Top 6 Activities To Do in Bora Bora: Day Trips & Excursions

Bora Bora isn't just a pretty postcard; it's an adventure playground wrapped in turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic peaks. Sure, you've seen those dreamy overwater bungalows on Instagram. However, the real magic happens when you dive into the island's incredible experiences. From swimming alongside graceful stingrays to soaring above the lagoon's 50 shades of blue, Bora Bora activities offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a hopeless romantic, or someone who just wants to explore paradise at your own pace, here are six specific, must-do activities in Bora Bora that'll make your trip absolutely unforgettable.

6 Fun Activities To Do in Bora Bora For A Memorable Trip

Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Bora Bora for a truly memorable experience on the island. 

1. Shark and Ray Safari with Coral Garden Snorkeling

Join a half-day or full-day lagoon tour where you'll snorkel in three distinct locations. Start at the "Stingray Ballet," a shallow sandbank where dozens of graceful southern stingrays glide around you in crystal-clear water. Your guide will show you how to safely interact with these gentle creatures as they curiously investigate their visitors.​

Next, venture to deeper waters behind the reef to swim alongside blacktip reef sharks. Don't worry, they're harmless and more curious than aggressive. If you prefer, you can watch the feeding from the safety of the boat. The last stop takes you to a vibrant coral garden teeming with hundreds of tropical fish in every color imaginable. The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a half-day tour, or you can opt for the full-day version, which includes a traditional Polynesian BBQ lunch on a private motu. 

2. Parasailing Over the Lagoon

For a completely different perspective, soar 100 to 150 meters above Bora Bora's legendary lagoon on a parasailing adventure. You'll take off and land directly from the boat platform. During your 15 to 25-minute flight, you'll enjoy breathtaking bird's-eye views of Mount Otemanu, the surrounding motus, luxury overwater bungalows, and the lagoon's famous 50 shades of blue.​

What makes these activities in Bora Bora truly special is the serene silence once you're airborne, just the gentle sound of the wind in the parachute above you. From this height, you can even spot stingrays, eagle rays, and sharks swimming in the crystal-clear water below. The activity is suitable for ages 5 to 77, and you can fly solo, in pairs, or even in groups of three. Tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off from accommodations on the main island, with the entire experience lasting about two hours.​​

3. Private Motu Picnic Experience

Elevate your Bora Bora visit with a private motu picnic. It is an intimate, luxurious experience that combines adventure with gourmet dining. Your private guide will take you on a personalized circle-island journey, stopping at prime snorkeling locations to swim with manta rays, stingrays, and reef sharks.​

The highlight? A multi-course gourmet lunch served at a table set up in knee-deep water on a private motu, with the turquoise lagoon lapping at your feet. The feast typically features local specialties like poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), teriyaki chicken, grilled seafood including lobster and crab, tropical fruits, and even champagne or rosé wine. As you dine, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu rising dramatically in the distance. 

4. Helicopter Tour Over Bora Bora and Tupai

To truly appreciate Bora Bora's otherworldly beauty, another activity in Bora Bora you can try is a helicopter tour. These tours range from 15 to 30 minutes and reveal the island's full splendor from above. As you lift off, the vibrant palette of blues and greens unfolds beneath you: turquoise shallows, deep sapphire channels, and emerald lagoons framed by pristine white-sand motus.​

The flight circles Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, Bora Bora's two extinct volcanic peaks, while your pilot provides insightful commentary through your headset. Many tours extend to neighboring islands like Raiatea, Tahaa, and the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai, which you might recognize from romantic destination photos. The aerial perspective reveals intricate coral gardens, overwater bungalow resorts, and the dramatic contrast between the calm lagoon and the deep Pacific Ocean beyond the reef. 

Not sure when to fly? Compare seasons with our best time to visit Bora Bora guide

5. ATV Quad Adventure to Mount Popoti

Trade the water for rugged terrain with an ATV quad tour that takes you into Bora Bora's lush interior. These 2.5 to 3-hour guided tours navigate muddy trails, rocky paths, and dense jungle as you climb to Mount Popoti's summit. Along the way, your local guide shares fascinating stories about Polynesian history, traditional uses of native plants, and island legends.​

The reward for your adventurous climb? Panoramic 360-degree views from the mountaintop, with the lagoon's countless shades of blue and green spread out below, Mount Otemanu towering in the distance, and neighboring islands visible on the horizon. Tours accommodate all experience levels. ​

Shortlist the most photogenic things to do in Bora Bora

6. Relax and Reconnect with Paradise

Not everything has to be action-packed. Some of the best fun activities in Bora Bora involve slowing down and embracing the island's natural beauty. Head to Matira Beach, Bora Bora's only public beach, and often voted one of the world's most beautiful. Its soft white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply watching one of those breathtaking sunsets the island is famous for.​ For a more intimate water experience, grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and glide across the calm lagoon at your own pace. This eco-friendly way to explore lets you discover hidden coral gardens and quiet motus (small islands) while enjoying the peaceful ambiance all around you.

Conclusion

Each of these activities to do in Bora Bora showcases a different facet of Bora Bora. From thrilling wildlife encounters to cultural immersion, adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene luxury. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or simply unforgettable moments in paradise, these six experiences deliver the very best this legendary island has to offer. So, book your flights to Bora Bora with ExperianAirfare now and enjoy your holiday at this South Pacific island.