Explore the Best Beaches in Bora Bora

You probably know that Bora Bora’s lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, inventing shades of blue that you didn’t even know existed. However, does Bora Bora have beautiful beaches to match this incredible lagoon?

It seems too good to be true, but the answer is yes. You won’t find endless kilometers of uninterrupted public beaches in Bora Bora, but you will find little slices of sandy heaven—almost always attached to a resort—scattered around the main island and the motu (islets) dotted around the lagoon.

While public beaches are few and far between, there’s good news: Bora Bora’s main official public beach, Matira Beach, is considered one of the best on the island. Starting with Matira Beach and working clockwise around the lagoon, here are eight of the best beaches in Bora Bora to kickstart your island dream.

Family Perfection at Matira Beach

Best Beach for Families

If Derek Zoolander were to describe Matira Beach, he would probably opt for “really, really, ridiculously good looking.” It’s hard to imagine needing a resort beach after soaking up the sun on this gorgeous public beach, regarded by many as the best on the island.

The white sand and clear waters stretch from Hotel Matira on the southern tip of Bora Bora’s mainland up to near the now-closed Hotel Bora Bora. As Matira Beach is public, you will find both locals and tourists enjoying a swim, relaxing on the sand, or wading out for a spot of snorkeling.

Scattered along Matira Beach are eateries ranging from snack stands and casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Therefore, with its beautiful sunsets and calm water, this beach is a top spot for families by day and provides a great romantic setting for couples at sunset.

Sublime Snorkeling at Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort

Best Beach for Beginner Snorkelers

Moving away from the main island, the private island of Motu To’opua is home to the luxurious Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort, a great choice for snorkeling and sand-worshipping. The beach at the Conrad is approximately 500m (1640ft) in length, with the entrance jetty located in the middle.

In contrast to many other resort beaches, the sand faces the lagoon and not the main island, providing stunning views of infinite shades of blue. Although it’s picturesque, this view is somewhat dominated by the overwater bungalows, which may not appeal to those seeking a Robinson Crusoe experience.

The best aspect of this beach is the ability to snorkel directly from the sand, discovering coral and colorful fish just meters from the shoreline. Consequently, it becomes an ideal beach for beginner snorkelers or those who aren’t strong swimmers. If you’ve booked an overwater bungalow, it’s snorkeling heaven; you can jump in right from your porch!

Motu Tapu is Just Right for Romance

Best Romantic Beach for a Proposal in Bora Bora

The tiny lagoon island of Motu Tapu is owned by the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort, and while it lacks in size, it makes up for it in romantic possibilities, particularly if you arrive with your own personal chef and butler for a private meal for two.

Once the private beach of Queen Pomare IV, Motu Tapu is surrounded by a clear lagoon that turns a vivid blue as the water deepens, with views of Bora Bora’s mountainous main island. It’s the ideal vision of a desert island escape—if you were the queen of Tahiti, you’d likely choose this for your private beach as well.

Although you may feel compelled to take countless photographs, a trip to this beach-ringed motu is best enjoyed by putting your phone down and committing the stunning scenery to memory.

Relax Your Heart Out at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort

Best Beach for Hammock Lounging

Continuing clockwise around the lagoon, the island of Tevairoa is home to the lavish Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort (also known as Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resort), featuring an approximate 300m (984ft) stretch of pristine sand. This coral islet lies between the ocean and lagoon, with the Pearl Beach resort facing the mainland and the iconic profile of 727m (3285ft) Mount Otemanu.

The misty line of mountains in the background, the Polynesian-style architecture of the resort, and the sublime lagoon vistas invite relaxation—sink into a hammock or collapse onto a beach lounger under a sun umbrella. Just don’t doze off and miss those lovely Polynesian views!

The prime location of this beach is perhaps its most appealing feature, offering private island benefits and luxe resort amenities, yet remaining only a ten-minute boat ride from the airport and 15-minutes across the lagoon from Bora Bora’s main village, Vaitape.

See a More Rustic Side to Bora Bora at Blue Heaven Island Resort

Best for Informal Island Charm

Just before reaching the airport on Mute Island, you’ll pass the private island of Motu Paahi and the agreeably informal Blue Heaven Island resort. This quaint, family-run five-bungalow pension boasts a natural yet narrow beach, describing itself as rustic, meaning ceiling fans instead of air conditioning, a lagoon instead of a pool, and solar electricity with wifi that depends on the weather.

The shoreline is rockier, but the perspective remains captivating, with a splendid view of the mountains against the blue waters, just like the more upscale resorts. The best part about this beach is the epic snorkeling and kayaking available just offshore. Some pricier resorts even bring in their guests by boat to snorkel in the channel right next to this motu; staying here places you in a prime location.

See How the Other Half Live at Motu Tane

Best for Those with (Very) Deep Pockets

Motu Tane is a small island located next to Motu Paahi, but only an exclusive few can enjoy its stunning beaches, regarded as some of the best in Bora Bora. The reason? The islet is privately owned by cosmetics mogul Francois Nars. At the time of writing, Motu Tane was listed for sale at a remarkable USD $39 million.

If you can manage that, you can still gaze across to the island from Motu Paahi, imagining owning your own private paradise island surrounded by white sand and dotted with Polynesian huts and coconut groves. Given its proximity to Blue Heaven Island resort, you can assume that the snorkeling opportunities are excellent here as well.

The Four Seasons is Bora Bora’s Top Resort

Best Beach Resort in Bora Bora

Continuing clockwise to the northeastern side of Bora Bora’s lagoon, beyond the airport on Mute Island, the celebrated beach at the Four Seasons Resort boasts amazing views of Mount Otemanu from its main stretch of sand.

However, what we truly adore is the collection of “mini beaches” lining the turquoise channels leading to the internal lagoon on this narrow island. Once you see them, you may consider selling everything to relocate here. The main beach and sandy strips surrounding the inner lagoon exude luxury. Combined with four onsite restaurants and superb accommodations, you’ve found the finest beach resort in Bora Bora.

Escape to Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island

Best for Privacy

Circling back towards the southern end of Bora Bora, you’ll find Motu Piti Uu Uta, home to Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island (distinct from Hotel Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort on the mainland just across the water).

Although the beach is small and may shrink significantly with the tide, its charm lies in its privacy and the beauty of the surrounding lagoon. For the best views, take a quick stroll up the hill behind the resort, where you’ll find deck chairs to admire the sunset over the lagoon.

Moreover, although snorkeling directly off the beach is decent, if you swim or wade around to the deeper channel on the southern side, you’ll find prime locations often visited by snorkeling tours. Fish life is abundant here, so be mindful not to get too tired or consider bringing something to float on.