Welcome to the deciding guide on Bora Bora vs Moorea.
What island is better? What should you look for when choosing between the two islands?
Discover here the tips and tricks most travelers miss!
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- 🌴 Bora Bora vs Moorea: Moorea is much easier and cheaper to reach with a quick ferry ride from Tahiti than Bora Bora. BUT Bora Bora is better for honeymooners and water activities than Moorea.
- 🐠 Similarities between Bora Bora and Moorea: Both islands share the same tropical climate and offer stunning snorkeling and diving opportunities with tropical fish, sharks, and manta rays.
- 💰 Moorea is the better value: Just as Bora Bora, Moorea also delivers a luxurious experience, but at a more affordable price, with fewer crowds and maybe even more beautiful nature.
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Bora Bora vs Moorea: location and accessibility
Bora Bora and Moorea have different locations, accessibility, and cost of travel.
Take a look below to discover the key differences.
|
Aspect |
Bora Bora |
Moorea |
| Location | Leeward Islands, French Polynesia, 230 km (143 miles) northwest of Tahiti | Society Islands, French Polynesia, 17 km (10.5 miles) northwest of Tahiti |
| Access from Tahiti | 50-minute domestic flight with Air Tahiti | 30-minute ferry ride or 15-minute domestic flight with Air Tahiti |
| Cost of Travel | Domestic flights start at €350 ($375) round trip | Ferry tickets cost around €25 ($27) round trip |
As you can see, Moorea is a lot more accessible and cheaper than Bora Bora due to its closeness to Tahiti’s International Airport.
You can even travel to Moorea in under an hour after arriving in Tahiti. Bora Bora will take you 2-3 hours extra, as you’ll take a 50-minute flight and then a water taxi from the airport island to your resort island.
Reaching Bora Bora is also more costly due to the domestic flight and exclusive transportation options, only offered by the commercial airline Tahiti Nui.
Climate and weather at the two islands
Both Bora Bora and Moorea have a tropical climate, with high and low seasons at the same time, as they are both French Polynesian islands.
Their weather does not differ much as they are both Leeward islands (islands that are sheltered from the wind and harsh Pacific Ocean) in the Society Islands. So, they really look like paradise during the dry season!
Moorea and Bora Bora experience warm temperatures year-round, averaging 27°C (81°F).
HOWEVER, there are seasonal variations that also affect both islands.
From May to October, the high season gives you dry, sunny weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities, beach days, and exploring the islands.
On the other hand, the rainy season, from November to April, brings STORMS, rainfall, and a lot of wind, especially from December to March.
We do not recommend visiting Bora Bora or Moorea in the low season. If you spend this much money, we’re sure you want the weather to be paradise.
As both Moorea and Bora Bora have the same weather and climate, they are both winners.
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Bora Bora vs Moorea: snorkeling and diving
Both Bora Bora and Moorea offer amazing snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
You can check the table below for each island, but both are similar.
|
Aspect |
||
| Snorkeling spots | Bora Bora is famous for its clear turquoise lagoons and coral gardens. You can snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays at Le Meridien Bora Bora’s Lagoon Sanctuary or enjoy the coral gardens of Anau Lagoon. | Moorea also offers excellent snorkeling at Opunohu Bay and Temae Beach, where you can swim with tropical fish, ray species, and occasionally whitetip reef sharks. |
| Diving conditions | Bora Bora is known for its world-class diving. The water is incredibly clear, with visibility often over 30 meters (100 feet). Popular dive sites include Pinnacle Reef and The Lagoon Wall, where you can encounter moray eels, turtles, and even sharks. | Moorea also offers clear waters, with excellent visibility of up to 30 meters (100 feet). Sites like The Magic Reef and Motu Tiahura are popular, where you’ll see colorful corals, octopuses, triggerfish, and turtles. |
| Marine life | Expect to see sharks, rays, eels, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs in Bora Bora‘s lagoons and diving spots. The waters are rich in marine biodiversity. | Moorea offers a similar experience of marine life, but the island is known for its fish species and sandy lagoons. You’ll also encounter moray eels, mantas, and occasionally dolphins. |
| Difficulty level | Bora Bora’s snorkeling and diving spots are beginner-friendly, especially in shallow lagoons. Advanced divers can explore deeper areas like The Lagoon Wall. | Moorea is great for both beginners and advanced divers. The sites offer shallow, calm waters, but there are also deeper dive sites suitable for experienced divers. |
| Accessibility | Bora Bora’s dive sites and snorkeling spots are typically accessible from resorts or boat tours. Some areas may require a boat ride to reach, especially deeper dive sites. | Moorea’s snorkeling spots are easily accessible from shore, with many areas accessible by foot from beaches. Dive spots can also be reached via boat tours. |
| Best time for snorkeling/diving | May to October (dry season) offers the best underwater visibility, with calmer seas. | May to October is also the ideal time for Moorea, when the seas are calmer and the visibility is at its peak. |
Both Bora Bora and Moorea are winners of this item!
