Bora-Bora Travel Forum

My wife's 30th birthday is coming up in mid-February and she has a real jonesing for white sands and clear blue water. I've always wanted to go to the South Pacific. I've heard fantastic things about Bora-Bora and it sounds great to us. We live in Portland, OR (and use the Sea-Tac airport in Seattle for international flights).

I can spend an arm and a leg, but I'd prefer not to. I'm thinking we'll be non-over-the-water resort people, and I've seen rates from $150-200. My wife will insist on hot water and a bed, so no camping ;)

So my first question is - where to stay? Any recommendations? Our goal is to chill on the beach, do some snorkeling, do some hiking, and maybe one or two planned excursions (haven't checked into that). Fancy dining not needed.

I did some rough math...$1000/each for air fare, 7 @ $200 each (worst case) for rooms, $150/day for food & stuff (???), $500 extra misc for things that always seem to come up or some tours....$4950!

So is there a way to trim this? Leave out the $500, say $100/day each (we don't eat much), get a $150/night room...$3750. Better...but are there any more corners to cut??

I guess what's working against is most is that air fare...mid-Feb is peak season :-( Any advice on people who've done Bora Bora on a budget would be great.

Thanks,

-Drew

there are private "homes" that are actually illegal hotels on Bora-Bora that will house you and your wife and provide breakfast and dinner for $100.00 u.s. a day. We have spent (not recently) two weeks there for 600 dollars excluding air fare. Some of the lesser known beaches can be even cheaper. What's the weather like at home now? Haven't been back to Oregon is a few years, but if you are ever in Korea, give me a note. hindu1936@gmail.com

Have you checked Moorea? It is in French Polynesia, too and is less expensive, but I liked it even more. We spent 7 nights in Moorea & 1 in Bora Bora - I'm not sure about cheap unless you start saving up your Starwood points or your frequent flyer miles :) But check tahiti-explorer.com for more. There are some great forums there, too! Good luck! It was beautiful!

We just booked through Air Tahiti Nui a vacation deal that is 1 night Tahiti 5 Nights Moorea at the Pearl Resort which includes Breakfast and Dinner. This also includes R/T from LAX to PPT and all transfers. The rate on that was $1,269 PP but we upgraded to OWB for a cost of less than $2,000 per person.

hi i think moorea is the best island then bora bora, raitea has a good mountain to climb and has fab views over lagoon and bora bora ! everything is pretty expensive out there ! have you ever thought of a cruise ?i used to work on the tahitian princess ship ! i think it would be the best way of visiting the area ,so you get to see 5/6 islands you can do as much or as little as you want !excursions are cheaper on land thann booking via ship,or you could just go to the beach and chill,or snorkel .its not a formal ship, not tacky and glitzy ,it works out cheaper booking that via american travel agent than the resorts on the islands.

Check out Bora Bora Eden Beach Hotel it's on a private motu and considered reasonably priced for Bora Bora. For Bora Bora I believe it is considered 'budget" and it is gorgeous, with an incredible view of the main island. You don't want to stay on the main island - it's poverty ridden and very depressing. Also, I noticed that most of the hotels there are right on the road so it can be very loud I imagine. Also be prepared: Our dollar does not go far there at all!! But it is worth every penny. Moorea is also amazing, a bit cheaper and there's more to do.