Is Bora Bora in Tahiti?
Not exactly. Bora Bora and Tahiti are two separate islands, about 255 km (160 miles) apart. Both belong to the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France. The mix-up comes from marketing: the tourism board calls the whole territory "The Islands of Tahiti," which covers 118 islands in five archipelagos. So Bora Bora is in "Tahiti" the region, but not on Tahiti the island.
When people say they are "flying to Tahiti," they mean Faa'a International Airport (PPT), about 5 km from the capital, Papeete. It is French Polynesia's only international airport. Everyone heading to Bora Bora lands there first.
Tahiti vs Bora Bora by the numbers
| Tahiti | Bora Bora | |
|---|---|---|
| Land area | About 1,045 km² | About 30 km² (main island) |
| Population (2022 census) | 191,779 | 10,758 |
| Highest peak | Mont Orohena, 2,241 m | Mount Otemanu, 727 m |
| Main town | Papeete (territorial capital) | Vaitape (village) |
| Airport | Faa'a (PPT), international | Motu Mute (BOB), domestic only |
Tahiti is home to about two-thirds of French Polynesia's people and is its business and political center. Greater Papeete is the territory's main urban area. Bora Bora is small and village-scale, built around its lagoon.
What Tahiti has that Bora Bora doesn't
- Papeete Market – the city's central market, known for local arts and crafts.
- Museum of Tahiti and the Islands – an ethnographic museum of Polynesian culture in Punaauia, founded in 1974.
- Big-wave surfing – Teahupo'o on Tahiti Iti, the island's smaller southeastern half, hosted the surfing event of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Heiva i Tahiti – the territory's main July festival of traditional culture, dance, music and sports, including a long-distance outrigger canoe race.
Bora Bora's strengths are its lagoon and its motus. Almost thirty of these sandy, palm-covered islets sit along the reef, some small enough to walk across in a couple of minutes, and they are where you find the white sand that Tahiti mostly lacks. Most of the luxury resorts and their overwater bungalows are built on or beside them.
Getting from Tahiti to Bora Bora
- By air: Air Tahiti and Air Moana fly Papeete–Bora Bora in about 50 minutes. Domestic flights allow only 5 kg of carry-on, and standard checked bags are 23 kg.
- By sea: The Apetahi Express ferry takes about 7 hours via Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a, from about 7,000 XPF one way.
- On arrival: Bora Bora's airport is on an islet, Motu Mute. A free airline shuttle boat runs to Vaitape in about 15 minutes, and motu resorts send their own (usually paid) boats.
Fun fact: Bora Bora's airstrip, built by US forces in World War II, was French Polynesia's only international airport until Faa'a opened in 1960. For timetables and tips, see Papeete to Bora Bora.
More questions
Should I stay in Tahiti before or after Bora Bora?
If your international flight doesn't connect the same day with a flight to Bora Bora, plan a night near Papeete. With a spare day, Papeete Market and the museum make a good half-day visit.
Is Tahiti or Bora Bora better for a honeymoon?
For most couples, Bora Bora is the main stay and Tahiti is the stopover. Bora Bora has the lagoon views and the high-end overwater resorts. Tahiti is better for a night or two of culture and markets on the way in or out. See our Bora Bora honeymoon guide.
Do I need a separate visa for Bora Bora?
No. Tahiti and Bora Bora are in the same territory with the same entry rules. US citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, and immigration is handled when you land at Faa'a.
