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South Pacific Journey. Bora Bora. French Polynesia. April 2025

 Exploring Bora Bora: A Journey of Unexpected Adventures

14th April 2025
My journey to Bora Bora was supposed to start with an early morning flight, but plans change. The airline changed my flight time to 14:10, giving me plenty of time to pack up and head to the airport. After the fiasco I’d encountered with excess baggage fees in Honolulu, I was determined not to let anything go wrong this time.

Arriving at Papette Airport, I decided to take advantage of the left luggage lockers available in the arrivals hall. 

These self-automated lockers are super convenient and work with a credit card. They offer a variety of sizes, and even the “small” locker was roomy enough for my needs. 

If you’re traveling in and around Tahiti and have some extra bags or need to offload luggage before a flight, these lockers are a real lifesaver!

PPT Airport Tahiti 

PPT Airport Tahiti 

Aircraft to Bora Bora 
Once my luggage was safely stored, I checked in for my Air Tahiti flight. Unlike Hawaiian Airlines the lady who check us in was not worried about weighing the baggage! 

Air Tahiti doesn’t assign seats, so when they called for boarding, it turned into a bit of a scramble for the best spots. Thankfully, the flight was smooth, and despite the small aircraft, I was pleasantly surprised by the snacks and drinks offered during the 50-minute flight.



Bora Bora Airport Ferry 


Arriving in Bora Bora was nothing short of breath-taking. The airport is located on one of the islands in the lagoon, so we were transported by shuttle ferry to the main town. The efficiency of the whole process was remarkable; our luggage arrived before we did and was quickly loaded onto the ferry.

Once we reached the ferry port in Vaitape, we were greeted by a lovely representative from the Maitai Hotel. The hotel’s warm welcome, complete with drinks and beautiful shell necklaces, set the tone for a relaxing stay. The Maitai Hotel was ideal: clean, comfortable, and with an in-house restaurant offering delicious meals. We dined at the hotel on the first night, then ventured across the road to another restaurant by the beach for drinks.



15th April 2025
Despite some ominous weather forcast predicting unsettled conditions due to from a cyclone brewing near New Zealand, the morning was sunny. 

We took advantage of the good weather and rented a small motorboat to explore the lagoon. The seas were rough, so we stuck to one side of the lagoon, navigating with the help of a map and a few pointers on how to avoid coral. It was a fun adventure, even though climbing in and out of the boat was a bit tricky.



For dinner, we walked to the Lucky House Restaurant. If you’re ever in Bora Bora, don’t miss this spot! Their food and drinks were fantastic, and the atmosphere was laid-back and welcoming.

16th April 2025
A dull, overcast morning greeted us, so we decided to book a 4x4 tour of the island with Tupuna Tours. Our guide was fantastic, and we made our way up steep, winding tracks to the TV tower, the Bora Bora Masson Art Gallery, and the Polynesian temple with its eerie “human sacrifice rock.” From the top, we got panoramic views of the island—both sides of it!








The afternoon was spent lounging on the hotel’s small beach, and we wrapped up the day with another visit to the Lucky House for dinner. The holiday rhythm was setting in, and despite a small mishap when I slipped on a wet pavement (which also ruined my gel nails—devastating!), the day was unforgettable.

17th April 2025
Today, we set off for an incredible experience—a deep-sea Aqua Safari. 

A speedboat took us into the lagoon, where we became underwater explorers, seeing Bora Bora's marine life up close and personal. If you’re looking for something more immersive than traditional snorkelling or scuba diving, this is the activity to try. The feeling of floating through the clear, blue waters, surrounded by vibrant sea life, was otherworldly.




After the Aqua Safari, we went for dinner at St. Jack’s Restaurant in Vaitape. The mix of French and Polynesian cuisine was a perfect blend of cultures.




18th April 2025
The weather took a turn for the worse, with more rain and unpredictable conditions. We rented a car and drove around the island, visiting the remnants of USA WWII guns scattered across the island. It’s fascinating to see the historical landmarks still standing amidst the tropical beauty.











By evening, the rain intensified, and despite it not being cyclone season - we were treated to a full-on cyclone experience. With water flooding the path, we took off our shoes and waded through the makeshift river to the hotel restaurant for dinner. It was a memorable end to our last day at the hotel Bora Bora, as everyone at the hotel found themselves in the same soggy situation. The wet conditions couldn’t dampen our spirits, though, and it was another night of great food and wonderful company.

Tips for Travelers to Bora Bora:

  1. Left Luggage at Papette Airport: If you're arriving early or have extra luggage, use the self-service lockers in the arrivals hall. It’s a simple, secure way to offload your bags without worrying about extra baggage fees.

  2. Air Tahiti: The flight is short, but be prepared for a rush when it comes to seat assignments! It’s a bit chaotic but adds to the excitement.

  3. Rent a Boat: Explore the lagoon from the water. It’s a fun and flexible way to see the beauty of Bora Bora, especially when the weather cooperates.

  4. Lucky House Restaurant: Great food, excellent drinks, and a friendly vibe. Make sure to stop by if you’re in Bora Bora!

  5. Aqua Safari: If you’re into unique experiences, I highly recommend the Aqua Safari. It’s a different way to explore Bora Bora’s undersea world.

  6. Cyclone Season: If you’re traveling during cyclone season (usually November-March), keep an eye on the weather. Although it wasn’t the sunny paradise I’d expected, the island’s charm never fades.

  7. Historical Tours: Don’t miss out on the Tupuna Tours 4x4 trip or a visit to the WWII gun remnants. It’s a fascinating way to explore Bora Bora beyond its beaches.

Bora Bora is often called “paradise on Earth,” but as with any destination, unexpected weather or travel hiccups can arise. Despite the occasional rainstorm and the challenge of navigating the airport and getting around, it remains a must-visit for anyone looking for stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a mix of adventure and relaxation.

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Bora Bora’s charm is undeniable, and while the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, the experience is always magical!

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