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One of the most popular vacation destinations, Bora Bora, located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, is a tiny island where turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and volcanic landscapes covered in thick vegetation make travelling very special. The island with its barrier reefs and absolutely clear waters provides the wonders of snorkelling, diving, or a romantic get-away. There are also plenty of places to visit near Bora Bora like Tahaa and Raiatea, providing visitors with an insight into the unique, traditional Polynesian culture and pearl farms, with lots of uncrowded beaches.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Bora Bora
Here are the top 10 places to visit near Bora Bora, each offering unique natural beauty and cultural charm:
1. Tahaa
Photo: Gherardo Sava / Unsplash
Tahaa is famous for vanilla plantations and black pearl farms. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills, dense forests, and an adjacent lagoon buzzing with coral reefs. You can go snorkelling here and look at vibrant coral gardens and calm waters dotting colourful fishes. Around the island lie motives (little islets), known as picturesque hideaways. The culture thrives on Polynesian traditions, wherein the locals are generous and visitors usually dine during village feasts to sample the hosts’ gourmet cooking. It is possible to take tours of Tahaa to observe how vanilla is dried and how pearls are harvested.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 38 km southeast
Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes by boat from Bora Bora
Boat Transfer: 2,500 XPF / ₹210.70
Excursions: Half-day tours from 9,800 XPF / ₹825.75
2. Raiatea
Photo: Laurent Seignobos / Wikimedia Commons
Raiatea has been an important player in the cultural and historical aspects of Polynesia. It is referred to as the very soul of the region and the site of Marae Taputapuatea, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which was a temple complex in the past. It is also endowed with rainforests, mountain ranges, and winding rivers, providing hiking, kayaking, and archeological explorations. Raiatea has fertile valleys under cultivation, while lagoons offer snorkelling and sailing opportunities. Today, Raiatea is among the most prominent centres for sailing enthusiasts.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes by flight
Cultural Tours: Starting from 9,800 XPF / ₹825.75
3. Maupiti
Photo: Gherardo Sava / Unsplash
Maupiti, a hidden gem of old Polynesia, offers a serene escape untouched by high-end resorts. Its volcanic peak, Mount Teurafaatiu, rewards hikers with sweeping lagoon views, while crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs invite snorkelling among manta rays. The island’s small, welcoming villages, locally run guesthouses, and home-cooked meals add to its authentic charm. Maupiti is perfect for travellers seeking simplicity, seclusion, and a connection to island life, with ancient archaeological sites adding a rich historical dimension.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 55 km
Travel Time: 40 minutes by flight or 2 – 3 hours by boat
Guided Tours: Starting from 7,000 XPF / ₹591.22
4. Huahine
Photo: Matthew Dillon / Wikimedia Commons
Huahine, made up of two lush landmasses linked by a bridge, offers rich natural beauty and archaeological wonders. Ancient marae (temples), fish traps, and remnants from pre-European Polynesian society provide fascinating glimpses into the island’s heritage, often explored on guided tours. Its interior is covered in dense vegetation, tropical fruits, and vanilla plantations, while tranquil beaches invite snorkelling, paddleboarding, and swimming. Favoured for its relaxed, community-centred atmosphere over more commercialised destinations, Huahine delights visitors with friendly locals, vibrant markets, and the chance to bike or canoe around its serene lagoons.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 90 km
Travel Time: 30 minutes by flight
Cultural Tours: Starting from 10,000 XPF / ₹844.60
5. Moorea
Photo: Monster4711 / Wikimedia Commons
Renowned for its breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, verdant valleys, and aquamarine lagoons, Moorea is truly captivating. Its famous twin bays, Opunohu and Cook’s Bay, offer stunning vistas and a range of water activities, including kayaking, snorkelling, and feeding excursions with sharks and rays. Moorea’s pineapple plantations and tropical gardens showcase the island’s rich flora. Dolphins and whales are often spotted offshore, while local artists create vibrant pareos, wood carvings, and jewellery. Hikers and ATV enthusiasts alike enjoy trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 240 km
