Welcome to Motu Tapu, Bora Bora’s most FORBIDDEN islet.
Why?
Discover it in this guide!
Discover what Motu Tapu looks like in the video below!
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What is Bora Bora’s Motu Tapu?
Motu Tapu is a small, private islet just five minutes by boat from the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort.
Known as the most photographed islet in the South Pacific, it is famous for its private beaches, coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and royal history.
Motu Tapu was once the private retreat of Queen Pomare IV, the ruler of French Polynesia from 1827 to 1877. It was then used for royal receptions and sacred rituals.
Today, it remains an EXCLUSIVE destination, available ONLY to Conrad Bora Nui guests, who can book private excursions, luxury picnics, and snorkeling adventures in this untouched paradise.
DID YOU KNOW: In 1931, filmmaker Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau shot the silent film “Tabu: A Story of the South Seas” (watch the trailer on IMDB) on Motu Tapu’s beaches.
The film was a mix of documentary and fiction, with local Polynesians.
Where is Motu Tapu?
Motu Tapu is a small, private islet located in the South Pacific, just five minutes by boat from the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort in French Polynesia.
It sits off the western coast of Bora Bora, surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and coral reefs.
Geographical Location:
- Archipelago: Society Islands
- Country: French Polynesia
- Nearest major island: Bora Bora (approximately 1.6 km / 1 mile west)
- Distance from Tahiti: 230 km (143 miles) northwest
Motu Tapu is part of Bora Bora’s outer motus, which are small reef islets that encircle the main island.
What does Motu Tapu mean?
In Tahitian, “motu” means “islet,” and “tapu” translates to “forbidden” or “sacred.”
Historically, the islet was forbidden to anyone outside the royal circle, as Queen Pomare IV hosted dignitaries and exclusive receptions there.
The name Motu Tapu continues to reflect its history of exclusivity and prestige.
Motu Tapu’s exclusivity for Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Motu Tapu is available exclusively for guests of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui organizes lots of tours, like sunset champagne toasts and gourmet island picnics. The perfect tours for Bora Bora honeymooners!
More information can be found on the official Conrad Bora Bora Nui page.
Spend the day immersed in local traditions, including:
- Coconut husking demonstrations: watch and taste fresh coconut water straight from the shell.
- Pareo tying lessons: learn the different ways Polynesians wear their traditional pareos.
- Wildlife spotting: explore hidden coral canyons and discover the unique flora and fauna of the motu.
Snorkeling at Motu Tapu
The blue waters around Motu Tapu offer some of the clearest snorkeling in Bora Bora, with stunning views of its shallow waters.
The Motu Tapu snorkeling site, just outside the beautiful lagoon, has over 40 meters (130 feet) of visibility in very calm waters, where you may spot black tip sharks, lemon sharks, and a variety of reef fish.
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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.