Bora Bora vs Moorea: honeymoon
This topic has a clear winner.
For couples seeking the ultimate honeymoon, Bora Bora is hands down the best destination.
Bora Bora is a true honeymoon destination. It is known for its luxurious overwater bungalows, private lagoons, and exclusive resorts; it offers a romantic getaway.
The island is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, many specifically designed for honeymooners. These resorts offer experiences like private dinners, wedding ceremonies, sunset cruises, and spa treatments.
While Moorea also offers romantic resorts, it doesn’t match the exclusive luxury a honeymoon couple deserves.
Accommodations: Luxury
You can take a look at the table below that covers the most luxurious resorts in French Polynesia!
| Resort name | Price (EUR) | Price (USD) |
| St. Regis Bora Bora Resort | 1750 | 1870 |
| Four Seasons Bora Bora | 2605 | 2785 |
| Conrad Bora Bora Nui | 2507 | 2682 |
| InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa | 1900 | 2030 |
| Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts | 1114 | 1190 |
| Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island | 1030 | 1100 |
| Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora | 239 | 255 |
| Oa Oa Lodge | 213 | 227 |
| Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa | 737 | 785 |
| Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort | 1000 | 1060 |
| Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea | 791 | 843 |
| InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa | 1406 | 1498 |
| Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts | 1500 | 1598 |
| Vahine Island Resort & Spa | 669 | 713 |
| Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa | 1111 | 1184 |
| Le Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort | 610 | 650 |
As you can see above, French Polynesia is not cheap! That is why we wrote this guide on its currency!
Bora Bora’s Overwater Bungalows
Bora Bora is famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows.
Above the turquoise lagoon, these private villas provide stunning views of the surrounding waters and Mount Otemanu.
The exclusive resorts on the island, such as The St. Regis Bora Bora, Four Seasons Bora Bora, and InterContinental Bora Bora, focus entirely on creating the perfect romantic atmosphere for honeymooners.
Many of these resorts feature glass floors, allowing you to watch the marine life below.
You’ll also enjoy private plunge pools, butler services, and personalized experiences like sunset dinners, private boat tours, and spa treatments.
Moorea’s Exclusive Resorts
Moorea offers luxurious overwater bungalows, but CHEAPER!
Resorts like the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort and InterContinental Moorea Resort offer oceanfront views and beachfront villas with private pools.
The Moorea resorts are focused on providing personalized service, with romantic private dinners, couple’s massages, and guided tours around the island.
We give them the advantage because Moorea offers luxurious overwater and beach bungalows for a lower price!
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Adventure activities
There are quite a few popular options for activities in Moorea and Bora Bora!
Water sports in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a water sports paradise.
The island’s shallow, turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding.
If you’re looking for more thrill, try shark and ray feeding excursions, where you can safely swim with blacktip sharks and stingrays.
For something more serene, you can explore the beautiful lagoons by jet ski or take a romantic boat ride to discover the hidden coves and tiny islets around Bora Bora.
Discover our full guide to all the best activities on Bora Bora!
Hiking opportunities in Moorea
While their are a few hikes in Bora Bora, it is mostly famous for its water activities, Moorea is famous for its Moorean hiking trails.
Discover below our interactive map of Moorea!
Moorea is famous for its lush mountains, and hiking here offers some of the most stunning views in the South Pacific.
The Mount Rotui trail, for example, takes you to the summit of the island’s most famous peak, offering panoramic views of the lagoon and nearby islands.
For a more laid-back hiking experience, you can explore the Belvedere viewpoint, where the views over the island’s interior are simply spectacular.
