What is the real price of a trip to Bora Bora? And why Aranui offers a unique alternative
26/06/2025
Bora Bora cruise, just its name alone conjures images of turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and a dreamlike escape in the heart of the South Pacific. But for many travellers, the allure of this Polynesian paradise quickly gives way to a more realistic concern: how much does it cost to go to Bora Bora?
In this blog we explore the real Bora Bora cost of a holiday in Bora Bora, from flights to food to excursions. But more than that, we look beyond the glossy postcard to question what kind of experience you're really getting and whether there might be a more meaningful, immersive, and logistically simpler way to discover not just Bora Bora, but French Polynesia as a whole.
Enter Aranui Cruises, a hybrid passenger/cargo cruise ship that offers a culturally immersive voyage like no other, and why this ship might just be the alternative holiday package to Bora Bora you didn’t know you were looking for.
To learn more about Bora Bora, the most iconic island in French Polynesia, check out our dedicated article
The price of a trip to Bora Bora: the main points to know
A typical Bora Bora holiday usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. While the island is undeniably beautiful, it is also among the most expensive travel destinations in the world. Here's a breakdown of where your budget will go.
International flights and inter-island flights
To reach Bora Bora, most travellers first fly internationally to Tahiti, French Polynesia’s capital. From London, expect a long-haul journey with at least one stop, often in Los Angeles or San Francisco. International fares fluctuate, but they often sit in the upper range of transcontinental travel due to the distance and airline options.
From Papeete to Bora Bora, a domestic flight to Bora Bora, typically with Air Tahiti, is required. These short flights are scenic but also add several hundred pounds per person for a round-trip and can account for a significant part of the overall travel budget. It’s worth noting that booking.com or early reservations can help with deals, particularly in 2025.
Accommodation: from luxury bungalow to family pension
Bora Bora is synonymous with luxury resorts, especially the iconic overwater bungalows. Nightly rates in these settings often cost several hundred pounds per night. All-inclusive packages are available, and can include access to spas, water sports, or even private pools, but many still come with additional costs for meals and excursions.
Some of the most famous names include the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and the Intercontinental Le Moana. These 5-star or 4-star accommodations are ideal for those planning a luxury honeymoon in Bora Bora, with options like beach bungalows, thalasso spa treatments, and even swim-up villas.
A more cost-effective option is family-run pensions or small guesthouses in places like Vaitape, which provide a more intimate and local experience. However, they might lack the amenities of larger resorts. These are particularly attractive for those seeking cheap holidays or travelling with families.
Activities, excursions, and meals
The natural beauty of Bora Bora is best explored through activities such as snorkelling in the lagoon of Bora Bora, a lagoon tour, shark and ray feeding, diving, paddleboarding, or a romantic dinner on a private motu (islet). These experiences, while unforgettable, often range from £100 to £300 per activity per person.
Dining can also be costly. While resorts offer gourmet meals, they may not be included in your room rate. Dinner for two, especially with drinks, can easily exceed £100. Budget travellers often seek out small local restaurants, groceries or supermarkets in places around Bora Bora for more affordable options.
Want to know everything about French Polynesia and its islands? Check out our complete guide to explore this unique destination and its must-see archipelagos.
The limits of a hotel stay on a single island
Even with its picture-perfect scenery, a classic stay in Bora Bora has its drawbacks:
- Concentrated on one island: You’re likely to remain in or near your hotel in Bora Bora, rarely venturing beyond the main island or your private motu.- Disconnected from Polynesian culture: While the hospitality is warm, your experience is often designed for international expectations, not local immersion.
- Everything costs extra: Whether it's an excursion, a coconut drink on the beach, or a transfer, the à la carte model can inflate the total bora bora cost.
- Touristy atmosphere: In peak season, Bora Bora's exclusivity can feel more like a curated experience than an authentic encounter.
Aranui, another way of living Bora Bora and Polynesia
So, if you're looking for something broader and more authentic than simply a luxury holiday to Bora Bora, with a journey where you can connect with the real culture, people, and history of French Polynesia, then a voyage aboard Aranui V offers just that.
