Fees · Destination Guide
Mantas, sharks, coral gardens, and overwater-lagoon logistics in the Pearl of the Pacific
Key fee: Accommodation tourist tax
Varies by accommodation, commonly XPF 50 to XPF 200 per person per night
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 29 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Bora Bora does not operate like a destination with a universal diver tag. The main unavoidable visitor charges are accommodation taxes and operator tour prices. Conservation compliance matters more than buying a permit: obey no-feeding rules, whale-watching rules, mooring guidance, and the Popora Rahui closed zone.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation tourist tax | Varies by accommodation, commonly XPF 50 to XPF 200 per person per night Per night | Most non-resident hotel, resort, pension, or rental guests |
| Collected by accommodation, usually at check-in or check-out |
Amounts vary by municipality and lodging class, and resorts may list additional service or resort charges separately. Confirm your booking's local tax line before arrival. |
| Recreational scuba and snorkel marine permit | No standalone visitor permit identified Not applicable | Guided scuba, freedive, and snorkel guests | Book through licensed local operators | Tour prices generally include boat access and guide services. This does not grant access to closed reserves or permission to touch, feed, or disturb wildlife. |
| Popora Rahui integral reserve | No ticket; closed to activity Ongoing protected-area regulation | Boats, divers, snorkelers, freedivers, fishers, and tours | Not for sale; obey local routing and signage | The Matira south reef reserve is a strict category 1 protected area. All activity is prohibited inside the reserve, so do not ask operators to enter for photos or shortcuts. |
| Accredited whale watching | Operator priced Seasonal and operator-specific | Whale watching or swim-with-whales activities in season | Accredited whale-watching operators | Whale approaches in French Polynesia are regulated. Book accredited guides, follow distance and behavior rules, and do not attempt self-guided whale swims. |
| BOB airport to Vaitape shuttle | Included with Air Tahiti ticket On Air Tahiti arrival and departure days | Air Tahiti passengers using the Bora Bora Navette | Included in eligible Air Tahiti air ticket | Some resorts use separate private boats, which may cost extra and should be arranged through the accommodation. |
Fee
Per night
Amounts vary by municipality and lodging class, and resorts may list additional service or resort charges separately. Confirm your booking's local tax line before arrival.
Not applicable
Tour prices generally include boat access and guide services. This does not grant access to closed reserves or permission to touch, feed, or disturb wildlife.
Ongoing protected-area regulation
The Matira south reef reserve is a strict category 1 protected area. All activity is prohibited inside the reserve, so do not ask operators to enter for photos or shortcuts.
Seasonal and operator-specific
Whale approaches in French Polynesia are regulated. Book accredited guides, follow distance and behavior rules, and do not attempt self-guided whale swims.
On Air Tahiti arrival and departure days
Some resorts use separate private boats, which may cost extra and should be arranged through the accommodation.