Looking to jet ski in Bora Bora? Here’s our guide to all of the best tours for your trip!
Bora Bora is one of the most popular islands in one of our favorite places, French Polynesia! This tropical paradise is a renowned honeymoon spot in the South Pacific with pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and world-class resorts.
Among the most exhilarating things that you can do in Bora Bora is try jet skiing.
From the back of a jet ski, you can see the jaw-dropping scenery in Bora Bora, including rugged mountains and pristine private beaches, and the best way to try jet skiing is to join a tour in Bora Bora.
Most jet skiing tours take you at least part way around the main island and through the incredible lagoon of Bora Bora.
From the water, you can enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Otemanu, see tropical fish swimming below you, and zip around on the water at a healthy speed.
This activity is pure fun and we’ve picked out the best jet ski tours in Bora Bora to help you have the most amazing time possible!
Jet Ski Bora Bora
Jet skiing is one of the most popular activities in Bora Bora and for many people jet skiing is a highlight activity during their vacation.
It’s an exhilarating and memorable activity and something we loved doing while we were in French Polynesia.
Almost anyone will enjoy a jet ski tour in Bora Bora regardless of experience level. Everyone from novices to expert jet skiers will love zipping through the water in Bora Bora’s aquamarine lagoon. You can go as fast or as slow as you want on the jet skis, so don’t worry if you’re a little nervous!
The water can sometimes be choppy in the lagoon, so this activity can get exciting quickly. But don’t worry! The tour guides do a great job of keeping everyone safe, so just communicate with them if you get nervous.
Best Jet Ski Tours In Bora Bora
You’ll have a few tours to choose from if you decide to go jet skiing in Bora Bora. We’ll help you weigh your options so that you can book the best possible tour for your group.
Best Overall Jet Ski Tour
Join the best overall jet ski tour in Bora Bora and zoom around the lagoon for a few hours, completely circling the main island.
You can jet ski past the incredible resorts and overwater bungalows and yachts in Bora Bora, offering views of the island that you’d otherwise miss. The jet skis are well maintained and the guides ensure that the experience is safe and fun for everyone.
Midway through your tour, your guide will stop the group and you’ll go for a refreshing dip in the lagoon.
Your guide will share interesting facts about Bora Bora’s history and Polynesian culture while you watch a coconut husking demonstration. Then, you’ll hop back on the jet skis and continue your tour.
You can ride your jet ski solo or with a friend, as single and double jet skis are available.
Groups stop for a photo opportunity in front of Mount Otemanu, so you’ll have a record of your adventure. This tour also includes hotel pick up and drop off and a small bottle of water.
Best Jet Ski & Snorkel Tour
Explore Bora Bora’s incredible lagoon from above and below the water with a jet ski and snorkel tour!
Start the tour by jet skiing in Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon, where you can zip around at a comfortable speed and take in the incredible scenery. From the water, you can marvel at the 2,385-foot (727-meter) tall Mt. Otemanu, the island’s picturesque bays, and its vibrantly green hillsides.
After a stop for lunch, you’ll board a small boat and head out to go snorkeling.
While snorkeling, travelers might see a variety of marine animals like black tip reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Throughout the day, your guide will teach you about French Polynesian culture, marine biology, and local history.
The tour includes all snorkel gear, lunch at Bloody Mary’s restaurant, transportation to and from your hotel, and use of a jet ski. The lunch menu includes a selection of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and local French Polynesian cuisine.
Best Full Day Combo Tour
You can take a quad and jet ski tour for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Bora Bora from both land and sea.
The tour starts with an overground exploration of the main island of Bora Bora. Then, you’ll hop on jet skis and continue to circumnavigate the island, but this time from the warm waters of the lagoon.
By the time this tour is over, you’ll feel like you know Bora Bora better than most people who visit.
The ATV portion of the tour includes views of stunning mountaintops, wild jungles, and interesting flora and fauna.
From your jet ski, you can marvel at the motu, see Mount Otemanu jutting up towards the sky, and zip through the aquamarine waters of the lagoon.
This tour includes a tasty barbecue lunch and assorted snacks. Additionally, your guide will be happy to tell you all about the island’s history and culture during the tour.
You’ll get picked up directly from your hotel’s dock, so all you need to do is get ready and head out. The tour is capped at eight participants so you’ll spend less time waiting for other travelers than you might on some larger tours.
What To Bring Jet Skiing
If you only bring one thing on a jet ski tour, make it sunscreen! You’ll be out and about all day in the hot French Polynesian sun, and you’ll need some protection.
💡Pro Tip: Be sure to reapply throughout the day, because a sunburn is a surefire way to make your stay in Bora Bora less comfortable.
The salt water will inevitably splash into your eyes while you’re on the jet ski, so sunglasses add some important protection.
It would be a good idea to also bring a cloth to clean the lenses, as the salt water can build up over the course of a few hours. There is usually space for a medium sized bag under the seat of the jet ski to hold your belongings.
You’ll also want some ocean essentials like a bathing suit, reef shoes, water, and motion sickness medication while you’re out on the jet skis.
