How Much Does Bora Bora Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bora Bora is globally recognized as a premier luxury destination, where daily costs are significantly higher than most tropical escapes. For independent travelers staying in local guesthouses, a daily budget of $256 / XPF 26,000 is typical, while the iconic luxury experience averages around $2,170 / XPF 220,000 per day. Costs are driven by the island's remote geography, with almost all goods imported and high prices for private motu (islet) transfers. While it is more expensive than popular islands in Southeast Asia, the availability of public beaches and local 'snacks' on the main island provides a pathway for those looking to experience the lagoon without the five-star price tag. Expect to pay a premium for any activities involving motorized boats or resort-based dining.
Is Bora Bora expensive to visit?
Bora Bora is an exceptionally expensive destination—expect to spend between $256 / XPF 26,000 and $2,170 / XPF 220,000 per day depending on whether you choose a local guesthouse or a luxury overwater bungalow.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bora Bora
$256
per person /day
$641
per person /day
$2,170
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $770 | $1,923 | $6,510 |
| 5-Day Trip | $1,282 | $3,206 | $10,850 |
| 7-Day Trip | $1,795 | $4,488 | $15,189 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
Maintain a 15% buffer to cover mandatory resort transfer/destination fees (often $94–$177+ / XPF 9,546–XPF 17,900+ depending on resort) and potential Air Tahiti excess baggage fees of $4.94 / XPF 501/kg if your luggage exceeds the strict 23kg limit. These incidental costs, along with high prices for basic necessities like $2.47 / XPF 251 bottled water, can quickly impact a tight budget.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bora Bora stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bora Bora
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Resort Breakfast Buffet (typical) Often ~$53–$71+ / XPF 5,370–XPF 7,160+. | $56 XPF 5,728 |
| Local 'Snack' Meal (Poisson Cru) Casual dining at a 'snack' is much cheaper than resorts. ~$22 / XPF 2,200. | $22 XPF 2,200 |
| Large Bottled Water (Supermarket) Buy at Chin Lee supermarket in Vaitape to save significant money vs resort prices (~$2.47 / XPF 251). | $2.47 XPF 251 |
| Domestic Beer (Hinano at Bar) Standard price for the local 'Beer of Tahiti' at a casual bar. ~$8.87 / XPF 900. | $8.87 XPF 900 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport Boat Shuttle (Air Tahiti Passengers) Free for passengers arriving on Air Tahiti flights. Others may pay a fee or use resort boats. | $0 XPF 0 |
| Bicycle Rental (Full Day) The best way to explore the 32km circumference of the main island. Costs about ~$20 / XPF 2,000. | $20 XPF 2,000 |
| Scooter Rental (8 Hours) Convenient for navigating the main road's hills. Approximately ~$69 / XPF 7,000. | $69 XPF 7,000 |
| Taxi Ride (Vaitape to Matira) Prices double after 18:00. Always confirm the fare before departing. ~$25 / XPF 2,500. | $25 XPF 2,500 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouse (Village Temanuata) One of the few budget-friendly options on the main island near Matira Beach. Roughly ~$192 / XPF 19,451 per night. | $192 XPF 19,500 |
| Mid-range Hotel (Maitai Polynesia) Located on the main island, offering a balance of amenities and beach access. From ~$241 / XPF 24,463/night (garden room) to ~$354 / XPF 35,918/night (ocean view), taxes included. | $241 XPF 24,463 |
| Luxury Overwater Bungalow (St. Regis) Iconic luxury experience on a private motu. Price varies significantly by season. From ~$1,190+ / XPF 120,643+ per night (incl. taxes/fees). | $1,190 XPF 120,643 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Lagoon Snorkeling Group Tour (Half Day) Includes stops for sharks, rays, and coral gardens. ~$123 / XPF 12,500. | $123 XPF 12,500 |
| 4x4 Jeep Safari Tour Covers WW2 cannons and panoramic viewpoints of Mount Otemanu. ~$104 / XPF 10,500. | $104 XPF 10,500 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Vini Travel Card (Tourist SIM/eSIM, 20GB) Official tourist pack, ~$39 / XPF 3,938 (incl. tax). 40GB option available for ~$79 / XPF 7,995. | $39 XPF 3,938 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Resort dining is pricey—breakfast buffets are commonly ~$53–$71+ / XPF 5,370–XPF 7,160+. Local snacks/roulottes are the value play (often ~$12–$24 / XPF 1,193–XPF 2,387 for a plate), and Fare Manuia / The Lucky House is a reliable mid-priced option. Basic domestic beers like Hinano typically run $8.87 / XPF 900 at local bars. Note: Bloody Mary's has been closed for renovation/hotel construction and is targeting reopening in Q2 2026—check status before planning a night there.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Vaitape Roulottes (evening food trucks)
$12–$24 / XPF 1,193–XPF 2,387Vaitape · Food trucks
Best true-budget dinners on the island; go early for the widest choice of freshly prepared plates.
Lucky House (Fare Manuia)
$22–$39 / XPF 2,200–XPF 4,000Matira · Local chain
Great for families; their wood-fired pizzas are the best value on the island (~$21 / XPF 2,148).
Snack Matira
$15–$28 / XPF 1,500–XPF 2,799Matira Beach · Street food area
Right on the beach; perfect for a quick lunch while swimming. ~$14–$27 / XPF 1,432–XPF 2,745.
