Wondering is Bora Bora expensive before booking your dream vacation? The short answer is yes—Bora Bora ranks among the world’s most premium tropical destinations with average daily costs ranging from $500-1,200 per person. This breathtaking French Polynesian paradise attracts celebrities and luxury travelers with its iconic overwater bungalows, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches, but the elevated prices reflect its remote location, limited development, and exclusive reputation.
This comprehensive guide answers exactly how expensive is Bora Bora in 2025, breaking down costs for flights, accommodation, dining, transportation, and activities to help you plan your visit to this bucket-list destination—whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary celebration, or simply a once-in-a-lifetime tropical getaway.
Is Bora Bora Expensive? Cost Overview for 2025
Is Bora Bora expensive compared to other tropical destinations? Let’s examine typical costs across major spending categories:
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $160-320 | $650-1,100 | $850-3,300+ |
| Food | $80-110 | $130-210 | $220-330+ |
| Transportation | $30-50 | $60-100 | $150-250+ |
| Activities | $50-100 | $150-250 | $300-500+ |
| Daily Total | $320-580 | $990-1,660 | $1,520-4,380+ |
Compared to mainstream tropical destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean, prices in Bora Bora are typically 40-60% higher. Even compared to other luxury destinations like the Seychelles or Fiji, Bora Bora is expensive. Let’s explore why and break down exactly what to expect.
Why Is Bora Bora So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to Bora Bora’s premium price tag:
- Remote location: Located in the middle of the South Pacific, nearly everything must be imported at significant cost
- Limited development space: At just 12 square miles, Bora Bora’s developable land is extremely limited
- Exclusivity factor: Long history as a playground for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy
- High cost of operations: Most supplies, food, and building materials must be imported via air or sea
- Extreme seasonality: Businesses must make most of their annual income during peak tourist seasons
- Exceptional natural beauty: The breathtaking landscapes and perfect turquoise lagoon command premium prices
These factors combine to create one of the world’s most expensive destinations, though many visitors find the unique experience worth the cost.
How Expensive Is Bora Bora for Accommodation?
Accommodation represents the largest expense when visiting Bora Bora:
Hotel and Accommodation Costs
- Budget options: $160-320 per night (guesthouses, pensions on main island)
- Mid-range hotels: $650-1,100 per night (4-star resorts, garden or beach bungalows)
- Luxury accommodations: $850-3,300+ per night (5-star resorts, overwater bungalows)
Prices can increase by 30-50% during peak season (May-October), while some accommodations offer discounts during the wet season (November-April). For the best combination of value and weather, consider visiting in April-May or November.
Money-saving tip: Consider splitting your stay between a garden or beach bungalow and an overwater bungalow. Many visitors find that 2-3 nights in the iconic overwater accommodation satisfies the bucket-list experience while significantly reducing the overall cost.
Is Bora Bora Expensive to Eat Out?
Is Bora Bora expensive to eat out? Yes, dining is notably pricier than most destinations due to the need to import most food items. Here’s what to expect:
Food Costs in Bora Bora
- Continental breakfast: $28-45 per person
- Lunch at resort: $35-65 per person
- Dinner at resort restaurant: $65-130 per person
- Local restaurant meal: $45-85 per person
- Cocktails: $16-28 each
- Bottle of water: $4-8
Restaurants at luxury resorts charge premium prices, especially those with overwater settings or sunset views. For more reasonable options, explore local restaurants in Vaitape (the main village) or consider accommodations with kitchenette facilities.
According to Tahiti Tourism, restaurant prices in Bora Bora average 30-40% higher than in Tahiti and about 50-60% higher than typical U.S. or European prices for comparable meals.
Transportation Costs: How to Get to Bora Bora and Getting Around
How to Get to Bora Bora
- International flight to Tahiti: $1,300-2,300 round-trip from the U.S.
- Domestic flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora: $380-480 round-trip
- Total flight cost per person: $1,680-2,780
According to Air Tahiti, prices increase during high season, and flights should be booked 4-6 months in advance for the best rates.
Getting Around Bora Bora
- Airport/resort boat transfers: $110-170 round trip per person
- Water taxi between resort and main island: $30-45 each way
- Bicycle rental: $25-40 per day
- Car rental: $100-130 per day (limited availability)
- Scooter rental: $55-85 per day
Money-saving tip: Purchase a multi-day bicycle rental if staying on the main island, as the island is small enough to explore by bike.
Activity and Attraction Costs
Even the island’s natural attractions often come with costs:
- Lagoon tour (half-day): $110-160 per person
- Shark and ray feeding excursion: $110-140 per person
- Jet ski tour (2 hours): $180-240
- Snorkeling equipment rental: $15-25 per day
- Private boat tour: $320-850 depending on duration and group size
- Group boat tour: $110-160 per person
- Spa treatments: $160-320
Hiking remains one of the more affordable activities, with trails like Mount Pahia offering spectacular views for free (though hiring a guide is recommended at $70-100).
