Bora Bora boat rental
Right at the center of the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora has made her home the tiny island of 30.55m2. Despite enjoying the privilege of having the Pacific Ocean for oneself, Bora Bora is surprisingly accessible to international travelers. From the capital of Tahiti, Papeete, you can book a 50 minutes flight to land on the so-called Pearl of the Pacific. From the United States, the average flight duration is 10 hours and 50 minutes. For instance, a trip from the busy city of Los Angeles to Bora Bora could last 7 ½ hours. You probably understood that the overall flight duration could be grueling, but the prize at the end is once in a lifetime. There is no public transportation offered within Bora Bora itself, but you could easily visit the island on a bike, scooter, or a rented car if you wish. Bora Bora is enjoyed best during a seven days holiday.
Bora Bora is called Pearl of the Pacific for so many reasons. First, the azure scenery is a priceless view of the world's best treasures. Surrounded by a beautiful shade of blue, Bora Bora offers a relaxing and leisurely vacation where you can soak up some vitamin sea on the white sandy shoreline. On a boat or your luxurious overwater bungalow, Bora Bora has made it easy for you to enjoy an intimate view of the turquoise sea. Lurking underwater, a journey to the marine jungle in Bora Bora is absolute bliss with vibrant coral beds and innocent turtles, inoffensive sharks, eagles, and manta rays and friendly dolphins. Don't be fooled by the size of the infamous island because everything has been prepared so you could have a memorable trip to Bora Bora.
Why rent a boat on holiday in Bora Bora?
On your romantic holiday to Bora Bora, take the chance to rent a boat to have a full glimpse of the Pacific wonders. Even without a boat trip, you could get a good sense of the seawater life in Bora Bora, but renting a boat will enhance your experience. On your boat, you could drive to a remote and private area, including Motu Piti Aau, where you could enjoy the luxury of feeling alone in such a majestic setting. Renting a boat allows you to stop on different diving sites and take a deep dip to survey Bora Bora's sea life or right off the ship, you could enjoy the view with the undisturbed school of fishes swimming around. Onboard a boat, venture to stunning sites such as the Lagoonarium, or trust your captain's expertise to bring you to the most entertaining coral reefs, sharks, and manta rays that are not usually close to the shore. If you want more adrenaline, there are boat tours that will take you to swim with blacktip reef sharks.
How much is catamaran rental in Bora Bora?
For a bigger and more comfortable ride, opt for a sailing catamaran, billed at $240 for four hours. A half-day cruise to Bora Bora's blue lagoon starts from $230, and if you wish to finish off with a sunset view of Bora Bora, you could add $185 for two magical hours. If you would like to get the full Polynesian experience with a floating bar, music, and lunch, rent a sailing catamaran for $1,900 for a full day.
Rent a boat for diving in Bora Bora
Rent a boat for diving in Bora Bora, and sail to the heart-shaped island of Tupai. If you come from August to November, you can enjoy the sight of breeding humpback whales, which is unforgettable. For a 40 meters diving experience, navigate to Tupitipiti, a diving site that is only accessible with a private boat. To about 20 meters dive, you could spot long-lasting caves, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and gorgonians. For another thrilling shark experience, head to Tapu for a swim with reef shark and lemon sharks, Titan Triggerfish, napoleons, turtles, and huge shoals tropical fish. The Anau garden has many coral barriers and is particularly renowned for manta rays with which you can enjoy a swim.
Practical Information and Insider Tips
Getting There & Boarding
To start a Bora Bora charter, you typically fly into Tahiti (Papeete) and then take a quick 50-minute flight to Bora Bora or Raiatea where many charter bases are located. Bora Bora’s small airport is on a motu – a fun detail is that arriving passengers take a boat ferry into town, giving you that lagoon experience from the get-go. Your crew can meet you right at the airport’s dock with the yacht, or at a nearby marina. Alternatively, beginning in Raiatea (the regional sailing hub) is common; it’s a slightly bigger island with more provisioning options and is only half a day’s sail from Bora. Discuss with your charter planner what fits best – one-way charters (Raiatea to Bora Bora) are popular and maximize what you see.
Marinas and Facilities
Bora Bora has limited marina facilities since most yachts anchor out in the lagoon. However, you have access to a few yacht club piers and resorts. The Bora Bora Yacht Club near Vaitape welcomes visiting yachts – it has mooring buoys, a dinghy dock, and a lovely restaurant/bar for a change of scene (their tropical cocktails come highly recommended!). There’s also Bloody Mary’s dock (for dining visits) and some resorts allow day docking if you have a reservation for lunch or spa. Fresh water and fuel can be acquired in Vaitape if needed. One advantage of a crewed charter is that they handle these logistics seamlessly in the background, usually when you’re off snorkeling or sleeping, so your holiday flow is uninterrupted.
Insider Tip – Best Sunset Spot
Ask your captain to anchor near Matira Beach on one of your evenings. Located on Bora Bora’s southern tip, Matira faces west for outstanding sunsets. From the boat you’ll see the sun dip beyond the ocean’s horizon, often igniting the sky in oranges and pinks, with the silhouette of palm trees framing the view. It’s pure magic with a cocktail in hand and the lagoon reflecting the pastel sky. Matira is also great for an early morning swim to shore – you can mingle with locals taking their sunrise walks or doing paddleboard yoga in the calm shallows.
