I have always dreamed of taking a luxurious, relaxing, tropical vacation to a remote island paradise. When looking at destinations in the South Pacific, Bora Bora kept catching my eye with it’s clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, jungle interior and overwater bungalows on stilts. The more research I did, the more enthralled I became with the idea of spending a week or two soaking up the sun and experiencing the polynesian culture of this small French Polynesian island.
Getting to Bora Bora from San Francisco is no easy task though, with no direct flights available. The journey requires careful planning and likely a few stops or layovers along the way. But for me, what lies at the end is worth every mile traveled to that little slice of paradise in the middle of the Pacific.
In this piece of content, I will outline my optimal trip plan for getting from my home in San Francisco, California to the remotest reaches of French Polynesia while maximizing my comfort and minimizing travel time. I detail the routes, airlines, airports, timing, luggage planning and more to provide a comprehensive guide for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. My hope is that this information proves useful not only for my own future travels, but for other San Francisco residents daring to make the trek across ocean and sky to uncover their own personal island nirvana. Let’s get started!
Getting There
Route Overview
To get from San Francisco to Bora Bora, there are no direct commercial flights available unfortunately. Most routes require at least two stops/layovers, some upwards of three or four. The flights themselves can also be quite long, with total travel time ranging from 15-30+ hours depending on connections.
After extensive research on flight options, I settled on the following route which strikes a balance between shortest total travel time and fewer stops/connections:
San Francisco -> Los Angeles -> Papeete, Tahiti -> Bora Bora
This itinerary involves flights to/from three different airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Faa’a International Airport (PPT) on the island of Tahiti and Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
The first two legs will be via commercial airliner (United Airlines), with the third and final leg being aboard a smaller turboprop plane to Bora Bora itself.
Total travel time comes out to approximately 15-16 hours, including layovers. Now let’s explore each leg further.
First Leg: San Francisco to Los Angeles
My trip embarks from San Francisco International Airport bright and early. I will book a flight departing SFO to LAX at 6 or 7 AM. At just over an hour, this first leg is quick and easy.
As one of the largest airports in the country, I will plan to arrive 2 hours prior to departure to allow ample time for ticketing, baggage check and getting through security lines.
The airline of choice for this short hop down to southern California will be United Airlines. As a member of the Star Alliance network, United has an extensive route map perfect for connecting the first leg as I make my way towards the South Pacific. They operate multiple nonstop flights daily between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Timing this early morning departure out of SFO strategically positions me for the next leg of the journey. I will arrive at LAX with a couple hours to spare before my international exit flight out across the vast Pacific Ocean.
Second Leg: Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti
After landing at LAX, I will need to switch terminals to catch my connecting flight with United to Tahiti. This requires bus transfer because LAX has multiple terminals that are not connected airside via walkways.
The midday departure time allows me to have breakfast in Los Angeles during my surface transfer. Assuming no delays, I will still have sufficient time to reach the gate for boarding my flight to Papeete.
This second leg traversing the Pacific is vastly longer at about 8.5 hours in duration. Luckily, the excellent onboard service and comfortable seating in United’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft makes even the longest flights more enjoyable. This state-of-the-art plane features improved pressurization and humidity which helps minimize jet lag symptoms.
Midway across the Pacific Ocean lies my next stop: Faa’a International Airport (PPT) located 5 miles west of the capital city Papeete on the island of Tahiti. As the primary gateway into French Polynesia, this will be my port of entry for clearing customs/immigration before embarking on the last leg to paradise.
After stretching my legs with a quick walk around the terminal, I locate the regional airline Air Tahiti for my final flight to the island of Bora Bora in the Leeward Islands group of French Polynesia.
Final Leg: Papeete, Tahiti to Bora Bora
The last stretch of my journey starts aboard Air Tahiti, the national airline operating flights around the islands. Their smaller turboprop planes are perfect for these quick island hops.
The short 40 minute jaunt provides spectacular views of the island chains below. Gazing out the window, the water shifts from darker hues of blue to bright turquoise as we near the reef surrounding Bora Bora.
Finally, I arrive at my ultimate destination: Bora Bora Airport! Stepping off the plane, I am immediately struck by the tropical heat and dazzling sunlight. Located on the lone motu (small islet) of Motu Mute, the airport itself already feels remote.
After clearing immigration and customs for my entry into French Polynesia, I collect my bags and exit the open-air airport terminal out onto the tarmac. A resort shuttle bus awaits nearby to ferry me over the causeway onto mainland Bora Bora a mere ten minutes away.
My long journey across ocean and sky has finally led me to this fabled island paradise. As the shuttle takes me towards my water bungalow perched over the lagoon, I gaze out the window in wonder and anticipation for the blissful week ahead…
What to Pack
Luggage Recommendations
When embarking on a lengthy trip with multiple flights like this, packing strategically is key. Luggage limitations vary across different airlines and aircraft. For my set of flights outlined earlier, United Airlines offers the following general guidance:
- Carry-On Bag: One carry-on bag plus one personal item (purse, laptop bag, etc)
- Checked Bag: First checked bag free under 50 lbs and up to 62 linear inches (height plus width plus depth)
With two checked bags per traveler permitted, I plan to travel with:
- Small Carry-On Suitcase (fits in overhead bin)
- Personal Item Backpack (under the seat in front)
- Checked Suitcase #1 (for majority of contents)
- Checked Suitcase #2 (extras buffer just in case)
This allows me to check my two biggest suitcases containing the bulk of my belongings to eliminate hassling with them through the airports. My carry-on suitcase onboard holds essentials just in case bags get lost/delayed plus some clothes to tide me over while the rest follows behind. And my underseat backpack carries valuables like laptop, camera, documents securely with me at all times.
As for packing contents themselves….
Recommended Clothing & Gear
Packing for a tropical beach vacation means preparing for hot weather and lots of water activities during the day. But I also need to throw in some nicer outfits should we go out to a luxurious dinner one evening. With limited luggage space, I’ll bring versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
My preliminary packing list includes:
Tops:
- Lightweight Blouses
- Breathable Tank Tops
- Swimsuits (bikini plus cover up)
- Sundress
- Light Sweater/Coverup for Evenings
- T-shirts & Tank Tops for Lounging
Bottoms:
- Swimsuits (bikini, one-piece)
- Lightweight Shorts
- Skirts/Dress Shorts
- Capri Leggings
- One Pair Nicer Pants (for evening dinners out just in case)
Shoes:
- Flip Flops
- Water Sandals
- Espadrilles
- Nice Wedge Sandals
Accessories:
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Beach Bag & Purse
- Scarves/Wraps
I’ll also bring along beach essentials like sunscreen, aloe vera gel, beach towels, mini toiletry items and a few small first aid supplies. Electronics will include phone, camera, chargers and travel adapter for French Polynesian outlets.
The contents above allow me to mix and match for both relaxed daytime adventures like swimming with manta rays and dolphins as well as fancier dinners sampling delectable French cuisine. And leaving a bit of room in my suitcases provides space for souvenirs assembled during my island-hopping discoveries!
Lodging in Bora Bora
Part of the mystique and allure of Bora Bora stems from the unique accommodations rising from the calm lagoon waters – overwater bungalows situated on stilts with glass floors peering down into tropical marine life below. My lodging choice for this iconic trip simply must be one of these signaturewatermark villas.
There are a range of resorts to choose from, but after careful deliberation taking into account location, amenities, price and reviews – I selected the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort for my weeklong escape.
This high-end resort offers premium overwater bungalows featuring:
- Glass floors showcasing colorful sea creatures swimming by below
- Thatched roofs made from palm leaves matching authentic polynesian architecture
- Tropical decor integrating natural wood, rattan, bamboo, tapa cloth prints
- Private outdoor decks with ladder descending straight into the crystal waters of the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling
- Stylish, modern bathrooms with large soaking tubs looking out to uninterrupted ocean views
Some upgraded villas even come equipped with glass-walled bedrooms to complete the overwater immersion 24/7. The entire resort exudes luxury befitting this exotic island locale.
When hunger calls, I’ll have my choice of excellent restaurants preparing both French and Polynesian cuisine. And the full-service spa overlooking the lagoon provides opportunities to indulge in rejuvenating island-inspired wellness treatments.
If I can tear myself away from my lavish accommodations, a host of adventures and discoveries across Bora Bora await. But I have a feeling much of my trip will simply involve reveling in relaxed bliss floating in the gentle waters just beyond my posh stilted abode. The definition of paradise!
Top Activities & Attractions
As stunning as the overwater bungalow views are, I didn’t travel thousands of miles not to explore the island I’ve dreamed about for so long!
Here are top excursions and attractions I plan to experience during my Bora Bora escape:
Matira Beach
No trip to Bora Bora is complete without significant time simply splashing about in the shallow warm waters and stretching out on powdery white sand beaches. Often rated one of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches, Matira Beach occupies prime stretch of northeast coastline with swaying palms and jungle backdrop.
I will definitely spend a few lazy afternoons tanning on the beach and enjoying picnics of fresh local fruits and French baguettes while I alternate between swimming in the sea and napping under the shade of palm trees. Should I desire more action, Matira offers plenty of water activities like jet skiing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Maybe I’ll even spot manta rays and sharks patrolling the nearby reef!
4×4 Island Safari Tour
The best way to take in the diversity of Bora Bora’s interior beyond the strip of resorts rimming the coastline involves an off-roading adventure by 4×4! Various tour companies operate half-day or full-day island safari rides allowing guests to navigate their way up the prominent Mt Otemanu volcano peak in the center.
Weaving through dense rainforest blanketed across rugged mountainous terrain, I will experience breathtaking viewpoints and observe remnants of ancient polynesian civilization in stone temple ruins scattered throughout the valleys. I hope to catch glimpses of tropical birds like red tail tropic birds and the national bird – the white tailed tropicbird after which Bora Bora received it’s nickname – First Born. Maybe we’ll even spy the elusive coconut crab, allegedly named by Captain Cook’s naturalist crew who observed locals capturing the creatures to extract coconut meat!
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles, Sharks and Stingrays
Slipping into the warm tropical waters beckons during a Bora Bora escape. While the hotel lagoon offers amazing reef access just beyond my private deck, I’m also eager to join some guided snorkeling adventures in prime spots around the island.
Several coral gardens teeming with schools of brightly colored fish lie not far offshore and companies offer equipment and transport to sites less accessible for the general public. But the crown jewel snorkeling attraction involves a shark and ray feeding site right off the coast of Motu Piti Aau.
Led by experienced guides, I’ll don my mask and fins to dive in amidst black tip reef sharks, lemon sharks, giant manta rays and large friendly stingrays accustomed to human interaction at these daily feedings. It’s sure to be an unforgettable thrill swimming alongside these majestic aquatic locals! The boat will provide viewing from above for those less daring as well.
Sunset Cocktails at Top of Mt. Otemanu
While soaking up the island sights across 4×4 jungle trails. Another distinct way to absorb panoramic vistas comes from scaling Bora Bora’s iconic volcanic Mount Otemanu. Sunset excursions transport guests up the summit to one of the island’s most luxurious resorts. With an open-air rooftop lounge overlooking sweeping lagoon waters and distant Raiatea island beyond the coral reef waves breaking along the barrier.
Lounging amidst such stunning 360째 views with a tropical cocktail in hand seems like the perfect way to wind down an adventuresome day of island explorations! We’ll stay to observe the vivid colors morphing across sky and sea as the sun dips below the horizon. Maybe if luck permits, the elusive green flash will make a momentary appearance!
Regardless, beautiful memories await being created atop this distinct peak central to the island’s landscape and identity.
Polynesian Dinner Show & Cultural Performance
What better way to round out my exotic island getaway than immersing myself in authentic local culture through dance, music, food and storytelling! Bora Bora Nui Resort hosts a weekly polynesian dinner show providing the ultimate sampler platter of time-honored island traditions.
Upon arrival, I’ll receive a warm greeting with a native flower necklace and coconut shell kava drink. Then wandering the botanical grounds, opportunities abound to witness local artisans at work crafting handicrafts, tapa cloth, jewelry, flower arrangements, monoi coconut oil fragrances and more – all available for purchase after the performance.
As the sun sets flamingo pink over crystal waters, the stage comes alive under tiki torch flames introducing talented performers adorned in colorful costumes to share a taste of polynesia through interpretive dance. Backed by live musicians, the pulsating drumbeats and soothing ukulele accompany expressive routines conveying epic tales passed down across generations.
The cultural show seamlessly segues into a hearty traditional dinner buffet overflowing with island-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh caught mahi mahi, tender New Zealand lamb, poisson cru ceviche-style raw fish salad, taro root dishes, sweet delicacies and cheeses imported from France, all complemented by rare Tahitian vanilla infused beverages.
Bellies full and spirits soaring from such a joyous celebratory production. I’ll return to my bungalow eager to start planning my next visit, surely enchanted forever by Bora Bora’s magical spell!
Closing Thoughts
As clearly outlined above, a vacation spanning halfway around the globe to the alluring South Pacific promises excitement, luxury, natural beauty, fascinating culture and memories lasting a lifetime!
While the journey requires extensive planning and multiple flights exceeding 15 hours just to reach this remote island outpost west of Tahiti, Bora Bora’s paradise payoff makes the long haul utterly worthwhile.
Stepping off the plane at Bora Bora airport into sultry tropical air. I have truly arrived in one of the world’s most stunningly gorgeous destinations – perfect for honeymoons, romantic escapes, exclusive hideaways, bucket list aspirations and beaches renown as some of the very best globally.
Durings my weeklong stay, I expect blissful days admiring panoramic vistas whether peering down through glass floor panels of my overwater bungalow or gazing out towards the horizon atop rugged volcanic peaks. mine for aquatic discoveries while snorkeling radiant lagoons or open ocean coves. Indulge body and soul at the resort spa before heading out to sample delectable french fusion cuisine under the stars.
And through it all, I’ll absorb and appreciate the vibrant Polynesian culture omnipresent across this remote island paradise through music, dance, language, traditions, art, food and the friendliest locals spreading aloha spirit.
By deliberately minimizing connections and strategizing my route from San Francisco to Bora Bora. I have optimized efficient access to a dreamy tropical destination seemingly oceans and worlds away from my California home.
Everything about this South Pacific jewel just over the dateline continues summoning. It’s mythology and mystery carved from volcanic lands, fringe reef waves crashing on pearl sand beaches. The allure of overwater bungalow escapes and a pace of life flowing gracefully as a Monoi oil massage.
