How to get to Bora Bora? The journey to the mythical island, step by step
27/08/2025
Bora-Bora is a small island to the north-west of Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean. It's a popular destination with travellers, especially among scuba diving enthusiasts and honeymooners. Surrounded by sandy islets and turquoise waters, the island of Bora Bora is the ideal place to discover a wide variety of coral, tropical fish, and many other underwater species. It is also a popular tourist destination for its luxury facilities, such as the overwater bungalows and resorts like the Four Seasons or Westin Bora Bora, which offer a unique experience for every visitor. Bora Bora is a fascinating destination for its beauty and ecosystem, but due to its remote location, it is difficult to access. The countless international routes and the many connections between the islands make the logistics of planning a trip more complex. This guide to Bora Bora will help you understand how to get to Bora Bora more easily. Thanks to the Aranui cruise, the journey becomes seamless. This opportunity will not only allow you to discover the island of Bora Bora, but also to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Bora Bora, an island at the end of the world
Located in the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is in the middle of the South Pacific. Its geographical distance from the continents makes it less accessible and contributes greatly to its myth. It's an ideal Bora Bora holiday destination if you want to discover new and unique landscapes and spend quality time away from the usual routes.
The classic route: a series of stages
Getting to Bora Bora is an adventure in itself, and the classic route involves a series of stages that generally make the journey difficult and fragmented.
- International flight to Tahiti (often via LAX, SFO, HNL or SYDNEY to Bora Bora)
- Domestic flight to Bora Bora via Air Tahiti Nui or Air Moana
- Boat transfer or shuttle across the lagoon to your accommodation
These are the classic stages in reaching this main island of Bora Bora.
The division of this route and its multiple bookings make the journey time-consuming and subject to delays. Depending on your departure time, you may need to clear customs before continuing from PPT (Papeete).
The Aranui, another way to reach Bora Bora
The Aranui offers a cruise to overcome the organisational complexities of traditional air travel. It’s a more relaxed and immersive way to travel to Bora Bora without dealing with multiple airlines, nonstop flights, or finding cheap plane tickets between islands. The ship plays a dual role as both a cargo vessel and a cruise ship. Throughout its itinerary, it allows you to discover French Polynesia in a pleasant, warm, and unique setting.
A unique departure from Tahiti
One of the main features of the Aranui is its unique departure from the island of Tahiti. Unlike traditional routes, which involve multiple stops and reservations, the Aranui allows you to embark directly from Papeete (PPT). This single departure simplifies the journey considerably. No more booking different flights, boat rides, or accommodation changes.
You won’t have to worry about finding cheap flights to Bora Bora, comparing airlines that fly to Motu Mute Airport, or calculating the cost of the shuttle between islands. With Aranui, everything is managed from departure to arrival, so you can fully enjoy the experience and explore the island at your own pace.
Smooth sailing to Bora Bora
The gentle pace of the cruise ensures an immersive experience, far from the stress of direct flights and round-trip flights to Bora Bora.
One of the attractions of the Aranui cruise is the smooth sailing to your destination. Unlike short inter-island flights, the sea voyage offers a gradual and comfortable way to visit Bora Bora, and discover other islands like Moorea, all while soaking in the Tahitian atmosphere.
On board, you’ll have time to relax, admire the views across the lagoon, and learn about Polynesian traditions.
A stopover in Bora Bora without complicated logistics
The journey aboard the Aranui is an experience in itself. It allows you to arrive directly in the Bora Bora lagoon, bypassing the need for extra arrangements. This makes it ideal if you want to spend time in Bora Bora without rushing.
During your trip to Bora Bora, you'll enjoy activities reserved exclusively for Aranui passengers. For example, a visit to Motu Tapu, a secluded islet near Vaitape, the island's main village. This exceptional day includes local experiences and relaxation in one of the most iconic locations of the Pearl of the Pacific.
Travel with sense and fluidity
The Aranui is the ideal option for travellers seeking a stress-free alternative to traditional flights. If you're not looking for cheap flights to Bora Bora or juggling fare comparisons, and would rather avoid sorting plane tickets with Air France, French Bee, or Air Tahiti Nui, this cruise is the way to go.
With everything included—from your accommodation to onboard dining and scenic routes—the Aranui turns your Bora Bora holiday into an adventure of discovery, rather than a race through airports.
Bora Bora in a different way
Bora Bora is a dream destination, offering crystal-clear waters, lush main island landscapes, and a vibrant local culture. But with the traditional route being time-consuming and fragmented, the Aranui offers a guide to Bora Bora that prioritises peace of mind.
Whether you’re planning a trip in April or November, or during the dry season from May to October, cruising offers a smoother rhythm. No need to look for cheap flights to Bora Bora or navigate multiple transfers.
Instead, enjoy a relaxing journey where everything is included—perfect for travellers who want to simply get to Bora Bora, and truly spend time in Bora Bora.
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