Bora Bora vs Tahiti vs Moorea: The Honest Comparison You Need!
Emerald waters await those looking for a tropical island escape on the French Polynesian islands of Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea. After all, each island boasts the kind of views seen on laptop screensavers the world over.
These three islands offer something unique to every type of traveler. From romantic getaways to an adrenaline lover’s playground or a family-friendly vacation, the Society Islands deliver on unforgettable moments waiting to be had. But they are all quite different too…
For example, Bora Bora is more beautiful and romantic, but very expensive. Moorea is quieter with an abundance of natural wonders so may suit those looking for a quieter break.
Whilst Tahiti is a cultural hub, surfer’s dream, and has more opportunities to interact with locals.
However that’s barely scratching the surface when it comes to how different Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea realy are.
We’ll look at what to expect accommodation wise in Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea, let you know which is the most beautiful island, which is the most budget friendly, family friendly, and romantic, as well as things to do in each and more!
CONTENTS:
- Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape
- Which Has The Better Historical & Cultural Activities?
- Which Is Best For Hiking & Adventure?
- How Does The Accommodation & Vibe Compare?
- Where To Stay According To Your Budget
- A Taste Of Island Life
- Fun Facts About French Polynesia
- Which Is The Better Choice?
Which Has The Better Beaches & Landscape
The spell-binding beauty of French Polynesia attracts so many curious travelers seeking a slice of real-life paradise.
But Bora Bora is the most obvious choice when it comes to beaches.
Bora Bora is undeniably the most beautiful island of the three when it comes to sparkling blue lagoons, and picturesque palm trees languidly lining its sandy beaches. That beauty creates a real romantic setting that is only increased by the luxury hotels and iconic overwater bungalows.
You could easily while away your time in Bora Bora in one of these overwater bungalows with your partner, sipping cocktails on the beach, or trekking through the island’s jungles!
For a proper beach paradise make sure you head to Bora Bora’s Matira Beach for white sands surrounded by greenery.
Moorea is a comparatively small island but is laden with waterfall trails including the beautiful Afareaitu Waterfall (Vaioro Falls) which is tucked behind lush mango trees and tree ferns. It has lovely beaches, but is as beautiful as Bora Bora, albeit it’s gorgeous nonetheless.
In Moorea you can go dolphin spotting in Opunohu Bay and marvel the island’s highest peak Mt Tohivea. Or head to Temae Beach for clear waters that are perfect for a dip! (Recommended: Scuba Diving in Moorea).
Tahiti is the biggest of the three islands and subsequently has more inland scenery. Expect jungle-clad mountains and stunning rugged terrain to explore, alongside a variety of different beaches.
An unusual black sandy beach made famous by Captain James Cook called Venus Point is worth visiting. Here Cook observed the planet’s transit in 1769.
Or visit the mysterious Mara’a Grotto, a cave with a rock pool. The cave seems like it rains on the inside, which is just the water seeping through from the mountain above.
Another popular activity on all three islands is stargazing at night. The position of the islands and lack of light pollution make this the perfect place to see the stars.
Which Has The Better Historical & Cultural Activities?
Visiting French Polynesia gives visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the lives of early settlers and learn more about the European arrival.
From the famous story of the ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ to the oral history shown through dance and song, you can learn a lot through the cultural experiences on offer in French Polynesia.
Although resorts on all three islands will have cultural performances, if you’re looking for independent cultural experiences, historical excursions and a taste of Polynesian life then Tahiti will likely be the best choice for you.
That’s because Tahiti is awash with museums which include the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, which focuses on the island’s Polynesian history from fascinating artifacts to social and religious life.
The Musee Gauguin, which is a tribute to the French artist, is well worth visiting too; as is the Black Pearl Museum which contains Tahiti’s rare precious gems.
Finally, the James Norman Hall House, the house of Tahiti’s most famous author who co-wrote Mutiny on the Bounty, has a 1920’s garden tea-room and library.
For a glimpse of the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral in its capital Papeete. The church is an example of the old colonial-style architecture that came with the Europeans.
Aside from museums and architecture, you can also take the opportunity to meet the ancestors of ancient civilizations or watch stories told through traditional dance.
Tour companies in Moorea, such as Moorea Maori Tours, give an insight into the daily lives of Polynesians.
Try your hand at spearfishing and learn the incredible meanings behind traditional Maori tattoos. On islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti, you will also find dance performances of the ‘Ori Tahiti’, and there are also places to take lessons with locals.
Which Is Best For Hiking & Adventure?