Is Bora Bora More Expensive Than Maldives?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is “is Bora Bora more expensive than Maldives?” Let’s compare:
| Category | Bora Bora | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Flight costs from U.S. | $1,680-2,780 | $1,500-2,500 |
| Overwater bungalow | $850-3,300+ | $650-2,800+ |
| Average meal cost | $50-100 per person | $40-90 per person |
| Activities | $110-250 per activity | $80-200 per activity |
| Transfer costs | $110-170 | $150-500 |
While costs are comparable, Bora Bora tends to be slightly more expensive than the Maldives for several reasons:
- Fewer resorts: Limited competition in Bora Bora compared to 150+ resorts in the Maldives
- All-inclusive options: The Maldives offers more all-inclusive packages
- Accessibility: The Maldives is more accessible from Europe and Asia
- Size and activities: Bora Bora offers more land-based activities and a central mountain
However, the Maldives typically has higher transfer costs from the main airport to resorts, which can offset some savings. The choice often comes down to location preference, desired activities, and travel style rather than cost alone.
How Expensive Is Bora Bora for a Week?
To understand how expensive is Bora Bora for a week, let’s break down costs for a typical 7-day trip:
Budget Option ($4,500-6,000 per person)
- Guesthouse accommodation: $1,400 ($200/night)
- Flights: $2,000
- Food: $700 ($100/day)
- Activities: $300 (mostly self-guided)
- Local transportation: $200
- Total: ~$4,600 per person
Mid-range Option ($7,000-10,000 per person)
- Resort accommodation (mix of garden and overwater): $5,250 ($750/night)
- Flights: $2,200
- Food: $1,200 ($170/day)
- Activities: $800 (several guided tours)
- Local transportation: $300
- Total: ~$9,750 per person
Luxury Option ($12,000-20,000+ per person)
- Luxury overwater bungalow: $10,500 ($1,500/night)
- Business class flights: $5,000
- Food and drinks: $1,750 ($250/day)
- Premium activities: $1,500 (private tours, spa treatments)
- Private transfers: $500
- Total: ~$19,250 per person
For couples sharing accommodations, the per-person cost is slightly lower due to shared room expenses.
Is Bora Bora Expensive for Day Trippers?
Many visitors consider experiencing Bora Bora as a day trip from Tahiti or other nearby islands. Is Bora Bora expensive for day visitors? Here’s a breakdown of minimum costs:
- Round-trip flight from Tahiti: $380-480
- Day tour package: $150-250 (including lunch and activities)
- Additional activities: $50-100
- Food/drinks: $50-80
- Total day trip cost: $630-910 per person
While day trips save on accommodation costs, they limit your experience of Bora Bora’s magic, particularly the stunning sunsets and early mornings when the lagoon is at its most beautiful.
Budget Tips and Strategies
Is Bora Bora expensive for tourists on a limited budget? While certainly not a budget destination, these strategies can help manage costs:
- Visit during shoulder season (April-May or November) for lower prices and fewer crowds
- Book accommodation well in advance (6-12 months) for better rates
- Stay on the main island instead of private resort islands for more affordable lodging
- Mix accommodation types with just 2-3 nights in an overwater bungalow
- Book a room with kitchenette facilities to prepare some meals
- Bring snacks and essentials from home or purchase in Tahiti
- Book a package deal that includes flights, accommodation, and some meals
- Limit alcoholic beverages which are particularly expensive
- Take advantage of free activities like snorkeling from public beaches
- Consider a cruise that includes Bora Bora in its itinerary
Is Bora Bora Expensive to Visit? The Final Verdict
Is Bora Bora expensive to visit? Undeniably yes. It ranks among the world’s premium destinations with prices to match its exclusivity and limited space. The island’s natural beauty, iconic overwater bungalows, and pristine lagoon command premium prices across all categories.
However, many visitors find that Bora Bora’s stunning landscapes, azure waters, and elegant atmosphere provide value despite the high costs. By traveling during shoulder season, being selective about splurges, and applying the budget strategies outlined above, you can experience the essence of Bora Bora without completely breaking the bank.
For those with flexible budgets seeking a uniquely beautiful Mediterranean island experience, Bora Bora’s premium prices are offset by genuinely world-class scenery, ambiance, and that special feeling that comes from standing on one of the world’s most famous and sought-after destinations.
Whether you choose to splurge on a luxury stay or visit as a strategic day-tripper, experiencing Bora Bora’s beauty firsthand helps answer the question of why is Bora Bora so expensive—because there’s truly nowhere else quite like it.
Traveling to Bora Bora? Don’t Forget Your Luggage Storage Solution
When planning your Bora Bora adventure, consider how to handle your luggage during layovers in Tahiti or other connection points. Radical Storage offers convenient and affordable luggage storage solutions in major transit hubs worldwide, allowing you to explore freely during extended layovers without dragging your bags along.
For just €5 per bag per day, Radical Storage’s network of local businesses (called “Angels”) will securely store your luggage while you make the most of every moment of your journey to paradise. Download the app or visit the website to find convenient locations near your transit points.
This article was last updated in June , 2025, with the most current pricing information available. Prices may vary based on season, exchange rates, and specific providers.
