How to Plan the Perfect Bora Bora Honeymoon — With Overwater Bungalows, Snorkeling Safaris, and Scenic Flights

So, you've married the love of your life at the ceremony of your dreams. Now, you deserve a vacation to celebrate your union — and the end of wedding planning. How about in an overwater bungalow with the South Pacific lapping beneath your feet? A small island packed with luxury resorts and otherworldly beauty, Bora Bora has all the trappings of a perfect honeymoon destination.

You've probably come across this French Polynesian oasis in your honeymoon research, but rest assured, there's more to it than meets the eye. Read on for more reasons to plan a Bora Bora getaway with your brand-new spouse, plus what to do — from lounging on private beaches to guided stargazing — and where to stay.

Why should you go to Bora Bora on your honeymoon? 

Once you see the tropical vegetation surrounded by vibrant lagoons and sugar-sand beaches, you won't need a lot of convincing to make Bora Bora your honeymoon destination. The island is a pure paradise, surrounded by warm, azure waters that beckon for a swim no matter the season. Its landscape is lush, its food divine, and its hotels are world-class. But above all, it's as secluded a destination as they come, making you feel like you're the only two people for miles (even if there are guests in the bungalow next door). 

How much does it cost to have a Bora Bora honeymoon? 

We won't sugarcoat it: A Bora Bora honeymoon can cost a pretty penny. In fact, the trip-planning site HoneymoonGoals.com puts the average cost between $5,800 to $7,000, depending on the length of stay, the hotel you choose, and activities you book. Other factors that determine the price include where you're flying in from and which class of airline service you choose. There are ways to save, but you should know that a trip to Bora Bora is typically a major splurge. Then again, it's your honeymoon; you deserve it.

What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora?

The high season for Bora Bora is around June through August. That's when it's least likely to rain or be overcast, making it a rather popular time for visitors and the most expensive time to visit. If you're looking to save a little on your holiday, it's best to avoid this period, as demand is high and hotel supply is low. Instead, consider the shoulder seasons — April through May and September through November — or, better yet, the low season.

December through March is the muggiest, rainiest, most overcast, and cloudiest time of the year. It's also the warmest (remember: Bora Bora is in the Southern Hemisphere), with daily highs in the upper 80s. This is the most budget-friendly season. The crowds will be thinner, making it easier to snag both a reservation and a lower hotel rate.

What is the best time for a Bora Bora honeymoon?

The weather is best during the winter (summer in the Northern Hemisphere), but that time also draws the most tourists. Also, if you're having a winter wedding in the U.S., you would have to wait several months to go on a honeymoon if you were to hold out for the perfect weather window. Instead, think of it this way: The best time to go on a Bora Bora honeymoon is whenever you want. Pick the time that fits with both your schedules and your budget, and enjoy the warm weather in any season you decide to go. 

What are the best things do in Bora Bora on a honeymoon?

If, for some reason, you feel like you need to leave the comfort of your overwater bungalow or beachside villa, you'll find plenty of fun things to do with the love of your life on and around Bora Bora. 

Admire the local wildlife.

The waters surrounding Bora Bora are full of aquatic life, from blacktip reef sharks to sea turtles to colorful fish. And there are plenty of outfitters to take you sailing or motoring through the lagoon, like Moana Adventure Tours, which offers private and group snorkeling safaris, and Lagoon Service Bora Bora, which also runs half- and full-day excursions for groups and individuals. It also offers sunset tours and stargazing outings. 

Get a bird's-eye view of the island on a helicopter tour.

See the island in all its glory via a helicopter. Tour providers like Tahiti Nui Helicopters take guests on 30-minute flights to admire the land from a few thousand feet. From above, the massive rays appear to fly through the gin-clear waters. You can spot other sea creatures and marvel at the overwater bungalows — even your own, perhaps — as you soar overhead with your love.

Hike to Bora Bora's highest peaks.

Bora Bora was formed by a now-extinct volcano, so there are plenty of craggy cliffs and hillsides to roam. Those looking to work up a sweat together can hike either of its two tallest peaks, Mount Otemanu (2,385 feet) and Mount Pahia (2,159 feet). Both trails are pretty challenging, and combining them into one hike is a full-day mission. No matter which you choose, expect stellar views for miles at the top (or in Otemanu's case, from the shoulder of the mountain, as the true top is inaccessible).

Dig into your hotel's offerings.

Many people go to Bora Bora and hardly leave their hotel. The resorts here offer just about everything you'd need, from fun and unique activities like snorkeling "safaris" to wellness experiences like couples massages an world-class dining. Check in with your concierge to discover what's on your hotel's menu.

Where are the best places to stay in Bora Bora on a honeymoon?

Bora Bora is home to some of the best resorts in the South Pacific, each offering picture-perfect views and high-end amenities. Here's a sampling of what you can find on the island. 

Bora Bora One

Seeking an ultra-personalized stay? Check into Bora Bora One, a vast estate offering space for just 10 guests across five suites. The property comes with more than seven acres to explore, along with a private beach, so you can focus on your newly betrothed and no one else. 

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is consistently ranked among the best in the South Pacific, and for good reason. The property offers outstanding service and the chance to stay in the largest overwater bungalows in all of French Polynesia. The smallest measures 1,550 square feet.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Find classic elegance at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Guests here can expect all the usual goodies, including overwater bungalows with and without their own plunge pools, but you can make it an even more special experience by booking one of the Beachfront Villa Estates. These offer private infinity-edge pools stretching over the crystalline waters and gardens. Many of the rooms offer views of Mount Otemanu in the distance, too.

Private Vacation Homes 

Though the island is filled with hotels, there are also vacation homes for those looking to either spend an extended amount of time in Bora Bora or try and save a bit on accommodations. Check Airbnb for alternative options like this three-bedroom villa with a private pool or this guest house for two with panoramic water views. 

What is the best way to reach Bora Bora?

Getting to Bora Bora is fairly straightforward. Those traveling from the U.S. can fly into Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti. From there, travelers will make their way onto a short 45-minute flight to Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora. Most resorts cover airport transfers and will be waiting for you at the airport with a taxi or boat to take you to your own private patch of paradise.