These three islands have an abundance of activities that will suit everyone from thrill-seekers to families. But if hiking, jungle trekking and adventure are a priority on your visit, then Tahiti will be your best choice.
Adventurous souls can jungle trek or for a real challenge, scale Aorai Mountain, which is recommended for experienced hikers.
But f you are looking for something unconventional, there are also places to swim or dive with sharks in Tahiti!
Tahiti is also well-known for Teahupoo Lagoon, where the world’s most prolific surfers come to test their skills on the islands famous sharp reef breaks.
In Moorea the best trails take you through coffee plantations and via waterfalls. Those include:
- Three Coconut Trees Pass (moderate climb – 2 hours). Pass through bamboo forests and tackle the switchbacks at the top for spectacular views over the island.
- Mouapata (hard climb – 2 hours). This involves hiking with steep cliff drops, and you’ll have to climb using ropes, so this is not a trail for the faint-hearted!
- Les Trois Sapins (easy and family-friendly – 1 hour). A forest walk which is relatively easy and offers impressive views
Whereas in Bora Bora hiking is more limited, but the turquoise lagoons there are perfect for kayaking; and the clear water makes observing the colorful marine life below very easy.
Although best known as a romantic destination, Bora Bora also provides the ideal conditions for watersports like snorkeling, diving and kite-surfing.
And there are some trails too! Hikers will revel in trying to attempt climbing Mt Otemanu. Although this old volcano is best scaled with a local guide. (Recommended: Hiking in Bora Bora).
And on top of that, if you’re traveling to Bora Bora from August to November then it’s also peak whale-watching season! Humpback whales migrate here to breed during this time, and can even be spotted while snorkeling around the island. Having a great underwater camera – such as this one – is a must.
All in all, each of these three islands has great hiking and watersport opportunities. If you’re interested more in water activities then Bora Bora could be the best choice. However if you want more activities away from the coastline then Tahiti may suit you better.
Moorea also has several activities available to tourists. But the real draw for us is the fact this island is far less busy and touristy than the other two.
So hiking and exploring on Moorea can often be a much more peaceful experience than tourist-heavy Bora Bora, for example.
How Does The Accommodation & Vibe Compare?
Often underrated, Tahiti is seen as the gateway or launchpad to the rest of the islands, but this island is a destination in its own right. It has the cheapest accommodation of all three islands too, and has more of an ‘authentic’ local vibe.
Meanwhile, as the inventor of the overwater bungalow, the island of Moorea attracts couples looking for a romantic escape and honeymooners. So you can expect luxury accommodations and higher prices.
Then there is Bora Bora, which is well renowned for its tropical allure and luxury hotels. As a world renowned romantic destination, expect Bora Bora to be the most expensive of the three islands. But the service you’ll get on the island is exceptional and arguably better than the other two.
Outside of Tahiti, so-called fares are small guesthouses which often include meals, bicycles to sightsee and often a tour with the owners. They also offer a safe and friendly environment for solo and budget travelers.
Budget travelers will find their options are a little limited throughout all these islands though. Still, Tahiti does offer some backpacker guesthouses with cheaper dorm rooms.
You will also find similar accommodation on Moorea and Bora Bora, and some guesthouses that offer breakfast.
However as mentioned, Moorea and Bora Bora are definitely geared more towards luxury holidays, and you’ll find plenty of high-end hotels perfect for honeymoons and once-in-a-lifetime getaways on both.
For travelers looking to splurge on a luxury vacation, each island offers hotel resorts and overwater bungalows. Honeymooners and couples enjoy the solitude that Bora Bora and Moorea offer, and both feel more romantic and serene than busier Tahiti.
Families are catered for across all three islands. However, in Moorea and Tahiti it’s easier to get away from resorts and explore other parts of the island.
For families in Bora Bora, more resorts provide kids clubs, so depending on which activities you want to do this might be the more suitable choice.
Recommended: Exceptional Restaurants in Bora Bora
Where To Stay According To Your Budget
Bora Bora
Budget: Bora Bora is an island synonymous with luxury, so finding somewhere great on a tight budget isn’t easy.
However at Oa Oa Lodge (see photos & rates) you get beachside accommodation, your own private garden villa, exceptional service, and an unbeatable location within walking distance of Vaitape – the island’s largest city. And all of that for a fraction of the price of other accommodation on the island.
Luxury: It’s Bora Bora, an island famed for overwater bungalows. And you’ll find arguably the best at the five-star InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa (see photos & rates).
