Many tourists dream of spending at least a few days on the magnificent beaches of Bora Bora, riding speedboats, and giving their city-smog-weary skin a bronze tan! However, not everyone can afford a vacation in this exotic region. For those who have found the opportunity to visit this resort, it will be interesting to learn how to get to Bora Bora, the cost of the trip, and the rules for tourists on this tiny island.
A Bit About the Island
The tiny piece of land owes its popularity to its paradise resorts. Bora Bora is volcanic in origin, and its coastline is protected from the ocean’s fury by numerous reefs, which resemble a crown in appearance. The mixed terrain and unique climate make for an incomparable vacation experience. For mountain enthusiasts, excursions to the two mountain peaks are interesting. For those who prefer exploring the underwater world, the colorful world of deep-sea inhabitants and reefs is invaluable. There are excellent centers where you can rent the necessary equipment and take lessons from experienced instructors.
Bora Bora offers perfect conditions for a full-fledged vacation. You can spend your time peacefully with family or opt for active entertainment. If you are lucky, you might even see some celebrities who have long favored these beaches and are happy to rest here before their next Hollywood blockbuster shoot.
How to Get There
You can reach the coveted land in the middle of the ocean via several routes. However, fans of direct flights will be disappointed, as there are no direct flights from domestic airports to the white sandy beaches. Therefore, be prepared for at least two layovers.
The most popular routes are through the Japanese capital or the USA. In any case, you will have to transfer at Tahiti airport. The problem is that Bora Bora airport mainly works with local airlines. The travel time will range from 22 to 42 hours, including waiting time at the airport and registration. And that’s if you are lucky.
Flying Through Japan
Let’s look at the available options in more detail. The route from Moscow via Tokyo and Tahiti to Bora Bora can be made on Japanese airline JAL. The first leg of the journey can also be flown on Aeroflot, which regularly flies to the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun. The flight takes only 9 hours. The cost of the flight starts at 165 Euro.
After that, you need to board a plane to Papeete (Tahiti) and spend another 12 hours in the air. This leg of the journey will cost no less than 680 Euro. It is recommended to plan your journey in advance and book tickets, as flights from Tokyo to this destination are very rare (1 flight every 4 days). The final leg of the journey, which separates you from the coveted beaches, will take only 50 minutes.
By the way, if you don’t catch the flight from Tokyo to Tahiti on the day of arrival, remember that without a visa, you are allowed to stay in Japan for only 72 hours!
Only Air Tahiti Nui flies from Japan to Tahiti, so tourists have no other choice. Pay attention to the baggage requirements: you can carry no more than 20 kg as cargo and no more than 3 kg as hand luggage.
Flying Through the USA
If you decide to fly through the USA, you need to consider the necessity of obtaining a transit visa. This route will be longer, and tourists will have to change planes more often. If you are lucky, you can buy a direct ticket from Moscow to Los Angeles, and from there, head to Tahiti. The cost of the flight from Sheremetyevo to Bora Bora airport starts at 3500 Euro. The travel time will be between 33 to 42 hours.
From Tahiti to the paradise island, you can also travel by water. Speedboats and cruise liners are at your service. This route will appeal to lovers of endless water expanses.
Visa
Don’t forget to take care of your visa. You can do this at the French embassy. Schengen visa holders will face the fact that it is not valid in the resort area. If you are traveling with a child, make sure to notarize a power of attorney if only one parent is going on vacation.
The visa can be arranged in just 10 days. To ensure smooth processing, book a hotel room in advance. The embassy will make a request to Tahiti before issuing the visa. Now you know the simplest way to get to Bora Bora, and how much time and money the journey will take.