How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a dream destination on almost every traveler's bucket list. It's a perfect destination with turquoise water, overwater bungalows, and sunsets that look straight out of a movie. But before you start packing, one big question comes up: How much does it actually cost to travel to Bora Bora?

This guide covers what you'll spend on flights, accommodation, food, activities, other essentials, and smart tips to help you save.

Why does Bora Bora cost so much?

The main reason Bora Bora is pricey is its location. It's part of French Polynesia, a chain of islands in the South Pacific, and everything from food to fuel has to be imported. There's also limited accommodation, most catering to the luxury market. Even basic guesthouses charge more than you'd pay in other island destinations simply because supplies are costly to ship in.

Getting there also adds to the total. You'll first fly into Tahiti (Papeete) and then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora. That short, 50-minute trip with Air Tahiti costs between $250 and $400 round-trip, depending on the season.

All that said, there's a reason people save for this trip: Bora Bora really does live up to the hype.

How much does it cost to travel to Bora Bora?

According to several reliable sources, including Radical Storage and Travellers Worldwide, a one-week vacation in Bora Bora usually costs between $3,500 and $20,000 per person, depending on your style of travel.

Budget travelers

If you're careful with your spending, you can visit Bora Bora for about $3,500 to $4,500. You'd stay in small guesthouses or family lodges that cost around $100–$200 per night, eat at local snack bars or food trucks where meals cost $10–$20, and join small-group lagoon tours starting at $80–$120. International flights to Tahiti average $1,200–$1,800, with another few hundred for the inter-island flight.

You'll spend most of your free time exploring beaches, swimming, and snorkeling. Many visitors rent a bike for around $20 daily to get around the island.

Midrange travelers

A comfortable midrange trip typically costs between $5,000 and $8,000 per person for one week. You might stay in a resort or a hotel with garden or beach bungalows for $300–$600 a night, and enjoy a mix of local and resort dining. Meals at midrange restaurants cost $25–$50 each, while casual spots are cheaper.

Flights comprise a large part of the total: around $1,500–$2,000 for international travel and $300–$400 for the domestic leg. Add in some excursions, like a shark and ray lagoon tour or a sunset cruise for $100–$200, and your total lands around $6,000, depending on the season.

Luxury travelers

If you want the full Bora Bora experience, overwater bungalow, private transfers, spa days, and fine dining, expect to spend $10,000 to $20,000 or more per person.

A guide from Air Tahiti Nui notes that overwater villas at top resorts like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, or Conrad start around $1,200–$2,500 a night, and fine dining dinners easily reach $100–$200 per person. Private lagoon tours or helicopter rides can add another few hundred dollars to your budget.

For travelers who prefer booking a full package, Costco Travel lists vacation bundles including flights and five-night stays, starting around $3,800 per person, but luxury options can be much higher.

How to save on your Bora Bora trip

Book early and track flight prices

Flights are one of the biggest expenses when visiting Bora Bora. Because the island is small and served by limited routes, fares can jump quickly as seats fill up. Start watching flights at least three to six months before your planned travel date. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak let you track prices and set alerts. Buying early can save you 20–30% compared to last-minute bookings.  If you're flexible, try adjusting your departure city; sometimes flying into Los Angeles or San Francisco first (for U.S. travelers) before heading to Tahiti can cut the overall cost.

Use airline miles or travel points

If you've been collecting credit card rewards or frequent flyer miles, Bora Bora is one of the best places to use them. Flights to Tahiti are long and often pricey so that redeeming points can cover your cost. Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, and United have partner networks that let you use miles for the long-haul segment to Papeete. You'll pay a smaller fare for the short inter-island hop to Bora Bora. Even hotel chains like Hilton or IHG allow you to book with points, saving hundreds per night if you plan early.

Travel with friends or family

Accommodation is one of the biggest variables in your budget. Sharing a room or villa with friends or relatives can make a major difference, especially since many resorts charge per bungalow rather than per person. For example, if a beach bungalow costs $500 a night, splitting it between two or three people reduces your share to a much more manageable price. Group travel also helps with transfers, boat tours, and even meals since you can share rides or order platters instead of individual dishes.

Pack smart and bring essentials

Because everything on the island has to be imported, even simple things like sunscreen, toothpaste, and snacks cost far more than they do at home. A small bottle of sunscreen can cost $25 or more in resort shops, and basic toiletries aren't much cheaper. Bringing your travel-size products and snacks saves money and time spent hunting for them later.

If you're traveling as a digital nomad or remote worker, packing lightweight essentials like a portable charger, reusable water bottle, and basic medicine is worth it. Bora Bora is beautiful but remote, so you don't want to depend on last-minute purchases.

Money and currency tips

Bora Bora uses the CFP Franc (XPF). The rate usually stays close to 1 USD = 110 XPF, but it's smart to check XE.com before travel.

Most resorts and restaurants accept major credit cards. Still, small shops, food trucks, and taxis often prefer cash in their local currency. ATMs are limited and are mostly only available in larger resorts, so withdraw enough when you arrive in Tahiti or bring a prepaid travel card.

When paying by card, always pay in local currency (XPF) you'll get a better exchange rate than if the vendor converts it to USD.

Entry, visa, and health info

Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, a French overseas territory. If you're from the U.S., U.K., EU, or Canada, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.

No special vaccinations are required, though travel insurance is strongly recommended. For official guidance, check the U.S. State Department's French Polynesia page.

So, how much does it really cost to travel to Bora Bora? The answer is about $3,000 on a tight budget, around $6,000 for a comfortable stay, and $15,000 or more for luxury.

It's not cheap, but it's one of those rare places that lives up to every photo you've ever seen. Plan ahead. Set up a travel fund early. Use Pesa to handle currency exchange and remittances without high bank fees.

‍