Vue aérienne de Bora Bora avec son lagon turquoise, ses motus et le mont Otemanu en arrière-plan, en Polynésie française

What to do in Bora Bora? Experience an exceptional stopover with Aranui V

22/05/2025

Bora Bora cruise. The name alone immediately evokes a postcard image, a lagoon with turquoise waters, white sand motus, and the majestic Mount Otemanu as a picturesque backdrop. This mythical island in French Polynesia welcomes travellers in search of paradise.

And they do indeed find it here. But beyond all the dreams that Bora Bora truly fulfils, the island offers many authentic experiences.

What can you do in Bora Bora? Discover some of the best activities you can experience on this dream island and how you can explore the island paradise in an intimate and in-depth way during a stopover aboard Aranui V, the legendary cargo cruise ship. Bora Bora is on the programme of every cruise in Polynesia with the Aranui.

Bora Bora, the jewel of French Polynesia

Welcome to one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora cruise! This little paradise in the heart of the South Pacific is a true jewel that enchants travellers from all over the world. With its breathtaking landscape, crystal-clear water that shimmers in all shades of blue and turquoise, and its magnificent beaches, Bora Bora is a place for unforgettable moments. The island also has a lot to offer culturally.

What a landscape : Bora Bora is known for its impressive lagoon, which is overlooked by the imposing Mount Otemanu. This active volcano, which rises out of the water, gives the island its dramatic yet peaceful backdrop. The lagoon is lined with powdery white sandy beaches, and there is a lively and colourful underwater world that delights divers and snorkellers alike. Colourful coral reefs, exotic fish, and even manta rays and sharks can be observed here.

But in addition to its breathtaking nature, Bora Bora cruise enchants with a unique mix of luxury and authenticity. Overnight stays in overwater villas that hover directly over the lagoon are an unforgettable experience. The island is also known for its friendly people, who proudly preserve their culture and traditions. Visitors can experience traditional dances, music, and local cuisine while immersing themselves in the authentic Polynesian way of life.

A paradise for adventure and relaxation : whether you are looking for a romantic retreat, an adventure holiday, or simply relaxation, Bora Bora is perfect for everyone. Water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or sailing are just as popular here as soothing days on the beach. Nature lovers can roam the island on numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Boat trips to hidden caves, secluded bays, and beaches are also recommended.

Exploring the lagoon, between adventure and wonder

The lagoon of Bora Bora is a true Eldorado for water lovers and offers a variety of activities accessible to all. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, here you can discover the island's marine wealth safely and in a fascinating way.

Want to discover the island’s most beautiful beaches? Don’t miss our selection of Bora Bora’s paradise beaches to explore with the Aranui.

Snorkelling and swimming in the coral gardens :

The colourful coral gardens in Bora Bora's lagoon are a real highlight. When snorkelling, you can dive directly from the beach into the clear, calm water and discover a vibrant underwater world. Colourful fish, elegant sea turtles, and dazzling coral reefs are just waiting to be explored. It's a perfect activity for families, couples, or solo travellers who want to experience the beauty of nature up close.

Swim with rays and sharks in complete safety :

Water enthusiasts can swim with rays and small sharks in a safe environment in Bora Bora. Guided tours ensure that these fascinating sea creatures can be observed up close and in complete safety. A unique opportunity to meet the gentle giants of the lagoon and learn more about their importance in the ecosystem.

Diving in crystal-clear water :

Bora Bora is a dream destination for divers. The crystal-clear water quality allows for impressive visibility so that you can admire the colourful underwater world in all its glory. Whether on a guided dive or a beginner's course, the underwater world of the lagoon is full of wonders just waiting to be discovered.

Relax on dream beaches and beautiful motu

Bora Bora is a wonderful place to relax on dreamy beaches and hidden motus. The island is a true paradise for anyone who loves peace, sun, and crystal-clear water that shimmer in all shades of blue and turquoise. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of nature and discover the secret corners that make Bora Bora a unique holiday destination.

Matira Beach : the must-see and one of the most beautiful in the world

No visit to Bora Bora is complete without a detour to the famous Matira Beach. The beach with its fine white sand stretches along the southern tip of the island against a breathtaking backdrop and is rightly considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is wonderfully calm and warm, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The views of the ocean and the horizon are expansive. Matira Beach is one of the few publicly accessible beaches on Bora Bora, making it the perfect place to experience the island's relaxed atmosphere. There are also hidden areas that guarantee absolute peace and privacy.

Matira Beach is often the final stage of the three-day Va'a Hawaiki Nui race, one of the most prestigious and challenging outrigger canoe races that attracts elite paddlers from all over the world. An exciting experience !

Access to private motu and secret corners

Anyone looking for something special should explore the exclusive motu. These small islands, which are only a few minutes away from Bora Bora, are often only accessible by boat and secluded with their very private atmosphere. Here you can relax completely undisturbed. There are several organised day trips to these hidden gems, where you can lie on sheltered beaches, snorkel, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.

Many secret corners along the coast are only known to a few. Whether hidden bays, secluded lagoons, remote beaches, or mysterious caves. Many of them can only be reached by boat or via enchanted hiking trails. Bora Bora has many surprises in store for anyone who wants to explore the island off the beaten track.

Bora Bora is the perfect place to relax on beautiful beaches and discover its heavenly motu. Whether it's a legendary sunset on the famous Matira Beach or a private excursion to the hidden islets, you'll find the ideal spot.

