Tips, Tricks and Must Do's
Bora Bora
For additional details on Bora Bora CLICK HERE
TIPS & TRICKS
Pocketbook Rescue:
Go during “Off-SeaSon”
Bora Bora’s Off-Season is their wet season: December through March
We did this unintentionally as we got married in March and didn't confirm our honeymoon destination until after we picked our wedding date. Even when visiting in the beginning of March we only had 3 cloudy days. Although 1 of those 3 days was due to a major storm that came through and we legitimately thought we were going to die... it was worth it!
Staying on land vs. Overwater
Staying on Land: This is truly one of the best ways to save on a trip to Bora Bora; however, it comes down to personal preference. Keep in mind, some would argue that the whole purpose of going to Bora Bora is so that you can jump off of your back patio/balcony into the ocean (which, we must say is a pretty sweet option)
Snagging a bungalow overwater: If you opt to splurge on the price and stay overwater, make sure it's worth it. There a couple of resorts that offer "overwater bungalows" but certain bungalows closer to shore are standing it 4 feet of water that you can't dive into. Connect with your resort and ensure that you're staying in a bungalow that has a patio dive-in option.
Do Both: When it comes down to it, you do always have the option to do both. You can always start on land for your first couple of days and then set it up so that you switch to an overwater bungalow for the second part of your trip or vice versa. That way, you get the best of both worlds AND more cash gets to stay in your pocket.
Buy a water bottle and keep it!
Water isn't too expensive but it's also not the cheapest no matter where you buy it from. Likely, you'll be spending anywhere between $3 and $5 USD per Liter, which is doable. The damage is done when you end up having to purchase 3 bottles of water every meal - and when you're paying about $5 USD each, it adds up quick! Trust us, you'll end up purchasing way more water than you planned for due to the need to remain hydrated throughout the day. The combination of heat, cocktails, and accidentally swallowing salt water while snorkeling from the ocean (if you're a rookie like Tey) will truly have you saying, "the thirst is REAL" (corny? I know, that wasn't my best, just roll with it).
We recommend you buy a water bottle or 2 from your resort or at the market and then just fill up at your resorts gym whenever necessary. That way, you’re not stuck paying for multiple bottles throughout the duration of your trip and you save planet earth while you're at it! #2birds1stone
Getting around
Getting there: Flights
Find out the best time to purchase your flights. Using tools like price predictors don't always work with international flights so you're going to have to do a little research. We tend to shop early, though this doesn't necessarily mean we always BUY early.
Thanks to the fluctuation in gas prices, greed and the amount of people actually traveling contstantly having a yo-yo effect, it's hard to give a precise timeline.
We don't necessarily recommend this for Bora Bora but If you decide to go last minute, it is possible to score a cheap seat as airlines try to "filler up". Like we said, this isn’t recommended, but it is an option.
Purchasing a flight for visit during off season will also help
While you’re there: Boat Trips, Bikes, and Mopeds
Plan accordingly. As each resort is hosted on their own island, you'll want to try to limit your boat trips to one roundtrip transport per day. Each one way transport can cost you up to $30 USD per person.
Food
EAT LOCAL
Fish from the backyard is always going to be cheaper than a piece of cow shipped across the ocean. Better tasting too.
Bundle!
Select a hotel that offers stay packages that include a breakfast. Extra points if it's a breakfast buffet - that way you stock up! No Judgment.
Pack your own
If bundling proves to be outside of your budget. Pack your own! We brought oatmeal, cliff bars, etc. along with us. Grab plates/bowls from the kitchen or have room service bring you some when needed and get your budget grub on.
Keep in mind that dinner meals can range from $100pp to $300pp. And we’re not even talking about Filet Mignon and Lobster with dessert and drinks - we're talking very basic dinners.
Purchase drinks from Duty Free locations in the airport and make your own mixed drinks!
BEST WAY TO SAVE
Budget! We can't stress this one enough. Chances are high that once you arrive, one of the first things your resort is going to do while checking you in is swipe your card. But keep in mind, this isn't just for incidentals, this is for EVERYTHING. It's convenient in the sense that you don't have to always carry your credit card on you when you eat a meal or take a water taxi but then it's not so convenient if you don't keep track of what you're spending.
Must do's
- Matira Jet Tours
- Dinner at another Resort
- Snorkeling
- 4x4 Excursion
- Swim with Sting Rays
- Chase the Eagle Rays
- Explore on your own (Kayaking, rent a moped, go hiking)
- Paddle Boarding
- Scuba Diving
Have any comments, questions, suggestions? Let us know!