Quad bike tours are also available for those who prefer more speed while exploring the island’s stunning landscapes.
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Bora Bora vs Moorea: beaches
When comparing the pristine beaches of Bora Bora and Moorea, Matira Beach in Bora Bora stands out as one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches!
This beach, stretching over 2 kilometers, offers the perfect mix of seclusion and accessibility, making it ideal for couples and families.
The calm, shallow lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish just a short distance from shore.
Matira Beach is also one of the best spots on the island to enjoy a romantic sunset as the sky turns brilliant shades of pink and orange over the lagoon.
It’s located near several luxury resorts, providing exclusive access to this stunning paradise.
On the other hand, Temae Beach in Moorea is a hidden gem offering a more tranquil and intimate experience.
Near the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Resort, Temae Beach boasts clear blue waters and soft sands with a backdrop of lush greenery and the island’s mountainous interior.
The calm lagoon here is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, free from crowds often going to the more well-known private and stunning beaches.
Marine life and wildlife
Bora Bora and Moorea offer incredible opportunities to experience marine life and wildlife, but each island has a unique ecosystem and approach to nature.
Marine life in Bora Bora
Bora Bora’s lagoon is a marine paradise.
The island is famous for its coral gardens, colorful fish, and vibrant marine species.
When you snorkel or dive here, you’ll often spot blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and moray eels.
If you’re looking for something even more thrilling, shark and ray-feeding tours are also popular.
The lagoon’s shallow waters also provide the perfect conditions for parrotfish, turtles, and mantas.
Wildlife in Moorea
Moorea, on the other hand, has a more land-based wildlife experiences.
Even though the island’s clear lagoons are perfect for snorkeling and diving, where you can see stingrays, sharks, and tropical fish, Moorea is best known for its nature.
On land, you can explore Moorea’s dense forests and encounter species like the Moorea scops owl or the tamarind trees home to the island’s fruit bats.
The island is also a sanctuary for various species of endemic plants and animals, making it a haven for those interested in ecological conservation.
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*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
Bora Bora vs Moorea: best time to visit
|
Season |
Bora Bora |
Moorea |
| Peak season | The best time to visit Bora Bora is from May to October. During these months, expect sunny weather, calm seas, and warm temperatures, making it ideal for beach activities and water sports. The island is more crowded, and prices are at their highest. | Moorea’s peak season also falls from May to October, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling, but expect more tourists and higher prices. |
| Ideal months to visit | The dry season from May to October is ideal for sunny weather and calm seas, making it the perfect time for enjoying beach activities and water sports. You can also visit before or after the peak season for better availability and prices. | Ideal months are also from May to October, which brings pleasant weather, ideal for snorkeling and exploring the island. For a quieter experience, consider visiting before or after the peak season when prices are more affordable. |
| Low season | From November to April, Bora Bora experiences rainy and humid weather. It’s quieter with lower prices, but there’s a risk of tropical storms. It’s a good option if you don’t mind the rain and want a more tranquil experience. | Moorea’s low season runs from November to April, with higher humidity and the chance of storms. While the island becomes more vibrant with lush vegetation, some activities may be limited. However, it’s a good time for peaceful experiences and lower prices. |
Which is better: Moorea or Bora Bora?
Given its accessibility, prices, and the same luxurious experience as Bora Bora, Moorea delivers more quality for the money.
So, except if you are on your honeymoon and want to spend a lot of money, your go-to French Polynesian Island is Moorea.
Moorea is more manageable and has cheaper access
It’s much simpler to get to Moorea, thanks to its proximity to Tahiti.
A short ferry ride of just 30 minutes connects the two islands, making travel both quick and affordable.
In contrast, getting to Bora Bora requires a 50-minute domestic flight from Tahiti, which is also more expensive.
Affordable luxury
Moorea offers the same high-quality resorts as Bora Bora but at a fraction of the cost.
Many accommodations on Moorea provide luxurious amenities, such as overwater bungalows and beachfront villas, without the hefty price tag typically associated with Bora Bora.
It’s the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in luxury without overspending.
Less crowded
Moorea remains far less touristy than Bora Bora, which is often filled with tourists.
This beautiful island offers a more peaceful and authentic experience. You can enjoy its natural beauty and local culture without the crowds.
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*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