The bungalows come with a celebrity price tag, but you’ll get celebrity treatment, a private swimming pool and the best seat (and bed) in the house. Simply put, staying at this resort is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Moorea
Budget: Moorea Beach Lodge (see photos and rates) is a stunning accommodation that features its own private beach, so you will be waking up and going to sleep to the sound of waves every day. And with kayaks and bicycles to use when you stay, it’s easy to explore the rest of the island too!
Luxury: Situated on a white sand beach with gorgeous overwater bungalows that sit on a crystal-clear lagoon, Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort (see photos and rates) is easily one of the best resorts in the Pacific. The views across to Tahiti are incredible, as is the service and facilities at this five-star beach resort.
Tahiti
Budget: Te Moana Tahiti Resort (see photos & rates) feels like luxury, but at a price that won’t break the bank. This gorgeous resort set right on the lagoon has an infinity pool, fantastic facilities and views across the ocean that will make anyone jealous.
It’s also well located for activities around the island, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for luxury tied in with adventure.
Luxury: It was the Society Islands that invented overwater bungalows, and one of two resorts in Tahiti that has them is the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (see photos & rates).
You’ll be sleeping above the ocean with lush tropical land one way, and the distant volcanic peaks of Moorea looming ahead. Expect exceptional facilities and food to go alongside the views.
The Food Scene: A Taste Of Island Life
Being a tropical island paradise, you may have an image of an abundance of fresh fruit, coconuts and fresh fish when it comes to food.
That isn’t wrong! Still, there are some local dishes you can find across French Polynesia which might surprise you. Here’s a few you have to try regardless of which island you visit:
1. Raw Fish With Coconut Milk
Usually, this is made from tuna or bonito fish. It is sliced into cubes and marinated in coconut milk, lemon juice, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, garlic and spring onion.
2. Traditional Hot Stone Oven
The ahima’a is a traditional underground hot stone oven. Everything from suckling pig, fish, shrimps, sweet potato and crab or chicken are wrapped in banana leaves and placed inside the oven. It’s then covered in sand, and after four hours everything is ready!
3. Fafaru
Parrotfish or tuna soaked in seawater with the crushed heads of shrimp. Perhaps this is one dish for the more adventurous!
4. Chinese Influenced Food
With such a big Chinese-Polynesian population, there is a wonderful fusion of cuisines on French Polynesia.
Chao men (fried noodles with vegetables, meat and shrimps), chicken with lemon sauce, chao chap (roasted duck), and mapo tofu are popular dishes on the islands. Raw fish is also very prominent in Chinese cooking on French Polynesia.
5. New Zealand Beef & Lamb
The proximity to New Zealand means that beef and lamb are popular with the locals who enjoy these meats on skewers often with barbecue sauce or mustard.
6. Breadfruit
This relative of the Jackfruit is so-called because of its bread-like texture and can be prepared in different ways. A local specialty is to prepare the breadfruit with corned beef and sliced onion.
7. Sweet Treats
The French influence shines through in sweet treats such as firi firi (Tahitian doughnuts) and banana crepes. A favorite breakfast food is coconut bread!
8. Papeete Market & Street Food
For those on Tahiti, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this bustling market in the capital of Papeete.
It’s also perfect for picking up souvenirs! For those traveling on a budget, food trucks on the islands are also a great alternative to dining out in restaurants.
Fun Facts About French Polynesia
- As the name suggests, the island group is a French collectivity. Consisting of five archipelagos, 118 islands and situated in the South Pacific
- The overwater bungalow was invented on the island of Moorea in the 1960s
- A considerable proportion of the 283,000 population of French Polynesia live on Tahiti, but several of the islands are uninhabited
- The terrain is vastly different across the islands, from pristine beaches to volcanic peaks
- Scared of poisonous snakes? No problem! There are no deadly animals on French Polynesia despite its tropical climate
- The main official languages are French and Tahitian. However, 12% of the population is Chinese, and English is also widely spoken on Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea.
Which Island Is The Better Choice: Bora Bora, Tahiti Or Moorea?
One thing is guaranteed on each island. There will be a stunning tropical paradise waiting to tantalise the senses.
Bora Bora is more beautiful and romantic, and has those famous blue lagoons and sandy beaches – if you’re looking for romance Bora Bora can’t be beaten, but it is the most expensive island of the three.
Moorea is quieter with an abundance of natural wonders so may suit those looking for a quieter break.
Whilst Tahiti is a cultural hub and a surfer’s dream. While a car might be necessary on the biggest island of Tahiti, bicycles or going on foot is more do-able on Bora Bora and Moorea.
There are no wrong decisions when visiting French Polynesia, just enjoy those gorgeous views and the laissez-faire pace of island life!
Recommended For Your Trip To Bora Bora, Tahiti Or Moorea
