Your honeymoon is the most romantic vacation of your life.
Do you consider French Polynesia islands your perfect honeymoon location? Let’s compare the two amazing destinations for honeymooners, Tahiti vs Bora Bora, to make this important decision easier for you.
See also: Best Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Where and how can I fly from USA?
Tahiti
When you see where Tahiti and Bora Bora are located, you’ll understand why it’s so hard to get there. The direct flight from Los Angeles takes around 8.5 hours. You’ll get straight from LAX into the main city of Tahiti, Papeete. It’s possible to start your trip in Chicago, San Francisco, New York, and Honolulu, but they all connect through LA.
Bora Bora
To reach Bora Bora, you need to get to Papeete first. Once you land on Tahiti island, you’ll have to re-check in for the flight to Bora Bora, which will take about an hour. It’s quite likely that you’ll need to wait 3-4 hours for the airlines to arrange connection. The same procedure is required on the way back to Tahiti, so consider all of this waiting time.
Both islands belong to the same group of the Society Islands, French Polynesia. The only way to get there is through Papeete, so if you have fewer days for your honeymoon, it would be reasonable to stay on Tahiti. If you can afford more travel time, go for Bora Bora.
Search for affordable flights here.
The best time to travel to the islands
When to visit Tahiti
Generally, the climate in Polynesia is very favourable, so it’s always a good time to visit Tahiti. The period between May and October is a high season, meaning that there will be many tourists on the island and prices will inevitably go up. December to March is low season, which is characterized by more humid weather and lots of mosquitos. The prices don’t get much cheaper though. Therefore, the optimal time to visit Tahiti is in April and November.
When to visit Bora Bora
Again, the two islands are just one flight away from one another. The best time to travel to Bora Bora is also April and November. However, Bora Bora is generally quieter and more peaceful compared to Tahiti.
There is not much difference between the islands, so the weather is not a deciding factor.
Population/ Tourists & Crowd factor
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the group and the main point that connects tourists with the other Society Islands. It is mostly inhabited by Polynesians, but there are also many Europeans. Tahiti is an amazing place that combines the friendliness of a tropical island and with the elegance of France. It’s also more urbanized than any other island in French Polynesia.
Bora Bora
Unlike Tahiti, Bora Bora is a rural area with one main port, Vaitape. You will still find everything necessary for a comfortable vacation on Bora Bora as it has lots of shops and a few bars and restaurants.
Therefore, if you feel more comfortable in the city, Tahiti is the choice for you. But if you really want to get away with your significant other, choose Bora Bora.
Hotels/ Accommodation
Tahiti
Tahiti is the most visited and therefore the busiest island in the region. As such, it offers a wide selection of resorts and luxurious accommodations from three- to five-stars. Some of them are located closer to the city centre, and others are nestled deep in the island.
Bora Bora
Most resorts on Bora Bora are located on the ring of small reef islets, which means that you’ll have to travel to your resort on a boat. You can even go for a private island for a truly intimate vacation.
Whereas both islands have a number of exquisite tropical resorts and hotels, Bora Bora can give you more privacy. It’s a great opportunity to leave everything behind and take time for yourselves.
See also: Best Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Culture and Entertainment
Tahiti
Tahiti really is the centre of all cultural activity in Polynesia. If you arrive in July, you’ll get to visit the annual Heiva I Tahiti, which a grand celebration of local dance and culture. However, there’s plenty of sights to see at any time of the year.
Bora Bora
The atmosphere on Bora Bora is very comfortable and relaxed, with a relatively calm nightlife. However, you will get a chance to immerse into a rich Polynesian culture. You can always travel to neighbouring islands if your vacation is long enough.
The cultures of Tahiti and Bora Bora are very diverse and amusing, but you will have access to more attractions on Tahiti.
Bora Bora vs Tahiti: Natural Scenery
Tahiti
Tahiti is an amazing place with a truly scenic view. Marvellous tropical landscapes accompanied by large waterfalls will give you an amazing experience. This is the most diverse island in the group, so you can choose between adventurous hiking and relaxing days on the beach.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is often described as the most beautiful place in the world. No matter where you stay on the island, you’ll still get a magnificent view.
Therefore, the natural scenery of both Tahiti and Bora Bora will both leave you impressed.
Tahiti vs Bora Bora: Food
Tahiti
Tahiti island is famous for its street food on Vaiete Square after sunset. When the night comes, this promenade fills up with a wide selection of affordable foods. Think anything from French and Chinese cuisine to fish, steaks, and even pizza.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora also sustains unique Polynesian culinary traditions. It’s a mixture of Chinese, French, and South Pacific culinary tradition. You can have a delicious meal anywhere from the roadside stands to restaurants in your resort.
So the food is great both on Tahiti and Bora Bora, although you might find it more entertaining to have a meal on Tahiti.
Water/Marine life
Tahiti
Tahiti is a home for numerous species of turtles, crustaceans, fish, and shellfish that live in the waters. Therefore, it’s a perfect place for snorkelling and diving.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is also the place to witness amazing sea life. You can even feed sharks and swim near eels! This is definitely a top destination for scuba diving.
Both Tahiti and Bora Bora for honeymoon are perfect. You’ll enjoy a beautiful blue water and impressive marine life wherever you stay.
Conclusion
Are Tahiti and Bora Bora the same? Well, not exactly. They both belong to one group of islands, which makes them very similar in many ways. Whereas Bora Bora is more of an intimate “high end” location, Tahiti is the most urbanized island in French Polynesia.
So, when you compare Tahiti vs Bora Bora, you’ll see that there are no advantages of one over the other. If you and your significant other are both the outgoing type and enjoy active rest, Tahiti is for you. But if you are deadset on your Bora Bora honeymoon, you can expect the most romantic and intimate time of your lives.