Travel Time: 50 minutes flight to Tahiti, then 30 minutes by ferry to Moorea
Dolphin Tours: Starting from 7,000 XPF / ₹591.22
6. Tikehau
Photo: Benoit Mahe / Wikimedia Commons
Tikehau is an unspoiled atoll celebrated for its circular coral reef and pink sand beaches. Its shallow, colourful lagoon teems with marine life, making it one of the premier snorkelling and scuba diving locations in French Polynesia. The tranquil waters host vibrant schools of fish, manta rays, and the occasional dolphin. Scattered with motus fringed by coconut trees and bird colonies, Tikehau is perfect for solitary walks and nature observation. Local villages embrace a simple lifestyle centred around fishing and crafts, while eco-lodges promote sustainable tourism, offering visitors a true escape into nature’s serenity.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 300 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by flight (via Rangiroa or Tahiti)
Diving / Snorkelling Excursions: Starting from 8,000 XPF / ₹674.65
7. Rangiroa
Photo: Frenchytahiti / Wikimedia Commons
Rangiroa, one of the largest atolls in the world, is a renowned scuba diving destination. Its vast lagoon teems with life, from coral gardens to marine species such as reef sharks, dolphins, and manta rays. Dive sites like Tiputa Pass are known for strong currents and thrilling encounters with large oceanic creatures. Beyond diving, Rangiroa offers secluded beaches, pearl farms, and traditional villages. The expansive lagoon is ideal for boating, fishing, and snorkelling. Visitors can also explore inland coconut plantations and learn about the atoll’s rich history and culture.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by flight
Dive Packages: Starting from 10,000 XPF / ₹843.30
8. Manihi
Photo: American / Wikimedia Commons
Manihi is a tranquil atoll famed for its traditional black pearl farms and crystalline blue lagoons. Its calm waters are perfect for snorkelling amid vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Welcoming locals open their pearl farms for tours, revealing the delicate art of cultivating these gems. Small, hospitable villages immerse visitors in everyday Polynesian life, where handicrafts, storytelling and fishing remain central. Fringed by coconut palms and sandy motus, Manihi’s dreamy sunsets and unspoilt landscapes offer a serene, culturally rich retreat.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 400 km
Travel Time: 2 hours by flight (via Rangiroa or Tahiti)
Pearl Farm Tours: Starting from 5,000 XPF / ₹421.65
9. Fakarava
Photo: Fanny98716 / Wikimedia Commons
Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcases remarkable biodiversity and pioneering conservation efforts. Its pristine lagoon and reefs shelter rare and endangered species, drawing divers and researchers from across the globe. Untouched coral gardens offer some of the finest diving experiences in the South Pacific, particularly at Garuae Pass, where schools of sharks, rays, and reef fish abound. Beyond its underwater wonders, Fakarava enchants with untouched motus, pink sand beaches, and a tranquil atmosphere that honours both nature’s beauty and cultural heritage.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 450 km
Travel Time: 1.5 – 2 hours by flight
Diving Tours: Starting from 10,000 XPF / ₹843.30
10. Tetiaroa
Photo: Saga70 / Wikimedia Commons
Tetiaroa is an exclusive atoll comprising twelve small islets encircling a central lagoon. Once a retreat for Tahitian royalty, it was later transformed by Marlon Brando into an eco-luxury haven. A sanctuary for seabirds, sea turtles, and reef fish, Tetiaroa places conservation at its heart, with research stations protecting its fragile ecosystem. Visitors can kayak through crystal-clear waters, relax on pristine beaches, and immerse themselves in Polynesian heritage. Tetiaroa exemplifies biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and natural beauty at its finest.
Distance From Bora Bora: Approximately 260 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes by charter flight from Tahiti
Day Tour From Tahiti: 60,000 – 84,000 XPF / ₹5,050 – 7,070
Exploring the surrounding islands reveals an exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Each destination offers its own unique magic — from serene lagoons and vibrant coral reefs to secluded pearl farms. These incredible places to visit near Bora Bora cater to every kind of traveller, whether you seek adventure, romance, or cultural discovery. Let TripXL plan your perfect island-hopping getaway and uncover the untouched wonders waiting just beyond Bora Bora’s dazzling turquoise horizon.
Cover Photo: Damien Chaudet / Unsplash
