Bora Bora Layover Guide (BOB)

What are you looking for in BOB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Bora Bora Airport (BOB), known as Motu Mute Airport, is a public airport serving the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. It’s located about 7 km (4.3 miles) north of Vaitape, the island’s main village. The airport first opened officially in 1943 during World War II. Bora Bora is celebrated as a premier honeymoon destination and is renowned for its crystal-clear lagoon, dramatic volcanic peaks, and iconic overwater bungalows.

Can you leave Bora Bora Airport (BOB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave Bora Bora Airport (BOB) during a layover provided you clear immigration and customs and hold valid travel documents and onward tickets. French Polynesia offers visa-free entry for passport holders from many countries for stays up to 90 days; others must obtain a short-stay visa in advance. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Bora Bora: Lagoon Tour and Snorkeling Experience

Explore Bora Bora’s dazzling lagoon on a guided snorkeling tour. Hop aboard a traditional outrigger to visit three prime snorkel spots, swim with stingrays and curious sharks, and marvel at vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, a snack and a refreshing drink to refuel. » book this tour

Bora Bora: 1/2 Day Lagoon Safari – Shared Tour

Discover Bora Bora’s lagoon on a half-day shared safari. Visit three snorkeling stops to admire vibrant coral gardens, swim among tropical fish, and encounter playful stingrays and sleek blacktip reef sharks. Enjoy commentary from your expert local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, fresh fruit and refreshing beverages included. » book this tour

Bora-Bora: 30-Minute Private Flight in Light Aircraft

Take a private 30-minute light aircraft flight over Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon and island. Soar at low altitude past emerald peaks and luxury resorts, marvel at coral reefs and turquoise atolls from the sky. Includes round-trip ground transfers and personalized commentary from a professional pilot for an unforgettable aerial adventure. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Matira Beach Matira Beach offers soft white sand, turquoise lagoon swimming, and stunning sunset vistas ideal for relaxation and photos. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 10-minute taxi)
  • Mount Otemanu Helicopter Flight Experience a thrilling aerial tour over Mount Otemanu’s jagged peaks, hidden waterfalls, and vibrant lagoon hues for unforgettable photo opportunities. (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: boat shuttle to helipad, then 5-minute walk)
  • Shark & Ray Snorkel Safari Join a guided lagoon excursion to snorkel alongside blacktip reef sharks and graceful stingrays in shallow waters, with safety briefing and equipment provided. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 10-minute boat ride)
  • Lagoon Cruise with Picnic Set sail on a traditional outrigger canoe, explore multiple motu islets, snorkel pristine channels, and enjoy a beachside picnic of local fare. (Time required: 3–4 hours / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 10-minute boat ride)
  • Coral Gardens Snorkeling Swim among colorful corals and tropical fish in a protected marine reserve, with guide assistance and snorkel gear included for safety. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 15-minute boat trip)
  • Vaitape Village Stroll Explore Bora Bora’s main village, shop local crafts, sample tropical fruits, and admire French-colonial architecture and waterfront cafes. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 5-minute walk)
  • Perle de Tahiti Pearl Farm Tour Discover the art of Tahitian pearl cultivation, tour lagoonside oyster beds, and shop genuine pearls at the on-site boutique. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 10-minute taxi)
  • Polynesian Spa Ritual Indulge in a traditional massage using local monoi oil, flower-infused wraps, and ocean views to unwind between flights. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: boat shuttle to Vaitape pier, then 10-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Bora Bora Airport (BOB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Bora Bora Airport lacks dedicated lounges or VIP areas. Passengers can unwind in the small terminal seating areas, snack bar or souvenir shop, enjoying open-air tropical breezes. Outdoor benches near the runway fence offer island views. For enhanced comfort, consider visiting nearby resort lobbies after arrival, particularly between flights comfortably. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Motu Mute Airport has no on-site hotels. Closest accommodations lie on the main island and private islets, accessible by boat transfers. Luxury resorts like Four Seasons and St. Regis Bora Bora offer day rooms and overnight stays, often including complimentary shuttle services. Book in advance for availability and guaranteed transport. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal at Bora Bora Airport is small, with limited seating and no designated rest zones. Benches and chairs line the walls, but spaces can be crowded and sometimes noisy. Overnight stays are discouraged; flights operate early but there are no quiet rooms. Bring earplugs and eye masks for dozing.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Bora Bora Airport does not offer free Wi-Fi. Paid Wi-Fi vouchers are sold at the snack bar, granting 30 minutes free followed by affordable pay-as-you-go rates. Network coverage spans the small terminal and gates. Alternatively, travellers can rent portable Tahiti Wifi hotspot devices at Tahiti-Fa’a’ā Airport for broader island connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards for French Polynesia are available at the airport’s Pora Pora Coffee Shop and souvenir kiosk. Major carriers like Vini and Mana offer prepaid SIM and eSIM plans with data, calls and texts. Registration requires passport presentation. Alternatively, purchase eSIM profiles online prior to arrival for instant activation. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: No road taxis serve Bora Bora Airport. Instead, water taxis operate from the boat dock to the terminal, charging approximately 1,500–2,000 XPF per person to Vaitape village. They run on demand throughout daylight hours. Boat transfers are arranged via resorts or private operators; pre-booking is recommended for guaranteed departure times.

Train: No train service operates on Bora Bora or at its airport. Transport relies on boats, taxis and buses. French Polynesia has never developed rail infrastructure, leaving the island entirely dependent on maritime and road connections. Visitors must arrange boat shuttle, private taxi or bus links via resorts or local operators. (more info)

Bus: No direct bus services run to Bora Bora Airport. Once you arrive by boat, local buses in Vaitape village operate three times daily at fixed times (9:10, 10:10 and 13:10), charging around 1,600 XPF round-trip. Tickets sell at the Vaitape bus stop. Routes link major resorts and beaches. Schedules change. (more info)

Shuttle: Most resorts and hotels on Bora Bora provide scheduled or on-demand boat shuttle services between Bora Bora Airport and beachfront properties. Fees vary from 3,000 to 8,000 XPF per person one-way. Reservations must be made through the accommodation’s concierge or transport desk before arrival to secure pick-up and drop-off times.

Car rentals: Car rental companies at Bora Bora Airport operate from the dock area; rentals must include boat transfer to the main island. Providers like VIP Cars and Europcar offer daily rates starting around 12,000 XPF. Drivers need a valid international licence and a credit card. Book in advance to ensure availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Bora Bora Airport offers a small free parking area near the boat dock, accommodating private vehicles for short stays. Space is limited and unsupervised, so leave valuables with you. Long-term parking is unavailable. After parking, proceed on foot to the terminal building for check-in and security procedures. Lock your car.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no luggage storage facilities or lockers at Bora Bora Airport. Arriving passengers should pre-arrange luggage hold with resorts or hotels. Some nearby accommodations provide guest storage for a fee. For valuables or excess baggage, consider storing items at Tahiti-Fa’a’ā Airport before connecting flights to minimize hassle upon arrival. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Bora Bora Airport (BOB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks