Bora Bora & Tahiti Travel Tips

After many years of visiting the islands, we are often asked to list our favorite hotels and resorts in Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti. These conversations always seem to include the seductive overwater bungalows of Bora Bora. We have decided to share our list of the best Bora Bora hotels featuring overwater bungalows. As a bonus, we've included the specific room category that we believe provides the most value. Every hotel in our list below is open for business and welcoming guests in 2022. If you fall in love with a certain resort below, be sure to click the link for our detailed Hotel & Resort Overview.

When you think of Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti, you think of crystal clear water, serene beaches, overwater bungalows, and gorgeous sunsets. You can easily picture yourself in ultimate relaxation mode, getting away from your day-to-day stresses and worries. Although this image is attainable, the fact is that 60% of Americans admit to not being able to unplug while on vacation; now with all of the new capabilities of remote work, this task may be even harder. To truly enjoy all that Tahiti has to offer, here are some tips to get everything in order at home before your trip, so you can relax and unwind for your entire vacation.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the constantly evolving Entry Requirements for Bora Bora and the Islands of Tahiti. Thankfully, the Tahiti Travel Specialists at Venture Tahiti have been working hand-in-hand with Tahiti Tourisme to simplify and organize everything for you. We have combined the all of the new entry requirements published by Tahiti Tourisme, Air Tahiti Nui, the High Commission of French Polynesia, Los Angeles County, and the United States CDC, into a one-page, easy to follow, document named, The Venture Tahiti Pre-Flight Checklist.

Just the mention of “Tahiti” or “Bora Bora” evokes visions of an idyllic, tropical paradise. Islands filled with stunning beaches, crystal clear lagoon waters, overwater bungalows, and warm and welcoming Tahitian people. Join us for a quick overview of the islands.

Our Tahiti Specialists have compiled a summary of the entry requirements published for travel to French Polynesia. These protocols were in place prior to the current travel restriction imposed on February 3, 2021 and are accurate as of the date above. We expect these procedures to continue upon Tahiti's expected reopening on May 1, 2021. However, additional guidance by the French Polynesian government specific to the reopening in May is forthcoming. Please check back with us for updated guidance once it is released.

It is always very difficult to officially rank some of these hotels as everyone on our team has their favorites, for different and very personal reasons. However, to avoid a six-way tie, we have done our best, with surprisingly little conflict, to come to a consensus. Please join us as we share our favorite overwater bungalows in the rest of the Islands of Tahiti.

As the world adapts to travel in the modern age, we understand that your departure dates may need to change after your reservations are made. So, Venture Tahiti has introduced a new “Book with Confidence!” policy, which includes one FREE date change. With our new, more flexible booking policy, you can plan your future travel with complete peace of mind.

Venture Tahiti is closely monitoring the global Coronavirus situation, specifically as it relates to travel to French Polynesia. In an effort to ease your planning process, our Tahiti Specialists have compiled a comprehensive COVID-19 Travel Guide with real-time information related to traveling to Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Air Tahiti Nui has adopted the updated Entry Protocols for both French Polynesia and the United States of America. For the convenience of our clients and fellow travelers, Venture Tahiti has provided a detailed overview of the new Entry Requirements for each country. As a passenger on Air Tahiti Nui, you will be required to adhere to these new protocols, which include mandatory COVID-19 tests prior to each flight. We encourage you to read and become familiar with the following summaries, as well as the corresponding source materials.

The Islands of Tahiti have taken great steps to enhance their Health and Safety protocols to combat COVID-19 while also maintaining a relaxing and enjoyable environment for incoming guests. The airlines, airports, tour operators, hotels and excursion providers have all committed to these new efforts.

There are so many beautiful islands and resorts in the Islands of Tahiti that it is often overwhelming when you start to plan a trip. Whether you book on your own or through a Tahiti Specialist, there are many planning considerations to evaluate. Below are some of the questions that our clients ask us when we are getting to know them as we help them to plan the perfect Tahiti Honeymoon or Vacation. Some of the questions below are specific to working with Venture Tahiti. However, many are helpful for all travelers.

To better protect the visitors and citizens of French Polynesia, you will be asked to perform a Self Test for COVID-19 on the fourth day after your arrival in Tahiti.

Venture Tahiti is closely monitoring the global Coronavirus situation, specifically as it relates to travel to French Polynesia. In an effort to ease your planning process, our Specialists have compiled a comprehensive guide to COVID-19 testing and travel protocols.

Do you have questions about Travel Insurance? Why should you buy it? Is it expensive? Are all policies the same? Venture Tahiti recommends that you purchase travel insurance. We'll explain why...

Since the early 1990s, Venture Destinations Advisors, Consultants and Specialists have logged over 200 trips to the Islands of Tahiti and the South Pacific. Inside we share a list of items that our team members pack when they travel.

There are very few flights to Tahiti each day. International flights from the United States depart from either Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). To fly to Bora Bora, you must first fly to the main Island of Tahiti. (Please see our article titled, "Where is Tahiti", for further information on where Tahiti is located).

The weather in Bora Bora and Tahiti truly make the islands a year-round destination. French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather all year-round. Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant and one of the most stable on Earth. Because Tahiti and her Islands are below the Equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. The average annual ocean temperature is in the low 80’s.

Which islands to visit and how many islands you should visit depends a lot on how long you plan to stay in French Polynesia.We typically advise clients to spend at least 3 nights on each island in their itinerary (except possibly the Island of Tahiti). Spending less than 3 nights tends to make travelers feel too rushed. After all, you are going there to at least try to relax.

We are often asked about the cost of food in Bora Bora and Tahiti. Food tends to be a bit expensive in French Polynesia. It is on par with dining out in New York, Los Angeles or Honolulu. If you are trying to stick to a preferred travel budget, regardless of how much you plan to spend, the cost of dining in French Polynesia should be considered in your travel and vacation planning.

Our Certified Tahiti Specialists love nothing more than working with you to create thoughtful and inspiring Vacation and Honeymoon itineraries. Below is an overview of the booking process at Venture Tahiti.‍

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that St. Regis Bora Bora Resort has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that Pearl Resorts of Tahiti has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that ACCOR, the parent company of Sofitel Resorts, has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inside you will find a downloadable PDF explaining the enhanced health and sanitation measures that The Brando has adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air Tahiti Nui has taken very targeted measures to limit the risk to passengers in the age of COVID-19. In addition to the testing requirements prior to boarding, this short video gives a quick synopsis of the other measures that have been implemented for your safety.