It’s a journey that combines travel, transport, and cultural immersion all in one, with not just a stop in Bora Bora but a journey through the remote Marquesas, protected Tuamotus, and beautiful Society Islands. It’s not a traditional cruise, but rather an experience of Polynesian discovery.
Discover our article on what to do in Bora Bora and enjoy an exceptional stopover with the Aranui.
Stopover in Bora Bora with the Aranui
On the penultimate day of the cruise, Aranui anchors near Motu Tapu, a private islet on Bora Bora offering a serene and exclusive experience. Guests enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on its white-sand private beach by the side of the turquoise lagoon, with the option of water-based activities alongside simply snorkelling, swimming, or relaxing in this quiet corner of paradise.
But unlike a resort, you arrive here as part of a wider itinerary, having already explored several lesser-known islands and built a connection to Polynesian culture that makes Bora Bora even more meaningful.
A cultural immersion carried by a Polynesian crew
What truly sets Aranui apart is the people. The crew is mostly Polynesian, many from the islands you’ll visit. From sharing legends during guided tours to explaining traditional rituals and customs, the journey becomes a two-way exchange. You’re not just visiting; you’re being invited in.
Cultural excursions are included in the fare, featuring visits to archaeological sites and local markets, as well as the opportunity to witness traditional dances and explore villages, all guided by those who live the culture daily. This kind of authentic access is rarely offered at a Bora Bora resort and offers insight into places to visit beyond the brochure images.
An exploration of the islands, not just a postcard
Aranui V allows you to explore multiple islands across the archipelago, each unique in geography and tradition. From the wild beauty of the Marquesas to the coral atolls of the Tuamotus, this is not just tourism, it's exploration. You don’t just see French Polynesia; you begin to understand it, and the more you see, the more you know.
Unlike standard holiday packages, this inclusive package covers accommodation, food, and cultural activities. There’s no need for additional transfers or renting a car, and the experience is far more enriching than a simple stay in an overwater bungalow.
Why choose Aranui as an alternative to a traditional hotel stay?
While a resort stay in Bora Bora offers comfort and exclusivity, Aranui V provides something arguably rarer, a depth of authentic experience that is beyond measure.
- Roaming: Discover multiple islands, including Bora Bora, without the hassle of managing transfers and logistics.- Immersion: Cultural richness and human encounters are built into the experience, not just offered as optional extras.
- All-inclusive simplicity: Flights, accommodation in beautifully appointed private cabins, meals, and excursions are all covered in one fare, making budgeting much easier.
- Human connection: Share the experience in the intimate surroundings of Aranui V, as the ship carries just over 200 people, with an engaging and friendly Polynesian crew.
- Local perspective: Get the inside track and discover French Polynesia as the locals live it, not just as a visitor sees it from a resort.
Discover the most beautiful beaches of Bora Bora with the Aranui in our dedicated article.
Conclusion: Bora Bora, beyond the budget, a travel choice
A trip to Bora Bora is a dream for many, but it's important to know that it comes at a high price and sometimes with limited cultural depth. For travellers seeking value, variety, and authenticity in 2025, Aranui V offers a compelling alternative that lets you truly experience the soul of French Polynesia.
With Aranui V, you’re not choosing between comfort and culture; you’re embracing both, through a voyage that connects you with the islands, their stories, and their people. Bora Bora becomes part of a greater journey, one that feels richer and far more meaningful.
Whether you're drawn by luxury or by adventure, understanding your options ensures your journey is not only beautiful but deeply meaningful too.
What if your journey continued to the Austral Islands? Explore them with our cruises in French Polynesia :
- Tahiti Cruise
- Marquesas Islands Cruise
- Austral Islands Cruise
- Cook Islands Cruise
- Pitcairn Islands Cruise
- Society Islands Cruise
- Tuamotu Islands Cruise
- Gambier Islands Cruise
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