Bora Bora Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Bora Bora airport sits on Motu Mute, a small islet separate from the main island: there is no road connecting it to the rest of Bora Bora, so every transfer starts by boat, public or private. Air Tahiti runs a free shuttle that reaches Vaitape, the only village, in about 15 minutes; the luxury resorts on the private motu instead send their own boat to pick up guests directly at the airport. Anyone heading to Matira, on the main island, combines boat plus taxi and arrives about 30 minutes later than someone staying on a motu near the runway.

The private motu, the overwater resorts

Neighbourhood · Each resort sends its own private boat directly to the airport jetty: 15 minutes for the Four Seasons (Motu Tehotu) and for the St. Regis (Motu Ome'e), 15-20 minutes for the Westin (Motu Tape), 20-25 minutes for the Conrad Bora Bora Nui (Motu To'opua).

Best for: Honeymoons and luxury stays in overwater bungalows, for anyone who doesn't need to leave the resort during the stay.

Pros

Door-to-door transfer by private boat, included or bookable in advance with the resort
Overwater bungalows with direct access to the coral reef, no need to travel to go snorkelling

Cons

You stay isolated from the village of Vaitape: dinner and evening life are almost always inside the resort, at high menu prices
The boat transfer has to be coordinated in advance with the flight time, often with at least 72 hours' notice

Recommended hotels in this area

Conrad Bora Bora Nui: On Motu To'opua, in a private bay; 114 rooms spanning beach villas and overwater bungalows, including the lagoon's only two-storey presidential villas.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: On Motu Tehotu, with a 15-minute transfer on the resort's dedicated yachts; among the island's highest ratings, with a direct view of Mount Otemanu from the lagoon.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: On Motu Ome'e, 15-20 minutes by boat from the airport; the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia, with glass floors over the lagoon and a dedicated butler around the clock.
Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa: On Motu Tape, with a view of Mount Otemanu; the largest number of overwater bungalows on the island, some with a private pool, and a sea turtle recovery centre.

See more hotels in this area →

Matira, on the main island

Neighbourhood · From the airport you first reach Vaitape with the free Air Tahiti shuttle (about 15 minutes), then another 15-20 minutes by taxi along the coast to Matira, about 7 km from the village.

Best for: For anyone who wants Bora Bora's most beautiful public beach, a few restaurants outside the resort and a more modest budget than the private motu.

Pros

Matira Beach, the island's only extensive public white-sand beach, within walking distance
A few independent restaurants nearby, an alternative to the resort menus

Cons

The transfer requires two legs (boat plus taxi), longer than a direct transfer to a motu
Outside Matira itself, evening trips still require a car or a taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort: Right on Matira Point, 4 minutes on foot from the public beach; beach and overwater bungalows more affordable than the private motu, while still on the main island.
Fare Manava: Holiday home a few steps from Matira Beach, with two bedrooms, kitchen and a sea-view terrace; free bicycles included for getting around along the coast.

See more hotels in this area →