Think Bora Bora is only for the rich? Think again! You can absolutely visit bora bora budget travel guide. Many assume this dream destination is only accessible to the wealthiest travelers, but I’m here to tell you—it’s possible for average travelers like us! I’ve been there, and I know firsthand that with the right tips, you can experience the beauty of Bora Bora without overspending.
If you’re new here, I’m Sahil from the global guide tips travel blog, where we help millions of travelers turn their dream trips into reality with budget travel tips and destination guides.I want to explore as many places as possible!
bora bora budget travel guide: Luxury Travel Without Breaking the Bank!
Can You Travel to Bora Bora on a Budget?
Yes! Absolutely! You don’t have to sacrifice overwater bungalows or luxurious experiences to visit Bora Bora affordably. By focusing on four key areas—accommodation, food, transportation, and activities—you can significantly cut costs.
1. Accommodation 🏨
Where you stay in Bora Bora will be your biggest expense. While iconic overwater bungalows can cost thousands per night, there are ways to stay in them at a fraction of the price! Budget-friendly alternatives include guesthouses, hostels, Airbnbs, and local hotels. Want an overwater bungalow for less? Check Costco Travel for amazing vacation packages!
2. Food 🍽
Food in Bora Bora can be shockingly expensive since you’re on a remote island with limited options. Resort restaurants can charge $200+ per meal, but don’t worry—I have two hacks to help you avoid that cost! Local food trucks, supermarkets, and meal-prep strategies will save you hundreds while still allowing you to enjoy delicious meals.
3. Transportation 🚤✈️
Getting to Bora Bora isn’t cheap, but finding discounted or even free flights is possible— Once you arrive, remember that the airport is on its own island, and most resorts are also on private islands. The boat transfers from the airport to your hotel can cost $100–$250 per person, but I’ll show you ways to save on this!
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4. Activities & Tours 🌊
Of course, you’ll want to experience snorkeling, glass-bottom kayaking, and traditional outrigger canoe rides while in Bora Bora. The good news? Many of these activities can be done for free or at a lower cost if you know where to look.
If you’ve ever looked at Bora Bora hotels, you’ve probably seen that luxury overwater bungalows often cost over $1,000 per night. With ocean, mountain, or lagoon views, these bungalows offer an incredible experience, but they come with a hefty price tag. However, my trip to Bora Bora cost me just $2,500 per person for five nights in Bora Bora and two nights in Tahiti—including flights, transfers, accommodation, and some meals. That’s a huge saving!
There are several ways to save on accommodation, and I’ll walk you through the best ones.
1. Stay on the Main Island in bora bora
One of the cheapest ways to stay in Bora Bora is by booking a hotel on the main island rather than a private resort island. The downside? You won’t get the iconic mountain views seen in travel photos because you’ll be on the same island as the mountain itself. However, staying on the main island offers:
✔️ More affordable hotels
✔️ Access to local restaurants (cheaper food!)
✔️ Jungle hikes and nature activities
Of course, staying at a resort on a private island gives you a more exclusive and luxurious experience, but it also means higher costs.
2. Book a Short-Term Rental (Airbnb or Vrbo) 🏡
Another great way to save is by booking a vacation rental on Bora Bora’s main island. Some Airbnbs and Vrbos even offer overwater bungalows at a fraction of the price of resort stays! However, keep in mind:
🔹 These rentals are usually less private than resort accommodations.
🔹 They lack some luxury amenities that resorts provide.
🔹 You’ll still get access to stunning beaches and lagoons.
If you don’t mind skipping the ultra-luxury experience, this is a budget-friendly alternative worth considering.
3. Stay in a Non-Overwater Bungalow 🏠
You don’t have to stay in an overwater villa to enjoy Bora Bora. Many resorts offer garden-view or beach bungalows that are significantly cheaper while still providing luxury experiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Before booking a standard room, check Costco Travel or VIP Traveler vacation packages. Sometimes, you can get an overwater bungalow for the same price as a non-overwater room in a different package!