Island explorations and hiking , alternatives to the sea on Bora Bora

Of course, Bora Bora is primarily known for its unrivalled beaches and crystal-clear waters but away from the ocean, the island is a fascinating world for those who want to explore the diverse nature, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn more about the island's history.

Mount Otemanu : the majestic symbol of the island

Mount Otemanu is probably Bora Bora's best-known landmark. At 727 metres high, the active volcano rises directly out of the water and towers majestically over the island. It is a real highlight for hikers and nature lovers. A hike to the summit is challenging, but well worth the effort: once you reach the top, you are rewarded with an unrivalled view over the island, the lagoon, and the sea. The mountain is also a symbol of the power and beauty of Bora Bora's nature.

Cultural and historical heritage of Bora Bora

In addition to its natural beauty, Bora Bora also has a rich cultural history. Traditional dances, music, and craftsmanship are preserved here and passed down from generation to generation. For example, dances such as the ‘Otea’ and ‘Tamure’ are living expressions of Polynesian history. Bora Bora is also known for traditional art, such as wood carving and the production of beads and shell jewellery. Pieces that often have cultural significance.

So as you explore the island, you will also delve deep into the past. Visit ancient marae (sacred sites), which are important witnesses to Polynesian spirituality and culture, or explore the museum to learn more about the traditions, legends, and lives of the indigenous people.

Numerous hiking trails lead across the island and allow you to discover hidden places. Virtually untouched paths lead to ancient sites that allow you to experience the cultural heritage up close. These tours offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the history of Bora Bora and feel the connection between nature and culture.

Bora Bora is not only a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, but also a fascinating destination for hikers and culture vultures. Whether climbing the majestic Mount Otemanu or exploring the cultural heritage, there is plenty to discover away from the sea.

What Aranui V has in store for you during its stopover in Bora Bora

On all its cruises, Aranui V, the legendary cargo cruise ship, calls at Bora Bora for a one-day stopover. A breathtaking panorama greets you as soon as you arrive, the lagoon with its crystal-clear water and the majestic Mount Otemanu in the background is a truly unforgettable backdrop. A perfect first moment to admire the beauty of the island and get in the mood for the adventure ahead.

One highlight makes the Aranui's stopover on Bora Bora very special, a small boat takes you on a relaxed excursion to Motu Tapu, a small private island off the coast of Bora Bora. After a delicious beach BBQ, you can relax on the beautiful beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the island. Alternatively, you can explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel or swim with stingrays and sharks.

Aranui V also offers numerous excursions that make the experience on Bora Bora even more unforgettable. There are exploration tours around the island to immerse yourself in nature, and a visit to a village to learn about the culture. These activities are perfect for discovering the beauty and diversity of the island.

In the evening, Aranui V leaves Bora Bora and sails to Papeete. This stopover is a wonderful opportunity to combine comfort, discovery, and unique activities, a real highlight to experience paradise in a special way.

Discover why Bora Bora is the most iconic island in Polynesia, with its mythical lagoon and vibrant traditions.

Why Discover Bora Bora with the Aranui ?

If you dream of an unforgettable adventure in the South Pacific, Bora Bora must be on your bucket list! And there is hardly a better way to explore this dream island paradise than on an Aranui cruise. Here are some special advantages that make this experience so unique :

An alternative to mass tourism :

Bora Bora is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, but it's also a major tourist hotspot. The Aranui offers a rare opportunity to discover the island off the beaten path. This cruise provides an authentic experience, allowing you to enjoy Bora Bora in a smaller, much more intimate setting.

Balance between comfort, culture, and nature :

Aranui V combines soothing comfort with a deep dive into Polynesian culture and nature. During the journey, you can admire the unspoiled natural beauty and learn about the fascinating culture of the locals, all while enjoying the comfort of an elegant ship, your “home at sea.” It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

The expertise of a Polynesian crew :

The crew of the Aranui V, mostly made up of local people from the islands visited and loyal to the ship for many years, is known for its warm and genuine hospitality. Each crew member is passionately dedicated to welcoming passengers as if they were family, all while sharing ancient traditions and local customs. They know the hidden spots and tell captivating stories. Alongside multilingual speakers and tour guides, they enrich the guests’ experience by revealing the cultural richness of French Polynesia during island explorations.

Still unsure about your destination? Here's why Polynesia is the perfect choice for a cruise compared to other Pacific islands.

Discover a different vision of Bora Bora

The dream of a South Pacific journey offering more than just stunning scenery comes true with Aranui V. Because the Aranui is more than just a cruise ship, she’s a combined cargo-passenger vessel that transports both travellers and essential supplies to the remote islands of French Polynesia such as the Marquesas, the Austral Islands, and Bora Bora.

This dual purpose creates a unique atmosphere that gives guests an authentic insight into island life and connects them to the local supply chain. Among the many stops, the one in Bora Bora is an unforgettable highlight. With Aranui, you can experience this island jewel in a much smaller, personal setting than on large cruise ships.
Bora Bora is more than just an island, it’s a true paradise that captivates with its natural beauty, tranquility, and authentic culture. A destination that is both impressive and one-of-a-kind.

Why book a cruise with the Aranui ?

An Aranui cruise is not just a trip, it is truly the journey of a lifetime. An experience that lets you dive deep into the soul of Polynesia. You'll discover Bora Bora authentically, away from the crowds, and create memories that will stay with you forever. Book your journey with Aranui Cruises and explore Bora Bora in a way you’ll never forget. Paradise awaits you !

Would you like to discover the Austral Islands? Check out our cruises in French Polynesia: