Bora Bora vs Mo’orea: which island should you choose?
Dreaming of an overwater bungalow, turquoise lagoons and palm-fringed beaches, but are stuck on the Bora Bora vs Mo’orea debate? You’re not alone!
Both islands are postcard-perfect and part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, but they each have their own personality. Bora Bora is known for luxury and serenity, while Mo’orea (although not lacking in luxury, either) is loved for its laid-back charm, accessibility and family-friendly vibe.
Here’s how they compare when it comes to accommodation, activities, beaches, and more.
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Accommodation: Bora Bora vs Mo’orea
If your bucket list includes sleeping above the lagoon, both islands deliver – but Bora Bora takes the crown for sheer indulgence. The overwater bungalows here are the stuff of travel brochures, with crystal-clear water beneath your deck and uninterrupted mountain views.
That said, Mo’orea offers better value overall, with a wider range of family-run pensions, boutique stays and mid-range resorts. You’ll still find stunning overwater options – but they’ll be slightly cheaper.
Tip: To stretch out your budget further, consider basing yourself in Mo’orea in a family-run pension, then splurge on a night or two in Bora Bora to experience the luxury without blowing the entire budget.
Beaches: Bora Bora vs Mo’orea
Mo’orea has more natural white-sand beaches, while Bora Bora’s shores are mostly narrow strips fronting private resorts. Many of Bora Bora’s brand name resorts import sand for their beaches.
If your idea of paradise is relaxing on a beach towel with a cocktail in hand, Mo’orea wins. But for snorkeling straight from your bungalow deck, Bora Bora can’t be beaten.
Snorkelling and marine life
Both islands are snorkeling heaven, with lagoons teeming with tropical fish. However, Bora Bora’s calmer lagoon means better visibility and a greater chance of spotting rays and reef sharks right off your resort.
Mo’orea has excellent snorkeling too – particularly around Temae Beach and the lagoonarium – but you might need to venture out on a guided trip to see the same variety.
Getting there: which is easier? Which is more affordable?
All international flights arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, and from there you’ll connect to either island.
- Mo’orea: The easiest and cheapest option. You can hop on a 30–45-minute ferry from Tahiti.
- Bora Bora: Requires a short domestic flight (around 50 minutes) with spectacular views. The airport is on its own island, so a boat transfer to your accommodation adds to the cost – but it’s part of the fun.
Tip: If you’re short on time or your wallet is not an endless pit, Mo’orea’s easy (and significantly cheaper than flying) ferry connection is a huge plus.
Things to do: Bora Bora vs Mo’orea
Bora Bora is tiny, so activities revolve around the lagoon – think snorkeling tours, lagoon cruises, and paddleboarding. You can hire bikes to explore the road that loops the main island, but inland adventures are limited.
Mo’orea, by contrast, has a more accesible mountainous interior, meaning more variety. Families can visit pineapple plantations, take 4WD or ATV tours through the jungle, or swim with stingrays in the lagoon. There’s more to see and do on land, making it ideal for longer stays.
Cost comparison
There’s no sugar-coating it – Bora Bora is more expensive. Flights, accommodation and transfers quickly add up. Food and activities are fairly comparable between the two islands, but Bora Bora’s luxury focus drives up overall costs.
Mo’orea offers better value for families, with more self-catering options, on-land excursions and budget-friendly lodgings.
So… Bora Bora or Mo’orea?
Having visited both, if money was no object, I would personally choose Bora Bora as it’s the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime island escape. It’s luxurious, romantic (even with the kids) and drop-dead gorgeous. But if Mo’orea is better suited to your budget and travel style, you will still have the most amazing time here as well. Let’s face it, travelling as a family is expensive!
Here’s the quick summary:
| Category | Best For |
|---|---|
| Ease of access | Mo’orea |
| Luxury stays | Bora Bora |
| Family-friendly options | Mo’orea |
| Snorkeling & marine life | Bora Bora |
| Beaches | Mo’orea |
| Land-based activities | Mo’orea |
| Romantic escape | Bora Bora |
| Budget & value | Mo’orea |
Final thoughts
Both islands are spectacular, so you really can’t go wrong. Bora Bora might be the showstopper, but Mo’orea has a warmth and authenticity that makes it easy to fall in love with. My advice? If you can swing it, visit both (we did). Start with Mo’orea’s relaxed adventure vibe, then end your trip floating above Bora Bora’s dreamy lagoon for the finale.
FAQ: Bora Bora vs Mo’orea
Mo’orea is generally better for families. It’s easier and cheaper to reach, has family-run stays, and more on-land adventures like pineapple farms and 4WD tours. Bora Bora is amazing but mostly geared towards couples.
Yes, Mo’orea is much cheaper. The ferry from Tahiti costs less than a flight, and accommodation, food, and activities are generally more affordable too.
Yes! Many Bora Bora resorts welcome children and offer family villas, snorkelling, and lagoon activities. Just expect a slower pace – it’s more about water fun and relaxation than big adventures.
If visiting both, plan around 3-4 days in Mo’orea for exploring and 2-3 days in Bora Bora for relaxing in an overwater bungalow.
Mo’orea wins for natural public beaches, while Bora Bora’s beaches are mostly resort-owned. However, Bora Bora’s lagoon is unbeatable for calm, clear water and snorkelling.
Yes, and it’s quite easy. You can ferry from Tahiti to Mo’orea, then fly from Mo’orea or Tahiti to Bora Bora. Many travellers do both to balance adventure and luxury.
Bora Bora usually has better visibility and more marine life right off your bungalow deck. Mo’orea also has fantastic snorkelling, especially at Temae Beach and the lagoonarium.
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