Moorea Vs. Bora Bora: Which Destination Is for You?

With superb pristine beaches, gorgeous aquamarine lagoons, and overwater bungalows, Bora Bora and Moorea are top destinations on many honeymooners’ bucket lists. 

The two spectacular South Pacific islands, located in French Polynesia, make a great holiday spot for all kinds of travelers. But if you have to choose, continue reading this article and find out all about the differences and resemblances between Bora Bora and More Island. 

The Best Time To Visit 

Whether we are talking about Moorea or Bora Bora, if you want to be there in time for the high season, plan your vacation between May and November. Keep in mind that June and August usually have the perfect weather, but they are also the busiest months. 

From November until April, French Polynesia welcomes the humid season. Though this is not considered a hurricane period, during these months, you can encounter frequent storms. So, it’s better to avoid them!

Moorea vs Bora Bora: Getting There

No matter if you want to spend your romantic escapade exploring Bora Bora or Moorea, all the international flights land in Tahiti, and you should travel to either of them from there. 

As it is closer to Tahiti, and you have the option of a ferry, getting to Moorea is cheaper, and it only takes around 40 minutes. To get to Bora Bora, on the other hand, you have to book a flight with Air Tahiti. The ride with the seaplane is short but pricey. If you’ve never been on a seaplane, expect one adventurous hour. 

Unfortunately, Bora Bora can’t be reached by boat. But there are direct flights to Tahiti, from the US and parts of Europe, with transfers to Bora Bora included. From Los Angeles, for instance, it takes about 10 hours to get to Bora Bora. 

Also, keep in mind that Bora Bora’s airport is located on the islet of Motu Mute. So, either somebody from your accommodation comes to pick you up by boat from the airport, or you need to take a water taxi.

Moorea vs Bora Bora: Accommodations

If you are dreaming about spending romantic moments in a luxurious overwater bungalow, surrounded by tropical wonders, both islands can make your dreams come true. Bora Bora, however, is more expensive at the top end of luxury but, if the budget is not an issue, it is also the better choice. There are more opulent and secluded overwater bungalow options in Bora Bora. 

Posh Moorea resorts can charge up to $1,000 per night, but you will find more affordable accommodations there. Staying in a high-end bungalow can cost you between $800 to $1500 per night, but you can find many resorts with prices starting around $300 a night.

Bora Bora vs Moorea: Local Transportation 

Whether you choose Moorea or Bora Bora, you have a few options for getting around. If you usually use buses on vacations, you might find it annoying that, even if it only costs about $3.50 per ride, there isn’t an actual bus system with routes and time schedules available. 

There are also taxis, as well as scooter and car rentals, but, while these allow you to easily navigate the island, they can cost a lot. So, since a newly paved bike lane surrounds almost the entire coastline of Moorea, renting a bike might be the best choice. The same we can say about Bora Bora, where you can cycle around the whole island in a few hours. 

And, also like in Moorea, in Bora Bora you can rent a car or get around by taxi, both options being expensive. Also, the bus system is unreliable here, too. 

French Polynesian Food 

With a lovely blend of Chinese, French, and Polynesian influence, you now have delicious modern Tahitian food. Traditional meals usually contain fresh fish, pork, coconut milk, and uru.

If you like French food, you will enjoy its influence on Bora Bora. Not to mention the tasty bread and pastries! Besides, the locally grown bananas, coconuts, and pineapple are mouthwatering, and they make the perfect breakfast. 

There are various eateries on both islands, and prices depend on the type of restaurant you choose, but they are usually similar, with breakfast cheaper than lunch or dinner. 

Bora Bora vs Moorea: Things to Do

No matter if you choose Bora Bora or Moorea, you will find plenty of activities and ways to relax while enjoying the lavish surroundings. As you can imagine, the two islands are heaven for watersports enthusiasts. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, exciting boat trips, and catamaran tours are some of the fun activities available on both. 

Besides snorkeling the reefs among the rainbow-colored fish, in Bora Bora, you can also interact with native blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in their natural environment while snorkeling at the Bora Bora Lagoonarium. And, if water activities are not your cup of tea, explore the island on a rented bike, and learn about its culture and history during a guided 4×4 expedition with a local guide. 

While it has a breathtaking landscape with exciting things to do, Bora Bora is tiny, making Moorea a better choice for land-based activities. The island offers a great range of water activities as well, but exploring Moorea’s inland and its gorgeous vanilla plantations, with a tour or on your own, can be a memorable experience. 

The Better Choice for a Romantic Getaway  

When thinking about natural beauty, stunning overwater bungalows, laid-back vibe, delicious foods, and thrilling activities, both islands are particularly romantic. Bora Bora, however, offers a greater number of accommodations, especially for couples looking for a luxurious escapade. But, if your time and budget permits, a perfect honeymoon would include a combination of the two destinations.

Overall Cost of Bora Bora vs. Moorea

Moorea generally ends up being less expensive overall due to the lower-priced accommodations and boat transportation possibility. The seaplane ticket to Bora Bora and the island’s luxury accommodations make it a more expensive destination, especially if you don’t want to travel on a strict budget. 

Food, transportation, and activities have similar prices on both islands, depending, of course, on who you book through and where you choose to eat.