Bora Bora is a dream destination for many, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. Yet, the high costs often keep travelers from experiencing it. But is it really possible to visit Bora Bora on a budget and still have the adventure of a lifetime?
Bora Bora Budget Travel Secrets
Every travel magazine or website will tell you that Bora Bora is one of the most expensive destinations on Earth. With sky-high prices that seem out of reach, it often stays a place you only dream of visiting. Luxurious hotels, breathtaking overwater bungalows, waters in every shade of blue, and pristine beaches are just a few of the features that make this paradise notoriously pricey. But does it have to be that way? What if you didn’t have to sell all your possessions to make the trip?
The secret lies in making smart choices and following the right paths. What if I told you that you could experience all the island’s wonders while spending surprisingly little? From booking your flight and finding accommodation to exploring the island, shopping, taking tours, or even couch surfing, Bora Bora offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy it on a budget.
Remember, you don’t have to follow everything you’ve read or seen about the island. There’s an entirely new side of Bora Bora waiting to be discovered. With careful planning and consideration, you can have the adventure of a lifetime without breaking the bank—just as Jean-Bernard Carillet and Chris Guillebeau suggest. Fun, beauty, and memories await, all while keeping your budget intact.
Bora Bora On A Budget – Tips
Finally, we came to the part where we’ll show you exactly what you can do to visit Bora Bora on a budget. You’ll still see and experience everything that makes it a paradise. So, let’s begin!
Choose your flight – The flight is the top priority you should consider. As Bora Bora can be reached only by plane, that’s the first thing you should plan. To get to the island with spending as little money as possible, fly business class or make more stops. For instance, you can board a plane to Tahiti and then go on a flight to Raiatea and Raiatea to Bora Bora. It’s less costly this way.
Visit in the shoulder seasons – The peak months – July and August, are the most expensive. Crowds of tourists flock the island at this period, making it hard for you to find lower prices. On the other hand, the season December to April knows to have a bad weather. That’s why, plan your trip to Bora Bora in the shoulder seasons. They are May to June and September to October. Your budget will rejoice if you choose this time.
Forego the overwater bungalows – Bora Bora is famous for its bungalows above the waters. They’re a part of the luxurious resorts that empty your whole pockets. In case, you weren’t familiar with this information, Bora Bora has a lot of other alternatives for places than these. Camping, for one. You can camp on Motu Piti Aau without any problems. Then, there are studios and rooms you can take on the mainland. One of them is Sunset Hill Lodge. After all, you don’t have to stay in a bungalow to experience Bora Bora’s uniqueness.
Ask for discounts – There are a lot of things that have high prices because of the island’s expensive reputation. However, especially in the shoulder seasons, there’s a great chance that you’ll get discounts. Just don’t be afraid to ask for some and be a bit persuasive. As you see, visiting Bora Bora on a budget is not always tied to the plans you make beforehand. Discounts are one of those opportunities you receive upon coming.
Couch surfing – You can go to Bora Bora on a budget even without booking the cheapest deals in hotels or resorts. The new way to explore the beauty of the island lies in the opportunity to spend time with the locals. It’s called couch surfing and you can do it, too. You only have to find which families accept travelers like you and join them. Not only that you’ll receive a roof over your head and food for free, but you’ll also get to meet all the traditions and people native to the place.
See the island by bike – Understandably, renting a car or using some other means of transportation like a bus or a taxi is extremely expensive on Bora Bora. Yet you want to discover all parts of the island, even the ones too far to be reached on foot. Don’t worry you can do that with a ridiculously small amount of money. Take a bike and ride it wherever you want. Sounds fun, right?
All inclusive package with meals – I know that it doesn’t sound like it, but taking an all inclusive package is way cheaper than a partial one. That is especially applicable for the meals. Book your stay carefully and make sure it contains food for the whole day. You can check out these all inclusive packages.
Explore by kayak – You don’t need to take a private tour by boat which costs a fortune just to see the outer motus. Take a kayak instead and set off on an exploring adventure all by yourself. That way you’ll maximize both your fun and your budget. And plus, you’ll get to sunbathe on the deserted beaches and swim in the turquoise waters.
Buy handmade souvenirs – All visitors on Bora Bora want to return home with something from the island. That’s what souvenirs are for, right? However, you don’t need to throw your money on expensive ones made in factories when you can get the same effect with the handmade ones. Not to mention that you’ll help the locals with that and plus you’ll receive something very unique to put on a shelf at home.
Find affordable tours – Visiting Bora Bora on a budget isn’t complete without discovering the best and most cost-effective tours. Look for packages that combine multiple activities—like snorkeling, shark feeding, jet skiing, and more—so you can enjoy everything while saving money. Here are some affordable deals to get you started.
Sort your priorities –Bora Bora offers so much more than the activities and tours you see online. It’s all about setting your priorities and realizing that some experiences—like spotting sharks from the shore—can cost nothing at all. You can also marvel at breathtaking natural wonders, such as the black rocks in the image, without breaking the bank. Spend wisely, choose what truly matters to you, and enjoy exploring the island on your own terms.