Not all of the tours require reef shoes, but we recommend them for any tour where you’ll be getting into the water. Tours typically provide some water, but it’s best to be prepared and carry your own.
Finally, one of the biggest regrets of travelers on jet ski tours is not bringing a camera! Bring a waterproof camera to be sure that you’re ready to capture a few photos from the water.
✔️ Bathing suit
✔️ Reef shoes
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Snacks
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Camera
✔️ Motion sickness medication
Where To Stay In Bora Bora
Choosing where to stay in Bora Bora will impact how you experience this incredible destination in French Polynesia, best known for its turquoise lagoon, iconic Mount Otemanu, and idyllic beaches.
Most people picture ultra-luxurious resorts and white sand beaches when they think of Bora Bora, and those resorts are definitely available. You can spend an almost unlimited amount of money, and most of your Bora Bora budget will go towards your accommodation.
However, there are also a few budget-friendly accommodations in Bora Bora, mostly on the main island. Budget travelers can take advantage of the nightlife on Bora Bora, which includes several nightclubs and late night bars.
📍Best Budget Spot: Vaiotaha Lodge is one of our favorite favorite budget accommodations in Bora Bora. This collection of holiday apartments include fully functioning kitchens along with private living spaces. Vaiotaha Lodge is conveniently located a 20 minute bike ride to the beach, near Vaiotaha Point.
📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Maitai Bora Bora is the perfect choice for travelers who want an oceanfront, all inclusive resort experience while traveling on a budget. The resort offers complimentary use of equipment for fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking so that you can explore and make the most of your stay.
📍Best Luxury Spot: Four Seasons Resort Bora Boraoffers one of the best and most luxurious experiences that money can buy in Bora Bora. Among its many luxuries is an open-air fitness center, windsurfing, romantic sunset catamaran cruises, and your choice of four different onsite restaurants.
Visiting Bora Bora FAQs
Bora Bora is a tropical paradise in French Polynesia and worthy of a spot on any traveler’s bucket list. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Bora Bora.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski in Bora Bora?
Drivers must be 16 years of age or older to drive a jet ski in Bora Bora. Children aged 12 to 15 can participate in a jet ski tour, but as passengers only. Most providers offer both one and two person jet skis.
How Many Days Is Ideal for Bora Bora?
The ideal amount of time to spend in Bora Bora is 4-7 days. In four days, you can definitely see Bora Bora and settle into your trip.
However, with a full week you’ll have the chance to explore and relax without feeling rushed. You could even stay in an overwater bungalow and spend an entire afternoon of your vacation just watching the fish swim underneath your feet.
What Is Bora Bora Best Known For?
Bora Bora is best known for its luxury resorts, idyllic beaches, and incredibly blue waters. Visitors come from around the world to snorkel and dive in the crystal blue lagoon because there are a number of reefs in the area. During the dry season, the weather is nearly perfect and there’s so much to do and see in Bora Bora.
It’s also known for its black pearl dealers; you’ll find black pearls for sale at nearly every shop in Vaitape.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go to Bora Bora?
Although it’s most known for being a honeymoon destination, there’s no age requirement to visit Bora Bora. Many travelers visit Bora Bora with their children each year, and they’re welcome on many of the local tours and extrusions. Bora Bora is more kid-friendly than many other destinations in French Polynesia.
Is Bora Bora Really Worth It?
Absolutely, Bora Bora is worth the hype. At first, we were a bit nervous to visit Bora Bora because we knew it had a booming tourism sector. However, Bora Bora didn’t feel at all crowded or run down, largely because the island has really embraced sustainable tourism.
Bora Bora is one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations and best snorkeling destinations in the world. It also has incredible luxury resorts for you to stay in when you’re not out adventuring on a jet ski or swimming with sharks.
Are there sharks in Bora Bora?
Yes, there are sharks in Bora Bora but they’re not usually interested in humans. The most common species are black tipped reef sharks and lemon sharks, both of which are very shy and rarely approach humans.
If you take a snorkeling tour in Bora Bora, the guides will usually throw some chum in the water to entice the sharks to circle a bit closer.
Wrap Up: Jet Ski Bora Bora
Taking a jet ski tour is an action-packed way to experience Bora Bora’s aquamarine lagoon and incredible scenery.
Along with your guide, you’ll be able to zip around Bora Bora at top speed – a fun and exhilarating experience. You can take in the unforgettable views of Bora Bora while you’re jet skiing, and most guides will stop for a photo in front of Mount Otemanu.
You’ll probably be tired after riding jet skis for a few hours, so plan a more relaxing activity for later in the day after your tour.
This activity is moderately physically demanding, so it’s not a good fit for every traveler to Bora Bora and remember that sunscreen is essential for jet skiing in Bora Bora, so be sure to reapply often.
Tours are sometimes able to get close to rays, sharks, and dolphins while out on the jet skis in the lagoon. and if you’re lucky, you might even see lemon sharks or reef sharks, both of which are gentle enough to swim with, if you’d like.
Keep in mind that there are tours that will also take you snorkeling, so choose a snorkel specific tour if you know that you want to swim with sharks and rays and get ready to make some memories!
