This Bora Bora Bicycle Guide covers everything you need to know to go on an epic bike ride and discover all the island has to offer in one day!
If you think Bora Bora is nothing but bougie resorts and rich influencers posing on overwater bungalows, think again. You don’t need to venture far on two wheels to encounter the real Bora Bora—where friendly Polynesians, charming rustic houses, and a slow-motion island mindset await.
In this Bora Bora Bicycle Guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about exploring the island on a bike, from snagging a rental in Vaitape to the must-see stops along the 32km coastal road.
Welcome to your next island adventure. Let’s get pedaling!
Planning your trip? My French Polynesia Favorites:
✈️ Flights: Check Air Tahiti for island-hopping – Most travelers fly from Tahiti (Papeete) to Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
🚢 Ferry: Travel like a local with the Apetahi Express – a 7 hour ferry journey from Tahiti, but you get to see stunning islands on the way.
🚗 Car Rental: Compare deals on Expedia – If you have multiple days in Bora Bora, swap the bike for a car or a scooter to go on even longer adventures!
🏨 Hotels: Find the best bungalows on Booking.com – I recommend spending a night on a private motus for the ultimate Bora Bora experience.
🎟️ Tours & Activities: Book lagoon tours and shore excursions on Viator – Bora Bora is full of fun adventures like snorkeling, island safari and jet ski tours!
🛡️ Insurance: Don’t bike without cover. I use Ekta Travel Insurance – It’s affordable, easy to set up, and essential for unpredictable island adventures.
📱 Connectivity: Stay connected with a Saily eSIM – Don’t rely on spotty island Wi-Fi; get instant data so you can use GPS on the trails.
Table of Contents
A note from Sara:
There are affiliate links in this post, and I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support my work if you found this guide helpful – thank you so much!
Cycling Bora Bora – Quick Overview
- The Route: A single 32 km (20-mile) road that circles the entire island.
- Terrain: Mostly flat, making it perfect for casual riders.
- Vibe: Tropical, humid, and incredibly scenic.
- Top Tip: Learn to say “Ia Orana” (pronounced your-honour). It means hello, and you’ll be saying it a lot!
Renting a bicycle in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is small enough that you can cycle the whole perimeter in a day. Here is the lowdown on getting a bike:
- What I did: I hit up the Avis store in Vaitape. I snagged a standard bike from 8 AM to 5 PM for about 1,900 XPF (~$17 USD). They also have a location in the Matira area.
- Electric Bikes: If the tropical heat makes you feel lazy, go for an E-bike (usually $40-$60 USD). Your thighs will thank you.
- Resort Rentals: Most high-end resorts offer bikes, but they are often more expensive than the local shops in town.
- Pro Tip: Bring cash! You’ll pass roadside stands selling fresh fruit and handcrafted pareos that definitely don’t take credit cards.
Rental Costs
- Standard Bicycles: Around $20-$30 per day.
- Electric Bicycles: Generally more expensive, often costing $40-$60 per day.
- Discounts: Some rental shops may offer discounts for longer rental periods or group rentals.
Cycling Bora Bora: Ultimate One Day Itinerary
The road that winds its way all around Bora Bora is 32 kilometers, making it the perfect distance for an adventurous day of biking.
As a Copenhagener I love biking, so I was excited for my thighs to burn and bum to be sore from exploring all that Bora Bora has to offer!
Stop 1: Vaitape (The Hub)
Start your morning in the island’s main village. Stock up on water and snacks at Chin Lee Supermarket. Before you head out, swing by the Marché de l’artisanat at the ferry terminal for some local crafts.
From Vaitape, I headed north towards Faanui. But if you’re feeling lazy, head south towards Matira, where you can chill and eat some good food first. I saved this spot as my final destination, like a reward for my pedal-pushing efforts.
Stop 2: The “Real” Bora Bora
Ten minutes north of Vaitape, the “tourist mask” falls off. While the motus (islets) are covered in million-dollar resorts, the main island is home to authentic Polynesian fares (houses). It’s a beautiful contrast of rustic island living against a backdrop of turquoise luxury.
Stop 3: Sacred Banyan Trees
Just after the church in Faanui, look for the Banian Arbre des Âmes. These sacred trees are believed to house spirits and were the inspiration behind the mystical trees in James Cameron’s Avatar.
This is the location on Google Maps.
Stop 4: Pareo Craft Stand
Look for colorful fabrics swaying in the trees. Mamie Ruta runs this legendary craft stand called Botique Vainia. You can even spend 45 minutes making your own custom-dyed pareo—a much better souvenir than a plastic keychain!
Here’s how the process goes:
- Moisten Fabric: Start with a large rectangle piece of cotton.
- Twist Fabric: Twist the fabric to create a pattern.
- Dye Fabric: Dip the twisted fabric in color tubs derived from local plants and flowers.
- Stencil: Lay the fabric on a wooden slab and place stencils of animals or plants to create shadow patterns.
- Dry: Hang the fabric to dry in the sun for about 15 minutes.
- Result: A custom-made pareo that reflects traditional Polynesian art and design.
This is the location on Google Maps.
Stop 5: World War II Cannons
Bora Bora served as a US supply base during WWII. You can still see the massive cannons installed to protect the island. Search for “Bora Bora WWII Guns” on Google Maps—one set is actually in a local lady’s backyard (pay her the 500 XPF fee, it’s worth it).
This is the location for WWII Guns Faanui on Google Maps.
This is the location for Bora Bora WWII Guns on Google Maps.
Stop 6: Manta Ray Snorkeling
Park the bike and jump in! At the Station de nettoyage des mantas, you can often spot giant Manta Rays gathering to let smaller fish clean their skin. It’s a surreal, symbiotic dance.
This is the location on Google Maps.