Cultural Etiquette
The people of French Polynesia are exceptionally welcoming. Learning a couple of words of Tahitian or French goes a long way in connecting. Say “Ia Orana” (yo-rah-nah) for hello and “Mauruuru” (mah-roo-roo) for thank you – you’ll be greeted with big smiles! When visiting villages or local homes (like during a pearl farm or vanilla tour), dress modestly (shirt and shorts over swimwear) as a sign of respect, and always ask before photographing someone. Your crew will guide you in these customs. Many charter guests love that their voyage also supports the local economy – buying local crafts, hiring local guides, and tipping crew all help these remote communities thrive.
Sea Conditions
Bora Bora’s lagoon is extremely calm – it’s protected by a coral reef all around. Sailing between islands, you’ll be on the open ocean, which can have moderate swells. However, the distances are short and the vessels are sturdy; plus, sailing usually happens in daylight hours with fair winds. If anyone in your party is concerned about motion, a catamaran charter is recommended for stability. Your crew also knows the best routes and can adjust sails or speed to keep things comfortable. If weather ever does turn (say an unexpected rain squall), trust that your seasoned captain will find a safe harbor or adjust plans as needed. Flexibility is part of the adventure, and often a rainy morning leads to an extraordinary rainbow and a stunning sunset after – nature’s reward!
Extend the Luxury
While your boat is fully equipped to be your luxurious home, you have the option to step into Bora Bora’s top resorts during your charter if you wish. Maybe you’d like to indulge in a day pass at the Four Seasons or St. Regis to enjoy their beach facilities and have a restaurant lunch. Your crew can arrange this and anchor nearby for convenience. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the social buzz and amenities of a resort for a few hours, then retreating to the exclusivity of your private boat by evening. Many charter guests do this on one of their Bora Bora days to experience an overwater bungalow setting without staying there overnight.
FAQs:
Q: Is a Bora Bora boat rental family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! While Bora Bora has a romantic reputation, it’s also a fantastic playground for families. Kids and teens love the water activities – from feeding rays to learning to paddleboard. Many yachts have twin cabins perfect for kids and carry snorkeling gear in child sizes. Crews often adore children and might teach them some fun skills like how to tie a pareo or basic Tahitian phrases. Some charters even arrange a safe shallow-water treasure hunt on a motu for little ones. And think of the education – children get immersed in a new culture and ecosystem, far better than any textbook. The itinerary can be tailored to include more beach time and fewer long sails for the comfort of younger guests. In the evenings, the family can stargaze together and your crew might share Polynesian legends about those constellations. It’s a bonding experience that spans all ages.
Q: How much should I participate in activities vs. relax?
A: That’s entirely up to you – the beauty of a private charter is you set the pace. If your style is go-go-go, you can fill each day with different islands and excursions (as in the sample itinerary). If you prefer a slower pace, you can absolutely linger longer in one spot. For instance, you might decide to spend two full days just around Bora Bora’s lagoon, really soaking up the serenity, and skip the side trip to other islands. Your crew will give suggestions, but they ultimately follow your wishes. Many charterers find a happy medium: active mornings and lazy afternoons. It’s also common to adjust as you go – after a few active days, you might declare a “lagoon day” where the furthest anyone moves is from the sundeck to the water and back. The itinerary is not rigid, and each day can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you desire.
Q: Can I charter in Bora Bora for a special occasion?
A: Definitely. Bora Bora is a top choice for honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or even intimate weddings/elopements. Let your charter broker and crew know what you’re celebrating – they often go the extra mile. Expect perhaps a surprise Polynesian cake, the boat decorated with palm fronds and flowers, or a local string band arriving by canoe to serenade you. If it’s a honeymoon, crews often arrange a private beach lunch or a flower petal bath on board. For a birthday, imagine a sunset party on a sandbar with a custom cocktail named after you. The possibilities are endless, and the setting is inherently festive and romantic. A boat charter allows you to celebrate in total privacy – the whole South Pacific is your venue! Many who charter for an occasion say it far surpassed any land-based celebration because it was so unique and personalized.
Q: What will I remember most from a Bora Bora boat rental?
A: The answers vary, but a few moments tend to stick in almost everyone’s mind. The first time you see the electric blue of Bora Bora’s lagoon – it almost doesn’t look real. The feeling of standing on the bow as the sun sets behind Otemanu, with a warm breeze on your face, realizing you’re actually here living this dream. The laughter shared during a beach BBQ or when a friendly ray tickled your toes. The genuine kindness of the Polynesian people you meet, including your crew who feel like dear friends by trip’s end. And perhaps most of all, the sense of freedom – nothing compares to sailing across an open ocean or waking up to a new view out your cabin window each day. These are the experiences that linger in your heart long after you’ve returned home. Bora Bora has a way of etching itself into your soul; charter guests often say they left a piece of themselves in those waters and can’t wait to return.
A Bora Bora boat rental is the epitome of a luxury escape, yet it’s also deeply soulful. It invites you to slow down and savor life’s exquisite moments – a fiery sunset, a spontaneous swim, a heartfelt conversation under the stars. Few places on earth inspire such awe and tranquility simultaneously. As your charter comes to an end, don’t be surprised if you feel a tear of joy and reluctance – joy for the memories made, reluctance to leave such a paradise. The good news is, Bora Bora will always be here welcoming you back, and there are countless more islands in French Polynesia to explore by boat (have you heard of Rangiroa or the Tuamotus? But that’s another story!). For now, you have become one of the lucky few to experience Bora Bora not as a tourist, but as an insider – charting your own course across her heavenly waters.
When you’re ready to plan this journey of a lifetime, we’re here to make it happen seamlessly. Live your Bora Bora dream – step aboard, let the warm winds fill the sails, and venture into the blue. The magic of Bora Bora awaits, and it is even more extraordinary than you imagined. Mauruuru (thank you) for reading, and see you in paradise! 🌴⚓🏝️
