing views. In contrast, Bora Bora’s bungalows are often built on the lagoon, offering guests a prime view of the island’s breathtaking scenery.
Natural Attractions
There are many natural wonders in Tahiti and Bora Bora that are worth discovering while you’re there.
The Faarumai Waterfalls, one of several stunning waterfalls in Tahiti, drop down a sheer rock face and into a calm lake below. Additionally, the island has some of the top surfing sites in the world, with waves that are suitable for both amateurs and professionals. The island’s lush interior, which is home to numerous plant and animal species, including the Tahitian Gardenia and the Tahitian Monarch, is another area that tourists can visit.
The lagoon and the surrounding ocean make up the majority of the island of Bora Bora’s natural features. Swim with sharks and stingrays in the lagoon, go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the coral reefs, or take a boat excursion to see the island’s several stunning beaches. A variety of tiny islets, known as motus, may be found around Bora Bora and can be visited by boat or kayak.
Water-Based Activities
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora include a variety of water-based activities that are sure to please tourists of all ages.
Visitors to Tahiti can kayak, paddleboard, and surf in the waters of the island. The many stunning beaches and secret coves on the island can be explored on one of the many available boat cruises. Other well-liked sports include scuba diving and snorkeling, which offer a variety of marine life to see, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Visitors have a variety of options when it comes to water-based sports in Bora Bora. In addition to providing world-class diving and fishing opportunities, the island’s lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Additionally, visitors can go on a boat tour of the island’s several stunning beaches or go scuba diving or snorkeling to learn more about the coral reefs and marine life.
Cuisine and Dining
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora offer a variety of delectable eating alternatives that are sure to please even the pickiest palates.
Tahitian food emphasizes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and vegetables, and is largely inspired by French and Polynesian flavors. The restaurants on the island offer a variety of mouthwatering foods, such as Poisson Cru, which is raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, and Fafa, a type of taro leaf soup. As well as native delicacies like Tahitian vanilla and black pearls, visitors may experience a variety of French pastries and baked goods.
Fresh fish is the main attraction in Bora Bora, where many eateries get their supplies right from the lagoon. Foods like Ota Ika, a type of raw fish salad, and Mahi Mahi, a local fish, are available for tourists to sample. The island’s polynesian-style barbecue, which includes grilled pig, chicken, and fish served with a choice of sides, is another thing that makes it famous. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of tropical fruits and beverages, many of which include fresh pineapple or coconut.
Accommodation Prices and Accessibility
The cost of lodging and ease of accessibility are two of the biggest distinctions between Tahiti and Bora Bora.
The more easily reached of the two places is Tahiti, which has frequent international flights from well-known cities like Los Angeles and Auckland. The island offers a variety of lodging choices, from luxury resorts with overwater bungalows to inexpensive hotels. The average cost of an overwater bungalow in Tahiti is $500 per night, while the more opulent options can go up to $1,000 per night.
On the other hand, Bora Bora is farther away and may be more difficult to get to. Usually, travelers arrive in Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete by plane and then take a quick trip to Bora Bora. A variety of opulent resorts can be found on the island, many of which have overwater bungalows with private pools and other facilities. These bungalows can be booked for as little as $700 a night, with more opulent options going for as much as $2,000.
Conclusion
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora are stunning locations with a variety of outdoor activities, water sports, and delectable cuisine. It’s crucial to take location, accessibility, and natural attractions into account while deciding which one is best for you in addition to the cost of lodging. Both places have their own distinctive charms, so it’s important to think about which one will provide the experience you want. In the end, whether you select Tahiti or Bora Bora, you can be sure to have an incredible holiday in one of the world’s most stunning locations.
Our Top FAQ's
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora offer a range of water-based activities, including snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Visitors can also go on lagoon tours or take a sunset cruise to experience the natural beauty of these islands.
Tahitian cuisine is heavily influenced by French and Polynesian flavors and includes dishes like Poisson Cru and Fafa. In Bora Bora, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, Polynesian-style barbecue, and tropical fruits and cocktails.
Tahiti is generally more affordable than Bora Bora, with a range of budget-friendly accommodation options and lower prices for overwater bungalows. Bora Bora is more remote and can be more challenging to reach, which can drive up the cost of accommodation.
Tahiti is the more accessible of the two destinations, with regular international flights from major cities like Los Angeles and Auckland. Visitors can also easily travel between the islands of Tahiti. Bora Bora, on the other hand, is more remote and requires a short flight from Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.