Stop 7: Marama Tattoo
Did you even visit French Polynesia if you didn’t consider getting some ancient symbols inked onto your skin? Polynesian tattoos, or tatau, have thousands of years of history, representing social status, family heritage, and rites of passage.
If you’re looking for the real deal, make a stop at Marama Tattoo Studio. They are celebrated for their authenticity and traditional Polynesian artistry.
This is the location on Google Maps.
Stop 8: Snack Matira
By now, you’ve earned a massive meal. Head to Snack Matira at the famous Matira Beach. I ordered an “omelette-cheese-fries” sandwich that was the size of my forearm for less than $6 USD. Absolute steal.
This is the location on Google Maps.
Stop 9: Celebratory Gelato
Finish your 32km loop back in Vaitape. If you rented from Avis, you get a 10% discount at Iaorana Gelato – it’s homemade and delicious! Grab a passion fruit scoop and toast to your successful island circumnavigation.
This is the location on Google Maps.
My Top Picks: The Best Bora Bora Tours & Adventures
If your legs need a break from the pedals, or if you want to see the island from angles you just can’t reach on a bike, these are my absolute favorites. While cycling is the best way to see the shoreline, you don’t want to miss out on the turquoise lagoon or the rugged mountain ridges.
The Ultimate Lagoon Day (Full-Day Group Tour): This is the tour you book if you want the full experience. You’ll spend the day snorkeling with sharks and rays, visiting a local motu, and enjoying a classic Polynesian lunch with your feet in the sand.
- Best for: Travelers who want a social, all-inclusive day on the water.
4WD Safari & Mountain Viewpoints: Want to head into the clouds? Some of the best panoramas of Mount Otemanu are only accessible via rugged 4×4 tracks. This tour takes you to the best WWII sites and viewpoints that your rental bike definitely won’t reach.
- Best for: History buffs and those hunting for the perfect panoramic photo.
The Quick Splash (4-Hour Shared Boat Tour): Short on time? This 4-hour morning or afternoon trip gets you straight to the lagoon’s highlights. It’s efficient, professional, and ensures you get your fix of snorkeling without committing a whole day.
- Best for: Those on a tighter schedule or who prefer a shorter boat ride.
Off-Road ATV & Quad Adventure: If you want more horsepower than your bicycle can provide, this is it. Taking an ATV through the jungle and up the steep mountain paths is a massive adrenaline rush. It’s muddy, fun, and gets you deep into the interior.
- Best for: Adrenaline junkies and couples looking for a bit of thrill.
Bora Bora from Above (30-Minute Private Flight): If you really want to splurge (or have a special occasion to celebrate), this is the ultimate experience. Seeing the heart-shaped island and the varying shades of blue from a light aircraft is something you’ll never forget.
- Best for: The ultimate “once-in-a-lifetime” experience or a romantic surprise.
Where to Stay in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is famous for its ultra-luxury motu resorts, but there are actually plenty of ways to experience the island depending on your budget and vibe. Here are my top recommendations:
1. The Bucket List: Overwater Bungalows
If you’re coming to Bora Bora for the iconic overwater experience, these are the heavy hitters. These resorts are located on private motus (islets) and offer the best views of Mount Otemanu.
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Often cited as the best in the world. Exceptional service, a stunning inner lagoon for snorkeling, and those quintessential postcard views.
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Home to the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia. If you want a private butler and maximum space, this is it.
2. Beachfront Luxury: Accessible Paradise
These resorts offer a mix of beachfront villas and overwater bungalows but are often easier to access from the main island or located right on the stunning Matira Beach.
- InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora: Located at Matira Point on the main island. It’s perfect because you have the luxury resort feel but can easily bike or walk to local snacks and shops.
- The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa: A newly renovated, high-end option with a focus on wellness and a fantastic turtle sanctuary on-site.
3. Boutique & Local: Main Island Guesthouses
To see the “real” Bora Bora and save some serious cash, stay on the main island. This is the best move if you plan on doing the 32km bike loop, as you’re already at the starting line!
- Bora Bora Holiday’s Lodge: A cozy, highly-rated lodge with a pool and great views. It’s much more affordable and gives you a better taste of local life.
- Matira House / Matira Sunset House: These are fantastic “pension” style accommodations right near the best beach on the island. Clean, simple, and run by friendly locals.
4. Eco-Friendly & Unique
For travelers who want a smaller footprint or a more intimate connection with nature.
- Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: A member of the Relais & Châteaux family, this resort uses traditional Polynesian design and has a strong focus on coral preservation.
- Hotel Maitai Polynesia: One of the best mid-range options on the island. It’s lush, eco-conscious, and offers great value for beachfront or overwater stays without the $2,000-a-night price tag.
Final Pro-Tip for Booking:
If you want the overwater experience but can’t justify the price for the whole week, split your stay! Spend 3-4 days at a local guesthouse on the main island to do your biking and exploring, then move to a motu resort for 2 nights of pure, uninterrupted luxury. It’s the best of both worlds!
FAQ: Visiting Bora Bora
Is it hard to cycle around Bora Bora?
Not really! The road is mostly flat. The biggest challenge is the heat and humidity, so start early!
Is it safe to cycle around Bora Bora?
Yes, but the road is narrow in places. Watch out for cars and the occasional wandering dog.
What should I pack for cycling around Bora Bora?
Sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and your camera. A swimsuit is essential for that mid-ride dip!
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is pleasantly warm and rainfall is minimal. This period also offers ideal conditions for water activities.
Biking around Bora Bora was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s the best way to slow down, breathe in the scent of Tiaré flowers, and realize that this island is so much more than just a luxury postcard.
Are you ready to pedal your way around the lagoon, or would you rather explore via boat? Let me know in the comments!
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