Roulotte Matira
$12–$25 / XPF 1,200–XPF 2,500Matira · Street food area
Food trucks (Roulottes) offer the cheapest dinners on the island (~$12–$25 / XPF 1,193–XPF 2,506).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The most efficient way to navigate the 32km circumference of the main island is by bicycle for $20 / XPF 2,000 per day, as taxi rides from Vaitape to Matira cost roughly $25 / XPF 2,500 and double in price after 18:00. While the Air Tahiti boat shuttle from the airport to Vaitape is free for passengers, travelers staying on private motus should prepare for expensive private resort speedboat transfers.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses like Village Temanuata at ~$192 / XPF 19,451 to ultra-luxury overwater villas at the St. Regis from ~$1,190+ / XPF 120,643+ per night. Mid-range travelers often find the best value at hotels like Maitai Polynesia (from ~$241 / XPF 24,463 for garden rooms, ~$354 / XPF 35,918 for ocean view), which offers beach access on the main island near local amenities. Many resort-level stays run ~$765–$1,059+ / XPF 77,565–XPF 107,397+ (incl. taxes/fees), while top-tier 5-star resorts range ~$1,177–$1,766+ / XPF 119,330–XPF 178,995+ (higher for premium villa categories or peak season).
Accommodation Budget in Bora Bora
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Stay on the main island near Matira Beach (e.g., Village Temanuata) to avoid the high costs of private boat transfers required by motu resorts.
- 2 Stock up on snacks and large bottled water at Chin Lee supermarket in Vaitape for $2.47 / XPF 251 to avoid the 300% markups at resort boutiques.
- 3 Purchase alcohol at the duty-free shop at Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti before flying to Bora Bora to save on $8.87 / XPF 900 beer and expensive cocktails.
- 4 Rent a bicycle for $20 / XPF 2,000 for the full day instead of a scooter for $69 / XPF 7,000 to explore the island's coastline at a fraction of the cost.
- 5 Eat lunch at local 'snacks' or 'roulottes' (food trucks) such as Snack Matira or Roulotte Matira where meals cost around $22 / XPF 2,200.
- 6 Utilize the free Air Tahiti ferry from the airport to Vaitape rather than paying for a private resort shuttle, then take a $25 / XPF 2,500 taxi to your hotel.
- 7 Visit during the shoulder months of February or March for the lowest accommodation rates, though be prepared for temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F) and occasional rain.
- 8 Book a group lagoon snorkeling tour for $123 / XPF 12,500 instead of a private charter to see sharks and rays for a much lower per-person rate.
- 9 Bring your own snorkeling gear to avoid daily rental fees that some smaller guesthouses may charge.
- 10 Look for 'Happy Hour' specials at bars like Lucky House (Fare Manuia) to enjoy discounted drinks before resort dinner service begins.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Mar
-25-30%
May, Oct, Nov
Peak season coincides with the dry season and European/US summer holidays. February and March offer the lowest rates but carry a risk of tropical rain/cyclones.
Events to Watch
- ● Heiva I Bora Bora (July): +40% hotels
- ● Hawaiki Nui Va'a (Oct/Nov): Significant crowd spike
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Sunbathe and swim at Matira Beach, the only public beach on the main island of Bora Bora.
- 2 Hike to the World War II coastal defense cannons at Fitiiu Point for views of the lagoon.
- 3 Explore the colorful murals and local craft stalls in the main village of Vaitape.
- 4 Snorkel the coral gardens located directly off the shore at Matira Point.
- 5 Visit the historical Marae Fare-Opu in Faanui to see ancient Polynesian stone temples.
- 6 Watch the sunset from the northern tip of the island near the Faanui Bay viewpoints.
- 7 Walk to the Protestant Maohi Church in Anau to see its traditional island architecture.
- 8 Follow the public trail to the Mount Otemanu viewpoint for panoramic photos (sturdy shoes required).
- 9 Watch the arrival of traditional outrigger canoes at the Vaitape pier.
- 10 Visit the turtle rehabilitation Eco Centre at The Westin Bora Bora (formerly Le Méridien)—access rules vary; check if a booking or day pass is required.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Motu Picnic & Lagoon Tour
Unbeatable romantic experience with a table set in the water and a private chef. ~$541 / XPF 54,892.
Overwater Bungalow Stay (1 Night)
The definitive Bora Bora experience; waking up with the lagoon under your floor is worth doing once. ~$1,479 / XPF 149,998.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bora Bora
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
CFP Franc (XPF)
1 $ ≈ 101 CFPF
Yes
Widely accepted in resorts and larger shops in Vaitape; cash required for small snacks and local pearl artisans.
Tipping is not customary or expected in French Polynesia. A service charge is often included in the bill. If service is exceptional, rounding up by ~$5.89 / XPF 597 is appreciated but never mandatory.
ATMs (Banque de Polynésie, SOCREDO) are only located in Vaitape village. Resorts often charge high exchange fees, so withdraw cash in town (~$3.53–$5.89 / XPF 358–XPF 597 fee per transaction).
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$41 for 1GB to 5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $39 / XPF 3,938 for 20GB (Vini Travel Card, incl. tax); $79 / XPF 7,995 for 40GB
WiFi: Available at major resorts and some cafés in Vaitape, but often slow.
Buy a Vini Travel Card at the airport on arrival for the most reliable coverage across the lagoon.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bora Bora.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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