The Most Beautiful Islands to Explore From Bora Bora
Set sail to discover the unspoilt islands around Bora Bora. From uninhabited Motu Céran to sacred Huahine, we’ve highlighted a clutch of idyllic spots that will give you a real sense of French Polynesia.
Island-hop through French Polynesia on Culture Trip’s eight-day sailing adventure, stopping off at Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine.
Raiatea
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Sailors will feel at home on Raiatea, as it’s widely considered the yachting hub of French Polynesia. You can explore almost all of the island by boat, including the interior, which is accessible via a winding river. If you’re keen to learn about Polynesian history, Raiatea is home to the region’s best-preserved archaeological sites, including the sacred Taputapuātea marae complex.
Motu Céran
Natural Feature
Play at being castaway on this tiny outcrop, complete with sugary white sand, swaying palm trees – and very little else. You may well be the only visitor on this uninhabited island. Take a picnic ashore and spend the afternoon wading through the crystalline waters and lounging with a good book in the shade.
Huahine
Natural Feature
Step back in time with a stop at Huahine. This cay, formed from two islands and surrounded by a clear lagoon, has remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Expect a relaxed atmosphere – everything runs on island time. Hop off your vessel and discover small villages, wild volcanic landscapes and rich history. Avea Bay, on the west coast of Huahine, is a popular spot for mooring.
Taha’a
Natural Feature
You may well smell Taha’a before you see it; this flower-shaped island is where the majority of French Polynesian vanilla is grown. Find a place to anchor nearby and explore this island’s fruit-filled farms and quiet beaches. There’s also a single luxury resort, should you fancy a spot of pampering or a swanky restaurant in the evening.
Rangiroa
Natural Feature
Let your cares wash away with a trip to the white-sand shores of Rangiroa. This sedate spot is one of the largest atolls in the world and a haven for divers, with an abundance of sharks, manta rays and other marine wildlife. It’s made up of around 240 tiny islands which encircle a lagoon; many boats congregate close to the upscale Kia Ora resort. Attractions close to this area include a black pearl farm and a vineyard.
Moorea
Natural Feature
Adrenaline junkies should moor up at Moorea for a taste of adventure. This lush, heart-shaped island has several adventure outfitters, offering everything from jungle quad biking to jet-skiing. If you’re a keen hiker, there are dozens of trails that wind through the undergrowth. For a 360-degree view of the island, make your way to the top of Magic Mountain on foot or by vehicle. In terms of moorings, the best anchorages are in Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay.
Nuku Hiva
Natural Feature
You’ll feel like you’re on the set of Jurassic Park (1993) in Nuku Hiva. This rugged island, the largest of the Marquesas, makes for an impressive sight, with gaping valleys and jutting shards of rock carpeted in foliage. There are dozens of beautiful bays to uncover, as well as land activities including horse riding and 4×4 excursions. If you fancy a spot of retail therapy, you’ll find local stores and market stalls offering Marquesan handcrafted goods, with earrings carved from bone and wooden tikis among the mix.
Maupiti
Natural Feature
Known as Bora Bora’s little sister, Maupiti might be smaller, but its beauty is just as mighty. Here you’ll find an authentic slice of French Polynesia, with the island widely untouched by the outside world. Stretch your legs with a trek to the top of Mount Teurafaatiu, a 380m (1,250ft) volcanic peak. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and wheel through quaint villages and secluded trails. Finish with a cold beer at Tarona on the east coast.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.