FAQs · Destination Guide
Mantas, sharks, coral gardens, and overwater-lagoon logistics in the Pearl of the Pacific
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 29 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
The easiest overall window is May to October, with May, June, September, and October giving the best blend of dry-season weather, lagoon comfort, and manageable crowds. July and August are also dry but can be busier and breezier. November to April is warmer and wetter, with water near 29°C, more humidity, and a higher chance of rain or weather disruption. Snorkel and dive trips still run year-round, but wet-season travelers should keep backup days for Anau, Tapu, and coral-garden boat tours.
Manta rays are possible year-round in Bora Bora, especially around Anau, the island's best-known manta cleaning station. Sightings are never guaranteed, and visibility can be variable because plankton and suspended particles are part of what makes the site attractive to mantas. For the easiest overall trip conditions, target May to October. For a manta-focused trip, it is reasonable to consider November to April too, as long as you accept wetter weather, flexible routing, and possible site swaps. Always observe passively and let operators protect the animals.
Fly internationally into Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT), then connect to Bora Bora Airport (BOB) on Motu Mute. Air Tahiti lists the direct flight at about 50 minutes, and Air Moana may also serve the route. After landing at BOB, collect your bags and board the Bora Bora Navette to Vaitape, or meet your resort's private boat if arranged. The Air Tahiti shuttle crossing to Vaitape takes about 15 minutes and is included with eligible Air Tahiti tickets. Late international arrivals may require a night on Tahiti.
There is no Bonaire-style universal diver tag identified for recreational scuba or snorkeling in Bora Bora. You normally book with a local operator and the boat, guide, tanks, weights, and site access are part of the tour price. That does not mean the lagoon is unrestricted. Shark feeding is forbidden, whale watching is regulated, operators must respect wildlife, and the Popora Rahui south of Matira is a strict protected area where activity is prohibited. Follow guide briefings, local signage, and no-touch wildlife rules.
Yes. Bora Bora is one of French Polynesia's friendlier beginner dive destinations because many lagoon sites are sheltered, warm, and boat-supported. Dive centers offer Discover Scuba, refreshers, and guided dives for Open Water divers, often around coral gardens or ray sites. Beginners should not assume every site is easy, though. Tapu, reef-side routes, and pass-adjacent dives can involve current, depth, and blue-water entries. Tell the operator your exact experience level, dive early in your stay, and avoid pushing limits because the recompression chamber is in Papeete.
Top snorkel choices include the Natural Aquarium behind the Sofitel Private Island area, Motu Tane Coral Garden, Matas Beach near The Westin Bora Bora, resort interior lagoons around the luxury motus, and the Turiroa marked trail. These are good for tropical fish, coral, rays, and family-friendly lagoon time. The Bora Bora pass is more exciting but should be treated as a guided strong-swimmer option because current can be significant. For wildlife safaris, choose operators who do not feed or touch sharks and rays.
Guided recreational diving in Bora Bora is generally approachable, but the lack of an on-island chamber should shape your decisions. Recompression support is in Tahiti, and serious cases may require air or helicopter evacuation. Keep profiles conservative, stay well within no-decompression limits, monitor repetitive dives, hydrate, and leave a no-fly buffer before the BOB to PPT flight. Carry DAN or equivalent dive accident insurance. If you feel unusual fatigue, pain, dizziness, numbness, breathing difficulty, or skin symptoms after diving, report it immediately rather than waiting.
Very easily. Bora Bora is one of the strongest mixed-group dive destinations because the lagoon is the shared attraction. Non-divers can join snorkel safaris, motu lunches, Matira Beach afternoons, sunset cruises, 4x4 tours to WWII cannons and viewpoints, spa days, Vaitape shopping, and guided cultural stops. Divers can do a two-tank morning at Anau, Tapu, or Muri Muri, then rejoin the group for lunch or a beach sunset. Choose accommodation carefully: motu resorts are iconic, while main-island stays simplify restaurants and independent transport.
Bora Bora is excellent for scenic freediving, but it should be done with proper supervision. Use a qualified instructor or guide for line sessions, never train alone, and use a buoy, flag, buddy, and lanyard where appropriate. Surface chop, tour boats, jet skis, and pass current are the main hazards. Do not do hard breath-hold work right after scuba, and avoid training when tired, dehydrated, or after alcohol. The best months match the dry-season window, especially May, June, September, and October, with early sessions often calmer.
Entry rules depend on nationality, so verify with France-Visas or a French consulate before travel. Many U.S., Canadian, U.K., E.U., Australian, and New Zealand leisure travelers can enter French Polynesia for up to 90 days without a tourist visa, but a valid passport, return or onward ticket, accommodation details, funds, and insurance may be requested. French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity, so do not assume a Schengen visa automatically covers it. Also check customs and biosecurity rules before carrying food, shells, or plant material.
Use CFP francs, shown as XPF or F. Major resorts, restaurants, boutiques, and supermarkets usually accept cards, but cash is useful for snacks, markets, small shops, taxis, casual food stops, and discretionary guide tips. ATMs are available on main islands and in practical hubs such as Vaitape, but it is smart to withdraw at PPT or Vaitape before transferring to a remote motu resort. Tipping is not customary in French Polynesia, though small tips for exceptional dive guides, boat crews, drivers, or spa staff are appreciated.
Whales migrate through French Polynesia roughly from August to November, and you may see or hear humpbacks offshore during the season. Bora Bora is not the country's most famous whale-swim base, but seasonal trips or sightings can occur. Whale watching and swimming are regulated: use accredited guides, respect approach distances, keep boat speeds low near animals, and never encircle, chase, or block whales. If whales are a trip-defining priority, consider pairing Bora Bora with Moorea or Tahiti, where whale-focused operators are more common.