Bora Bora Matira Beach: Visit The Only Public Beach in Bora Bora!

Welcome to Matira Beach in Bora Bora, French Polynesia!

What are the best things to do at Matira beach? How can you spend an afternoon here? What about its facilities and restaurants?

Discover it below!

Watch this YouTube video to discover Matira Beach!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bora Bora Matira Beach is voted as the MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH IN THE WORLD by both the famous US Travel News and TravelandLeisure! We listed it as our top beach in Tahiti!

• Matira Beach is the ONLY PUBLIC BEACH on the main island. 

• Visiting the beach is free, so there is no need to pay an entrance fee.

Introduction

Matira Beach is one of those places that is hard to put into words.

The turquoise water, the white sand, and the tropical trees create a post-card-perfect paradise, and the snorkeling here is fantastic (see below for more information).

DID YOU KNOW: Matira Beach is the ONLY PUBLIC BEACH in Bora Bora? Most of the island’s coastline is reserved for luxurious resorts with their water bungalows and their private beaches. Only Matira Beach remains accessible to everyone.

Locals told us that the beach was named after a whaleboat that had arrived in Polynesia in 1790.

The beach holds a special place in the island’s history.

It is one of the world’s finest beaches and hosts the annual Hawaiki Nui, the WORLD-FAMOUS outrigger canoe race, which finishes on Matira Beach.

Location and Getting to Matira Beach

Matira Beach is located at the southern tip of Bora Bora Island and is also known as Matira Point by the locals.

This white stretch of sand stretches for 1.5 km (2 miles) from the old Hotel Bora Bora (which is permanently closed) to Matira Point (the most southern point), where the Intercontinental Le Moana is located, with its private beach.

Getting There from Vaitape

Matira Beach is just 8 km (4 miles) from Vaitape, the island’s main town, and can be reached in about 10 minutes by car.

Or, if you prefer, you can also bike there with one of the bikes you receive when you stay at one of the overwater luxury resorts.

A taxi from Vaitape to the Beach is also possible but will cost around 2000 XPF (USD $20).

You can book a tour that includes at Bora Bora below!

Getting There from Motu Resorts

If you’re staying at one of Bora Bora’s Motu resorts (such as the Four Seasons, St. Régis, Intercontinental Thalasso, or Conrad), reaching Matira Beach will require a few extra steps.

These resorts are located on small Motus around the main island (a coral reef surrounds the main island and has gradually risen, generating tiny landmasses known as “motu” over time), and you’ll need to take a boat shuttle from the resort to the main island.

Once you arrive on the main island, you have two options: rent a car or book a taxi.

Snorkeling at Matira Beach

Although the water at Matira Beach is shallow, some spots have much marine life and tropical fish!

Take a look at our detailed map of Bora Bora with all the best things to do on the island!

Best Spot for Snorkeling

To make the most of your snorkeling experience, head to the southernmost point on the east side of this popular beach.

From here, swim towards the northern part of the barrier reef.

This area is full of coral and colorful fish.

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW: We couldn’t get enough of this beach. Some days we literally had it all to ourselves. Beautiful white sand crystal clear water and plenty to see in terms of sting rays and fish with a snorkel and mask on.

Best things to do at Matira Beach

If you think that Matira Point is famous for relaxing, you are right!

But it offers so much more!

Let’s take a look!

Relax and Unwind

The soft white sand (some of the finest white sand in the world) invites you to relax.

It’s amazing to listen to the sound of the waves lapping against the beach.

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW: Clean white sand beach. Excellent for sunbathing. Lots of places on and around beach to eat.

Swim in the lagoon

After relaxing in the sun, you can take a swim in the turquoise lagoon in front of this amazing beach.

The water stays around 77°F (25°C) year-round.

Fun activities: Jet Ski Tours

If you feel like trying something more thrilling, jet skiing is a fun option.

A jet ski tour will take you around the island, offering stunning views and the chance to see Bora Bora from a different perspective.

The jet ski base is located near the Intercontinental Le Moana, making it easy to book a ride during your visit.

Sunset at Matira Beach

Finally, don’t miss the sunset at Matira Beach.

It’s one of the reasons to go to French Polynesia, the sun setting over a turquoise lagoon while watching it from a white-sand beach in warm temperatures and a cocktail in your hand.

Watching the sunset here is one of the most amazing experiences you can have on Bora Bora Island.

Don’t believe us? Check out the video at the top of our article to see the sunset from Matira Point!

DID YOU KNOW: You can even have a private photoshoot from Stephan and Bonnie at Matira Beach!

If you want to take a deep dive into all the fun, adventurous, and chill activities in Bora Bora, take a look at this excursion guide!

What to do at Matira Beach for kids

Matira Beach is perfect for families with children.

The white sand leads into a calm, shallow lagoon with a sandy bottom (without coral reef on the bottom floor).

The floor is flat and coral-free, so children can walk and splash around.

Tour providers at Matira Beach

If you’re looking for more activity than just lounging, Matira Point offers options like jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and paddle boarding.

You can rent gear and take lessons from Lagoon Service Bora Bora or Kite Surf School Polynesie, located further south.

Both offer similar services, but Kite Surf School also provides lessons for kiteboarding and wing foil boarding.

Opening and prices

Matira Beach is open 24/7, every day of the week.

Best of all, access is FREE.

Restaurants at Matira Beach

• Snack Matira: Casual lunch. Burgers, steaks, fries, pizzas, and sandwiches. $15 per person (meal + drink). Service is basic.
• Snack Otoamana: Known for the best Poisson Cru on the island. A local favorite for fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk and citrus.
• Bora Bora Beach Club: Slightly pricier, with lagoon views. Offers French, European, and Polynesian cuisines, plus vegetarian-friendly dishes.
• Intercontinental Le Moana: Open to non-guests for lunch. Enjoy a sunset happy hour.
• Matira Beach Restaurant: For finer dining. Sushi and Tahitian specialties. Open daily for lunch and dinner (closed on Mondays).

Facilities at Matira Beach

There are public showers, toilets (recently renovated), and Picnic tables.

Unfortunately, there are NO sun loungers or umbrellas available.

Hotels near Matira Beach, Bora Bora

There are a few luxurious resorts close to Matira Beach. You can use our widget below to discover the best resorts on Bora Bora Island!

• InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort: A 4-star hotel just 2 minutes from the beach. Offers overwater bungalows and beach bungalows at reasonable prices.

• Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: A popular 3-star hotel, only a 7-minute walk to Matira Point. Enjoy Polynesian-style rooms with ocean views and an excellent in-house restaurant.

Local tips about Matira Beach & Matira Point

Lastly, there are a few things you should know before visiting the only public beach in Bora Bora.

• Respect private property: Avoid sitting on private beaches, especially between Snack Matira and Bora Bora Beach Club. Look for “TABU” signs indicating private areas.

• Stay hydrated and protected: bring at least 2 liters of water per person.

• No alcohol on the beach: Drinking alcohol on a public beach is ILLEGAL in French Polynesia.

FAQ