Bora Bora's 8 best beaches offer a taste of paradise

07.01.2025 - 08:47 / lonelyplanet.com / Bora Bora

Jan 6, 2025 • 7 min read

You probably already know that Bora Bora’s lagoon is outrageously picturesque, revealing shades of blue you didn’t even know existed. And you'll be pleased to learn that this stunning island in French Polynesia has beautiful beaches to match, fringed by a curtain of swishing palms.

You'll find little slices of sandy heaven – almost always attached to a stylishly luxurious resort – scattered all around the main island and on the motu (islets) dotted around the lagoon, so you'll have sun, sea and sand on tap wherever you choose to stay.

While most beaches are reserved for guests at Bora Bora's luxe resorts, Bora Bora’s main official public beach, Matira Beach, is one of the best on the island. Starting at Matira and working clockwise around the lagoon, here are eight of the best beaches in Bora Bora to kickstart your island dream.

Best beach for families

If Derek Zoolander were to describe Matira Beach, he would probably opt for “really, really, ridiculously good-looking.” It’s hard to imagine the need for a resort beach once you've spent time soaking up the sun on this gorgeous public beach, regarded by many as the best on the island.

The white sand and clear waters stretch from Hotel Matira on the southern tip of Bora Bora’s mainland up to the former Hotel Bora Bora (whose redevelopment has been stalled since 2008). As Matira Beach is a public beach, you'll find both locals and tourists enjoying a swim, relaxing on the sand or wading out for a spot of snorkeling.

Pair this with beautiful sunsets and calm water for swimming and you’ve got a beach that's a top spot for families by day, and a great romantic spot for couples at sunset.

Planning Tip: If you feel peckish, enticing eateries are scattered along Matira Beach, ranging from informal snack stands and casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.

Best beach for beginner snorkelers

Moving offshore from the main island, the private islet of Motu To’opua is home to the luxurious, Hilton-owned Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort, a great choice for snorkeling and sand-worshipping. The beach at the Conrad is a pretty decent size at around 500m (1640ft) in length, with the entrance jetty located right in the center of the sand.

In contrast to many other resort beaches, the sand faces the lagoon and not the main island, providing views of infinite shades of blue. Although it’s stunning, the vista is dominated by the resort's overwater bungalows, so this isn't quite the castaway experience.

Planning Tip: The best thing about this beach is the fact that you can snorkel directly from the sand, finding coral and bright fish just meters from the shoreline. This makes it an ideal beach for beginner snorkelers or those who aren’t strong swimmers. If