Even if you opt for a non-overwater room, you’ll still have:
✔️ Beach access 🌊
✔️ Resort pools 🏊♂️
✔️ The stunning Bora Bora scenery 🌴
4. How to Save Money on Food in Bora Bora 🍽
Food in Bora Bora is extremely expensive because of its remote location. The best resorts are on private islands, meaning you’re stuck eating at the resort restaurants, which can charge:
💰 $50+ per meal per person
💰 $200–$300 per day for two people
Since there are no local grocery stores or cheap restaurants on these private islands, resorts can set whatever food prices they want. However, you can cut food costs significantly by:
✔️ Staying on the main island where local restaurants are available.
✔️ Bringing snacks or instant meals to avoid expensive resort food.
✔️ Booking accommodations with a kitchenette to cook some meals.
If you plan smartly, you can enjoy the beauty of Bora Bora without spending a fortune on food and accommodation.
- Don’t Plan on Buying Groceries
- Most grocery stores are on the main island, not on resort islands.
- Resort islands don’t have grocery stores.
- Taking a boat to the main island costs around $200, making grocery shopping expensive.
- Take Advantage of Free Hotel Breakfast
- Many vacation packages include a free breakfast.
- It’s usually a buffet-style meal that lasts until 10:00 AM.
- Eat later in the morning and have a big meal to last until dinner.
- Resorts may require you to provide your room number to prevent guests from eating twice.
- Breakfast offers a variety of options like French pastries, fresh fruit, and juices.
- Pack Your Own Snacks & Easy Meals
- Saves money and ensures you always have food.
- Pack non-perishable, easy-to-carry items:
- Tortillas (won’t break in your suitcase)
- Tuna packets (flat & easy to carry)
- Crackers, dried fruit, beef sticks, granola bars, protein bars, trail mix
- Check Bora Bora customs regulations before bringing food, as some fresh produce and meats may be restricted.
- Avoid Buying Alcohol at the Resort
- Drinks at the resort can cost $20 or more each.
- Buy alcohol from the duty-free store at Tahiti Airport before arriving in Bora Bora.
- Most resorts allow guests to bring their own alcohol.
- Use Resort Happy Hours
- Many resorts offer buy one, get one free deals on drinks.
- Example: We got four non-alcoholic drinks for $10 instead of two drinks for $20.
- Travel in Shoulder Season for Cheaper Costs
- Bora Bora has limited daily flights, making airfare expensive.
- Shoulder season (e.g., November) offers better weather and lower prices.
Budget Tips for Traveling to Bora Bora
- Travel during the off-season
- Prices are higher during peak season (May to October).
- Visit during shoulder season (November to April) for better deals on flights and accommodations.
Find cheap flights
- Book flights with a layover (often in Tahiti) instead of direct flights.
- Look for deals on budget airlines that serve the region.
Use public transportation and bikes
- Taxis and private transportation are expensive.
- Rent a bike or use the “le truck” (public transportation) for a budget-friendly trip.
Free and Low-Cost Activities in bora bora
- Enjoy Bora Bora’s beaches for free (Matira Beach is stunning).
- Go hiking (Mount Otemanu offers breathtaking views).
- Snorkel in a public lagoon instead of paying for private tours.
- Book tours and activities in advance
- Compare prices online before booking.
- Join a group tour instead of private tours.
- Opt for budget-friendly island hopping
Instead of expensive private boat trips, use ferries to visit nearby islands.
Moorea and Tahiti offer more budget-friendly accommodations. Travel with a companion Splitting costs for accommodations, transportation, and food can help save money. Plan and book in advance The earlier you book, the more you’ll save on flights, hotels, and tours.
This post given information about bora bora budget travel guide, how you can experience luxury at a low cost. Given its information, where to stay, transportation, what activities to do? Where to eat? All of that is mentioned in this post. My purpose in making this post is to show you how you can save money in Bora Bora while having a luxury experience. So, let me know in the comments how you liked this post.
